Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation

    4.4 (111 reviews)
    Closed 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
    Updated 2 months ago

    Request a consultation

    You can now request information from this business directly from Yelp

    Services - Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation

    Community Service/Non-Profit

    Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation Photos

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Jiansen W.

    Neat walking trail around a saltwater marsh that's open daily from 8am to dusk. Here's what an infographic says at one of the parking lots: Batiquitos Lagoon Ecological Reserve protects this sensitive coastal wetland, one of the few remaining wetlands in California. The reserve serves as a sanctuary for the rare, threatened, and endangered plants, animals, and the special combination of habitats of the lagoon. The reserve is managed by the California Department of Fish and Game. Construction of the Batiquitos Lagoon Trail and the interpretative signs have been provided by Aviara Land Associates. Pay attention to the signs posted in the marsh and on the trail. The trail is open for your use between 8:00 a.m. and dusk.

    Bird sighting on top of the tree
    Jessica C.

    Found this trail/lagoon on Google and decided to come here with my husband and dad. We enjoyed this walk a lot! It was about 1 mile and a quarter walk one way. Unfortunately, it is not a loop so you have to walk back the exact way you started at. Parking was pretty easy to find Sunday morning in front of a resident area (the lot was full but there were no signs). They have a visitor area at the entrance with some displays of animals, a kid playing area with puppets, and maps and books. There are some shaded parts of the walk and bench areas to sit and bird watch (or water watch). There is a golf course right next to it and the pathway has some views of it as well. There are a lot of birds but mostly far off and behind the roped areas so I couldn't capture any good pictures :0( There were also patches of mud so just make sure you watch out for those when walking.

    Julie Y.

    This is an easy flat 3.5 mile trail. Great for family, kids, & pets. There were some shaded areas as well. The only downfall is it wasn't a loop so you just walk one way to the end & walk back. It was still nice either way. There was a golf course right next to the trail which had a nice view. Parking was easy & plentiful along the residential area.

    Robert S.

    Not far from our friend's house is the Batiquitos Lagoon trail. The Batiquitos Lagoon Nature Center has a small parking lot and street parking available at the trail head. The Nature Center is open seven days a week from 9am-3pm depending on volunteer host availability. Inside is a collection of taxidermy animals, displays, resources and a kids area. There is also a public restroom and water available. There's a small retail area that sells shirts, hats, books and other items. The lagoon can be seen and experienced from a nature trail on the north side. The public walking and hiking trail is about 1.6 miles long. It starts just east of Interstate 5 at the end of Gabbiano Lane and goes most of the way to El Camino Real on the east end of the lagoon. There are five public parking lots provdiding access to the trail, one by the Nature Center and four on Batiquitos Drive. Dogs on a leash are allowed. Horses and bicycles are not allowed. The lagoon itself consists of 610 acres with a drainage basin of about 55,000 acres. The watershed basin includes the cities of Carlsbad, San Marcos, and Encinitas, with its primary freshwater tributaries being San Marcos Creek from the east and Encinitas Creek which flows north along Green Valley, entering the lagoon under El Camino Real and La Costa Avenue, respectively. It's a beautiful unspoiled nature area perfect for hiking and jogging.

    Henry's T.

    Trail Series, Part 19 "Some days it gets completely crazy, and I feeling like howling at the moon. Then sometimes it feels so easy, like I was born with a silver spoon. Other times you just can't reach me, seems like I've got a heart of stone. Guess I need my solitude, and I have to make it on my own. Well I guess I'm going A.W.O.L., disconnect my telephone. Just like Greta Garbo, I want to be alone." Van Morrison If we're being honest, aren't there times when we need a moment to unplug from the noise and clatter of this world and just...be? Absolutely nothing demanding our attention except the moment we are living just then. While there are many ways and places you can foster this kind of personal retreat, one of them can be found along the "Batiquitos Lagoon Trail" in Carlsbad, California. I counted no less than 34 unique benches along the length of this approximately 1.5 mile trail, and all of them beckon you to sit awhile...and just listen. To the birds, to the sound of the breeze rustling through the leaves on the trees, or maybe just to the sound of your own breathing. While walkers, runners, and leashed dogs are all welcomed on this trail, bicycles are not. For those interested, a clearly posted QR code provides access to a self-guided tour and a Nature Center is free and open to the public on the West end of the trail. All 3 entrances to this trail can be found along Batiquitos Drive and each feature a convenient parking lot. The trail is nearly entirely unpaved, so your enjoyment of it will be reduced if you access it after it has rained. And that's...Henry's Take. #trailofsolitude #justmetime

    Amy E.

