San Joaquin Marsh

CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES: IRWD buildings are closed, but we'll help you through this. Click here for links, hours, financial help, and news.                                                                                                                                          

The IRWD San Joaquin Marsh & Wildlife Sanctuary is a true hidden gem located in the heart of busy Orange County. The marsh encompasses over 300 acres of coastal freshwater wetlands, half of which have been restored to a natural state. The remaining acres are quality habitat and are not in need of restoration. Nearly two-thirds the size of New York City's Central Park, the San Joaquin Marsh & Wildlife Sanctuary has become one of Southern California's most notable nature respites.

Hours:       6 a.m. to 8 p.m. - 7 days a week
Cost:         Free
Address:   5 Riparian View, Irvine, CA 

Directional map

Visitors to the San Joaquin Marsh Campus, which includes the Duck Club, Audubon House, IRWD Visitor's Center, and IRWD Learning Center, need to enter at Riparian View and Campus Drive. Please do not use the entrance off Michelson Drive because it does not offer through-access to the public. Please avoid using GPS mapping to navigate to the marsh as it frequently does not work. 

The IRWD San Joaquin Marsh & Wildlife Sanctuary is a place for all to enjoy the beauty of nature. Visitors can walk along 12 miles of trails, watch the more than 200 bird species that visit the marsh, take photographs or simply relax under a native willow and listen to the sounds of nature. As a quiet place of reflection, vehicles, bicycles, dogs, horses and other animals are not permitted in the Marsh.

The wetlands are a critical component of IRWD's Natural Treatment System, as they naturally clean urban runoff from San Diego Creek and help to protect the environmentally sensitive Upper Newport Bay. After interacting with the bulrush and other plants for seven to ten days, up to 70 percent of the nitrogen is removed. The cleaner water is returned to the creek to continue its journey to Upper Newport Bay and the ocean.

The Marsh is full of educational opportunities serving as a living laboratory for students, teachers and the public. In cooperation with Discovery Science Center and the local chapter of the National Audubon Society, people can enjoy a variety of wildlife educational programs and tours, including an active school field trip program.

Visitors at the San Joaquin Marsh are reminded that you may encounter mosquitos.  Please take appropriate precautions as outlined by the Orange County Vector Control District.