Fodor's Expert Review Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve

Wildlife lovers and bird-watchers flock to Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, which has more than 1,300 acres of salty marshland home to 200 different bird species—including great blue herons, snowy and great egrets, and brown pelicans. Throughout the reserve are easy-to-walk trails for bird-watching along a 1½-mile loop. There are two entrances off the Pacific Coast Highway: one close to the Interpretive Center and a second 1 mile south on Warner Avenue, opposite Bolsa Chica State Beach. Each parking lot connects to 4 miles of walking and hiking trails with scenic overlooks.