If you want a nature walk that feels like a little hidden pocket of LA, the Ballona Wetlands are worth checking out. Finding the entrance was the hardest part of the trail. The trailhead is technically listed on Jefferson, which confused me at first. But there's lots of parking at the Sports Park on the corner of Lincoln Blvd and Bluff Creek Dr. From there, you just walk across the street, and there's an unmarked entrance right on Lincoln. The walk itself is interesting in a way I didn't expect. You're right next to the highway, so you can see and hear cars the whole time, but it's still surprisingly calming. It feels like nature just existing alongside the city instead of trying to escape it. I didn't see a single other person while I was there. Just a lot of birds, open space, and a few benches that feel made for sitting and thinking about life in LA for a minute. Lol I've lived here my whole life and somehow never came out here before. It's definitely not some big dramatic hike, but it's peaceful, a little quirky, and dworth visiting at least once. read more

What is left of the Ballona Wetlands is beautiful, but please don't go. I was just there again today to pick up trash. I live near by. A good portion of the wetlands has been overtaken by junkies and criminals. A lot of it is not safe to walk at all. The section off Jefferson that has signage is safer, but people are hiking in there and destroying it. There is not much space left for the beautiful birds that nest there and other animals that make it there home. Huge condos have been built across the street on the hill and that used to be part of the wetlands. It is now gone. Soon enough there will be nothing left. It is simply not protected by anyone. If you must go, please don't hike and toss trash. Take your photos and leave. And don't give anyone money or walk by yourself. It may look safe, it is not. read more

The wetlands are a beautiful place to visit. You can feel the connection with the wildlife, spring time is the best! So many animals to see. Best place to park is off Bluffcreek drive and Lincoln near the school. Then it's a short walk to the trail. Can't wait to go back again soon. read more

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Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve, the protected area once served as the natural estuary for Ballona Creek. The preserve is bisected generally east-west by the Ballona Creek channel, and there is a narrow and long bike and running path along the wetland, blooming wildflowers during spring time. read more

Ballona Wetlands - Hiking Near Me - Playa Del Rey, California

Whenever I'm visiting family in Playa Vista, this is the place that I like to run. I hop onto the trail at Lincoln Blvd. near Culver Blvd. The paved path that runs alongside Ballona Creek is frequented by lots of cyclists, walkers, and runners and everyone knows how to share the space. I usually head west to the beach and that's about 2.5 miles from where I start my run from my brother's place, which makes for a terrific 5-mile trip. Depending on the time of the year there are flowers blooming to add to the scenery. I often see what I believe is the UCLA rowing team practicing on the water. Other reviews have stated there are homeless people on the trail, but I haven't seen them on this particular stretch. This has definitely been a reliable spot for me to get a great workout without having to deal with L.A. traffic. read more

Ballona Wetlands - Entrance at Lincoln Blvd near Culver Blvd - Hiking Near Me - Playa Del Rey, California

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Despite efforts for preservation, the safety and upkeep for the Wetlands is at a bare minimum. I've had a chance to walk around the entire area, including parts of Culver Blvd. only to find that parts are blocked, smelly, and now occupied by homeless encampments on Jefferson. It is unfortunate for both those camping there, but also for locals who have to go around squatting camps using a very busy Jefferson Blvd., and dodging traffic. The nice part of these Wetlands can be found in two spots: 1 - the area near Jefferson and Playa Vista, which despite the foul smell, has a lovely pond that birds use to clean themselves (in the dirty runoff), and house themselves during some migratory periods. 2 - the area at Culver and Nicholson that has a small access road to the inlet towards Marina Del Rey. Although you can't go far here, this section can probably give you more access to birds hiding in high brush and close to the water. I've spotted many birdwatchers on this side. I do hope the city actually cares to maintain this place, and maybe widen Culver while they're at it. I do like the area, and what development has come from the prior post WW2 Hughes Aircraft testing grounds. It would be a great place for families and kids to explore once it is cleaned up and managed properly by the City of Los Angeles. read more

Ballona Wetlands - Hiking Near Me - Playa Del Rey, California

I made a stop at the Ballona Wetlands today. It was lovely. I walked the dirt trail down Jefferson Blvd and Lincoln Blvd and the it that went inland. I saw lots of birds, rabbits, and one lizard at the Wetlands. The trail is dog-friendly which is awesome. For the record: I parked alongside the southside of Jefferson Blvd. I stumbled across a homeless tent on the side of the trail and saw a disheveled looking man on the trail, so be aware of what you might come across while visiting the Wetlands. read more

