It just got a lot easier to enjoy the gorgeous views, serenity and heritage of Monument Mesa as road access has returned to .
Recent renovations brought a shaded group picnic area, more picnic tables and grass and barbecues.
The park in the very southwest corner of the continental United States has always had an incredible view looking toward the expanse of the Tijuana River valley, San Diego and parts of Tijuana.
Vehicle access is now available on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
There is a $5/vehicle fee.
“We’re really excited to offer this setting for the public’s enjoyment,” said Clay Phillips, District Superintendent for the San Diego Coast District of State Parks in a press release.
Phillips was the manager of the Tijuana estuary from 2009 to 2011.
“While flooding keeps vehicles out of here for about six months each year, we’re thrilled that now, during the peak summer months, the public has easy access to what is now one of the best picnic sites along the southern California coastline.
The Tijuana River Estuary is an environmental jewel of the San Diego region. In fact, it’s one of only a handful of sites in the United States that has been designated as a Wetland of International Importance," he said.
First come, first serve for picnic areas depending on the size of your group.
The group area has two large grills and can accommodate two separate groups of 30 people or a single group of 60. In addition to the group area, 7 new individual picnic sites are scattered throughout the new facility; each has a BBQ grill. There is also a restroom onsite.
Renovations also extended the sea wall .
Visit the estuary's website for road access information after summer months.
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I also wonder if there's a shot at getting the road fixed for year round access now that the State Parks has an extra 54 million? Is anyone at Border Field asking that question too?
Security issues by location makes that park needed. The dead sea lions should be looked at. Did any call Seaworld?
FWIW, I don't mind having to pay but... I don't like being overcharged. We told the ranger we were seniors and paid full price. State Parks website says that seniors over age 62 get a $1 discount. When we asked about a senior pass, we were told it was $191 and I see nothing like that on the website, so they could do more to be helpful and accurate. I agree that the new design seems like it will take more maintenance with a huge grass lawn instead of the natural feel it had before with the native plants. It is pretty but I would imagine that lawn will need lots of water and mowing... And... for our entrance fee, why can't they put a trash can on the beach so if I pick up plastic junk, I have a place to dispose of it? Just my 2 cents... :-)
Today I see that Encinitas gets $4.8 million for a new snack bar but still no money for the road into Border Field State Park. Come on... State Parks and Border Patrol! You gave the park a face lift. Now we want year round access. This should be a a no brainer AND the state and the feds should split the cost since the feds use the road for Border Patrol. This way, it shouldn't be out of the realm for either agency. This road and public access is MORE important than a snack bar by a long shot. And don't tell me again, that I can walk in during the winter. There are a lot of people who can't walk that far and I can't believe that government agencies are not dealing with access for all of us but especially the disabled.