This unique and quirky California State Park is located at the southern coastal edge of San Diego, where the beach meets the border fence with Mexico. In this video, I hike from the entry gate at Monument Road, to the beach, and then along the beach to the border fence and border monument.
The Border Field State Park is a part of San Diego that very people see. It’s a most bizarre area that is characterized by farms, horse ranches, and the border patrol. On the United States side of the border, there’s really not much. However, Mexico is built right up to the border fence. The beach on the United States side is empty, and there are often signs that warn of contaminated water. On the Mexico side, the beach is always filled with people, having fun, laughing, swimming, etc. In addition to hiking to the monument, this park is also popular with bird watchers and horse riders because it is a part of the Tijuana River Estuarine Research Reserve.
Visiting the park can be a somewhat unwelcoming, but rewarding experience. Don’t let the lack of a grand entry/welcome deter you. I think most people get to the locked entry gate and just turn away. Armed with the information here, and in this video you’ll be able to make it to the monument and see a side of San Diego that most people never get to see.