Free Flight Del Mar, California

We were honored to meet all the different kinds of birds and appreciated the docents answering our many, many questions.

Business owner should read this. I don't usually give bad reviews but about a month ago I came in for information to board my bird and assumed the information was correct. I came 4 days prior to a vacation I had planned and they told me the information was wrong. My bird is fully able to fly and they told me they don't board birds that can fly. That doesn't make sense with the name of the business. Also, they told me that my bird needed tested and would take at least 5 days. Why so long? The vet I go to can get the results back within 24 hours. Also, when I got here the lady didn't assist me for almost 10 minutes. She kept looking at me and I said hi and tried getting here over to me but she kept ignoring me. Whoever is in charge here needs to teach employees to be kind to potential customers instead of ignoring them. Also, I suggest changing the business name to something that doesn't advertising flying birds. And post on the website that you don't allow flying birds. I will be having all of my friends and family follow up with 1 star reviews if I don't get a response from the owner.

I went to free flight on a Sunday afternoon and it was easily the best animal sanctuary experience I’ve ever had. The staff was friendly and knowledgeable about the birds, the facility was clean and , most importantly, the birds were happy and healthy. I love knowing that there is a safe place for people to relinquish their parrots that they can no longer care for , and a credible place for people to adopt birds from.

AMAZING staff and birds, *cough cough pickles cough cough*

It was a beautiful experience, the birds are amazing and the staff A+

My family and I were visiting the San Diego area and found this place off Atlas Obscura. It was fabulous and fun. We spent an hour feeding the various parrots and they all have such individual personalities, and always saying “hello!” The manager was very informative and helpful in giving us a short tour of the parrots on their perches. Definitely go if you are in Del Mar!

It so much fun to feed the birds at the sanctuary. The staff really care about their colorful charges.

Fun place for kids (and adults) to see and interact with some very interesting birds!

Free Flight Sanctuary is a really cool project and space for birds who have been domesticated. Owners who don’t feel up to the challenge of caring for birds can bring them here and the sanctuary will take them and give them a home. With your admission, the sanctuary gives you a bowl of food to feed and play with the birds. They also give you a brief tour. I hung out here with my girlfriend and fed birds, learning a bit of cool info along the way. It’s definitely a highly unique and interesting spot to visit in San Diego. Your money goes to a good cause!

Amazing experience feeding tropical birds!

I had no idea that I would be able to really get to know the birds in Free Flight. Covid restrictions prohibit touching, but you are given a bowl of food and are free to wander around feeding any bird you choose. It was a magical time with these incredibly beautiful, smart birds.

It was such a fun and educational visit! Our guide, Dara, was knowledgeable and friendly. Highly recommended!

Birds are cute and friendly. Bird caretakers are very professional. Definitely worth visiting with friends or family.

Amazing in every way!!! My daughter, roommate, and I had such a wonderful time visiting with not only the parrots, but also the gracious staff. If you're looking for a unique and special experience, this is your place. You can bring your whole family or even a first date and have an amazing time. Each parrot has their own personality and I really connected with so many of them. It makes me so happy to know there are sanctuaries like this that truly help the quality of life for so many birds. We were so involved and had so much fun that I didn't even think to take out my phone for pictures. I'm definitely coming back and hope more people see the beauty in supporting such a quality safe haven for so many parrots and birds who have been through so much, yet have such soulful and inspiring personalities. I'm excited to visit again. Lots of love!!

I wish I lived by there so I could volunteer and get to know the birds up close. I loved the experience and walked out of there wanting to return soon. Staff are friendly and love to talk about each bird, if you ask. Super clean, family-friendly environment and everyone visiting had a love for birds. The koy pond is awesome too.

A truly wonderful experience and a great way to introduce our grandkids to the fascinating world of birds. It is staffed by knowledgeable and caring bird lovers.

Family had a great time and staff were very helpful and answered our questions.

Such a nice experience to be able to go around a feed all the birds. The staff is very nice and I had a great time.

Incredible experience! So many knowledgeable people to teach us about the birds. Beautiful birds, so much fun feeding them!

You book your appointment then get snacks to feed the birds

The birds in the sanctuary were very beautiful but unfortunately they weren’t well kept, you could tell by their feathers that many of them needed to be showered. This is coming from a bird keeper, I have been around birds my whole life because of my dad. I came in to the sanctuary yesterday with my boyfriend & we met a lovely volunteer named Charlotte, she was very knowledgeable & she even recommended we adopt an albino cockatiel named Blizzard because we talked to her about how we already have an albino cockatiel at home whom is hand trained, sweet & social. As soon as I got home I filled out the adoption application, submitted it & returned to the sanctuary the following day. When we got there we spoke to other staff members about adopting Blizzard & they turned us down right away because they believed we weren’t “a good fit” they were very prejudice, they didn’t even take the time to get to know us or hear about our lifetime experience with birds. After letting us know we wouldn’t be able to adopt him, they informed us about a membership that we could purchase in order to see if we “might have a chance” of adopting him. They were very hypocritical, they would inform us about how it is always better to adopt a bird rather than to buy from a breeder yet they are prejudice against who is able to adopt without getting to know the person, instead they decide based on appearances whether someone is fit to adopt or not. They have now left us with no other option than to buy from a breeder because we are ready to welcome a new feathery friend into our home.

Our Guide Diane was very knowledgeable about the birds and you can tell she has a true passion for them! The sanctuary is well kept and the birds all look happy and healthy (:

Beautiful place with pretty birbs.

My kids had a blast. Cool variety of birds to interact with. Staff was friendly & accomadating.

I've been here several times. Interacting with these exotic birds is something special. Only a small donation.

The experience was great, you get to feed the birds, the instructure was nice and tell us facts about the birds he hold the birds and one of the birds was on our food bowl

If I could get every San Diegan to go spend an afternoon there visiting the birds❤️ I would!! Such a great spot, the people are awesome, the birds are just great and the setup they have there for them is amazing. I take my Sun Conure there for day care and boarding, he loves it! If he doesn't go at least once a week he gets mad!

If you think you might like to add a feathered family member, please visit Free Flight first. There is so much to learn about these wonderful animals, and so much that goes in to their care! And, with so many companion birds who have outlived their people needing new homes .... please adopt, don't shop.

Awesome Tour, very knowledgeable and caring staff. I was impressed that all the birds seem to love the handler and looked healthy and happy. I recommend taking the tour and donating what you can.

Fantastic place to visit. They have proper protocol for corona which is always pleasant to see. Beyond that the staff is quite knowledgeable and overall great experience!