San Diego National Wildlife Refuge
- Park
- Regional draw
- Rancho San Diego
San Diego National Wildlife Refuge protects inland habitats in southern San Diego County, including coastal sage scrub.
Its designated visitor routes provide an opportunity to experience native landscapes and wildlife beyond the surrounding developed communities.
Use current Fish and Wildlife Service maps and alerts to choose an entrance and authorized route near Rancho San Diego. The photograph shows the refuge’s inland scrub landscape, distinct from San Diego Bay’s coastal refuge. Access and activities vary between units, including areas with seasonal restrictions. Stay on designated trails, protect sensitive habitat and check current conditions before setting out.
Visitor details reviewed October 18, 2026. Check official visitor information for current access, admission, and operating arrangements. View on OpenStreetMap.
Image credit: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Headquarters / Wikimedia Commons. Original source. Public domain. Resized and converted to WebP; may be cropped for display.
