Southern California—known for perfect temperatures year round, plenty of sunshine, and an easy, laid-back vibe. But! Did you know that for birders, Southern California is a lot like Southeast Arizona? The coastal habitats from Santa Barbara to San Diego are home to very specialized species that blip up over the border with Mexico that can be found no-where else in the United States. This fun and NEW! tour helps you navigate the bustle of SoCal to find the quiet, protected pockets of habitats where we find California endemics like Yellow-billed Magpie and Island Scrub-Jay, and regional endemics like Oak Titmouse, California Towhee, California Gnatcatcher, California Thrasher, and Nuttall’s Woodpecker, as well as Pacific Coast specialties like California Scrub-Jay, Brandt’s Cormorant, and California local Allen’s Hummingbird.

This tour is crafted in the classic Naturalist Journeys style with plenty of time in the field to watch, observe, and get a real sense of place, paired with deliciously fresh local dining options, and a fun camaraderie throughout. Join us!

Birding Southern California, Bird Watching Southern California, North American Birds, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Endemic Birds, Birding Hotspot, Santa Barbara, Whale Watching Birding Southern California, Bird Watching Southern California, North American Birds, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Endemic Birds, Birding Hotspot, Santa Barbara, Whale Watching Birding Southern California, Bird Watching Southern California, North American Birds, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Endemic Birds, Birding Hotspot, Santa Barbara, Whale Watching Birding Southern California, Bird Watching Southern California, North American Birds, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Endemic Birds, Birding Hotspot, Santa Barbara, Whale Watching

Tour Highlights

  • Bird Southern California from two base hotels—enjoy only packing up and moving hotels once!
  • Embark on two pelagics; one to Channel Island’s National Park, the other on a whale-watching excursion from Mission Bay
  • Explore Coal Oil Point Preserve, one of the largest breeding sites for Snowy Plover on the West Coast
  • Visit Crystal Cove State Park for regionally endemic California Gnatcatcher
  • Enjoy a special field trip to Birch Aquarium and a private talk at Avian Behavior International
  • See La Jolla Cove, famous for its California Sea Lions and Brandt’s Cormorant at arm’s length
  • Head right to the border at the Tijuana River Valley for White-tailed Kite, Red-shouldered Hawk, and even Ridgway’s Rail
Birding Southern California, Bird Watching Southern California, North American Birds, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Endemic Birds, Birding Hotspot, Santa Barbara, Whale Watching Birding Southern California, Bird Watching Southern California, North American Birds, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Endemic Birds, Birding Hotspot, Santa Barbara, Whale Watching Birding Southern California, Bird Watching Southern California, North American Birds, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Endemic Birds, Birding Hotspot, Santa Barbara, Whale Watching Birding Southern California, Bird Watching Southern California, North American Birds, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Endemic Birds, Birding Hotspot, Santa Barbara, Whale Watching

Trip Itinerary

Itineraries are guidelines; variations in itinerary may occur to account for weather, road conditions, closures, etc. and to maximize your experience.

Sun., Sept. 28             Arrivals

Eureka! You have arrived in sunny Southern California, a beautiful region with an abundance of sun, sand, surf, and mountains. California boasts an incredible 840 miles of coastline, which is where we spend most of our time. From Santa Barbara to San Diego, we visit some of California’s most unique coastal habitats and look for the state’s many avian specialties.

Please arrive into Los Angeles (LAX) by 12:00 PM. Once everyone has arrived, we head north of bustling Los Angeles to the quaint coastal town of Santa Barbara, our homebase for the first few days of our adventure. On the way to the hotel, which overlooks the Pacific Ocean, we have time to stop at one of the many lagoons or beaches en route to get a little birding warmup in before settling into our hotel. Nothing like starting the trip with a possible Elegant Tern or Heerman’s Gull sighting! Tonight, we enjoy a welcome dinner as we get to know our guides and fellow traveling companions.
Accommodations at Hotel Milo (D)

Mon., Sept. 29          Channel Islands National Park

The adventure really begins and we get out on the water for the first time. Today we visit one of California’s nine national parks; Channel Islands National Park is comprised of five islands jutting out from the Pacific Ocean, with over 12,000 years of human history. The Chumash people inhabited these islands for thousands of years. And as important as these islands are in human history, they’re equally important to avian life. The Channel Islands are critically important to local seabird life, hosting the largest breeding colonies of seabirds in Southern California, and home to the only breeding colony of Brown Pelicans in California. The Channel Islands are also home to the endemic Island Scrub-Jay, which is North America’s only island endemic bird species. 