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The Ballona Wetlands are tucked between Marina del Rey and Playa del Rey and offer a sanctuary of protection for native plants, fauna and fowl. I'd driven through the Wetlands several times before but wasn't sure where to stop and park to take a look. There is parking allowed on the south side of Jefferson next to the informational signs. Hiking occurs in the wetlands, although supposedly it's not really kosher. Find out about field trips and how to support the preservation efforts here: http://www.ballonafriends.org/ If you are a birdwatcher, visiting the Ballona Wetlands is a must! We saw tons of cranes, ducks and swallows. And did I mention it's free? Enjoy! read more

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I am rating the Ballona Wetlands with five stars because of the insightful Fresh Water Wetlands Tour led by one of the Friends of Ballona Wetlands Docents, Dorothy! She gave a phenomenal overview of the human-made freshwater wetland (FYI: there is also a saltwater wetland that is currently under restoration and available for touring and birding with docent supervision). To learn more information on the Friends of Ballona Wetlands and get a schedule of tours, go to https://www.ballonafriends.org/visit_wetlands.html. According to Dorothy: The history of this land is fascinating. It was previously owned by Howard Hughes, who left no will for his wealth and property upon his passing. The maintenance of the freshwater wetlands is part of a legal dispute between land developers and local community activists seeking to maintain the wetlands (yay for dedicated civil servants!). The land is currently owned by the state of California, which is not quite sure what to do with it. The saltwater wetlands are sensitive at the moment and are currently under restoration. It's up to residents to show interest in the space and make sure the state knows how important the wetlands are to the community. The Ballona freshwater wetland is an oasis to multiple birds. I tried my hand at birding, and identified the following: White Egrets Gray mourning doves Blue beaked ducks Swallows read more

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We started off at the corner of Jefferson & Lincoln headed towards LMU. This being after it had rained the day before, but trail itself wasn't wet at all and very quiet, saw two other sets of people with binoculars or just walking their dogs. Everything every other reviewer stated about it being closed off is true. You get started going through a nice nature walk and then kaput! Your greeted with a locked gate with signs stating it's closed to the public :( It doesn't have to be that way, you'll need to go on guided tours that they do offer every month. Here are the links for information: tours: http://www.ballonafriends.org/docs/calendar.pdf Beginner Birding & Creek Cleanup - Every 3rd Saturday: http://www.ballonafriends.org/blog/2016/01/beginner-birding-creek-cleanup/ Ballona Friends Org: http://www.ballonafriends.org/visit_on_your_own.html They are all the same website, it appears to be updated and very informative! I am curious to try the other side (Culver Blvd), however, I don't know if there's a trail on that side? Driving by, it's a little bit difficult to see among the marsh & other than the wooden observation deck you can see through Titmouse park (tee hee). I'll have to try the tour and let you know how goes it, but reading other reviews of people that have been on it, sounds like great experience - a true nature walk viewing migrating birds, among other wildlife. Pretty awesome to see that portion has been preserved and not developed, I can't imagine what it must have looked like prior to Playa Vista being built. Although the street tends to be noisy at times, it's still a real nice peaceful environment in a not so peaceful area - (Can you say "Oxymoron") Lol. As for that portion you are allowed to venture off in by yourself, it's a nice area to go for the walks and again you have options to walk further going up to Bluff Trail park or across to LMU's trail. But definitely look into the guided tours to get access to go in and see it for yourself. I believe it's the only one wetland in Los Angeles County remaining, hence the efforts to save and restore this wonderful ecological reserve. I'll give it 5 stars as soon as I see it in its entirety - yes I know to tell myself "I need to go on the guided tour!" Parking. I've seen people parking on Jefferson before passing Lincoln headed east, but I honestly wouldn't advise that (Have you seen how fast cars drive thru there?) There is a park on Bluff Creek Drive and not sure, but you might try the residential streets around there or towards Bluff Trail park and just walk to it. It's not that far or difficult to find parking, just be better to be safe. Enjoy:) read more

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Many people may not realize that there's a flat, soft, walking path right next to Lincoln Blvd. near Jefferson (it's kinda hidden). You can see lots of beautiful wildlife, including herons, egrets, ducks, and geese. You can also travel west up Bluff Trail road and walk on a nice path near the homes on top to get a breathtaking view of the coast, eastwards to see the Hollywood Sign and beyond. Plus, on the eastside, you can walk paths paralleling LMU with a lovely creek full of birds and frogs, information on the local Tongva natives and environment, and interesting vegetation. The only drag is you can't make a loop on any of these trails, but it's definitely worth exploring anytime of year. read more

