Hidden gem! Absolutely beautiful! Hiking trail around the lake is gorgeous with wildflowers galore. Birds chirping and cotton tails hopping across the trail. Perfect time of season to visit. Picnic tables and parking available. Be sure to call beforehand to let them know you are coming.

Beautiful place to visit!!

You feel like youre a million miles away from Oceanside here.

Walk around the lake, yes there is a lake tucked back there. Whelan Lake, I was told the place once was a dairy farm owned by the Whelan family, and given to the city of Oceanside to keep as a bird santuary witch it was turned into when the farm was know longer producing dairy products, and bird watching was a hobby of the Mrs. Whelan. Today you are welcomed to visit but must call ahead, gate open from 9 am to 5 pm weekdays, weekend the gate closed, entrance is a city maintenance yard you may call to check, care taker will let you in, they stay on site so respect there space and time and enjoy.Its a dirt road but maintained, a 1mile walk around the lake, with nice views, or tables to sit and enjoy the views. This peaceful place is worth a visit, its not just a walk in the park but a breath of fresh air enjoy

WARNING: Be sure to call in advance. DO NOT drive into the property without making arrangements with the caretaker. I read about this birding location online but did not see the information about making an appointment to visit. The caretaker is extremely hostile and threatened that if his dogs were there he would have them attack us. I thought this guy was going to start swinging at me. The person with me turned on his gopro to record in case the situation developed into a fist fight. Yes, it was that hostile and out of control. Ive never been accosted while birding in a bird sanctuary. This was a first. I will not return to this location.

Ok.i was sad today cuz ok i came here to diz bird century or watever its called ok the reosen was cuz i.used to live there in the 80s i.came to visit cuz mostly had my.childhood there when the dairy existed idk.knw u.couldnt even enter the guy was rude idk knw u had to call ahead of time and i left depressed wat a decepcion.:(

Beautiful lake and wonderful locale for bird watching.

Beautiful and lots of birds