South County's Salt Ponds Offer a Quieter Alternative to Crowded Beaches

South County's coastal salt ponds — shallow, brackish bodies of water separated from the ocean by barrier beaches — are drawing growing interest from kayakers, birdwatchers and paddleboarders looking for an alternative to crowded ocean beaches during peak summer weekends.

Local outfitters renting kayaks and paddleboards report steady growth in interest over recent seasons, describing the ponds as offering calmer water and more consistent wildlife viewing than the open ocean beaches nearby.

A Different Kind of Coastal Experience

Environmental groups note that the ponds also support important habitat for shorebirds and juvenile fish, and have encouraged visitors to observe posted guidelines around sensitive nesting areas during spring and early summer.

Local tourism officials say they view the salt ponds as a way to distribute visitor activity away from the state's most congested beach parking areas during peak season.