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Its my breath of fresh air and its only a few blocks from my house. The wetlands is one of the few spots that shitty LA condo/home developers weren't allowed to pave over with more traffic causing high rises. I feel very fortunate that I live so close to this oasis of nature. Here you can tune out most of the city noise and take a nice brisk walk and check out the migrating wildlife or take your 4 legged friend on an adventure. Since I walk to this spot Im not sure what the parking situation is to get here. I think there is some on Jefferson Blvd. If you're close by or happen to be in the neighborhood... by all means stop by and just relax. read more

Ballona Wetlands - Decent view 9/21/12 - Hiking Near Me - Playa Del Rey, California

Took the Ballona Wetlands tour on a whim one weekend and we loved it so much! Three guides, lost of people, great stories. It's a comfortable walk with lots of stops. A tip: wear insect repellant! There were lots of mosquitoes and we weren't prepared. Would go back again. read more

Pretty cool. I like this place a lot. It was so green when I went today. But I have love hate relationships with ecological reserves. They shouldn't be reserved. Those developments honestly should not have been built. L.A. is so sprawled out. It was the last piece of wilderness and now it has been reduced to this. It saddens me immensely because it shows how manipulative man can be when it comes to his environment. To think of how vast it once was is amazing and saddening at the same time. read more

Ballona Wetlands - Hiking Near Me - Playa Del Rey, California

It's a beautiful stroll with a good number of wildlife sightings (bunnies and birds mostly), but if you're looking for a hike, go somewhere else. This trail is zero on the strenuous scale, and is flat all the way through, except for the teeny incline that goes up Lincoln from Jefferson to Bluff Creek. Leash required for dogs, and you will see rattlesnake warning signs. A little parking secret - in Playa Vista, up Playa Vista Drive from Jefferson. It's a few blocks away from the marshes, but plenty of street parking with minimal restrictions, and it's a safer area to leave your car than Jefferson which has way too many cars going at high speeds. read more

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Beautiful and brought serenity to my day. My dog even made a a few fur friends. Will def be visiting this gem a few times a month.

Relaxing hike with lots of bird and ducks to be heard along the way. Clean trails that are well kept. Not a lot of people on the trail and not too strenuous if you aren't a routine hiker. If you live in Marina or nearby, it's a must to get away from the hustle and bustle for either a morning hike or evening sundown stroll. read more

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We went just a couple days before x-mas. It's basically become a homeless encampment with a lot of RVs parked on Lincoln. Any paths inside were closed so only the Lincoln and Jefferson paths were free. A homeless man was sleeping on the path, other men were repairing their car on the path and it stunk of gas so badly. Poor beautiful wetlands made gross by the economic crisis of LA! read more

Beautiful wild place to walk, ride a bike, watch and listen to the birds and the beautiful puppy fields in the spring Park in the street and walk around read more

This is a beautiful wetlands, but I only give it 3 stars as you must remain on the public trail and access is limited. You can only observe the wetlands at a distance. It is a shame this wetlands is not open to the public. Park on Jefferson. Be observant of signage or you may get a hefty ticket or your car towed. The trail is well maintained...such as it is ( a little over 1.5 miles back and forth). Leashed dogs are permitted. read more

Ballona Wetlands - Heron - Hiking Near Me - Playa Del Rey, California

I love this place. I don't picnic in it and the journey to actually get here is sorta hellish (405 Fwy) but it's so beautiful. In the spring, you'll get an up close and personal view of those beautiful yellow weeds you see by the freeway. It's a small piece of "nature" in the midst of the parking lot known as West LA. Once I lay my eyes on this place, I feel like I could take a deep free breath... It's grown smaller since I've first seen it. But luckily, there are those who work hard to protect it and the fowl and fauna that reside here. read more

This place is adorable. I'm glad it's always empty but I wish people knew more about it to try to save it. I remember when there were no condos across from it. It's still pretty though. There's information stand throughout it telling you about it's creatures and plants. I've seen lots of different birds here. I've also seem rabbits up towards the end of the trail. Last time I was here I saw a snake. I'd been hit by a car and was jumping around. It got back onto the path and eventually went into the grass. I don't know what kind it was but it was huge and scary looking. They have tours every do often to go into certain sections of the dunes. You can donate money to the organization that protects it but if you can't you can volunteer to clean up. read more

A secluded little spot next to a noisy major road where you can walk your dog in (sort of) peace. Plus, you get to see a bunch of birds flying in and out of the marsh. read more

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This place is super sketchy. Lots of people living in their RVs taking the majority of the parking spots and throwing their trash on the path. We drove an hour here to photograph the birds but got out of the car for 5 minutes and left. It's too bad the city does nothing to make the place the beauty it is. NEVER AGAIN. read more

