South San Diego Bay Wildlife Refuge and the SoCal Salt Works (View only)

This event registration is currently restricted to a wait list.

Due to the popularity of this program, we have made updates to the registration process. Registration has been closed to accomodate the wait list. Thank you all for your interest! We hope that these updates are expanding access to the SaltWorks facility to everyone who wants to see this unique place and its birds!

Sunday, February 1, 2026, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

South San Diego Bay Wildlife Refuge and the SoCal Salt Works

Google Maps: South Bay Salt Works, GPS: 32.5998, -117.0921

Leaders: Robert Patton, Andrew Newmark, John Martin, and Dan Jehl

The SoCal Salt Works and the South Bay Wildlife Refuge consist of a series of salt ponds used to extract salt from seawater by evaporation, as well as adjacent restored marshland, providing a rich habitat for wintering birds. This area is normally closed to the public, except for once-per-month guided walks led by San Diego Bird Alliance docents during the bird non-breeding fall and winter months. We will discuss the history of the salt works and the process of obtaining salt from nature, while seeking visiting wintering shorebirds, gulls, terns, and duck species. Perhaps our famous Little Stint will show itself. No restrooms. Capped at 20 participants.

Directions: Take Highway 5 to Chula Vista and exit on Palomar St. Go west to the T – intersection at Bay Blvd. and turn left. Drive 0.3 miles and park on the right outside the gated fence.