Scripps Coastal Reserve

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Scripps Coastal Reserve

Scripps Coastal Reserve is an outdoor lab and classroom managed by the UCSD Natural Reserve System

Scripps Coastal Reserve is one of four areas managed by UCSD for the UC Natural Reserve System. It comprises protected terrestrial and marine habitats located in the La Jolla Shores area. The mesa-top area is not open to the public except for guided walks on the FIRST Saturday of each month, 9-11 am.

09/17/2026

If you don’t already have plans this Saturday (9/19), now you do! We are so excited to be a part of The Living Coast Discovery Center's Animals on the Bay Day 2026!

For only $5, you can spend the day learning about our local wildlife, meeting with animal ambassadors, exploring the wildlife refuge, meeting community organizations and members, enjoying fun food, and more!

All educational presentations will be offered in English, Spanish and ASL.

To reserve your spot for Animals on the Bay Day, book your timed ticket by visiting this link: https://www.thelivingcoast.org/programs-events-upcoming-events/animals-on-the-bay-day-2026/

09/16/2026

iNaturalist Observation of the Month! 📸

This month brought a PURR-fect local sighting... a resident bobcat out enjoying our Elliott Chaparral Reserve!

Did you know that the majority of the world’s bobcats are found in the continental US? They evolved their bobbed tail for ground ambush hunting, making their center of mass closer to the ground. Their short tail also helps them remain elusive when stalking prey in grasses.

📷🦝 Have you spotted wildlife in the San Diego Area? Share your observations on iNaturalist to be considered for iNaturalist Observation of the Month!

You can view the iNaturalist observation here: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/397049201

09/14/2026

Thank you so much to everyone who joined us on Saturday at our Kendall-Frost Marsh Reserve to kick off Latino Conservation Week! This was presented by San Diego Bird Alliance in collaboration with the Hispanic Access Foundation and many local partners, including us!

It was amazing to see so many people exploring and learning about this unique ecosystem through a variety of activities, including bioblitzing with iNaturalist, bird watching, fish seining, learning about water quality monitoring, and more!

There are more events happening throughout the week, so please check out all the upcoming events for Latino Conservation Week here: https://bit.ly/LCWSD2026

09/11/2026

Get ready for San Diego’s 7th Annual Latino Conservation Week! A week of adventure, community, culture, and conservation is coming your way. Explore the coastal wetlands with Wander the Wetlands and Journey Through the Wetlands, experience the powerful Haagua FILM Screening & PANEL, celebrate our connection to the coast at the Beach Fiesta, and come together for our Latino Conservation Week Celebration.

Whether you’re passionate about conservation or simply looking for new ways to enjoy the outdoors, there’s something for everyone. Bring your friends. Bring your family. Bring your love for the outdoors. Join us as we explore, celebrate, connect, and take action!

RSVP at https://bit.ly/LCWSD2026

¡Prepárate para la Séptima Semana Anual de Conservación Latina de San Diego! Te espera una semana llena de aventura, comunidad, cultura y conservación. Explora los humedales costeros con Wander the Wetlands y Un Viaje por los Humedales; conoce la historia y el mensaje de Haagua durante su proyección y el panel de conversación; celebra nuestra conexión con la costa en nuestra Fiesta en la Playa; y únete a nuestra Celebración de la Semana de Conservación Latina.

Ya sea que te apasione la conservación o simplemente estés buscando nuevas maneras de disfrutar del aire libre, ¡hay algo para todos! Trae a tus amigos. Trae a tu familia. Trae tu amor por la naturaleza.

¡Acompáñanos a explorar, celebrar, conectar y tomar acción!
Confirma tu asistencia en: https://bit.ly/LCWSD2026

04/03/2024

Our public guided walks will be offered as usual this coming first Saturday of the month, April 6, from 9-11 am. Please join us for the 1/4-mile gentle loop. The Sea Dahlias and Rattlesnake W**d are in full bloom, and the Coast Sunflowers are not far behind. Be sure to wear closed-toe shoes and bring your cameras and binoculars! Park on the street and find the entrance at 9400 La Jolla Farms Road.

04/03/2024

Are you a "grunion greeter" or do you want to become one? Grunion come ashore during the full- and new-moons between March and August on sandy beaches between Ventura and Tijuana. Which beaches is up to us to discover, because their runs are very unpredictable from night to night and month to month. Want to learn more? Check out http://www.grunion.org!
And if you are up for a late night adventure to check for them at the Scripps Coastal Reserve (SCR), look out for an invitation here to join us as the right times approach. (Note: No grunion may be caught at any time in the SCR or the adjacent Marine Protected area to the south, the Matlahuyl Reserve.)

02/02/2024

The Biodiversity Trail guided walk usually scheduled for the first Saturday of the month is postponed to the second Saturday. Please join us this day, February 3, for Love Your Wetlands! Day at the -Frost Mission Bay Marsh Reserve.

02/02/2024

Habitat restoration activity normally-scheduled for Fridays is cancelled for February 2 due to site conditions. See you next week!

10/15/2023

Walter Munk Day at La Jolla Shores (south end) was celebrated by a wide range of ocean- and science-related organizations and with blessings and bird songs by the Kumeyaay. Two tule boats were built by many hands and successfully navigated through the small waves towards the end of the day.

06/02/2023

Guided walks around the Scripps Coastal Reserve Biodiversity trail are available on the first Saturday of the month, 9-11 am. The next one is Saturday, June 3. If you plan to join us, please wear closed shoes and dress for the weather. Trail is mostly level but rough in places, so not suitable for small children, unsteady walkers, or wheelchairs. No dogs allowed. No restrooms available. No beach access. No reservations necessary; signature on liability waiver required at sign-in.

Address

San Diego, CA

Opening Hours

9am - 11am

Website

http://nrs.ucsd.edu/

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