San Elijo Ecological Reserve is huge, with lots of options for exploring and photographing nature. If you're a family with young kids, the nature center has great exhibits and programs. If you're looking for a short easy walk, the trail out the front door has great views of the lagoon. For the center and/or a short walk, allow 30-60 minutes.

For adults, families with teens, or hikers the trails on the south side of the lagoon or east of the freeway offer various degrees of difficulty. The ranger at the center can help you pick. Because you must drive to those trail heads, and due to the length of some of the trails, depending on which trail you choose and how far you go, allow 1-2 hours, and expect lots of bird life and spectacular views.

My husband and I go at least twice a week. It's a lovely place for a walk. Birdwatcher's paradise. This week we saw a Mom and 2 baby egrets right on the walking trail. We've seen herons, many kinds of ducks, osprey, terns, hummingbirds, kingfishers, etc. The small museum has a learning sheet for the small children to check off the various birds and animals they see. There are nature walks available on the week ends as well as special events for families scheduled throughout the year. Nice hiking trails. Very nice way to spend an hour or so! No charge.

so glad that southern california is now paying a lot of attention to watersheds. This is a wonderful place to visit. When i last lived in Cardiff many years ago the marsh was still just a dumping area.