Ballona Freshwater Marsh

33.96977 , -118.43044

United States of America (USA)

This important wetland site is one of very few remaining freshwater wetlands on the Southern California coast. Remarkably, it lies between LAX International Airport and Marina del Rey, making it readily accessible from Los Angeles.

The site has a complex history. It was known to the indigenous Tongva people as Pwinukipar, meaning "it is filled with water". Once a tidal saltwater marsh, its connection to the sea was cut off during the development of the city. Since 1978 the Friends of Ballona Wetlands have undertaken extensive restoration work. The future of the site has been the subject of much debate, with some groups advocating that the marsh be reconnected to the sea and others that it be retained as freshwater marshland. Surrounding the site to the north and west is the Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve, where further habitat restoration is under way.

The current site is home to a rich avifauna with more than 260 species recorded, including scarce residents such as Least Bittern and Yellow-crowned Night Heron. The surrounding scrub has scarce passerines such as Bell's Vireo, California Gnatcatcher and Yellow-breasted Chat. 

Delete exact location

The introductory text should contain general information about the site, which may include for instance:
• geographic/ biogeographic location
• habitat and vegetation
• typical bird species/bird communities
• protection status
• land use and history
• importance for birdwatching

Coordinates were set by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) : 33.9698/-118.4304 (2020-11-22 19:56:18 )

Site name was set by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) as "Ballona Freshwater Marsh" (2020-11-22 19:56:18 )

Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2025-10-15 08:30:24
This important wetland site is one of very few remaining freshwater wetlands on the Southern California coast. Remarkably, it lies between LAX International Airport and Marina del Rey, making it readily accessible from Los Angeles. The site has a complex history. It was known to the indigenous Tongva people as Pwinukipar, meaning "it is filled with water". Once a tidal saltwater marsh, its connection to the sea was cut off during the development of the city. Since 1978 the Friends of Ballona Wetlands have undertaken extensive restoration work. The future of the site has been the subject of much debate, with some groups advocating that the marsh be reconnected to the sea and others that it be retained as freshwater marshland. marshland. Surrounding the site to the north and west is the Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve, where further habitat restoration is under way. The current site is home to a rich avifauna with more than 260 species recorded, including scarce residents such as Least Bittern and Yellow-crowned Night Heron. The surrounding scrub has scarce passerines such as Bell's Vireo, California Gnatcatcher and Yellow-breasted Chat. 
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2025-10-15 08:29:09
This important wetland site is one of very few remaining freshwater wetlands on the Southern California coast. Remarkably, it lies between LAX International Airport and Marina del Rey, making it readily accessible from Los Angeles. The site has a complex history. Originally it It was known to the indigenous Tongva people as Pwinukipar, meaning "it is filled with water". Once a tidal saltwater marsh, but the connection its connection to the sea was cut off during the development of the city. Since 1978 the Friends of Ballona Wetlands have undertaken extensive restoration work. The future of the site has been the subject of much debate, with some groups advocating that the marsh be reconnected to the sea and others that it be retained as freshwater marshland. Surrounding the site to the north and west is the Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve, where further habitat restoration is under way. The current site is home to a rich avifauna with more than 260 species recorded, including scarce residents such as Least Bittern and Yellow-crowned Night Heron. The surrounding scrub has scarce passerines such as Bell's Vireo, California Gnatcatcher and Yellow-breasted Chat. 
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2025-10-15 06:03:54
This important wetland site is one of very few remaining freshwater wetlands on the Southern California coast. Remarkably, it lies between LAX International Airport and Marina del Rey, making it readily accessible from Los Angeles. The site has a complex history. Originally it was a tidal saltwater marsh, but the connection to the sea was cut off during the development of the city. Since 1978 the Friends of Ballona Wetlands have undertaken extensive restoration work. The future of the site has been the subject of much debate, with some groups advocating that the marsh be reconnected to the sea and others that it be retained as freshwater marshland. The current site is home to a rich avifauna with more than 250 260 species recorded, including scarce residents such as Least Bittern and Yellow-crowned Night Heron. The surrounding scrub has scarce passerines such as Bell's Vireo, California Gnatcatcher and Yellow-breasted Chat. 
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2025-10-05 01:43:31
This important wetland site is one of very few remaining freshwater wetlands on the Southern California coast. Remarkably, it lies between LAX International Airport and Marina del Rey, making it readily accessible from Los Angeles. The site has a complex history. Originally it was a tidal saltwater marsh, but the connection to the sea was cut off during the development of the city. Since 1978 the Friends of Ballona Wetlands have undertaken extensive restoration work. The future of the site has been the subject of much debate, with some groups advocating that the marsh be reconnected to the sea and others that it be retained as freshwater marshland. The current site is home to a rich avifauna with more than 250 species recorded, including scarce residents such as Least Bittern and Yellow-crowned Night Heron. The surrounding scrub has scarce birds passerines such as Bell's Vireo, California Gnatcatcher and Yellow-breasted Chat. 
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2025-09-25 13:10:47
This important wetland site is one of very few remaining freshwater wetlands on the Southern California coast. Remarkably, it lies betwen between LAX International Airport and Marina del Rey, making it readily accessible from Los Angeles. The site has a complex history. Originally it was a tidal saltwater marsh, but the connection to the sea was cut off during the development of the city. Since 1978 the Friends of Ballona Wetlands have undertaken extensive restoration work. The future of the site has been the subject of much debate, with some groups advocating that the marsh be reconnected to the sea and others that it be retained as freshwater marshland. The current site is home to a rich avifauna with more than 250 species recorded, including scarce residents such as Least Bittern and Yellow-crowned Night Heron. The surrounding scrub has scarce birds such as California Gnatcatcher and Yellow-breasted Chat. 
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2025-09-23 09:44:37
This important wetland site is one of very few remaining freshwater wetlands on the Southern California coast. Remarkably, it lies betwen LAX International Airport and Marina del Rey, making it readily accessible from Los Angeles. The site has a complex history. Originally it was a tidal saltwater marsh, but the connection to the sea was cut off during the development of the city. The  Since 1978 the Friends of Ballona Wetlands have undertaken extensive restoration work. The future of the site has been the subject of much debate, with some groups advocating that the marsh be reconnected to the sea and others that it be retained as freshwater marshland. Since 1978 the Friends of Ballona Wetlands have undertaken extensive restoration work. marshland. The current site is home to a rich avifauna with more than 250 species recorded, including scarce residents such as Least Bittern and Yellow-crowned Night Heron. The surrounding scrub has scarce birds such as California Gnatcatcher and Yellow-breasted Chat. 
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2025-08-21 15:55:45
This important wetland site is one of very few remaining freshwater wetlands on the Southern California coast. Remarkably, it lies betwen LAX International Airport and Marina del Rey, making it readily accessible from Los Angeles. The site has a complex history. Originally it was a tidal saltwater marsh, but the connection to the sea was cut off during the development of the city. The future of the site has been the subject of much debate, with some groups advocating that the marsh be reconnected to the sea and others that it be retained as freshwater marshland. Since 1978 the Friends of Ballona Wetlands have undertaken extensive restoration work. The current site is home to a rich avifauna with more than 250 species recorded, including scarce residents such as Least Bittern and Yellow-crowned Night Heron. The surrounding scrub has scarce birds such as California Gnatcatcher and Yellow-breasted Chat. 
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2025-08-15 09:18:16
This important wetland site is one of very few freshwater wetlands on the Southern California coast. Remarkably, it lies betwen LAX International Airport and Marina del Rey, making it readily accessible from Los Angeles. The site has a complex history. Originally it was a tidal saltwater marsh, but the connection to the sea was cjut cut off during the dee,lopmengt development of the city. The future of the site has been the subject of much debate, with some groups advocating that the marsh be reconnected to the sea and others that it be retained as freshwater marshland. Currently it is maintained by Since 1978 the Friends of Ballona Wetlands. Wetlands have undertaken extensive restoration work. The current site is home to a rich avifauna with more than 250 species recorded, including scarce residents such as Least Bittern and Yellow-crowned Night Heron.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2025-08-15 09:17:03
This important wetland site is one of very few freshwater wetlands on the Southern California coast. Remarkably, it lies betwen LAX International Airport and Marina del Rey, making it readily accessible from Los Angeles. The site has a complex history. Originally it was a tidal saltwater marsh, but the connection to the sea was cjut off during the dee,lopmengt of the city. The future of the site has been the subject of much debate, with some groups advocating that the marsh be reconnected to the sea and others that it be retained as freshwater marshland. Currently it is maintained by the Friends of Ballona Wetlands. The current site is home to a rich avifauna with more than 250 species recorded, including scarce residents such as Least Bittern and Yellow-crowned Night Heron.

