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    Border Field State Park

    3.9 (57 reviews)
    Closed 9:30 am - 5:00 pm

    Border Field State Park Photos

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    William G.

    This park sits along the US-Mexico border, and includes the beach that hugs the old border wall. Several years ago, there was only one border wall, and you were allowed to walk right by it. Now that the new border wall has been erected, walking toward the old wall is prohibited, and there is constant vigilance from the Border Patrol agents that patrol the area. To get to the beach, you have to drive on a narrow road quite a ways from the 5 and 805 freeways. Access to the park is usually $5, and gets you to the parking area. There are restrooms there, as well as barbeque pits. The beach is pretty nice. There were quite a few people there that day. Looking south, I saw many people enjoying their day on Tijuana beach. I was also able to see the bull-fighting stadium, as well as the many businesses that line the beachfront of Playas de Tijuana. After spending some time enjoying the sun and the surf, my buddies and I made our way to the SD area. This is a nice stop in the southwest corner of the US. The Border Patrol agents won't bug you unless you're up to something shady. Just don't wander into the restricted area, and you're fine. And here is an interesting fact. There are several times a year where folks on the US side of the border are allowed to approach the old border gate and speak with loved ones on the Mexico side. This is done under BP surveillance. I haven't been here for that, so I am not sure exactly which days that takes place.

    Be careful of rattlesnakes on the trail!
    Allan G.

    I remember the first time that I visited the park which was last year when the whale washed up on shore. Since then, I have wanted to go back and had that chance recently when my wife wanted to go hiking one afternoon. We parked in a small parking lot outside the park and hiked a couple of miles to the beach. It was a great walk but there were a TON of mosquitoes flying around and both of us got nailed with mosquito bites. On the way back, I nearly stepped on a rattlesnake. If you plan on hiking here, bring water, wear comfortable shoes, please wear some kind of insect repellent, keep an eye out for snakes, and bring a snake bite kit for emergencies! Also, keep an eye out for Border Patrol agents on ATVs as they can be seen around the park and on the beach near the border fence. If you look up on the hill towards Mexico, you might see one or two vehicles patrolling and watching you with binoculars. Despite the mosquitoes and close call with the snake (which had nothing to do with park staff!), I look forward to returning!

    Lil guy running towards the border fence (the BEFORE SHOT)
    Anita L.

    UPDATED 04-10-2008: We went again recently and they've barricaded the pathway so you can't drive all the way in to the water like we were able to before. ----------------------------------------- Call me naive, call me ignorant, but hubby thought I'd get a kick out of this when he drove us out to this state park. Following the signs to Border Field State Park, we drove until we could no longer drive anymore to Beach Playa. From there we made it on foot to where the fence which separates the US from Mexico runs into the water. I guess I must've had that deer in the headlight look because I looked like I was in shock. There were a whole bunch of Mexicans partying on the other side of the fence and from where we stood it was just amazing that on the other side, it was a whole other country. Then, I noticed that these guys weren't on their side of the fence anymore. I was like "huh"???? Hubby goes "yeah they do that, they come through and then go back again". I was like "WHATEVER". But then when I looked closer, they were seriously doing that. It just blew my mind.

    The US Mexican border
    Albert Z.

    Border Field State is one of California's best kept secrets, at least that's how the California State Park treats it budget wise. The park is a last stance wildlife and ecological preserve against development and human impact. In my opinion, the State Park has really underserved and miss managed the park. Other than the staff member at the park entrance, I rarely ever see any State Park employees, especially Park Rangers. Border Patrol agents are the only law enforcement. The visitors facilities along the border are in deplorable condition as supported by attached photographs. The visitors center near Imperial Beach is well cared for as well the surrounding park north of the Tijuana River. Border Field State Park is an ecological life preserver in need up help.. Both the State of California and the Federal government need to respond. So off my soapbox, the reason I gave a five star rating was not for the State Park but more for the land itself and all those individuals, including someState Park, National/ State Wildlife employees, contractors and volunteers who have dedicate their time and efforts towards the preservation of the park. If you have an opportunity, go and see the restored wetlands and marshes. Walk on the beach or ride a horse on the beach. Check out all the awesome trails. Bird watching is on top of the list too. Border Field State Park belongs to all of us, go and see what you've been missing.

    Salt Marsh
    Auntie N.

