Explore Imperial Beach
Located in San Diego's South Bay, Imperial Beach is just five miles north of the U.S.-Mexico border, and boasts a 4-mile stretch of beach offering a host of activities, including surfing, sport fishing, beach volleyball and horseback riding. The Imperial Beach Pier affords sweeping views of the Coronado Islands and is a popular spot for strolling, fishing and watching the sunset. Imperial Beach is connected to Coronado by the Silver Strand, a narrow, 7-mile long isthmus, popular for beach camping, bird watching and bicycling.
Imperial Beach is also home to the Tijuana River National Estuary, a place where the fresh water of the Tijuana River mixes with the salt water of the Pacific Ocean, creating the largest saltwater marsh in Southern California. The estuary is one of the top birding spots in San Diego, with many endangered birds and wildlife on display. Close by you’ll also find the Living Coast Discovery Center, a family- and budget-friendly aquarium experience.
Imperial Beach Pier
Imperial Beach Pier
The Pier in Imperial Beach, a few blocks south of Evergreen Avenue, is a popular spot for beachgoers, with a sandy beach, grassy parks, recreational facilities and restrooms, shopping and restaurants in the area. It is San Diego's southernmost pier. Walking down its 1,491 feet of wooden planks rewards you with sweeping views of neighboring Mexico, the Coronado Islands, Point Loma and the Pacific.
Living Coast Discovery Center
Living Coast Discovery Center
The Living Coast Discovery Center is a nonprofit zoo and aquarium uniquely located on the Sweetwater Marsh National Wildlife Refuge in San Diego Bay. Visitors enjoy up-close animal encounters with endangered green sea turtles, shorebirds, hawks, owls, sharks, stingrays, jellies and more.
Tijuana River Estuary
Tijuana River Estuary
San Diego is one of the most biologically rich counties in the United States, sheltering more endangered plants and animals than any other county in the nation. One place to discover some of this wildlife is the Tijuana Estuary National Wildlife Refuge. It is the largest coastal wetland in Southern California and an essential breeding, feeding and nesting ground for over 370 species of migratory and native birds, including six endangered species. The reserve features four miles of walking trails that pass by prime bird watching areas. There are free weekly events for those interested in learning more about the wildlife in the area and a speaker series with topics related to the history and education of the Tijuana Estuary and its watershed. On the southern end of the reserve, you'll find Border Field State Park, where you can horseback-ride and enjoy the scenic views.