  • Top species

List up to ca. 25 species that:
• have a limited distribution range and/or are rare on a global level
• are most sought-after by birdwatchers at this site
• and are relatively easy to see at this site (year-round or seasonally)

Cinnamon Teal (Spatula cyanoptera)
Redhead (Aythya americana)
Virginia Rail (Rallus limicola)
Least Bittern (Ixobrychus exilis)
Yellow-crowned Night Heron (Nyctanassa violacea)
Green Heron (Butorides virescens)
White-faced Ibis (Plegadis chihi)
White-tailed Kite (Elanus leucurus)
Bell's Vireo (Vireo bellii)
California Gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica)
Yellow-breasted Chat (Icteria virens)
Hooded Oriole (Icterus cucullatus)

Redhead (Aythya americana) was added by Stephen Matthews (2025-10-15 07:27:43)

White-faced Ibis (Plegadis chihi) was added by Stephen Matthews (2025-10-15 06:02:58)

Virginia Rail (Rallus limicola) was added by Stephen Matthews (2025-08-21 16:30:30)

Hooded Oriole (Icterus cucullatus) was added by Stephen Matthews (2025-08-21 16:30:16)

White-tailed Kite (Elanus leucurus) was added by Stephen Matthews (2025-08-21 16:29:39)

Bell's Vireo (Vireo bellii) was added by Stephen Matthews (2025-08-21 16:29:10)

Green Heron (Butorides virescens) was added by Stephen Matthews (2025-08-21 16:19:57)

California Gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica) was added by Stephen Matthews (2025-08-21 15:57:10)

Yellow-breasted Chat (Icteria virens) was added by Stephen Matthews (2025-08-21 15:56:53)

Yellow-crowned Night Heron (Nyctanassa violacea) was added by Stephen Matthews (2025-08-21 15:56:31)

Cinnamon Teal (Spatula cyanoptera) was added by Stephen Matthews (2025-08-21 15:56:16)

Least Bittern (Ixobrychus exilis) was added by Stephen Matthews (2025-08-21 15:56:02)

  • Timing and strategy

Many wetland species are active during the day, while the scrub-dwelling passerines are more active early in the morning. The marsh also has crepuscular species such as Virginia Rail and Sora, most likely to be seen at dawn and dusk. 

The main path follows an L-shaped route around the marsh, running parallel to Jefferson and Lincoln Boulevards. This path provides views of the wetland at several points. Viewing the marsh in this way calls for around one to two hours. 

In addition to the freshwater marsh itself, several other points in the area are of interest, including the following which are marked as watchpoints on the map:

1. Ballona Creek: although channelized, the creek is tidal and the mudflats are used by shorebirds, gulls and terns. It can be viewed from a pathway along the north bank of the creek, between Lincoln Boulevard and the 90 freeway.

2. Del Rey Lagoon: despite disturbance, this lagoon and the surrounding park in Playa del Rey attract considerable bird life, with over 200 species recorded (see Del Rey Lagoon in eBird).

3. Ballona Lagoon: connected to the canals of Venice, this waterway is on the north side of the harbour in Marina del Rey. It is used by shorebirds, herons and the like.

