Border Field State Park Beach — Attraction in Imperial Beach

Border Field California State Park is the southwestern most area of the continental United States. It contains a very diverse ecosystem of wetlands and coastal areas that is part of the Tijuana River Estuary. The wetlands have been designated "A Wetland of International Importance" by the United Nations International Ramsar Convention of 2005, and any person who is envionmentally concious and a nature lover can understand why it is when visiting the park. Access to the park is $5 by vehicle. The park is open generally until sunset. There is an area you can park outside the gate and walk inside to gain access to the beach and the main area, but it is quite a walk. Worth it if you are a botanist or flower enthusiast. The main area on Monument Mesa has parking, restrooms, BBQ's and picnic tables(no pun intended) as well as the gates to the Friendship Park and the Bi-national Garden. The beach has a dunes area that is fenced off to protect the endangered and threatened bird species nesting area, and does not have an on duty lifeguard. Swimming is not recommended due to no lifeguard on duty and several hidden geographical hazards. Birdwatchers, horseriders, bicyclists, and hikers have several options to witness and explore the park during open hours. To note of great importance: This park is along the US-Mexico border and US Customs Border Patrol Agents continuously monitor and patrol the area. You can see through the fence that the people on the other side are people. Humans that are no different than those of us on this side of the border and enjoying a day at the beach. I myself had an enjoyable time here on a beautiful lazy Sunday afternoon this past Memorial Day Weekend. Perhaps it is time for you to explore the park and make some...

I lived only a mile from this fence, on the Mexican side, in a city called, "Playas de Tijuana," for over 12 years, beginning in the early 80s. It's claim to fame was/& is a Monumental "Bullring-by-the-Sea," & a quick pullover for refreshment & to get your bearings & orientation before hitting the payroad or turnpike on the way to points south, such as the world famous party city of Rosarita Beach, & just a few more miles south, a renowned lobster encampment of Puerto Nuevo, headed into the descent into the bustling seaport of Ensenada, as well as scores of treasured cities & enchanting surprises, all the way to the tip of the Baja Peninsula, at Cabo San Lucas & San Jose del Cabo. When I moved so close to that border to an unfamiliar destination, in 1983,☺ it was sparsely populated, about 10, 000☺ Baja Californian Mexicans, expatriot gringos, & even Chinese, Czech, Guatemalan & other refugees lwere iving in "Playas"(as we called it)& fleeing mostly horrendous pasts, torture, & threats of violence. We all seemed to mix togetheramiably, & learned a modicum of Spanish, & enjoyed the freedom the environment afforded. There is a plaque, dedicated by President Nixon, commemorating the Border Field Park, an international endeavor, in hopes that this border could remain open, for visitors to cross, at will &without ""Official" acknowledgement😃& we used to get cerveza, tacos, pescado frito, take it over to the picnic tables & barbeques on the U.S. side & party on.😉Those were the good old days at Border Field Park!...

One of the most underrated beaches in SoCali. Maybe it's due to the depressing wall that separates Cali & Mexico. Maybe its due to people feeling uncomfortable being watched by USA military helicopters roaming the sky to spot illegal citizens. In spite of the odds, if you look past those i guarantee that you'll enjoy the beach at this park. its very beautiful and pretty empty. Perfect place to get away from humanity to clear your thoughts. The houses and buildings across the broder looks nice. The wall becomes see thru as it touches the sandy beach where you can see peaceful mexicans having a good time. On the American, there are only a handful of people. I went on a Wednesday and there was nobody on the american side of the border. Through the odds, the beach is beautiful. If you come with a clear mind not thinking political,...