Carlsbad Visitors Guide 2008 - (Page 6) Let’s go to the beach! L ocated on the coast of the beautiful Pacific Ocean and blessed with a mild climate, Carlsbad enjoys year-round outdoor fun and activities for all ages. THE LAGOONS Carlsbad is bordered by two spectacular lagoons, 260-acre Buena Vista to the north, and 600-acre Batiquitos to the south. Both are major way stations for birds migrating along the Pacific Flyway. Tranquil and unspoiled, they provide safe haven for a wide variety of wildlife, including some endangered species, and are ideal for nature walks, photography, and birding. In between Buena Vista and Batiquitos is Agua Hedonia. • Buena Vista Lagoon (760.439.BIRD) is the only freshwater lagoon in California. The lagoon is home to dozens of varieties of migrant and resident waterfowl. Great flocks of native and migratory birds, regional ducks, geese, turtles, frogs, and even an occasional flamingo all share this ecological jewel in the midst of a rapidly growing urban area. Designated an Ecological Reserve by the California Fish and Game Department, this is the home of the Buena Vista Audubon Society, which operates a small but fascinating Nature Center on the north edge of the lagoon. Two trails near the Nature Center offer lots of interesting looks of the lagoon inhabitants. Picnic facilities are also available. • Batiquitos Lagoon (760.931.0800) is a coastal salt marsh with tidal mud flats and is one of the few remaining tidal wetlands on the Southern California coast. Over 185 species of birds can be seen here throughout the year. The lagoon is a destination for serious and casual bird watchers, artists, and naturalists. Docent-led nature tours and self-guided walks are popular with outdoor enthusiasts. • Batiquitos Lagoon Ecological Reserve Nature Center (760.931.0800, 7380 Gabbiano Lane), is open from noon to 4 p.m. Wednesdays–Fridays and 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. www.batiquitosfoundation.org. THE BEACHES • Carlsbad State Beach (800.444.7275) is near Carlsbad Village along Carlsbad Boulevard at Tamarack Avenue. • South Carlsbad State Beach (800.444.7275) is four miles south of Carlsbad along Carlsbad Boulevard at Poinsettia Lane. The 222-site campground is very popular in summer. • Carlsbad City Beach is located along Ocean Street at Carlsbad Village Drive. Parking is free in the lot at the south end of Ocean Street and on nearby streets. 6 2008 | Carlsbad Visitors Guide KURT BURKHART Outdoors http://www.batiquitosfoundation.org
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