Our excursion takes us out and around the islands, where we have chances to see majestic Humpback Whale, Risso’s and Bottlenose Dolphins, seals, and many pelagic birds. We are on the lookout for Parasitic Jaeger, Black and Ash Storm-Petrel, along with Northern Fulmar, and Pink-footed Shearwater. These tectonic islands are always full of surprises and the perfect way to spend our first full day together. 
Accommodations at Hotel Milo (B,L,D)

Tues., Sept. 30        Coal Oil Preserve | Nojoqui Falls | Zara Station

After yesterday's trip out to the Channel Islands, we mix it up and head along the coast just north of Santa Barbara and then inland. Our first stop is Coal Oil Point Preserve. This preserve is known for its sandy beaches and dunes, which are ideal for finding the adorable Snowy Plover. This is one of the largest breeding sites for Snowy Plover on the West Coast, protected since 1999 as a critical habitat. This area gives us our first shot at Wrentit, Pacific Golden-Plover, and maybe even a Savannah Sparrow (Belding’s subspecies) if we’re lucky.  

After the morning at the beach, we start working our way inland to Nojoqui Falls State Park. Nojoqui Falls is considered the most graceful waterfall in California—it drops a hundred feet over a sandstone wall. The surrounding lush oak and sycamore habitat is perfect for our first chances at Oak Titmouse, Band-tailed Pigeon, and another regional endemic, the Nuttall’s Woodpecker.

Once we are finished enjoying Nojoqui Falls, we head inland for some lunch in Buellton. Then, we set off for another one of the California endemics, the Yellow-billed Magpie. We spend some time searching the Zara Station area for this California specialty.

Given time, and depending on what species we have picked up on throughout the day, we have the option to explore some more oak scrub habitat or make our way back to the beach. We want to make sure we leave enough time for dinner and to get back to our hotel for one of Earth's greatest spectacles, a Pacific Ocean sunset.  
Accommodations at Hotel Milo (B,L,D)

Wed., Oct. 1       Bolsa Chica | Crystal Cove | San Diego

After breakfast, we bid farewell to Santa Barbara and make our way south along the coast to the birthplace of California—San Diego. The first permanent Spanish settlement in California was established here in 1769. Along the way, though, we have a few exciting places to visit.

First up is Bolsa Chica Ecological Preserve. This 1,445-acre reserve was first established in 1997 to protect the remnants of the extensive coastal wetlands here. Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve is a wonderful place that focuses on restoration of degraded habitats, propagation of native plants, education, and protecting habitat for coastal birds. Bolsa Chica provides habitat for a wide variety of birds, from hunting Peregrine Falcon to nesting Black-bellied Plover. We can even search the Pickleweed for more Belding’s Savannah Sparrow.

The next stop on our coastal route south is Crystal Cove State Park. Here we have our first opportunity to see another regional endemic, the California Gnatcatcher. We’re also on the lookout for Black Turnstone and California Towhee. Once we’ve explored our fill, we find a nice spot along the coast for lunch before making the final push to San Diego, where we’ve booked a great hotel right across from North San Diego Bay. It's the perfect place to enjoy an evening stroll out to the docks for stunning views of downtown San Diego glowing in the night. 
Accommodations at Half Moon Inn (B,L,D)

Thurs., Oct. 2        La Jolla Cove | Lake Hodges | Avian Behavior International

Today we have a special treat planned. We are excited to visit Avian Behavior International (ABI) for some avian education and talks about conservation. First up on our path to ABI, we make a stop at the world famous La Jolla Cove. Known as one of the most expensive places in the country to live, the Brandt's Cormorant have decided to take up residence on the cliffs here and we get arms-length views of these blue-throated beauties. The rocky outcroppings here can also provide viewing opportunities for charismatic Black Oystercatcher or the busy Wandering Tattler.

Our next stop is Lake Hodges. Here, we hope for a wide variety of the “California” species, such as California Thrasher, Towhee, Quail, and Gnatcatcher. This reservoir, created by the building of the Hodges Dam in 1918, offers a perfect habitat for these birds; we even have the chance here for Greater Roadrunner, which is always a special treat to see.

