Birding Hotspots

This 307-acre sanctuary is a haven for birds and any wildlife watchers.

Big Morongo Canyon Preserve is a critical wildlife corridor inhabited by mountain lions, bighorn sheep, mule deer, and other animals.

The protected harbor on the coast of Sonoma County has plenty to offer avid birdwatchers.

This birding destination right off the Pacific Coast Highway makes it easy to spend the day looking for rare winged creatures.

This designated Important Bird Area is part of a wetland preserve with a marshy lagoon, although the Pacific Ocean is also close by, which means the area sees a unique mix of shorebirds and waterfowl.

Centrally located between Monterey and Santa Cruz, this easily accessible nature reserve is one of the best birding destinations on the coast of California.

Hugging the shoreline of San Francisco Bay, this popular birding destination features over 1,800-acres of marshes, wetlands, and coastline.

This 3,409-acre state park on the coast of California.

Orange Countys largest city-owned park attracts many birds migrating along the Pacific Flyaway.

Once the site of a duck hunting range, this 300-acre restored property in Irvine is now a sanctuary for birds.

Situated on the border to Oregon is 192,000-acres of birding heaven spread out over six different wildlife refuges.

This rugged, coastal state park sits just west of San Luis Obispo, making it the perfect day trip for birders in Central California.

The coast of this Central California bay is a designated Important Bird Area and a flourishing habitat for migratory birds.

Dating back to 1855, this historic lighthouse is the oldest operating lighthouse on the West Coast.

This area was established in 1979 specifically to preserve the natural habitat of many wetland and riparian creatures.