Wells-Elings Marsh Trail

Open

Closed

$

$

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Goleta

β€’

fine-dining

5
Coastal marsh trail in Goleta offering easy, flat loop hikes with abundant wildlife viewing including birds and small animals.

$

$

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fine-dining

ReservationsVisit
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Closed

πŸ“

Wells-Elings Marsh Trail

Goleta

$

Discover a scenic, easy coastal loop trail in Goleta with excellent birdwatching, wildlife, and dog-friendly paths at Wells-Elings Marsh Trail.

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About
5
(
7
)

Wells-Elings Marsh Trail presents an easy, scenic loop that is perfect for hiking, jogging, biking, and dog walking. Visitors can enjoy peaceful nature walks with notable birdwatching and opportunities to spot small wildlife in a protected coastal marsh environment near Ellwood beach.

What to Expect:

    🌿 Easy flat loop trail suitable for all skill levels
    πŸ• Dog-friendly with bike access
    🐦 Excellent birdwatching and wildlife spotting
    🌊 Close proximity to Ellwood beach

Important Information:

    – Open year-round with no formal opening hours
    – No permit required
    – Good for kids and family-friendly activities
    – Preserve respectful behavior to protect natural habitat

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Haley's Review of Riot BBQ
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πŸ“ Local Insights

🐦 Peak Birdwatching: Early mornings bring the best chances to see diverse bird species along the marsh.

🚴 Multi-Use Path: The trail welcomes bikers and dog walkers, making it great for varied outdoor activities.

🌊 Connect to Ellwood Beach: Combine this trail with a visit to nearby Ellwood beach for a fuller nature experience.

πŸ‘¨β€πŸ‘©β€πŸ‘§ Family Friendly: The flat, easy loop trail is suitable for children and casual hikes.

⏰ Hours

Monday: Dawn to Dusk

Tuesday: Dawn to Dusk

Wednesday: Dawn to Dusk

Thursday: Dawn to Dusk

Friday: Dawn to Dusk

Saturday: Dawn to Dusk

Sunday: Dawn to Dusk

πŸ‘‰ Best For

Hikers, birdwatchers, families, dog walkers

Wells-Elings Marsh Trail

Mills Way
,
Goleta
,
CA
93117

Review Sentiment

Based on the 50 most recent Google reviews
Visitors consistently praise the trail's natural beauty, easy terrain, and rich wildlife, especially birdwatching opportunities. The peaceful environment and accessibility for dogs and families are well appreciated.

Last updated on

January 9th, 2026

From The preserve

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Angler’s Offerings

What You'll Find

Loop Trails; Birdwatching; Wildlife Viewing; Dog-Friendly Areas; Multi-Use Path; Easy Terrain; Scenic Views; Nature Preserve

πŸ“† Best Times to Visit

Visit early mornings for the best birdwatching and wildlife viewing; midweek mornings show moderate crowds; late afternoons are quieter for peaceful walks.
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