Nestled between Marina del Rey and Playa del Rey is a 600-acre semi-natural estuary called the Ballona Wetlands. It serves as a park, host of the Ballona Creek flood control channel, and the DMZ of the two competing beach cities. * It's located at the southwest corner of Jefferson Blvd. and Lincoln Blvd. * Parking is on the south side of Jefferson just west of Lincoln * Or park at the Del Rey Lagoon in Playa Del Rey * There are also plenty of views of the Ballona Wetlands from Culver Blvd. * A free public trail is open from dawn to dusk around part of the perimeter * Most of the Wetlands is closed to the public ... plan to look, but not touch * The brackish marsh is home to a mix of beach birds ... some are endangered * Most of the other wildlife is bugs, butterflies, and homeless homesteaders * Tours from local volunteers are held periodically or for school groups * Bring your camera. Bring the binocs. Bring a jacket in the morning/evenings * It was part of "Rancho La Ballona" in the early 1800s owned by a rancher * The wetlands shrunk significantly with the development of the beach cities * In the last 10-years, it's expanded a little thanks to some donations * Playa Vista expansion in the flood plain continues to encroach on the Wetlands * Pet owners and dogs on leashes are a common site It's rare on the Westside to find anything close to what the Los Angeles basin looked like 100 years ago. Thanks to preservation efforts, Ballona Wetlands offers a glimpse at what local nature might be if preserved. read more

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As a concept, this place deserves 5 stars. We need more natural habitats in LA. But if you're looking for a place where humans can enjoy nature, look elsewhere. On google maps you see a problem moment trail that outlines the marsh. But upon arrival you're greeted with fences and signs telling you to stay out of the trails. You are allowed to walk on trails along Jefferson and Lincoln- but they are by no means peaceful as cars whiz past at 40-50mph. If you wanna go look at nature while enjoying the sounds of traffic, this is the place. If you want a quiet walk IN nature you'll be better off at Kenneth Hahn. read more

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This was better than the reviews I had read. We took our kindergarten class on a field trip here. We had three guides and Ms. Day was our guide. She made our experience exciting and pleasant. She interacted with our kids, gave them paper and pencils to check off everything that was on the list. She taught them about some of the edible flowers, the creatures we would see, and showed us some bugs and bones that were once part of the land. Thanks Ms. Day! Prepare yourself to be walking in dirt and sand. Take a hat and water on a hot day. read more

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Formed over several thousand years by deposits of silt, mud and clay from the L.A. River, the Ballona Wetlands once overspread areas that are now Venice, Marina del Rey and into West L.A.. Efforts are underway to restore 340 acres of marsh, bluffs, dunes, etc., for which volunteers are needed. The wetlands, home to migratory birds and other wildlife, are quite a sight as you drive past, and there are now trails which give limited access to visitors. read more

I went on a weekday afternoon with my dog on a leash. There was only one other family there. Parking on Jefferson IS a little scary. Park as close to the curb as you can get and fold in your mirror. That being said I don't agree with the other reviewers that there should be a parking lot. The reason we don't have as many wetlands is because there are TOO MANY parking lots in the first place, come on guys. I saw green herons, a blue heron, an egret, a couple kinds of pretty sparrow song birds, some birds I couldn't identify, ducks, geese, rabbits, and some little ground squirrel guys. If I didn't have my crazy dog with me I probably would have seen more animals. This a calm, beautiful place if you're feeling nature deficient. It's so peaceful when the traffic lulls; savor those moments. The sounds of the wetlands are just as cool as the sights. read more

During a recent visit to LA, we were feeling a little hemmed in by the bustle and noise and cars, cars, cars everywhere (we're used to the SF Bay's Open Space Preserve park system). So we found this little gem in the middle of the city--full-on wetlands in LA? Yes, please. First, we did end up parking on Jefferson, which everyone says is super scary, but really, it wasn't that bad. The trail runs around the wetlands, but you can't enter the parkland, which is fine. The trail itself has some lovely wildflowers, and you can get a great view of the interior from the trail. A few photos we wanted were blocked by the fence, but that's not a complaint. We still saw plenty of wildlife--herons, egrets, mostly--and the kids were thrilled. Safety-wise, I was glad to be with the fam. The trail can get kinda lonely and deserted, and even during mid-afternoon, I was conscious of the fact that there really weren't that many people out and about (and the few that were had their faces firmly planted in their cameras, lenses looking out to the marsh). Still, I would recommend this trail for birdwatchers, families, and hikers/joggers looking for something non-commercial. read more

