Hike Batiquitos Lagoon Trail

3.4 miles - Easy Effort
1-2 Hours (Total)
100 Total Feet of Climbing
Max Elevation of 23 feet
Leashed Dogs Allowed

The Batiquitos Lagoon Trail hike is easy and peaceful, offering a great way to experience one of the few remaining tidal wetlands in Southern California. There's lots of wildlife, a nice mix of sun and shade, and a family and stroller-friendly path that's great for everyone. The Batiquitos Lagoon Trail is also right off of Interstate 5 in Carlsbad, making it a convenient place to connect with nature amidst interstates, tourist attractions, and other development.

In this Guide:

Video & Turn by Turn Directions for Batiquitos Lagoon Trail
Parking for Batiquitos Lagoon Trail
Everything You Need to Know Before You Go

Quick Links:
Park Website - NOAA Weather Report - My Apr 2024 Gear

Batiquitos Lagoon Trail Parking

The good news is that parking for the Batiquitos Lagoon Trail is free. The bad news is that there's not a lot of it. There's a small parking lot by the trailhead, but otherwise you can park on the residential streets for free. If you park on the street, please be respectful of the people in the neighborhood. That means don't block their driveways, leave trash outside of your car, play loud music, etc. Be warned; if you park in a "no parking" zone or block a driveway, you will be ticketed and towed.

The Batiquitos Lagoon Trail is open from dawn to dusk, every day.

There are several " Batiquitos Lagoon Parking" areas on Google Maps, all at different points along the trail. But to start the trail from the beginning, use this trailhead address:
Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation, 7380 Gabbiano Ln, Carlsbad, CA 92011

Hike Batiquitos Lagoon Trail 2 — There's a small parking lot by the beginning of the trail on Gabbiano Lane. If it's full, park on the side of the street (legally).

Gear for the Hike

This is an easy and mellow hike, and you don't need any special gear for it. I wear light hiking gear, but fitness clothes work great too. In a pinch, you can get away with casual clothing but it might not be the most comfortable. There is no water along the trail, so bring 1L of water to stay hydrated.

Gear That I Love Right Now

Nothing is sponsored or promoted, just the actual gear that I use.

Garmin InReach Mini 2If you are out of cellphone range the Mini 2 will reliably allow you to hit SOS via satellite. You can see my review here.

HOKA Speedgoat 5These are a great balance of comfort and performance. The high stack height leaves my feet feeling great after a hike.

Check out the complete list here.

Batiquitos Lagoon Trail Maps

Use This Map:
View in CalTopo | PDF Map | GPX File

How Will You Navigate?

Using the Apple Watch for Hiking

Garmin Fenix 7 & Epix Review For Hikers

How To Read a Topographic Map

Garmin GPSMAP 67i Review

Hike Brief

Batiquitos Lagoon is home to about 185 species of birds. This cute little guy is the California Least Tern, an endangered species that you can often see at the lagoon.

"Batiquitos" means "little watering hole" as originally named by the Spanish explorers who visited here in 1769.
Native peoples have been living by the fertile lagoon for thousands of years, with the earliest site found dating back 6,000 BC.
Development on the coast took its toll, and by the 1980s, 90% of California's coastal wetlands had been destroyed. Only five species of fish were left. Batiquitos Lagoon was almost silted up and expected to be fully filled (and gone) within 50 years.
Realizing it was important to save Batiquitos Lagoon, the tide started to turn in the 1990s (pun!). The Port of Los Angeles dredged the lagoon out and more fish species came back to breed, which then attracted the birds, and then the mammals. The lagoon became a state conservation area. An incredible volunteer organization, the Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation, organized a wide range of activities to help the lagoon and involve the community. You can visit their nature center at the start of the hike. Today the lagoon is a thriving natural area.

Batiquitos Lagoon Trail Directions

Hike Batiquitos Lagoon Trail 3 — From the parking lot, the trail starts on the paved path. A host of signs confirm that you're in the right place.

Hike Batiquitos Lagoon Trail 4 — Shortly after the start you'll pass the nature center on the left. If they're open, stop by and check it out. The center is manned by volunteers who are happy to answer questions and point out any interesting birds or animals that were recently seen. The nature center is also your only bathroom opportunity along the trail.

Hike Batiquitos Lagoon Trail 5 — Just past the nature center, bear right towards the lagoon.

Hike Batiquitos Lagoon Trail 6 — And soon you'll be right on the water with incredible views. There are numerous small turnoffs and benches like these along the entire length of the trail.

Hike Batiquitos Lagoon Trail 7 — You'll also find a good amount of interpretive displays and these self-guided tour areas on the trail.

Hike Batiquitos Lagoon Trail 8 — Keep going straight on the main trail. There are several official and unofficial side trails that lead off into the adjoining neighborhoods. It's also important to note that you are in a fragile environmental area, so stay on the trail and don't destroy / pick / trample anything natural please.

Hike Batiquitos Lagoon Trail 9 — As you hike east along the shore of the lagoon, you'll be able to see Cuyamaca Peak and Mt Woodson (home of Potato Chip Rock) in the distance on a clear day.

Hike Batiquitos Lagoon Trail 10 — Keep going straight along Batiquitos Lagoon, avoiding the side trails.

Hike Batiquitos Lagoon Trail 11 — The trail passes through a shaded grove of palms.

Hike Batiquitos Lagoon Trail 1 — As you pass through the shaded section, keep your eyes open to the right to spot a massive packrat den (midden).

Hike Batiquitos Lagoon Trail 12 — The trail winds away from the lagoon through a salt marsh area.

Hike Batiquitos Lagoon Trail 13 — At the junction, go straight.

Hike Batiquitos Lagoon Trail 14 — And you'll go through another peaceful and shady grove.

Hike Batiquitos Lagoon Trail 15 — And then the trail comes back to the shore of the lagoon.

Hike Batiquitos Lagoon Trail 16 — At this trail split you can go either way, but take the route to the right to stay along the scenic shore. The left branch is a shortcut that goes through the wooded area.

Hike Batiquitos Lagoon Trail 17 — And soon after that you'll reach this shaded bench, the end of the official trail.

Hike Batiquitos Lagoon Trail 18 — Enjoy the views from the bench and then turn around and just hike back on the same path to finish the hike!

Need More Info?

Have a question about the guide or want to see what other people are saying/asking? View the Youtube comments for this video. Leave a comment and I will do my best to respond.
When planning, always check the park website and social media to make sure the trails are open. Similarly, check the weather and road conditions.

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This Guide Was Written by Cris Hazzard

Cris Hazzard 4 Mile Trail Yosemite
Hi, I'm Cris Hazzard, aka Hiking Guy, a professional outdoors guide, hiking expert, and author based in Southern California. I created this website to share all the great hikes I do with everyone else out there. This site is different because it gives detailed directions that even the beginning hiker can follow. I also share what hiking gear works and doesn't so you don't waste money. I don't do sponsored or promoted content; I share only the gear recommendations, hikes, and tips that I would with my family and friends. If you like the website and YouTube channel, please support these free guides (I couldn't do it without folks like you!). You can stay up to date with my new guides by following me on YouTube, Instagram, or by subscribing to my monthly newsletter.