4. The entrance to the harbour, at the south end of Venice beach in Marina del Rey. This is a watchpoint for shorebirds at low and mid tide. It also provides views of pelicans, terns and gulls, sometimes including Heermann's Gull. 

Give recommendations for making your visit as productive as possible.
This may include for instance:
• best season
• best time of the day
• how much time to spend at the site
• best means of locomotion within the site
• recommended routes / areas within the site
• guiding

Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2025-10-15 08:50
Many wetland species are active during the day, while the scrub-dwelling passerines are more active early in the morning. The marsh also has crepuscular species such as Virginia Rail and Sora, most likely to be seen at dawn and dusk.  The main path follows an L-shaped route around the marsh, running parallel to Jefferson and Lincoln Boulevards. This path provides views of the wetland at several points. Viewing the marsh in this way calls for around one to two hours.  In addition to the freshwater marsh itself, several other points in the area are of interest, including the following which are marked as watchpoints on the map: 1. Ballona Creek: although channelized, the creek is tidal and the mudflats are used by shorebirds, gulls and terns. It can be viewed from a pathway along the north bank of the creek, between Lincoln Boulevard and the 90 freeway. 2. Del Rey Lagoon: despite disturbance, this lagoon and the surrounding park in Playa del Rey are readily accessible and attract considerable bird life, with over 200 species recorded (see Del Rey Lagoon in eBird). 3. Ballona Lagoon: connected to the canals of Venice, this waterway is on the north side of the harbour in Marina del Rey. It is used by shorebirds, herons and the like. 4. The entrance to the harbour, at the south end of Venice beach in Marina del Rey. This is a watchpoint for shorebirds at low and mid tide. It also provides views of pelicans, terns and gulls, sometimes including Heermann's Gull. 
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2025-10-15 07:14
Many wetland species are active during the day, while the scrub-dwelling passerines are more active early in the morning. The marsh also has crepuscular species such as Virginia Rail and Sora, most likely to be seen at dawn and dusk.    The main path follows an L-shaped route around the marsh, running parallel to Jefferson and Lincoln Boulevards. This path provides views of the wetland at several points. Viewing the marsh in this way calls for around one to two hours.  In addition to the freshwater marsh itself, several other points in the area are of interest, including the following which are marked as watchpoints on the map: 1. Ballona Creek: although channelized, the creek is tidal and the mudflats are used by shorebirds, gulls and terns. It can be viewed from a pathway along the north bank of the creek, between Lincoln Boulevard and the 90 freeway. 2. Del Rey Lagoon: despite disturbance, this lagoon and the surrounding park in Playa del Rey are readily accessible and attract considerable bird life, with over 200 species recorded (see Del Rey Lagoon in eBird). 3. Ballona Lagoon: connected to the canals of Venice, this waterway is on the north side of the harbour in Marina del Rey. It is used by shorebirds, herons and the like. 4. The entrance to the harbour, at the south end of Venice beach in Marina del Rey. This is a watchpoint for shorebirds at low and mid tide. It also provides views of pelicans, terns and gulls, sometimes including Heermann's Gull. 
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2025-10-15 06:04
Many wetland species are active during the day, while the scrub dwellers are scrub-dwelling passerines are more active early in the morning. The marsh also has crepuscular species such as Virginia Rail and Sora, most likely to be seen at dawn and dusk.  The main path follows an L-shaped route around the marsh, running parallel to Jefferson and Lincoln Boulevards. This path provides views of the wetland at several points. Viewing the marsh in this way calls for around one to two hours. 
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2025-08-30 14:27
Many wetland species are active during the day, while the scrub dwellers are more active early in the morning. The marsh also has crepuscular species such as Virginia Rail and Sora, most likely to be seen at dawn and dusk.  The main path follows an L-shaped route around the marsh, following running parallel to Jefferson and Lincoln Boulevards. This path provides views of the wetland at several points. Viewing the marsh in this way calls for around one to two hours. 
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2025-08-21 16:26
Many wetland species are active during the day, while the scrub dwellers are more active early in the morning. The marsh also has crepuscular species such as Virginia Rail and Sora, most likely to be seen at dawn and dusk.  The main path follows an L-shaped route around the marsh, following Jefferson and Lincoln Boulevards. This path provides views of the wetland at several points. Viewing the marsh in this way calls for around one to two hours. 
  • How to get there

