Border Field State Park
The Park is currently CLOSED.
Since August 2023, the park has been closed to the public due to storm damage from Hurricane Hillary that contributed to failures of the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant infrastructure resulting in an early seasonal closure. Subsequent storms through the winter of 2024 compounded the initial damages to the park. Border Field State Park is vulnerable to cross-border flows, resulting in sewage contaminated water, mud and debris on the park road and trails. During a typical year, this flooding will result in park closures from October through May, with the park re-opening in June for summer use. California State Parks is actively working to increase access to the park unit.
Border Field State Park
Located within the Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve, Border Field State Park sits in the very southwestern corner of the United States, 15 miles south of San Diego. This important wildlife habitat, comprised of sand dunes and salt marshes, gives refuge to critically threatened and endangered birds such as the Western Snowy Plover, the California Least Tern, and the Light-footed Ridgway's Rail.
The park provides restrooms, picnic areas, barbecues, horse corrals, interpretive displays, and scenic views across the beach and estuary. Visitors enjoy hiking, horseback riding, photography, and bird watching along the 1.5 mile stretch of beach and inland trails. The Park does not recommend swimming or wading, due to hazardous conditions, such as inshore holes, rip currents, and the lack of lifeguard service within the Park.
Border Monument number 258 can be viewed from Monument Mesa, however there is no close access because it is now behind two border fences. You can still see the bunkers which were leftover from World War II. Read more about the history of this area.
Access to the Border Monument at Friendship Circle
Friendship Park is currently closed. For more information, please contact the Border Patrol Public Information Office: 619-216-4182.
Enjoy!
If you are new to the area, or if you just haven’t ventured this far south, you will have a unique experience where these two countries meet. It is interesting and educational but more than that, it is a delightful way to spend an active or relaxing day surrounded by the breeze and the beauty of the sea.