After lunch, we make our way to our specially-planned visit at Avian Behavior International. ABI was founded to use the most progressive and contemporary positive reinforcement techniques to bridge the art of training birds with the science of animal behavior, and with the desire to harness humankind's inherent fascination with birds to illustrate the peril of the disappearing natural world and inspire conservation action. At the ABI Ranch, we discuss how conservation and agriculture come together in unique ways all across the planet for a more sustainable future. They have also planned an educational talk and raptor flight demonstration just for us.   
Accommodations at Half Moon Inn (B,L,D)

Fri., Oct. 3       Whale Watching | Birch Aquarium | San Elijo Lagoon

Today we head back out to sea, kicking off with a whale watching excursion out of Mission Bay. We can hope for the local (and huge) pods of Common Dolphins to escort us out of the bay and into open water. Be on the lookout for migrating Blue and Humpback Whales, as well as Fin Whales. We may even catch a few pelagic birds (you never know where a Brown Booby might occur in this area). We could also see Least Storm-Petrel or Black-vented Shearwater on this short excursion.

After our time on the water, we keep the aquatic theme rolling with a trip to the world-renowned Birch Aquarium. With close to 400 species of sea life, the Birch Aquarium is a renowned scientific research center. We spend a few hours exploring the museum and their many amazing exhibits, from seahorses to Tiger Sharks to rescued Loggerhead Sea Turtles.

The rest of our day is spent with the birds before heading back to our hotel. With our minds full of knowledge and wonder from the Birch Aquarium, we head a little north to San Elijo Lagoon. This is one of the largest wetlands in San Diego, at almost 1,000 acres, and boasts an outstanding list of over 270 bird species. This park and wetlands have a wide range of habitat for us to explore, such as wetland habitats of coastal strand, salt marsh, freshwater/brackish marsh, riparian scrub, coastal sage scrub, and mixed chaparral. Twice a day, as the tide ebbs, the mudflats are exposed, providing rich feeding areas for shorebirds and ducks. San Elijo Lagoon should produce a great mixture of species from Marsh Wren to Northern Harrier to Yellow-crowned Night Heron.  
Accommodations at Half Moon Inn (B,L,D)

Sat., Oct. 4        Tijuana River Valley | Balboa Park | San Diego River | Cabrillo National Monument

Our final full day on the California Coast first takes us to the very southern edge of the state as we visit the Tijuana River Valley. There are many unique areas down near the border, so we use this opportunity to look for species we may have missed along the way. This can be a great area to see White-tailed Kite, Red-shouldered Hawk, or even a calling Ridgway’s Rail.

Next, we’re on to one of the oldest parks in the United States. Balboa Park was first reserved in 1835, and became a National Historic Landmark 1977; it is a sprawling 1,200-acre urban oasis in the heart of San Diego. There is so much to take in at this park, you may even forget about the birding. From the Moreton Fig Tree (one of the largest trees in California) to the Lily Pond, the park itself is a real treasure.

After a fine local lunch, we make our way over to the mouth of the San Diego River. Tucked between Mission Bay and Ocean Beach, this final stretch of the San Diego River, as it meets the Pacific Ocean, is a birding must. This is a marvelous place to look for Little Blue and Tricolored Heron, plus Reddish Egret, and hopefully the crowd favorite, Black Skimmer.

Before our farewell celebratory dinner tonight, given time, we plan to visit Cabrillo National Monument at the southern tip of Point Loma. The views of San Diego Harbor and the downtown skyline are superb from here. Along with the views, this also have one final look at stunning birds like Black Turnstone or a Surf Scoter riding the waves just offshore. 
Accommodations at Half Moon Inn (B,L,D)

Sun., Oct. 5       Departures

It’s time to make like a pelican and scoop up your belongings, as our squadron disperses today. We’ll enjoy breakfast, then make a leisurely departure to the airport. We plan to arrive at the San Diego Airport by 10:30 AM for flights out after NOON. (B)

  • Birding Southern California, Bird Watching Southern California, North American Birds, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Endemic Birds, Birding Hotspot, Santa Barbara, Whale Watching

    Nuttall's Woodpecker

  • Birding Southern California, Bird Watching Southern California, North American Birds, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Endemic Birds, Birding Hotspot, Santa Barbara, Whale Watching

    Mission Bay

  • Birding Southern California, Bird Watching Southern California, North American Birds, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Endemic Birds, Birding Hotspot, Santa Barbara, Whale Watching

