Arcadia, California
Arcadia, California offers some of the best trails and outdoor activities for those seeking scenic outdoor adventures. The Eaton Canyon Trail, a must-visit, is a moderate-level hiking trail known for its waterfall and the beautiful Eaton Canyon River. Another top trail is the Mount Wilson Trail, featuring a stunning view of the San Gabriel Valley and an observatory at the peak. For those interested in bird watching, the Arcadia Wilderness Park is a great spot with its diverse bird species. The Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden, located in Arcadia, is a fantastic place to enjoy a leisurely walk amongst a variety of plant species. So, pack your hiking boots and get ready to explore the best of Arcadia's outdoor attractions.
Top Spots in and near Arcadia
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Laguna Beach, California
Bodysurf at Aliso Beach
5.0This wave is super fun to bodysurf and shoot photos of when there is a swell. It is a shorebreak so be careful of shallow water and little rocks. It usually isn't too crowded especially on weekdays. Bring your fins and a smile and you have a good time.Read more -
Lake Elsinore, California
Explore Walker Canyon
4.3Walker canyon is within easy driving distance from most places in Orange County and San Diego which makes for a great day trip. While there is no official parking lot for the trail you will be able to find parking all along Lake Street and Walker Canyon Road. The trail begins at the corner of L...Read more -
Malibu, California
Surf Zuma Beach
4.8Zuma is a 3 mile stretch of beach in Malibu with a fun beach break and a great place to chill. Zuma is known for being cleaner than other beaches in LA and there are restrooms, food, and parking all up and down the beach. Paid parking on the beach ($8-12) and free parking across the street. Certa...Read more -
Laguna Beach, California
Aliso Peak via the Valido Trail
5.01.14 mi / 325 ft gainThe Valido Trail trailhead can be found just off West street off the Pacific Coast Highway, just south of Aliso Beach. Park on West Street past the trailhead. The trail proceeds approximate .5 miles till it intersects with the Aliso Peak Trail. Go left .4 miles to the obvious summit and wooden p...Read more -
Laguna Beach, California
Skimboard Table Rock Beach
Laguna Beach is both the birthplace *and* and the capital of skimboarding, and for good reason: it boasts an impressive array of beaches where (if you know where to look) you can find one where the conditions are right for one of the most difficult but rewarding of water sports. Table Rock is one...Read more -
Rimforest, California
Dogwood Campground Loop
5.03.33 mi / 604 ft gainDogwood Campground Loop is a loop trail that provides a good opportunity to see wildlife located near Rimforest, California.Read more -
Laguna Beach, California
Laguna Beach Caves (Closed)
3.8As of Friday, January 31st, 2025, Thousand Steps Beach is closed due to a landslide for an undetermined amount of time. More details are available here. Laguna Beach Caves are beautiful caves with blue, clear water. This place is free to visit, but please exercise caution and adhere to local up...Read more -
Laguna Beach, California
Thousand Steps Pools (Closed)
4.3As of Friday, January 31st, 2025, Thousand Steps Beach is closed due to a landslide for an undetermined amount of time. More details are available here. A beautiful, sometimes secluded beach with two man made pools that collect saltwater during high tide and warm up during low tide. Unbelievable...Read more -
Laguna Beach, California
Thousand Steps Beach (Closed)
5.0As of Friday, January 31st, 2025, Thousand Steps Beach is closed due to a landslide for an undetermined amount of time. More details are available here. Easy beach access and blue see-through waves with small crowds in the off season. This is a huge beach with the potential for wildlife spotting...Read more -
Lake Elsinore, California
Ride the San Juan Trail
4.511 mi / 3400 ft gainThe San Juan Trail is located off the Ortega Highway (Hwy 74) in Southern Orange County. It is done frequently as a long, 11 mile climb that is rewarded by an almost continuous descent of 3400ft. The out-and-back trail head is back Hot Spring Canyon Rd from the San Juan Fire Station. It can also ...Read more -
Redlands, California
Run the Carriage Trail
3.52.5 mi / 300 ft gainThere 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.Read more -
Laguna Niguel, California
Colinas Ridge Trail
2.01 mi / 131 ft gainFirst, you'll be parking in the parking lot for the dog park. It's free parking and there are roughly 40 spaces, so there is plenty of parking. I've never seen more than 20 cars here at any one time. Once parked you'll find the trail head/ start on the northwest side of the lot (opposite the dog ...Read more -
Malibu, California
El Matador Beach
4.6There's something magical about this strip of beach and it never fails to deliver at sunset. Lined with strange and jagged rock formations/caves, there are endless opportunities for finding unique compositions and new perspectives. Although it's become quite the popular spot for photographers and...Read more -
Malibu, California
Reservoir Trail to East Meadow Trail Loop
2.3 mi / 334 ft gainReservoir Trail to East Meadow Trail Loop is a loop trail where you may see wildflowers located near Malibu, CaliforniaRead more -
Malibu, California
Ocean Overlook Loop Trail
4.02.7 mi / 397 ft gainOcean Overlook Loop Trail is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Malibu, California.Read more -
San Juan Capistrano, California
Hike the Pinhead Peak Trail at Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park
4.02 mi / 220 ft gainRonald W. Caspers Wilderness Park is the perfect place to getaway from the hubbub of LA. Enjoy the scenic drive north on Ortega Highway before reaching the entrance gate to the park. Parking Fees are currently $3 on Weekdays and $5 on Weekends. Camping Fees vary depending on your group size. The...Read more
