Recreation & Activities
Agua Hedionda Lagoon is unique among San Diego County lagoons as it supports sustainable and responsible recreation on and around the lagoon. Hikers, boaters, fishermen, and all other visitors are encouraged to be respectful of the laws, permits, and signage created to protect our lagoon for future generations.
Trails
Existing trails around the Agua Hedionda Lagoon include The North Shore “Hubbs” Trail, the Kelly/Park Dr. Trail, and the Dept. of Fish & Game Trail located adjacent to the Discovery Center. Here are four basic tips for using the trails:
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Enjoy the view - leave the Trail and the Lagoon as pristine as you found it.
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Bring a camera to capture your memories.
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Stay to the path to protect wildlife.
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Explore the Trails between sunrise to sunset. No camp fires allowed.
The Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation has developed a Trail Committee to planning future trails and to maintain existing trails. Members of the Foundation are invited and encouraged to join the Trail Committee. Maps and information about the trail system is available at the Discovery Center.
Trail Map
(picture is of the Hubbs Trail)
*ALL DIRECTIONS START AT AGUA HEDIONDA LAGOON FOUNDATION DISCOVERY CENTER*
Hubbs Trail
The Hubbs Trail is approximately ½ mile in length and runs along the north shore of the outer portion of the Agua Hedionda Lagoon between the Coast Highway and the railroad tracks. Shorebirds are plentiful along this trail and perched nearby are pelicans who hang out at the Mussel Farm in the outer lagoon. Fires on this trail are prohibited and violators will be cited and fined.
directions: Turn right coming out of the Discovery Center, right on Coast hi-way, right on Tamarack, first right on Garfield. Park at the end of Garfield and walk down the dirt access road to the trail.
Questions or concerns about this trail should be directed to the AHLF staff at (760) 804-1969 or email info@aguahedionda.org
Kelly School Trail
This trail is approximately 1 mile and runs along the northeastern border of the upland wildlife preserve, which is owned and operated by the California Dept of Fish and Wildlife.
directions: Turn left coming out of the Discovery Center, left on El Camino Real, left on Kelly Dr. Go to the end of Kelly Dr where it runs into Park Dr. The trail head is across from Kelly School and is marked with a metal gate.
Questions or concerns about this trail should be directed to Warren Wong at wwong@dfg.ca.gov
Discovery Center Trail
This trail is approximately ¼ mile in length and connects Cannon Road with the de-siltation basin on the southwest side of the Discovery Center. This trail provides a closeup view of the upland marshland area of the lagoon. Bring your binoculars as there are usually plenty of wetland birds to observe, such as egrets, herons, osprey and hawks. Although not as easily seen, be alert to the soft “mewing” sound made by the California gnatcatcher – an endangered bird that nests nearby. This trail is maintained through a partnership between the Agua hedionda Lagoon Foundation and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
directions: access to this trail is from the AHLF Discovery Center (dirt) parking lot.
Questions or concerns about this trail should be directed to the AHLF staff at (760) 804-1969 or email info@aguahedionda.org
Watercraft
Be aware of the white buoys! The white buoys crossing the Lagoon immediately west of the Bayshore Drive separate the Powerboat Area from the Passive Use Area. The Agua Hedionda Lagoon Ecological Reserve is located adjacent to the Passive Use Area, east of the Bayshore Drive walk-in access. Help protect this ecosystem by obeying the rules governing the Passive Use Area.
The white buoys along the North Shore mark a vessel transit corridor. It is unlawful for powerboats to travel on the shore side of these buoys except when transiting from one area. Do not exceed speeds of 5 mph.
In order to operate any vessel on Agua Hedionda Lagoon, the vessel must meet certain requirements and the owner must purchase either an annual or daily Lagoon Use Permit from the City of Carlsbad. Powerboats must obtain a launching facility permit. Permit applications, vessel requirements checklist, and watercraft regulations are available online on the City of Carlsbad Parks & Park Planning Department website.
Permits and paper copies of applications and other documents may be obtained by mail or in person at the Monroe Street Pool, 3401 Monroe St. Office (Monday-Friday 10:00 a.m. to 6:45 p.m.). For more information please call (760) 602-4685.
Fishing
All California Fish and Game Laws must be observed and are enforced. An ocean (vs. freshwater) fishing license is required for anyone 16 years and older. Fishing from the shoreline or from a passive vessel is limited to the passive use area(s). Fishing from a power vessel is limited to the power use area(s).
Enjoy and explore the Carlsbad Coast!