    Dolphin by Vernie Aikins

  • Birding Southern California, Bird Watching Southern California, North American Birds, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Endemic Birds, Birding Hotspot, Santa Barbara, Whale Watching

    San Elijo Lagoon

  • Birding Southern California, Bird Watching Southern California, North American Birds, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Endemic Birds, Birding Hotspot, Santa Barbara, Whale Watching

    Photo by Vernie Aikins

  • Birding Southern California, Bird Watching Southern California, North American Birds, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Endemic Birds, Birding Hotspot, Santa Barbara, Whale Watching

    California Towhee

  • Birding Southern California, Bird Watching Southern California, North American Birds, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Endemic Birds, Birding Hotspot, Santa Barbara, Whale Watching

    Nojoqui Falls

  • Birding Southern California, Bird Watching Southern California, North American Birds, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Endemic Birds, Birding Hotspot, Santa Barbara, Whale Watching

    Wandering Tattler

  • Birding Southern California, Bird Watching Southern California, North American Birds, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Endemic Birds, Birding Hotspot, Santa Barbara, Whale Watching

    Bolsa Chica Wetlands

  • Birding Southern California, Bird Watching Southern California, North American Birds, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Endemic Birds, Birding Hotspot, Santa Barbara, Whale Watching

    California Yellow-billed Magpie

  • Birding Southern California, Bird Watching Southern California, North American Birds, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Endemic Birds, Birding Hotspot, Santa Barbara, Whale Watching

    Photo by Vernie Aikins

  • Birding Southern California, Bird Watching Southern California, North American Birds, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Endemic Birds, Birding Hotspot, Santa Barbara, Whale Watching

    Bolsa Chica Wetlands

  • Birding Southern California, Bird Watching Southern California, North American Birds, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Endemic Birds, Birding Hotspot, Santa Barbara, Whale Watching

    American Wigeon

  • Birding Southern California, Bird Watching Southern California, North American Birds, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Endemic Birds, Birding Hotspot, Santa Barbara, Whale Watching

    Lake Hodges

  • Birding Southern California, Bird Watching Southern California, North American Birds, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Endemic Birds, Birding Hotspot, Santa Barbara, Whale Watching

    Snowy Plover

  • Birding Southern California, Bird Watching Southern California, North American Birds, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Endemic Birds, Birding Hotspot, Santa Barbara, Whale Watching

    Brandt's Cormorant

Cost of the Journey

The cost of the tour is per person, based on occupancy: $4090 DBL / $5070 SGL, from Los Angeles, departing San Diego. The cost includes seven nights’ accommodations, all meals as noted in the itinerary, airport transfers, ground transportation in vans, professional guide services, park and other entrance fees, and miscellaneous program expenses. The cost does not include round-trip airfare to Los Angeles and from San Diego, personal expenses such as laundry, telephone, drinks from the bar, and gratuities for luggage handling or other services. Guide gratuities are at your discretion.

Travel Details

Please plan to make air travel plans only after the minimum group size has been met. We will send you a confirmation email as soon as the trip has been confirmed.

Arrival Airport: Los Angeles International (LAX)

Arrival Details: Please plan flights to arrive September 28, 2025, no later than 12:00 PM

Departure Airport: San Diego International (SAN)

Departure Details: Please plan flights to depart on October 5, 2025, after 12:00 PM

Travel Tips: If you arrive early to rest up from your travels, there are many hotels around the Los Angeles International Airport. The Hyatt Regency Los Angeles International Airport is adjacent to the airport and a short walk or free shuttle. The Hilton Garden Inn LAX is another option that is close to the airport and has a free shuttle. If you arrive early, please plan on meeting back at the airport by 12:00 PM on September 28.

Browse below for trip reports and species lists from past versions of this and other tours from this destination.

California

Birds & Wine

Death Valley

Sierras to Seacoast

Southern California

Southern California

  • Greg Butcher

    Greg recently retired as the Migratory Species Coordinator for U.S. Forest Service International Programs, working throughout the Western Hemisphere, and as Vice President for Audubon Society of Northern Virginia, serving on the Conservation and Citizen Science committees. He is currently a Board Member for BirdsCaribbean. For his Ph.D. in Zoology at University of Washington, he studied the coloration and behavior of Bullock’s Orioles. Greg studied ecology in Costa Rica with the Organization for Tropical Studies and has worked internationally for the past 20 years. Greg previously worked for the National Audubon Society, American Birding Association, Birder’s World magazine (sadly, now defunct), Partners in Flight, and Cornell Lab of Ornithology. He is a Fellow of the American Ornithological Society (AOS). He has been a birder since he was 11 and has birded in all 50 states and 47 countries.

