San Diego, Travel

South Bay Salt Marshes

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At the southern end of San Diego Bay are a series of salt marshes and mud flats that are favorite spots for local and migrating sea birds.  On the Chula Vista side of the bay there is also a nature center that focuses on the environment, common marine species to the bay, and sea birds.  On the Coronado side of the bay there are pull outs along the Silver Strand where you can pull over and watch the birds.

The salt marshes on San Diego Bay is a favorite stop for migrating birds on the Pacific flyway
The salt marshes on San Diego Bay is a favorite stop for migrating birds on the Pacific flyway
Feeding shore birds in the mud flats
Feeding Sandpipers in the mud flats
Song Sparrows are fairly common in the marshes
Song Sparrows are fairly common in the marshes
A Marbled Godwit, one of the many migratory birds that visit San Diego Bay each winter
A Marbled Godwit, one of the many migratory birds that visit San Diego Bay each winter
At the Chula Vista Nature Center a statute made from garbage picked up in the marshes emphasizes conservation
At the Chula Vista Nature Center a statute made from garbage picked up in the marshes emphasizes conservation

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Leopard sharks at the aquarium at the Chula Vista Nature Center. These non-aggressive sharks are common in San Diego Bay
Leopard sharks at the aquarium at the Chula Vista Nature Center. These non-aggressive sharks are common in San Diego Bay
A Round Ray at the aquarium
A Round Ray at the aquarium
A Bat Ray
A Bat Ray
Sea Turtles at the Nature Center
Sea Turtles at the Nature Center

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Be alert for rattlesnakes while exploring the bay
Be alert for rattlesnakes while exploring the bay

IMG_6304 IMG_6306 IMG_6309The South Bay Marshes are easy to get to.  Take Interstate 5 south to the E Street exit in Chula Vista and make an immediate right into the Nature Center parking lot.  After visiting the marshes on the eastern side of the bay, you can continue south on I-5 to California 75 and follow it around through Imperial Beach to the Silver Strand and then drive north toward Coronado.  There are turnouts on the road where you can pull over and go exploring.

Travel safe.  Have fun.

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