Bair Island Wildlife Refuge: A Bay Area Wetland Haven
Explore Bair Island Wildlife Refuge: A serene escape into the heart of the San Francisco Bay's natural beauty and diverse wildlife.
Bair Island Wildlife Refuge, a part of the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge, offers a tranquil escape into the Bay Area's vibrant ecosystems. This 3,000-acre marshland in Redwood City features three islands, providing critical habitat for diverse wildlife and a glimpse into the region's natural history.
A brief summary to Bair Island Wildlife Refuge & Trail
- 3 Uccelli Dr, Redwood City, California, 94063, US
- +1510-792-0222
- Visit website
- Monday 7 am-8 pm
- Tuesday 7 am-8 pm
- Wednesday 7 am-8 pm
- Thursday 7 am-8 pm
- Friday 7 am-8 pm
- Saturday 7 am-8 pm
- Sunday 7 am-8 pm
Local tips
- Bring binoculars for optimal birdwatching, as Bair Island is home to a wide variety of waterfowl and shorebirds.
- Wear layers, as the weather can change quickly, and there is little shade on the trails.
- Check the tides before you go. Ebb tide is a great time to see shorebirds feeding on the exposed mudflats.
- Bair Island is open from sunrise to sunset. Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon for the best light and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Getting There
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Public Transport
From the Redwood City Caltrain station, transfer to SamTrans bus Route 270 towards East Palo Alto. Alight at the Seaport Blvd & Uccelli Dr stop. From there, it's a short 5-minute walk to the refuge entrance at 3 Uccelli Dr. Caltrain tickets from San Francisco range from $6 to $8. A single ride on SamTrans is about $2.50.
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Driving
From US-101, take the Whipple Avenue exit east. Follow the road as it curves to the right, becoming East Bayshore Road, then make a sharp left onto Bair Island Road. Turn right at the wildlife refuge sign just before The Villas apartment complex and park in the lot. Parking is free, but limited to 4 hours. Note that you must backtrack on foot across Bair Island Road to reach the trailhead. There are no tolls on this final approach.
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Biking
Bike to Bair Island via bike lanes along major roads like Seaport Blvd. From Redwood City, follow bike paths on Seaport Blvd towards Uccelli Dr. Bike racks are available at the refuge entrance for parking.
Discover more about Bair Island Wildlife Refuge & Trail
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
In-N-Out Burger
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Experience the true taste of California with fresh burgers and fries at In-N-Out Burger, a beloved fast-food destination in Redwood City.
Homeskillet | Redwood City
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The Marston by Windsor Apartments
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Steinberger slough
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Fitzpatrick Building
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Redwood City Historic Commercial Building
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Vesta
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Blacksmith
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Main Street Lot
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La Honda Winery
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Hiller Aviation Museum
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Burton Park
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Red Morton Park
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San Carlos Museum of History
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Marlin Park
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Marlin Park Beach
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LA FONDA RESTAURANT AND BAR
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Chick-fil-A
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La Viga Seafood & Cocina Mexicana
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Vino Santo
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Cariblue
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Downtown
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Hella Mediterranean
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Angelicas
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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Kohl's
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JOANN Fabric and Crafts
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Fashion Tune
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The Jewelry Exchange in Redwood City | Jewelry Store | Engagement Ring Specials
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Savers
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The Hub RWC
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Mazzocco's Club
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kicks Sports and Grill
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Villa Roma
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Freewheel Brewing Company
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Saddle Room Bar
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Cocktailbar Santana
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