    Other trips with Greg Butcher

  • Bryan Calk

    Bryan started birding at Fort Clark Springs in southwest Texas when he was 10 years old and never stopped. He got his first taste of guiding while leading trips for the Rio Brazos Audubon Society during college. After graduating from Texas A&M in 2015 with a degree in genetics, Bryan worked as an avian field biologist on several projects across Texas and New Mexico. Currently residing in Albuquerque as a professional birding tour guide, he leads field tours, workshops, and youth birding programs across the US. In his free time, Bryan enjoys butterflies, searching for herps, photography, art, cooking, and gardening.

    Other trips with Bryan Calk

Essential Information +

This information is important for being prepared for your journey; we want you to have Read more

This information is important for being prepared for your journey; we want you to have the best experience possible. If you only read one section, this one is key!

Ahead of Your Tour

  • Please talk with your doctor about general health needs. It is a good idea to consult with your doctor about general vaccinations recommended for travel.
  • Please plan to make air travel plans only after the minimum group size has been met. We will send you a confirmation email as soon as the trip has been confirmed. After you make travel reservations, please send a copy of your travel itinerary to the Naturalist Journeys office at clientservices@naturalistjourneys.com.
  • Travel insurance in case of serious medical emergency is recommended. Full health coverage and repatriation is available through Allianz Travel Insurance.
  • Soft sided luggage/duffel bags are easiest for packing the vans. Remember to pack essential medications in your carry-on luggage, as well as one day of clothing and optics in case of luggage delay.

Health Information

We will share a copy of your health and emergency contact information with your guide. This information will be kept confidential but is very important in case of a medical emergency. In addition to bringing any prescription medications with you, we recommend that you have a copy of the prescriptions in case of loss.

Pace of the Tour & What to Expect

You will receive a Schedule-at-a-Glance and list of hotels (our eContact List) a few weeks before your departure. This will serve as an outline for each day and alert you to any recent changes made in the schedule or to our hotels, if needed.

Our journeys are set up to follow the rhythm of nature. Our focus is on birding and nature; we offer full, well-planned field days and often get up early for that magical time around dawn. We generally follow the published itinerary, but we stay flexible to the weather, wildlife opportunities and the interests of the group. Your guide will keep you apprised of the next day’s schedule at each evening meal, noting what to bring and what to prepare for. Questions and/or concerns are welcome.

The pace of our Naturalist Journeys tours is moderate; to fully participate you should be able to get in and out of vehicles several times a day, and walk 1-3 miles over uneven terrain. It is important to participate with a flexible attitude as adjustments may be made in our schedule to make the most of our time in the field or for other purposes at your guide's discretion. We are not a “listing” bird company that drills down on target species, but at times we do wait for those special species unique to the places we visit. During the day, we take time to stop for photos and for educational opportunities to learn about conservation projects, landscapes, and geology. We appreciate other taxa as well as birds, with mammals often the biggest draw but plants and butterflies are also very popular. Our clients often lend their own expertise to the mix.  

We like to make meals a fun and memorable part of the experience, too. Breakfasts are often at hotels, and we carry snacks, fruit, and water in the vans each day. Lunches are a mix of picnics in the field (weather dependent) and a chance to dine with locals at small cafes and restaurants. For dinner, we pride ourselves in our homework to keep up with the best choices for dining, choosing restaurants with atmosphere that specialize in local foods. On occasion we keep dinner simple to go back out in the field for sunset wildlife viewing or night walks. In some remote locations, our choices are limited. If you are tired, room service for dinner may be an option you can choose.

Food & Drink

We carry water and juices/cold drinks in the cooler each day, and sodas if people like them. Please also plan on bringing and filling your water bottle for hiking each day. We try to use as few plastics as possible!

Packing, Clothing & Laundry

Soft sided luggage/duffel bags are easiest for packing the vans. Please pack essential medications in your carry-on luggage, as well as one day of clothing and optics in case of luggage delay.

Dress is informal and is casual even at restaurants. Layering is a great way to stay comfortable. Protective clothing is essential, whether it be from sun, rain, cold, insects, or vegetation. You need closed toe shoes, and wear comfortable walking shoes with good tread. Hiking boots with good support for hiking and on rocky terrain can work well.

