Aliso Viejo, California

Aliso Viejo, California is a great place for activities and attractions. It's home to some of the best trails and adventures. Popular attractions in and near the area include the Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, the Aliso Viejo Town Center, and the Aliso Viejo Aquatic Center. For a scenic experience, visitors should check out the Aliso Beach Park, which offers views of the ocean. The nearby Laguna Beach is also a must-visit, with its beaches and nightlife. For a more adventurous experience, head to the nearby San Juan Capistrano to explore the historic Mission San Juan Capistrano. No matter what your interests are, Aliso Viejo, California has something for everyone.

Top Spots in and near Aliso Viejo

  • Rancho Cucamonga, California

    Etiwanda Falls Trail

    4.0
    3.42 mi / 846 ft gain
    Etiwanda Falls Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Rancho Cucamonga, California.
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  • Encinitas, California

    Stonesteps Beach

    Stonesteps Beach is incredibly scenic during every season. In the winter this beach is usually fairly rocky, and in the spring/summer the sand returns.  If you're looking to hang out on this beach just be sure to set up your towel or chair a good ways away from the cliffside as there is a lot of...
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  • Encinitas, California

    Coastal Roots Farm

    5.0
    Coastal Roots Farm in Encinitas, California provides high quality, freshly picked organic produce with a pay-what-you-can pricing model. If you can afford to, pay their asking price, especially when you consider in return they allow people in need to buy for less than normal market prices. Best p...
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  • Hermosa Beach, California

    Surf at El Porto

    4.0
    The South Bay of LA has plenty of good surf. Sand bars are back and its fun...watch out for the sharks.
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Ascot Hills

    3.5
    2.11 mi / 446 ft gain
    Ascot Hills Park is a great hidden gem located a few miles east of Los Angeles. There is a parking lot with plenty of parking but the gates close at sunset, which is a great time to go, so if you plan on staying later, park outside the gates where there is ample street parking. Depending on the s...
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  • Redlands, California

    Run the Carriage Trail

    3.5
    2.5 mi / 300 ft gain
    There is room to park just off San Timoteo Road. On the other side of the trail is more parking off Alessandro. You can park your car on either side and start your run/walk/bike ride. This is a nice little "get away" trail to take a break from suburbia. 
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  • Temecula, California

    Dripping Springs Trail

    4.0
    13.68 mi / 3287 ft gain
    The trail immediately begins to climb out of the campground on a well-graded incline. The next mile contains some climbing leading to a set of switchbacks. A long strenuous climb ensues until the 3200' elevation is reached. The trail then makes an easy southward traverse to the basin before resum...
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  • Monrovia, California

    Monrovia Falls

    3.7
    1.46 mi / 459 ft gain
    Monrovia Falls is closed indefinitely due to the Bobcat Fire and mudslides. Read more on the CityofMonrovia.org website. The Monrovia Falls are at the end of the main trail located in Monrovia Canyon Park. The park is easy to locate and has ample parking. Keep in mind you do have to pay a fee of...
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  • Avalon, California

    Camp at Catalina's Two Harbors

    4.8
    An island camping escape is a mere 50 minute boat ride away from the southern California coast. If you're feeling generous with your funds, you can also opt for a helicopter ride, leaving out of Long Beach and 15 minutes later landing in Catalina Island.Two Harbors campground is unique with the a...
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  • Manhattan Beach, California

    Take a Sunset Surf at Manhattan Beach

    4.4
    Manhattan Beach Pier is a popular spot in the South Bay of Los Angeles for surfers of all levels. With its exposed beach break with consistent surf and more than 300 days of sun per year, you can pretty much always count on good weather in Manhattan Beach so you can surf no matter the season. Ide...
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Los Angeles Historic Park

    5.0
    1.17 mi / 46 ft gain
    Los Angeles Historic Park is a loop trail that is good for all skill levels located near Dodgertown, California.
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Ord & Yale Street Park

    4.0
    Recently opened in 2021, right behind the LA Library in Chinatown, you’ll find this secret gem, tucked away in the corner. Covered picnic tables, with checkerboard game boards in place, and all gender bathrooms with changing tables for the little ones. Two play areas as well as a small climbing w...
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  • Avalon, California

    Visit Two Harbors, Catalina Island

    5.0
    Just 30 miles from the commotion and congestion of Los Angeles, is a small island village that time seems to have left behind. You won't find the usual traffic, development, and big crowds here.  You won't find movie theaters, concert venues, hotels, nightclubs, or sporting events either. At Cata...
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  • Two Harbors, California

    Day Hike across Catalina: Two Harbors to Avalon

    21 mi
    This hike was one of the most difficult and definitely one of the most memorable hikes I’ve ever done. The view of the island and the surrounding water is surreal and I am yet to be anywhere like this hike. The dry California vegetation of the mountains matched with the bright blue endless backgr...
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  • Claremont, California

    Stoddard Peak Trail

    4.0
    5.93 mi / 1129 ft gain
    On the way to Mount Baldy and within the trail system of the San Gabriel mountain range is the Stoddard Peak Trail. The Stoddard Peak Trail, which is basically the old Barrett-Stoddard fire road, goes through the Stoddard Canyon into Stoddard Flat, and then eventually leads to Stoddard Peak. The ...
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  • Claremont, California

    Stoddard Canyon Falls (Baldy Slide Waterfall)

    0.74 mi / 174 ft gain
    Located near the Angeles National Forest, it's a short hike, approx. 0.75 miles roundtrip and just about anybody can go. To get there, input the intersection of Mt. Baldy Rd. and Barrett Stoddard Truck Trail into your GPS. This will bring you to a small dirt parking lot. The trailhead starts a...
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