Palo Alto Baylands for Families

NEW! To help more people have a chance at getting a spot on our very popular field trips, please limit your sign-ups to 2 trips per month.

Before signing up for this trip, please take a moment to read our trip policies and view our liability waiver.

Palo Alto Baylands

On this trip, we will wander past brackish sloughs, marshes and the duck pond looking for shorebirds, wading birds, ducks, raptors and songbirds. In addition to observing diverse bird species, we will stop at several buildings and locations steeped in local history and explore the special plants that have learned to adapt, grow, and thrive in the marsh, sustaining the wonderful bird and animal life. This trip is designed for accessible birding, families and birders at all levels.

Trip Difficulty: 2 miles, easy, flat, wide, dirt-packed trails. Some trails have crushed oyster and decomposed granite tread. Some shade, some benches. The Lucy Evans Interpretive Center has a short gravel ramp. Its slope is 5.7%.

There is a wheelchair accessible wooden ramp/path on both sides of the EcoCenter building leading up to the deck. There are handle bars/railing leading up to and along the deck.

Other Trip Notes: Trip will be cancelled if it rains.

Leaders: Diane McCoy (650) 714-3769 and Sheila Raymond (408) 887-4854

Beginner Friendly, Family Friendly All Ages, Wheelchair Accessible, Stroller Friendly

Meet: On path in front of the Lucy Evans Interpretive Center.

Directions: From US-101 in Palo Alto take Embarcadero Rd east towards the bay. Pass the airport and turn left at the T-intersection. Continue for 0.5 miles passing the duck pond. Just over the bridge, the interpretive center (2775 Embarcadero Rd) will be on your left and the paved parking area will be on your right. Latitude/Longitude: 37.459384, -122.106171

Facilities: One ADA-compliant porta-potty near the sailing dock, one non-ADA compliant porta-potty at the duck pond.

Parking Type and Fees: Paved parking with ADA-compliant spots, no fees.

Banner Photo: Green-winged Teal by Diane McCoy

Questions? Email general questions to fieldtrips@scvas.org or contact the trip leader for questions regarding the event.