Spending Money

Many people ask how much to plan to bring as spending money. Part of that depends on how much you want to shop. Most shops will take VISA and MasterCard or American Express. Typical items people purchase include local souvenirs and T-shirts, caps, and natural history books.  You may want to bring cash for drinks with dinner (if available) or smaller local purchases.

Gratuities

Expect the normal tipping protocol to apply for hotel maids and bar service. If at the end of the tour, you would like to show your appreciation to your guides, tipping is entirely appropriate but at your discretion. We hope that you will be pleased with all professional services. Gratuities for group meals are included. For your birding tour guide, we suggest $10-$15 per day per guest. Note that if there is more than one guide, this amount can be split among them.

Cell Phones & Internet Service

Wi-Fi and cell phone service are available in most US destinations, although there are some exceptions in remote locations. Wi-Fi is generally provided in all hotels, lodges, and restaurants you visit, at least in public areas. Please refrain from taking or making cell phone calls in the vehicles when traveling with other passengers unless it appears to be an emergency as this disrupts other guests – please plan cell phone calls on your own time.

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted in any vehicle or in any situation where the group is participating in an activity together, such as a vehicle excursion or a guided walk. Please respect all designated smoking areas at hotels and restaurants.

Transportation

For this tour, your guides will drive travelers in either full-size or mini-vans or a combination of those two. We ask all attendees to please rotate your seating, so you ride with different drivers and alternate between front and back seats.

Photo Release & Sharing

We take many group photos and will share photos with the group. And after your tour, we will organize a chance to share photos via Dropbox or Google Photos. Please note that this is our policy and if you prefer to be excluded, we need to know ahead of your tour.

By registering for this tour, you agree to grant to Naturalist Journeys and its authorized representatives permission to record photos and/or video of your participation in the tour. You further agree that any or all of the material photographed may be used, in any form, as part of any future publications, brochures, or other printed materials used to promote Naturalist Journeys, and further that such use shall be without payment of fees, royalties, special credit or other compensation.

Questions?

Please contact Naturalist Journeys by email at clientservices@naturalistjourneys.com or telephone our office: (520) 558-1146 or toll free: (866) 900-1146 if you have any questions. Many thanks for traveling with us and we hope you enjoy your journey.

 

Packing List +

Please Pack light! Soft luggage is much easier for us to pack than a more rigid Read more

Please Pack light!

Soft luggage is much easier for us to pack than a more rigid hard sided piece, so if you have the choice, please use your soft luggage. Be sure to have your name and address on the inside of the bag, as well as on the luggage tag on the handle. It is our hope that you can pack in one checked suitcase that does not exceed 45 pounds. Be sure to pack your personal medication, airline tickets, passport, binoculars, camera, and other essential items in your carry-on bag. You will want a day pack for field trips, so this is an ideal carry-on. Please reconfirm your airline’s baggage weight and size restrictions about a week or so before departure.

Dress is very informal. In general, the weather during your stay should be mostly pleasant, with days in the mid to low 60°Fs and nights in the mid to low 50°Fs, though colder weather and rain are always possible. We want you to be comfortable and the key to that is layering. Also, choose clothing you don’t mind getting dirty and that is comfortable and easy to wear. Lightweight long sleeve shirts and long pants make ideal field clothing, as they are more protective from sun, insects and vegetation. Supportive hiking books will be nice for our walks.

Clothing & Gear

  • Long pants, 2-3 pair
  • Long sleeve shirts, 1 per day or every 2 days – think layering
  • T-shirts or equivalent – 2-3 for layering
  • Raincoat or poncho (great if this double as windbreaker)
  • One lightweight and one heavy weight sweater, fleece or equivalent
  • Comfortable clothes for evening (a cleaner version of your field clothes or a skirt, sundress, etc.)
  • Jacket; fleece fabric is ideal
  • Hat with broad brim
  • Scarf, warm gloves, warm hat for cold weather
  • Personal underclothing and pajamas
  • Socks –easy to wash and dry
  • Comfortable walking shoes (such as tennis shoes)
  • Lightweight hiking boots
  • Comfortable sandals or light shoes for evenings, travel days
  • Bandana (optional)
  • Bathing suit (optional)Field vest (optional), a great source is Big Pockets,