    I love that the path is so easy and stroller friendly. It has beautiful views. It's easy to turn around if you don't want to walk as far with the kids. There are bathrooms at the visitor center, which also had things like sunscreen in the bathroom. It was a great family friendly hike for little ones

    Cerena P.

    What a beautiful spot for a hike. It's very easy, flat dirt paths, no inclines. You walk along the lagoon and it's such a nice sight, lots of spots with shade as well. Plenty of benches along the way for breaks. Towards the end of the trail it goes up right next to the golf course which is also beautiful to look at. No bathroom or water fountain on the trail, but a great spot for a peaceful walk.

    Stephanie T.

    I really love coming here. It's very beautiful. Just wish you couldn't hear the cars from the highway. Peaceful regardless tho for sure. Great place to walk the pups, go for a run or just sit and enjoy the peace. They have benches around the lagoon. They also have garbage cans, so pick up your dog poop and throw out your trash!

    The lagoon on a cloudy day.
    Craig W.

    It's a fine, easy walk. I really wouldn't call it a hike. It's entirely flat so anyone can do it. The views of the lagoon are very nice. The lagoon is bordered by homes, La Costa Avenue and, worst of all, the 5 freeway, so you're going to have lots of car noise. That's a drag. Plenty of birds to see, mostly ducks, but we also saw an enormous brown pelican. The small nature center is well worth a visit. Lots of interesting animals, skeletons, scales, shells, etc. here. I believe there are three areas to enter the trail. The small main parking lot is located at the center of the trail. Easy and enjoyable stroll.

    Johnny N.

    Been desperately searching for new hiking and walking trails and Batiquitos Lagoon was next up on our to do list. This was definitely an easy walking trail around the lagoon without much elevation changes. My wife and I went on a sunny Saturday afternoon and people were out in force trying to catch some Vitamin D. Fortunately, 95% of the people we encountered were very courteous and had their masks on. The lagoon was picturesque which made me only imagine how beautiful it would be with all the flowers in bloom during the spring time. We made a little detour off course and explored one of the golf holes of the Park Hyatt Aviara Resort and quickly scampered away when we saw golf carts arriving. Batiquitos Lagoon provided a nice stroll and would be also be a great running trail as well but the noise from the 5 freeway was definitely a turn off!

    Seal
    Alexander C.

    This is a cool place for a nature hike. My first time in a lagoon. I saw a bunch of cool birds. If you like walking and visiting wildlife in the natural habitat, you will have a fun time. I was there from about 9 AM until 12:30 PM.

    The side I started on and parking lot was small
    Hareer A.

    Such an easy peasy hike. Only hills is the one to get down. But simple hike if you are a beginner or on a first date and don't want to sweat too much. Great hike for the dogs too! My dog was pooped by the end of it. There was a sign to watch out for rattlesnakes but every hiking spot will have that, I'm sure. Parking is small so be careful and patient. Also, there are two entrances to get into the park so if you're meeting someone just clarify which entrance to go to.

    Entrance sign
    Emmett T.

    I ventured into North County Coastal territory to hike the Batiquitos Lagoon Trail. This was a very flat trek along the northern perimeter of the lagoon east of I-5 in Carlsbad. According to one hiking app, the round trip distance to go out and back was a shade over three miles. The trailhead was located at the end of Gabbiano Lane where eight dedicated parking spaces existed. Plenty of curbside parking was available in front of the houses along the cul de sac. Several hundred yards into the hike, a trailer housing the Batiquitos Lagoon Nature Center appeared on the left. It wasn't open because of the pandemic. What struck me while walking was how wide and well-maintained this trail was. Kudos to the Foundation and the local Boy Scout troops for their efforts. On the sides of the path, there were numerous benches with tiki hut tops erected to provide shade and rest. There were also small posts mounted about every tenth of a mile with a unique QR code so you could download a self-guide with information about the local area. Not a lot of cranes, herons, or storks were present in the lagoon. One bird did catch the attention of some watchers who broke out binoculars and cameras to capture the view. About halfway through, the Aviara Golf Club appeared along the northern edge of the trail. With the lagoon scenery, this was probably one of the most peaceful hikes I have done. It's a very casual stroll and not challenging at all. I did see some people wearing flip-flops. The path was smooth and sturdy enough for that kind of footwear. Dog owners were pretty conscious about picking up after their pooches because I didn't notice any land mines during the hike which I rated with four stars.

