Come Fly With Us - Birding Locations Accessible by Public Transportation
San Diego, known for its stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife, is a birdwatcher’s paradise. With a rich variety of habitats ranging from coastal wetlands to mountain trails, the region attracts both resident and migratory birds year-round.
For those relying on public transportation, San Diego offers several accessible spots where you can immerse yourself in the beauty of nature and spot a wide range of avian species. Whether you're a seasoned birder or just starting, this guide highlights ten prime locations for birding in San Diego, all easily reachable by public transit. Grab your binoculars and get ready to explore the incredible birdlife that awaits!
Lake Murray
Lake Murray is an excellent destination for birdwatchers, with a variety of species often spotted around the water and in the surrounding habitats. You can find ducks, herons, and various songbirds throughout the year.
Birds: Ocean going/water birds/inland birds: long-tailed grackle, rough winged swallow, cormorant, etc… Check out the eBird list HERE.
Accessible by: Trolley, Car, Bus
Bus Routes: Bus Route 14 on Lake Murray Blvd or Trolley Green Line
Bus Directions: At the SDSU Rail Station take Route 14 East, then head east and roll or walk north on Kiowa Drive. The park is past the SD Water Dept. Alvarado Water Treatment Plant
Address: 7001 Murray Park Dr, San Diego, CA 92119
For more information, check out their website HERE.
Crown Point Park
Crown Point Park, nestled along the shores of Mission Bay in San Diego, is a haven for birders and nature enthusiasts alike. This picturesque park features a mix of grassy areas, sandy beaches, and coastal wetlands, creating diverse habitats that attract a wide variety of bird species year-round.
Birds: Foresters Tern, Red-shouldered Hawk, Northern Mockingbird, Horned Lark, Ocean going/water birds: gulls etc… Check out the eBird list HERE
Accessible by: Trolley, Bus, Car
Bus routes: Bus Route 9 on Ingraham St, or Route 8 on Balboa Ave to Ingraham St or Trolley Blue Line
Bus directions: Old Town Transit Center take Route 9 to Crown Point Dr then roll or walk east on Crown Point Dr, or from Balboa Avenue Rail Station take Route 8 West on Balboa Ave to Ingraham St then take Route 9 south to Crown Point Dr and head east
Address: 3700 Crown Point Dr San Diego, CA 92109
For more information, visit their website HERE.
Robb Field / San Diego River Mouth
Robb Field, located along the banks of the San Diego River in Ocean Beach, is a prime destination for birders looking to explore a variety of habitats and encounter an impressive array of bird species. This park boasts open grasslands, riparian zones, and wetland areas, creating a rich mosaic of environments that attract both resident and migratory birds.
Birds: American Coots, European Starlings, Least Sandpipers, and other oceanic, shore, and wetland/marsh birds! Check out the eBird list HERE.
Accessible by: Trolley, Bus, Car
Bus routes: Bus Route 35 on W Point Loma Blvd to Cable/Voltaire or Trolley Blue or Green Line
Bus directions: From Old Town Transit Center, take Route 35 to the bus stop at Cable St and Voltaire St then roll or walk northwest up Voltaire
Address: 2525 Bacon St, San Diego, CA 92107
For more information, visit their website HERE.
Balboa Park (West Side)
Balboa Park, one of San Diego's crown jewels, is a paradise for birders, offering a stunning blend of lush gardens, diverse landscapes, and unique habitats. Spanning over 1,200 acres, the park is home to an impressive variety of bird species, making it a must-visit for avian enthusiasts.
Birds: Hummingbirds, songbirds, parrots, some birds of prey and woodpeckers. Check out the eBird list HERE.
Accessible by: Bus, car
Bus routes: Bus Route 7 (regular service), or Bus Route 215 (rapid service) on Park Blvd or by Trolley Blue, Orange, or Silver Line
Bus directions:
- Going North - City College Rail Station take Route 7 (regular service), or Route 215 (rapid service) on Park Blvd to the Park Blvd/Presidents Way bus stop then head east.
- Going South - from University Ave take Route 7 or Route 215 to the same location
Address: Inspiration Point Way, San Diego, CA 92134
For more information, check out their website HERE.
Tijuana Slough
Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge, located just north of the U.S.-Mexico border, is great for birders seeking to experience a rich array of avian life in a stunning coastal habitat. Spanning over 1,000 acres, this refuge encompasses a mix of wetlands, estuaries, and coastal sage scrub, making it an essential stopover for both resident and migratory birds.
Birds: White throated swifts, Rails! Marsh birds, songbirds, terns, gnatcatchers, etc. Check out the eBird list HERE.
Accessible by: Trolley, Bus, Car
Bus routes: Bus Route 227 on Imperial Beach Blvd or Trolley Blue Line
Bus directions: From Iris Ave Rail Station take Route 227 West to 3rd St then roll or walk south on 3rd St then go east on Caspian Way then turn south into the parking lot
Address: 301 Caspian Wy, Imperial Beach, CA 91932
For more information, check out their website HERE.
Famosa Slough
Famosa Slough is an exceptional destination for birders seeking to explore a unique coastal wetland ecosystem. Spanning approximately 37 acres, this rich habitat features salt marshes, mudflats, and lush vegetation, making it a vital refuge for a diverse array of bird species.