Equipment & Miscellaneous

  • Airline tickets or e-ticket verification
  • Personal identification
  • Small daypack or fanny pack to carry field gear
  • Umbrella (great option for occasional rain as you can keep using your binoculars)
  • Flashlight or headlamp with fresh batteries
  • Alarm clock
  • Sunscreen/lip balm with SPF
  • Sunglasses with neck strap
  • Insect repellent
  • Toiletry articles
  • Binoculars (a hotel shower cap is great to cover these when it is raining)
  • Camera and extra batteries, digital chips etc., lens cleaning supplies and your instruction manual. Do a good check for all this before leaving. (optional)
  • Spotting scope and tripod (optional)
  • Tablet or laptop for personal use and/or transferring photos, USB cord and charger (optional)
  • Waterproof bags for keeping things dry (preferably reusable)
  • Laundry soap for hand washing
  • Travel sewing kit
  • Earplugs (if you are sensitive to noise at night – optional)
  • Notebook or journal and pen (optional)
  • Field guides (optional)
  • Rechargeable power bank (optional)

 

WE DO NOT RECOMMEND TRAVELING WITH PRECIOUS OR VALUABLE JEWELRY – don’t tempt anyone and don’t bring things you’d regret losing - your mind will be at ease!

Medical & First Aid Items

  • Personal medication
  • Copy of eyeglass prescription, medical prescriptions, and any medical alerts
  • Motion sickness preventatives if likely to be needed on bus, van drives, etc.
  • Personal first aid kit including medications for general and stomach ailments
  • Band-Aids, moleskin to protect against blisters
  • Foot powder, lotions for dry skin, general “comfort” items
  • Insurance information
  • Extra pair of eyeglasses or contacts

 

Suggested Reading List +

  There are many wonderful books about California. Here are a few of our favorites to Read more

 

There are many wonderful books about California. Here are a few of our favorites to get you started.

Field Guides

Sibley Guide to Birds

Field Guide to the Birds of North America

Introduction to Birds of the Southern California Coast

Finding Birds in San Diego County

Birds of Southern California

San Diego County Bird Atlas

Torrey Pines: Landscape and Legacy

Mammals of California

Wildflowers of California: A Month-by-Month Guide

Peterson Field Guide to Western Reptiles & Amphibians

Natural History

Pete Dunne’s Essential Field Guide Companion: A Comprehensive Resource for Identifying North American Birds

Kaufman Field Guide to Advanced Birding: Understanding What You See and Hear

The California Naturalist Handbook

The Complete Birder: A Guide to Better Birding

A Birder's Guide to Southern California. Brad Schram. American Birding Association. 2018. 442 pp.

History & Culture

California: A History

Highway 99: The History of California’s Main Street

Sacred Sites - The Secret History of Southern California

California Vieja - Culture and Memory in a Modern American Place

Your guide will also have a selection of reference books and materials for participants to share. As an Amazon Associate, Naturalist Journeys earns from qualifying purchases, and may get commissions for purchases made through links on this page at no added cost to you.

 

Useful Links +

Learn more about your destination at these external websites, carefully researched for you. Read more

General

San Diego

Borrego Springs

Julian

Nature, Wildlife & Biology

California Birding Overview

Sightings - La Jolla Shores (eBird)

Audubon Bird Guide App

California Gnatcatcher

Gambel's Quail

Nuttall’s Woodpecker

Conservation, Parks & Reserves

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve

Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge

Lake Hodges Conservation Efforts – Kayaking for the Birds

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

Palomar Mountain State Park

Cuyamaca Rancho State Park

Anza Borrego State Desert State Park

Geology & Geography

California Geological Survey

Interactive map of California’s geology

Geography of California

Lake Hodges Recreation Area – Natural History

History & Culture

Brief History

Early California History – Library of Congress

Cultural California – CA State Parks CA.gov

About Lake Henshaw – historical overview

Helpful Travel Websites

San Diego International Airport (SAN)

Homeland Security Real ID Act

Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

Date & Time


Photo credits: Thumbnails: Elegant Tern, California Quail, Humpback Whale, Nuttall’s Woodpecker, Heerman’s Gull, Snowy Plover, California Gnatcatcher, Yellow-billed Magpie Banners: Brown Pelican, Santa Barbara Coast, Dolphins, Black Oystercatchers (Vernie Aikins)

×

Like what we do?

Sign up for our weekly eNews to stay up to date!

Get to know our favorite destinations each week. We promise no spam.

No Thanks