Find the top rated birding trails in Oceanside, whether you're looking for an easy short birding trail or a long birding trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a birding trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
Hey all! First of all, I was really excited for this path but I'm not sure if the weekend ruined it for me, or if its common, but I tried it out on a Saturday and it was WAY too busy for our times. I don't recommend it if you are trying to social distance and stay safe, no one was wearing a mask (which I don't blame them but..) It was super congested and I found my self watching out for people, instead of enjoying the scenery. We were going really slow, honestly, sharing the tight road with walkers, runners, roller skaters, and other bikers was not ideal.
I would not recommend this route to anyone who wants to truly enjoy Mission Bay and be safe by maintaining PROPER social distancing.
Cyclist who want to go faster than 5 mph, DON'T even bother.
During a recent visit to San Diego we rode from Coronado to Chula Vista and back. We parked at the Silver Strand state park parking area. The parking cost was $8 at the kiosk. Restrooms are available at this location. We then went thru the tunnel under HWY 75 leading toward the Loews Coronado resort. Once thru the tunnel we proceeded south in the direction of Imperial Beach. Beautiful views of San Diego Bay and the tidal wetlands on the left. The views of the Pacific are obstructed by the dunes on the west side of Hwy 75. The trail then leads into Imperial Beach, still very close to the bay. Next, into Chula Vista and the surrounding beauty of the bay starts to deteriorate into a heavy industrial area. I didnt feel unsafe, but your not in the tourist area of Coronado at this point. As of October 2020 you have a short ride on the street, but the traffic is very light if any. Next you arrive at the Chula Vista Marina. Restrooms and a few restaurants are at the marina offices. The area was a heavy industrial area currently undergoing redevelopment. We turned around and headed back to Coronado. Altogether, out and back, we rode about 15 miles.
Best path to stroll, walk or bike. Went 1st time during spring bloom and it was lovely time to visit. Trail goes thru Northwood behind many beautiful homes. Good length about 2.2 miles. We entered at Portola and road bikes down to Culver Dr. I’ve walked it up from Culver to Portola and back once as well. My favorite path.
Most locals consider this part of the ten mile loop - called fondly the Back Bay Loop. This section runs behind Expensive houses that overlook the water and is a great place to walk your dog.
Wonderfully enjoyable ride around the Back Bay where salt and fresh water meet. Usually quiet, horses and people seeking to stay healthy are what you will find on this lovely trail that connects to a wide variety of other trails (Back Bay loop, San Diego Creek and others) - yes the path is uneven in one specific spot- it is clearly marked - uneven - so slow down and be patient and you will be fine. As far as no bikes, as one other rider commented - I have ridden my pedal assist bike on it many many times as well as the surrounding trails and never had an issue. If you have seen signs otherwise it's time to appeal the decision. However it may be due to the horses and ebike riders (throttles only) that ride excessively fast. May be best to advocate for a speed limit rather than a bike type. Best to avoid busy times when strollers abound, but most on this trail know to walk to the side. There is a free parking lot adjacent to the nature center. The whole loop is ten miles and a terrific ride mostly off streets.
We did the Northern section of the trail. Started in San Bernardino off of Waterman Ave and rode to the end of trail in Jurupa Valley. The trail is very clean, there was a good amount of other riders and runners. The bad thing is that you are under the sun most of the ride. There were a few homeless people but we did not feel unsafe. Total miles from San Bernardino to Jurupa Valley and back was just shy of 40miles.
What a joy to find this trail - it's close enough to my home I can bike to it. Getting out into nature does something to calm the mind.
I did about 9 miles near Huntington Beach. The good part of the trail is that long and unobstructed. You never have to cross a street. The bad part is that it is dam ugly.
Visited this trail the first time today. We got lost looking for the parking lot, but the trail is awesome. Highly recommended for jogging, bike or scooters with your friends and family.
I didn't see any homeless on the trail and it looks like it's fairly cleaned up (we saw Escondido employees cleaning on the way). It's not an amazing scenery but it wasn't sketchy in any section. It wasn't very busy. It ends near the Humane Society and Daly Ranch. Signs say it closes at dusk.
Visited this trail first time this morning! Well maintained, nice landscape, close to 10k round trip between Roosevelt and Portola! Loved it!
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