Birds: Shorebirds, hawks, hummingbirds, songbirds… Learn more on their eBird list HERE.
Accessible by: Trolley, Bus, Car
Bus routes: Bus Route 35 on W Point Loma Blvd or Blue or Green Trolley Line
Bus directions: Old Town Transit Center take Route 35 to the bus stop at West Point Loma Blvd and Famosa Blvd
Address: 4260-4300 W Point Loma Blvd, San Diego, CA 92107
Learn more HERE.
Cabrillo National Monument
Cabrillo National Monument, perched on the stunning cliffs of Point Loma in San Diego, is a fantastic destination for birders eager to explore coastal habitats and observe a variety of bird species. The park offers sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, making it an excellent vantage point for spotting seabirds such as Western Gulls, Black-vented Shearwaters, and even the occasional pelagic bird.
Birds: Ocean birds, birds of prey, parrots, finch, towhee, gnatcatchers, etc. Check out the eBird list HERE.
Accessible by: Trolley, Bus, Car
Bus routes: Bus Route 923 on N Harbor Dr and Nimitz Blvd, Bus Route 28 on Rosecrans St, Bus Route 84 on Rosecrans St and Canon St and Cabrillo Memorial Dr or Blue or Green Trolley Line
Bus directions:
- Bus - Santa Fe Depot Rail Station take Route 923 to the bus stop at Rosecrans St and Nimitz Blvd, then take Route 28 SW to the bus stop at Rosecrans St & Canon St, then take Route 84 W and ride it to the very end.
- Alternate - Old Town Transit Center take Route 28 SW to the bus stop at Rosecrans St & Canon St, then take Route 84 W and ride it to the very end.
Address: 1800 Cabrillo Memorial Dr, San Diego, CA 92106
La Jolla Cove
La Jolla Cove, a picturesque coastal destination in San Diego, is a haven for birders seeking to observe a diverse array of seabirds and coastal wildlife. The stunning cliffs and tide pools provide ideal habitats for species like the Black-crowned Night-Heron, which can often be spotted perched along the rocky outcrops.
Birds: Ocean birds (gulls, cormorants, pelican, terns, oystercatchers, etc. See more on the eBird list HERE.
Accessible by: Trolley, Bus, Car
Bus routes: Bus Route 30 on La Jolla Shores Dr, Torrey Pines Rd, Ivanhoe E Ave, Silverado St, Girard Ave, Pearl St, La Jolla Blvd, Turquoise St, Mission Blvd, Grand Ave, Mission Bay Dr or Trolley Blue Line, Green Line from Old Town Transit Center
Bus directions: Bus: Old Town Transit Center take Route 30 all the way to the bus stop at Torrey Pines Rd & Prospect Pl then roll or walk to Prospect Pl then turn left and head NW on Prospect Pl to Cave St onto Coast Blvd and arrive at La Jolla Cove
Address: 1800 Cabrillo Memorial Dr, San Diego, CA 92106
Learn more HERE.
San Elijo Lagoon
San Elijo Lagoon is a premier birding destination along California's coast, featuring diverse habitats like salt marshes, tidal wetlands, and coastal sage scrub. This vibrant ecosystem attracts an array of migratory and resident birds, including herons, egrets, and colorful songbirds. With over 300 species recorded, birders can enjoy thrilling sightings year-round. Trails and observation points provide excellent viewing opportunities, making San Elijo Lagoon a must-visit for avian enthusiasts!
Birds: Waterfowl, owls, goldfinch, grebe, bird of prey, hummingbirds, etc. Check out their eBird list HERE.
Accessible by: Heavy Rail, Bus, Car
Bus routes: Bus Route on Hwy 101 or Coaster - Heavy Rail
Bus directions: Santa Fe Depot Rail Station take the Coaster all the way up to Solana Beach, roll or walk to the north, cross the footbridge over the train tracks, then roll or walk south to the Hwy 101 & Lomas Santa Fe Dr.
Address: 2710 Manchester Avenue, Cardiff-by-the-Sea
For more information, check out their website HERE.
Lake Miramar
Lake Miramar is a picturesque reservoir located in San Diego, California, renowned for its diverse birdlife. Surrounded by lush greenery and scenic trails, the lake attracts various waterfowl, songbirds, and raptors. Birders can enjoy sightings of species such as American coots, mallards, and the occasional peregrine falcon. With ample viewing spots and a serene atmosphere, Lake Miramar offers an excellent opportunity for birdwatching year-round.
Birds: Waterfowl, grackles, red-winged blackbirds, finch, towhee, hummingbirds, etc. Learn more at the eBird list HERE.
Accessible by: Bus, Car
Bus routes: Bus Route on Hwy 94, Hwy 15, Clairemont Mesa Blvd, Westview Pkwy, Mira Mesa Blvd, Scripps Ranch Blvd, Scripps Lake Dr
Bus directions: Bus: Santa Fe Depot Rail Station take Route 235 all the way up to Miramar College Transit Station, take Route 964 north to Scripps Ranch Bl & Scripps Lake Dr bus stop, then roll or walk east on Scripps Lake Dr
Address: 10710 Scripps Lake Drive, San Diego, CA 92131
For more information, check out their website HERE.