The main access point is on West Jefferson Boulevard. This section of Jefferson Boulevard is part of the 'Culver Loop' and allows eastbound traffic only, so that it is necessary to approach the wetland by taking Culver Boulevard towards Playa del Rey, then turning sharp left onto Jefferson. There are some parking spaces next to the marsh on the south side of Jefferson Boulevard.

Another entrance is on the west side of Lincoln Boulevard, just west of South Bluff Trail Road. It is possible to alight from a southbound vehicle here, but there is no parking close by. One can park on W Coastal View Drive and walk down the Bluff Trail to Lincoln Boulevard to reach the marsh.

Explain from where and how to get to this site with private and public transport.

Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2025-11-28 12:17
The main access point is on West Jefferson Boulevard. This section of Jefferson Boulevard is part of the 'Culver Loop' and allows eastbound traffic only, so that it is necessary to approach the wetland by taking Culver Boulevard towards Playa del Rey, then turning sharp left onto Jefferson. There are some parking spaces next to the marsh on the south side of Jefferson Boulevard. Another entrance is on the west side of Lincoln Boulevard, just west of South Bluff Trail Road. It is possible to alight from a southbound vehicle here, but there is no parking nearby.close by. One can park on W Coastal View Drive and walk down the Bluff Trail to Lincoln Boulevard to reach the marsh.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2025-10-15 07:19
The main access point is on West Jefferson Boulevard. This section of Jefferson Boulevard is part of the 'Culver Loop' and allows eastbound traffic only, so that it is necessary to approach the wetland by taking Culver Boulevard towards Playa del Rey, then turning sharp left onto Jefferson. There are some parking spaces next to the marsh on the south side of Jefferson Boulevard. Another entrance is on the west side of Lincoln Boulevard, just west of South Bluff Trail Road. It is possible to alight from a southbound vehicle here, but there is no parking nearby. One can park on W Coastal View Drive and walk down the Bluff Trail to Lincoln Boulevard to reach the marsh.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2025-08-21 17:40
The main access point is on West Jefferson Boulevard. This section of Jefferson Boulevard is part of the 'Culver Loop' and this part of Jefferson Boulevard allows eastbound traffic only, so that it is necessary to approach the wetland by taking Culver Boulevard towards Playa del Rey, then turning sharp left onto Jefferson. There are some parking spaces next to the marsh on the south side of Jefferson Boulevard. Another entrance is on the west side of Lincoln Boulevard, just west of South Bluff Trail Road. It is possible to alight from a southbound vehicle here, but there is no parking nearby.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2025-08-21 15:58
The main access point is on West Jefferson Boulevard. This is part of the 'Culver Loop' and this part of Jefferson Boulevard allows eastbound traffic only, so that it is necessary to approach by taking Culver Boulevard towards Playa del Rey, then turning sharp left onto Jefferson. There is are some parking spaces next to the marsh on the south side of Jefferson Boulevard. Another entrance is on the west side of Lincoln Boulevard, just west of South Bluff Trail Road. It is possible to alight from a southbound vehicle here, but there is no parking nearby.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2025-08-15 09:52
The main access point is on West Jefferson Boulevard. This is part of the 'Culver Loop' and this part of Jefferson Boulevard allows eastbound traffic only, so that it is necessary to approach by taking Culver Boulevard towards Playa del Rey, then turning sharp left onto Jefferson. There is parking spaces next to the marsh on the south side of Jefferson Boulevard. Another entrance is on the west side of Lincoln Boulevard, just west of South Bluff Trail Road. It is possible to alight from a southbound vehicle here, but there is no parking nearby.

For the general public, the two main access points are on the south side of Jefferson Boulevard (eastbound) and on the west side of Lincoln Boulevard. These points give access to the trail which skirts the freshwater wetland. This trail is open from dawn to dusk. 

