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Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve

Imperial Beach, California · San Diego County

The Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve preserves one of the largest remaining examples of coastal wetland habitats in the southern California sub-region. The 2,293 acre Tijuana River Reserve is located in Imperial Beach, Calif., situated in a highly urbanized location, 15 miles south of San Diego and imm…

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32.57482, -117.12576
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About Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve

The Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve preserves one of the largest remaining examples of coastal wetland habitats in the southern California sub-region. The 2,293 acre Tijuana River Reserve is located in Imperial Beach, Calif., situated in a highly urbanized location, 15 miles south of San Diego and immediately adjacent to Tijuana, Mexico. Three quarters of the reserve's watershed is in Mexico, so reserve programs apply an international perspective to critical issues of habitat restoration, endangered species management, wastewater from Mexico, sediment management, and recreational use. The reserve is a home to eight threatened and endangered species of plants and birds and is recognized as a wetland of international importance' by the Ramsar Convention.

Plan Your Visit to Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve

Heading to Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve? A few things to know before you go:

  • Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
  • Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
  • Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
  • Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
  • Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation for Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve?

No central reservation system listed for Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/3101) for the latest entry policy and availability.

How do I get to Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve?

The reserve is located near Imperial Beach, in San Diego County, on the Mexican boarder.

How do I contact Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve?

You can reach the park at phone: 619-575-3613.