    A very Long walk on a combination trail: The walk/hike to the beach is 1 mile + The terrain changes from pavement, packed earth, & sand.... So I wouldn't take children who are unable/unwilling to walk. Taking a stroller will be difficult on the sand. The beach was actually pretty clean and it was alive: Sand Crabs, Clams, Seashells, Snowy & Great Egrets, Pelicans, Terns, Plovers, Cormorants, & DOLPHINS! You Need To Bring Water!

    The beginning
    Perhaps U.

    Many historical items surrounding by this place, there were many difficult paths when you walked inside. Beside me, there were one other car that parked at the designated area ( they later left without the trace.) You can see the borderline between the Mexico and USA inside this park, but certain areas needed the big make over.

    Leo H.

    I enjoy visiting parks on the weekends. My kids do as well. Border FIELD IS IN THE MIDDKE OF THE RIAD AND HAS SEVERAL GOOD FEATURES, PARKING BEING ONE IF THEM. IT IS OUT OF THE WAY BUT KIND OF WIRTH THE TRIP. sorry about the caps. Anyway, the grass was well tended but not as much as I would have liked. The area was a bit sketchy. It was clean and interesting. Would make another trip in the future.

    @ Border Field State Park - 9/12/15
    Christie L.

    Border Field State Park is on the very southwestern corner of the United States and 15 miles south of San Diego is also located in the Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve. To get in it costs $5 per vehicle, but vehicles are only allowed to drive in on the weekends. If you come Monday - Friday then you will need to park in the lot near the gate and walk in to get to the park. The walk is about 1.5 miles and dogs are not allowed however horses are allowed on the trail. Since it was the weekend when I visited, I was able to drive in and my dog was allowed since we'd be driving up towards the park instead of walking along the trail. Keep in mind that dogs are allowed up at the park, so if you plan on bringing your fur baby then make sure it's on a weekend so they can drive in with you. With all the rattlesnake warning signs I was glad we'd be driving in instead of walking lol. There was plenty of parking in the lot up at the park. I had a nice time walking around at first reading some of the posted signs telling about the area and the possible wildlife I could see. It's even possible to rent (or bring your own) a horse to ride along the beach and trails! The park as restrooms, picnic areas, BBQ's and a nice grassy area. Swimming isn't recommended because of hazardous conditions. The water on the U.S. side was empty however the Mexico side had a decent amount of people in the water. I did see some people riding their horses along the beach which was cool. You can access Friendship Park to see the Border Monument through the fence on weekends only from 10 am - 2 pm and they only allow a certain amount of people in at once. You may be asked to show your U.S. ID and dogs can't go into this area. My husband and I took turns staying with our fur baby so we each could go inside and take a look. Border Patrol was very friendly and didn't bother us one bit except to ask us the normal questions before entering Friendship Park. Remember the main gate is currently closed Mon - Fri (so you'll have to walk in on those days) and sometimes even on the weekend it's closed if there has been flooding in the area. There are times when the main gate is closed for several days and even may not allow hikers on the trail due to dangerous conditions, so it's always best to check the day you are going to be sure what you are getting into.

    Jim W.

    This is where you can visit the SW corner of the United States; it's a 25 minute walk to the point where the US, Mexico, and Pacific Ocean intersect. On our walk we spotted grey foxes, roadrunners, and various other wildlife. It's not the prettiest park you'll visit but you will appreciate the walk.

    Tom H.

    My wife and I came here for a quick outing. The gate was closed so we hiked out to the beach. I know people had been saying it was over a mile; I checked my phones pedometer and it was 4980 steps to the beach by the park. It was all fairly level, so it was an easy hike. It was very pretty; I'll post some photos. There was a bit of trash along the road, but overall it was a very nice walk with an interesting beach at the end. The border patrol didn't bother us, and everyone we came across was very nice. Seeing Mexico through the fence is a fairly usual site for me as I live in IB; but it was still interesting looking across the fence. I would recommended this as a place for a hike; but I can't imagine really doing a picnic there, unless you go to the park up top and have someone to see through the border. We didn't; so we took some pictures and came back to the car.

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    Ask the Community - Border Field State Park

    Is this park open all day?

    Hi Brandon. No, the park is only a Day Use park. Generally it is open from 9:30 to sunset (see website for exact closing times). Also at this time of year, you will want to check the road and Park status, as it can be closed due to flooding:… Read more

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Review Highlights - Border Field State Park

    After driving in I found parking with no problem at the park and border patrol waved and gave me no problems during my visit.

    Mentioned in 18 reviews

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