Facility Activities
At the Visitor Center, you can pick up a trail map, learn about local wildlife, and ask staff any questions during open hours: Wednesday through Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The gift shop offers books and shirts, with proceeds benefiting the Friends of San Diego Wildlife Refuges.
Restrooms are located next to the Tijuana Estuary Visitor Center and are open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Pets on the Trails
Most trails are dog-friendly, but pets must be on a leash no longer than six feet at all times. Please clean up after your pet to help keep the refuge safe and enjoyable for everyone.
Wildlife Viewing
If you love being outdoors and spotting wildlife, Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge is the perfect place to visit. From birdwatching along the trails to whale watching from the beach, wildlife observation is the most popular activity here. You might see hunting hawks or even the secretive light-footed Ridgway’s rail.
The refuge features an extensive trail system that connects to other Reserve trails and includes boardwalks and observation decks. These spots are great for discovering unique plants and animals in the middle of a highly urbanized area.
Interpretation
Our interpretation programs help visitors connect with nature in meaningful ways. Join a docent-led walk or attend a guest speaker talk to learn about wildlife, habitat restoration, ecology, and climate change climate change
Climate change includes both global warming driven by human-induced emissions of greenhouse gases and the resulting large-scale shifts in weather patterns. Though there have been previous periods of climatic change, since the mid-20th century humans have had an unprecedented impact on Earth's climate system and caused change on a global scale.
Learn more about climate change from experts in the field.
Environmental Education
National Wildlife Refuges serve as outdoor classrooms for hands-on learning about wildlife and natural resources. Each year, thousands of youth and adult groups visit to study wetland plants, birds, plankton, and their habitats. If you’re an educator, explore our resources designed for teaching about this refuge.
Photography
Wildlife photography is one of the fastest-growing activities on national wildlife refuges. Nearly 12 million people visit outdoor areas each year to photograph wildlife, and refuges offer excellent opportunities to capture animals in their natural habitats.
We provide platforms, viewing areas, brochures, and tour routes to help photographers of all skill levels enjoy and document their outdoor adventures.