    Sunset on the Lagoon trail

    See all

    4 months ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 2
    Love this 9
    Oh no 0

    27 days ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 0
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 13
    Thanks 0
    Love this 12
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    5 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Hareer A.
    195
    18
    12

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 0
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 17
    Thanks 0
    Love this 16
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Vicki C.
    1296
    831
    1496

    8 years ago

    Helpful 24
    Thanks 0
    Love this 26
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Kelsey S.
    283
    13
    69

    6 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 13
    Thanks 0
    Love this 11
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Bonnie G.
    1463
    1299
    4120

    7 years ago

    Helpful 9
    Thanks 0
    Love this 10
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    beautiful setting for an easy walk, lots of birds and interesting fauna. QR codes gives lots of info along the way.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 10
    Thanks 0
    Love this 10
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Coco B.
    0
    68
    96

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 6
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Janet G.
    72
    28
    22

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Andy C.
    229
    1459
    4039

    9 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 6
    Oh no 1

    9 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 3

    Ask the Community - Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation

    Can you take dogs on a leach?

    Yes- leashed dogs are allowed. Enjoy!

    Is it true there is access to Aviara Gold Club from the trail?

    Yes, walk down to the Aviara golf clubhouse and there is a trail that connects.

    Is there an access point for taking a swim?

    Swimming is not allowed at Batiquitos Lagoon. For swimming you need to go to the beach. The other lagoon (Laguna Hedionda) does not allow swimming either.

    View All 5 Questions

    Review Highlights - Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation

    Construction of the Batiquitos Lagoon Trail and the interpretative signs have been provided by Aviara Land Associates.

    Mentioned in 6 reviews

    Read more highlights

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Community Service/Non-Profit 1,859 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Kids for Peace

    Kids for Peace

    (2 reviews)

    What if kindness was commended as strength and bullying was viewed as weakness?…read more KIDS FOR PEACE will draw you in and then you'll have to hold on for the ride! ~You will, most likely, commit to live by the PEACE PLEDGE. http://www.kidsforpeaceglobal.org/index.php ~You will, probably, participate in the annual GREAT KINDNESS CHALLENGE http://www.greatkindnesschallenge.org/ ~You will, totally, be inspired by the BOOKS that the kids published. http://www.kidsforpeaceglobal.org/books.html ~You will, dreamily, wish you had joined us on the 2012 DC PEACE PLEDGE TOUR. http://www.kidsforpeaceglobal.org/campaign.html ~You will, absolutely, meet CHAMPIONS of Kids for Peace ages 3 to a 103! ~Then, YOU WILL ask how you can be involved...of course! When my daughter was three, we were members of a San Diego chapter. Now, that my daughter is six, we started our own chapter. We have good company, too! As there are over 100 chapters worldwide committed to UPLIFTING OUR WORLD THROUGH LOVE AND ACTION! See which one you can join or start your own chapter! There is a Leader Training every August! http://www.kidsforpeaceglobal.org/chapter_directory.html This is the perfect organization to participate, volunteer, and donate. It's time to join in on the fun. Your love and action will send ripples around the world.

    This is an amazing program. I believe all schools should be involved with Kids For Peace. It is an…read moreorganization that focuses on peace, kindness, environmental awareness, community service, and a lot more. They are active in global campaigns making social compassion and environmental awareness an important part of creating a peaceful world and they touch the hearts of everyone they reach. I highly recommend this program for schools and parents and their kids.

    Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation - nonprofit - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...