Love that I live not far from here -- it allows me ample opportunity to wander the wetlands area to meditate and appreciate the details of nature at every step. It's great for birding too -- with ample opportunity to spot graceful, long necked egrets, red-winged blackbirds, spotted doves, finches, sparrows, kites, swifts, the occasional blue heron, a variety of ducks, occasional hawks flying over head, and various other birds, I've yet to learn the names of. Wish that so much of the land wasn't cordoned off for wandering in -- but I realize the necessity to do so -- given this precious resource -- that could fast become extinct from greedy developers and unconscious people who choose material gain over the sanctity of our land. read more

I'm grateful to see these wetlands, as they almost succumbed to development. Walking along the paths, you can view wetlands and capture glimpses of the ocean, downtown, and the Hollywood sign. The Culver City end of the trail now has working restrooms, which is nice. If walkers forget bags for their dogs, then they can take advantage of the bags tied to fences at the entrances. What is the deal with the picture frames? read more

This is a cool little piece of natural habitat off two main, busy streets (Lincoln and Jefferson). The path surrounds two sides of the area's parameter which allows the viewer to see the vast area from afar. There are some park benches for sitting/resting while enjoying the view of all the plants and wildlife. Although, it almost feels like you are too far to see the true beauty and all the hidden treasures of the habitat. Another con is the trying to listen to the birds and rustling of the leaves when there are cars flying by on the streets nearby. I spent about an hour at the location taking many photographs and really enjoyed watching the different types of birds play amongst themselves, eat, fly, swim, and living out their life in a gorgeous habitat of colors. For more information on the area or tours you can visit: http://ballonafriends.org/ read more

Ballona Wetlands - Ballona Wetlands - Hiking Near Me - Playa Del Rey, California

First, a note on parking - if you're getting there by turning onto Jefferson from Lincoln, you'll need to make a U-turn to park on the street. I was there on a Monday around noon and it was totally empty. I can see why it was so empty - this is an incredibly boring hike. "Hike." It's a brief path around a marsh. On your left the entire time (which was about a mile) is Jefferson Blvd and then Lincoln Blvd. On the right, you can't even see the marsh clearly from most spots. There's so much around LA to see, I really wouldn't recommend coming here unless you happen to live in the condos at Jefferson and Lincoln. read more

I've never reviewed a wetland, I don't know what makes one good or bad for that matter, but I can describe in detail this one and my experiences here. For starters this wetland is located about half a mile away from Dockweiler beach and Playa del Rey. It is nestled in between a nearby University, its quiet neighborhood, and the ocean. This place is usually deserted and the walking route takes a circular path around the marsh. The views are peaceful and beautiful, a great location to jog or a walk or enjoy a nice read on one of their few benches. The path is about a mile in length, so a few laps might be in order if you are looking for a workout. Since this is Southern California, even in the winter your sunny days are plentiful, you can find most days the sun is nice and bright as a slight breeze wafts nature's sweet aroma as you forget about pollution. A few turtles and ducks and the occasional pesky mosquito are your usual company. Groups of photography class have been known to visit this place and some local joggers and walkers might cross your path. For many years I've come to this marshland to walk or think or snap the occasional photo, and I will continue to do so, until it stops being pleasant. read more

Just a mini breathtaking view of the remaining wetlands and playa vista! Great place to just relax and walk the dogs. Part on the street and just be careful for possible rattlesnakes. read more

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Come check out the wetlands -- the Friends of Ballona Wetlands has open houses once or twice a month, some with guided tours. Lots of wildlife to see right in the middle of the city. read more

I have recently gotten into hiking and the Ballona Wetlands is the place to go midweek for nice relaxing hike. There is very minimal elevation gain but it you go at a faster rate it will be a great workout. Even if you go at a slow pace, it's a nice place to enjoy the view of the wetlands and as you climb the hill you get to see West LA. There is actually another trail right across from Lincoln Blvd which starts next to the LMU sign where there is a cluster of palm trees. You will find another well maintained trail that leads to a dirt path. You can also hike W of Lincoln into the residential area where you will find Bluff Trail which offers a much better view of the city. read more

A great place to go to get away from it all and see one of the last remaining pieces of the natural environment of the area. I remember when the area north of Lincoln was completely empty, but sadly the city of Playa Vista sprung up from there. Lincoln has been turned into, as another reviewer mentioned, an "Autobahn" with 5 lanes each way and cars hurling past at 60mph. Clearly, the turning of that stretch of Lincoln into a mini freeway did nothing more than destroy more of the wetlands. If you haven't visited this place yet, I highly recommend that you do so, and donate a few to keep it alive and free of further urban development projects like Playa Vista read more

I live in the apartments right across from the wetland...it's like my own front yard :)