J N Mallows Park

Rate this place

Parks

California

Nearby: Larkin Park Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

J N "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge is a park located in the state of California.

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

It is a popular destination for birdwatchers, nature enthusiasts, and photographers. The park covers an area of 8,000 acres and is home to over 245 bird species, as well as several endangered species.

Some of the top reasons to visit J N "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge include its beautiful beaches, hiking trails, and wildlife viewing opportunities. Visitors can take guided tours, rent bicycles and kayaks, or explore the park on their own. The park is also a popular spot for fishing and camping.

There are several points of interest within the park, including the Tarpon Bay Explorers, a nature center that offers tours and educational programs. The Bailey Tract is a popular hiking trail that offers scenic views of the surrounding wetlands. The Wildlife Drive is another popular attraction, where visitors can drive through the park and observe wildlife in their natural habitat.

Interesting facts about J N "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge include that it was named after Jay N. "Ding" Darling, a Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist and conservationist. The park is also home to several endangered species, including the West Indian manatee and the Florida panther.

The best time of year to visit J N "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge is during the winter months, when temperatures are cooler and wildlife is more active. However, the park is open year-round and visitors can enjoy its attractions during any season.

Weather Forecast

Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.

Related References