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Audubon Society Sea & Sage

πŸ“ San Joaquin Marsh, CA

β˜…4.8(99 Google reviews)πŸ‘ΆAll ages

San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary operated by Sea and Sage Audubon, featuring miles of walking paths around freshwater ponds, a visitor centre with nature library, and birding workshops. Pram-accessible paths available. Free to visit.

βœ“ Peaceful sanctuaryβœ“ Excellent birdwatchingβœ“ Educationalβœ“ Accessible facilitiesβœ“ Wildlife photographyβœ“ Free entry
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β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…Featured review by Michael Lindwall

Message to the public, please keep in mind that while you are visiting the wetlands sanctuary. Please be considerate and respectful of the wild life and their surroundings. This is a peaceful sanctuary not a city park, thank you. I stopped by to ask a couple questions from a very nice lady. I learned a lot from her.

πŸ† Family Action Verdict

Best for families with children who can walk calmly and have a genuine curiosity about wildlife and birds. The paths are manageable for prams on the main routes, and the visitor centre staff are happy to field questions from curious kids. This is a working wildlife sanctuary β€” it rewards families who treat it as such.

ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go

πŸ’‘Bring binoculars and a camera β€” wildlife photography opportunities are plentiful
⏰Speak quietly and move calmly to get closer wildlife sightings
🎟️Accessible parking, bathrooms, and visitor centre available on site
πŸš—Ask the visitor centre staff for species checklists β€” they're knowledgeable and helpful

πŸ’¬ What Families Are Saying

View all reviews β†’
4.8
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99 Google reviews

Peaceful and tranquil setting35%
Excellent for wildlife and bird viewing30%
Educational and informative20%
Accessible facilities15%
M

Michael Lindwall

a month ago

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β€œMessage to the public, please keep in mind that while you are visiting the wetlands sanctuary. Please be considerate and respectful of the wild life and their surroundings. This is a peaceful sanctuary not a city park, thank you. I stopped by to ask a couple questions from a very nice lady. I learned a lot from her.”

S

Stephen J. Lautenschlager

6 years ago

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β€œThe Autobahn Society Sea & Sage location is a picturesque and tranquil setting amongst the surrounding Newport metropolitan areaβ€˜s. There are miles of easy-stroll walking paths around large ponds which attract a wide variety of waterfowl and other local aquatic and lakeside animals.”

D

Donna Trautmann

a month ago

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β€œUpdate to my previous post. There is handicap parking, handicap accessible bathrooms & visitor center. And, though not paved, I do believe the short trail and parts of the meandering paths would be do-able.”

R

Roger Jones

2 years ago

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β€œLots of information, nice place. The worker was so helpful. I like to go to the preserve to see the many species and take pictures. Have grown fond of this place. Very peaceful. Tons of different birds.”

Reviews from Google

Overview

Sea and Sage Audubon operates from the 300-acre San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary in Irvine, with easy-stroll walking paths circling large freshwater ponds that attract dozens of waterfowl species. The Audubon House visitor centre houses a bookstore and nature library with knowledgeable staff on site. Field trips, birding workshops, and educational programmes about wetland ecology run throughout the year. Accessible parking and bathrooms available.

πŸ• Opening Hours

Monday08:00 – 16:00
Tuesday08:00 – 16:00
Wednesday08:00 – 16:00
Thursday08:00 – 16:00
Friday08:00 – 16:00
Saturday08:00 – 16:00
Sunday08:00 – 16:00

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