Porter Sesnon

Map

     This under-birded coastal upland area is state park land between New Brighton State Beach and Seacliff State Beach, with grassland, scrub, coast live oak woodland, and groves of Monterey pine and eucalyptus. It is birdiest in fall (when several rarities have been found here) and winter, but may reward a visit in any season. From Hwy 1 take Park Ave south, then turn left (east) on McGregor Rd. Go 0.6 mile, turn right on New Brighton Rd and park before crossing the railroad tracks. Walk east along the tracks about 250 yards until reaching a wide trail that crosses the path. This trail loops around the park’s open central area, bounded by Pot Belly Gulch on the west and Borregas Gulch on the east. Oaks in both gulches attract migrants, and there are often lots of birds in the scrub near the railroad tracks.

     To connect a visit here to nearby New Brighton State Beach, walk south along New Brighton Rd past the railroad tracks and turn right on the first unnamed road on the right after Pine Tree Lane. This road leads to the northeast corner of the New Brighton campground.