Another path leading inside the wetland is closed to the public, but regular guided tours are organised by the Friends of Ballona Wetlands (see their website for calendar). 

Provide information on how to enter this site, which may include:
• entry points
• entry permits / entry tickets and fees
• opening hours / opening season
• other restrictions

Note that this section should only contain information on how to ACCESS (= enter) a site. Info on how to REACH a site should be added to "How to get there" section.

Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2025-09-23 09:45
For the general public, the two main access points are on the south side of Jefferson's boulevard Jefferson Boulevard (eastbound) and on the west side of Lincoln Boulevard. These points give access to the trail which skirts the freshwater wetland. This trail is open from dawn to dusk.  Another path leading inside the wetland is closed to the public, but regular guided tours are organised by the Friends of Ballona Wetlands (see their website for calendar). 
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2025-08-21 17:20
For the general public, the two main access points are on the south side of Jefferson's boulevard (eastbound) and on the west side of Lincoln Boulevard. These points give access to the trail which skirts the freshwater wetland. This trail is open from dawn to dusk.  Another path leading inside the wetland is closed to the public, but regular guided tours are organised by the Friends of Ballona Wetlands (see their website).website for calendar). 
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2025-08-21 17:20
For the general public, the two main access points are on the south side of Jefferson's boulevard (eastbound) and on the west side of Lincoln Boulevard. These points give access to the trail which skirts the freshwater wetland. wetland. This trail is open from dawn to dusk.  Another path leading inside the wetland is closed to the public, but regular guided tours are organised by the Friends of Ballona Wetlands (see their website). 
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2025-08-21 16:03
For the general public, the two main access points are on the south side of Jefferson's boulevard (eastbound) and on the west side of Lincoln Boulevard. These points give access to the trail which skirts the freshwater wetland. Another path leading inside the wetland is closed to the public, but regular guided tours are organised by the Friends of Ballona Wetlands (see their website). 
  • Other attractions

Desert Cottontail, California Ground Squirrel and Eastern Fox Squirrel are resident. Common butterflies include Western Tiger Swallowtail, Mourning Cloak, Gray Buckeye and Fiery Skipper. 

Add information about other attractions at this site, including
• wildlife (apart from birds)
• sights (natural, cultural, archaeological, etc.)
• activities (e.g. for non-birding companions)

Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2025-10-15 07:12
In addition to the freshwater marsh itself, several other points in the area Desert Cottontail, California Ground Squirrel and Eastern Fox Squirrel are of interest, including: 1. Ballona Creek: although channelized, the creek is tidal resident. Common butterflies include Western Tiger Swallowtail, Mourning Cloak, Gray Buckeye and the mudflats are used by shorebirds, gulls and terns. It can be viewed from a pathway along the north bank of the creek, between Lincoln Boulevard and the 90 freeway. 2. Del Rey Lagoon: despite disturbance, this lagoon and the surrounding park in Playa del Rey are readily accessible and attract considerable bird life, with over 200 species recorded (see Del Rey Lagoon in eBird) 3. Ballona Lagoon: connected to the canals of Venice, this waterway is on the north side of the harbour in Marina del Rey. It is used by shorebirds, herons and the like. 4. The entrance to the harbour, at the south end of Venice beach in Marina del Rey. This is a watchpoint for shorebirds at low and mid tide. It also provides views of pelicans, terns and gulls, sometimes including Heermann's Gull.Fiery Skipper. 
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2025-10-15 06:16
In addition to the freshwater marsh itself, several other points in the area are of interest, including: 1. Ballona Creek: although channelized, the creek is tidal and the mudflats are used by shorebirds, gulls and terns. It can be viewed from a pathway along the north bank of the creek, between Lincoln Boulevard and the 90 freeway. 2. Del Rey Lagoon: despite disturbance, this lagoon and the surrounding park in Playa del Rey are readily accessible and attract considerable bird life, with over 200 species recorded (see Del Rey Lagoon in eBird) 3. Ballona Lagoon: connected to the canals of Venice, this waterway is on the north side of the harbour in Marina del Rey. It is used by shorebirds, herons and the like. 3.4. The entrance to the harbour, at the south end of Venice beach in Marina del Rey. This is a watchpoint for shorebirds at low and mid tide. It also provides views of pelicans, terns and gulls, sometimes including Heermann's Gull. 
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2025-08-21 16:32
In addition to the freshwater marsh itself, several other points in the area are of interest, including: 1. Ballona Creek: although channelized, the creek is tidal and the mudflats are used by shorebirds, gulls and terns. It can be viewed from a pathway along the north bank of the creek, between Lincoln Boulevard and the 90 freeway. 2. Ballona Lagoon: connected to the canals of Venice, this waterway is on the north side of the harbour in Marina del Rey. It is used by shorebirds, herons and the like. 3. The entrance to the harbour, at the south end of Venice beach in Marina del Rey. This is a watchpoint for shorebirds at low and mid tide. It also provides views of pelicans, terns and gulls, sometimes including Heermann's Gull. 
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2025-08-21 16:17
In addition to the freshwater marsh itself, several other points in the area are of interest, including: 1. Ballona Creek: although channelized, the creek is tidal and the mudflats are used by shorebirds, gulls and terns. It can be viewed from a pathway along the north bank of the creek, between Lincoln Boulevard and the 90 freeway. 2. Ballona Lagoon: this is on the north side of the harbour in Marina del Rey. It is used by shorebirds, herons and the like. 3. The entrance to the harbour, at the south end of the beach Venice beach in Marina del Rey. This is a watchpoint for shorebirds at low and mid tide. It also provides views of pelicans, terns and gulls, sometimes including Heermann's Gull. 
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2025-08-21 16:13
In addition to the freshwater marsh itself, several other points in the area are of interest, including: 1. Ballona Creek: although channelized, the creek is tidal and the mudflats are used by shorebirds, gulls and terns. It can be viewed from a pathway along the north bank of the creek, between Lincoln Boulevard and the 90 freeway. 2. Ballona Lagoon: this is on the north side of the harbour in Marina del Rey. It is used by shorebirds, herons and the like. 3. The entrance to the harbour, at the south end of the beach in Marina del Rey. This is a watchpoint for shorebirds at low and mid tide. It also provides views of pelicans, terns and gulls, sometimes including Heermann's Gull. 

A viewing platform and some panels providing information on the ecology of the area are provided on the south side of Jefferson Boulevard.

Provide information about what type of facilities are available at
or near this site, including:
• information centers / information points
• catering
• accommodation
• hides and watchtowers
• restrooms / toilets

Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2025-09-02 12:52
There is a A viewing platform and some panels providing information on the ecology of the area are provided on the south side of Jefferson Boulevard.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2025-08-21 16:33
There are is a viewing platform and some panels providing information on the ecology of the area on the south side of Jefferson Boulevard.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2025-08-21 16:14
There are some panels providing information on the ecology of the area on the south side of Jefferson Boulevard.

Visitors should take big-city precautions as for Los Angeles in general. 
With an international airport and major roads nearby, the area suffers considerable noise pollution.

Are there any security issues or other annoyances at this site? For
instance, these may include:
• offenses like robbery or theft
• natural hazards
• dangerous or annoying animals or plants (mosquitoes, leaches, thorn bushes, etc.)
• noise pollution

Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2025-08-21 17:38
Visitors should take big-city precautions as for Los Angeles in general.  With an international airport and major roads nearby, the area suffers considerable noise pollution.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2025-08-21 17:38
Visitors should take precautions as for Los Angeles in general.   With an international airport and major roads nearby, the area suffers considerable noise pollution.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2025-08-21 16:19
Visitors should take precautions as for Los Angeles in general. 
All information about this site was contributed by Orniverse users. Neither Orniverse nor the contributors accept responsibility for the completeness and accuracy of the information provided.

Local guides

Gallery

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Ballona Freshwater Marsh - Orniverse