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Avalon, California

Avalon, California is a great place to explore activities and attractions. There are plenty of scenic trails and must-visit locations for outdoor adventurers. The Catalina Island Conservancy offers guided hikes, kayaking, and more. The best trails to explore include the Airport in the Sky, Little Harbor, and Black Jack Mountain. For those looking to relax, Descanso Beach offers stunning views and a calm atmosphere. If you’re looking for a unique experience, the Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden is the perfect spot. It features a variety of plants and trees, plus a stunning view of the harbor. No matter what type of activity you’re looking for, Avalon has something for everyone.

Top Spots in and near Avalon

  • Huntington Beach, California

    Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve Trail

    4.7
    2.97 mi / 30 ft gain
    The Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve Trail is great for birding and wildlife viewing. If you want a longer hike, you can extend the mileage by heading down the riverbed trail. The trail is open year-round. Dogs are not allowed in Bolsa Chica.  Bolsa Chica State Beach is easily accessible from Oran...
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  • Huntington Beach, California

    Stand Up Paddle (SUP) in Huntington Harbor

    4.5
    Huntington Harbor is the perfect location for an easy and relaxing stand up paddle board session. Here you will get to enjoy the view of the houses by the harbor, some boats sailing by, and some low bridges you'll have to paddle through while ducking on your board (fun!).There are several stores ...
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  • Seal Beach, California

    Sunset Beach

    4.6
    Sunset Beach is located just 9 miles south of Long Beach and 6 miles North of Huntington Beach, CA on the famous Pacific Coast Highway 1. I accessed Sunset Beach from the South on I-405. I took exit 22 for Seal Beach. After the exit I turned a left/west on Seal Beach Blvd and drove for 2.6 miles ...
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  • Seal Beach, California

    Seal Beach

    4.7
    Seal Beach is a small beach community between Long Beach and Huntington Beach. Right off PCH (Pacific Coast Highway), this sandy beach is a great place to chill on a hot summer day. The high winds coming off the water makes it an ideal place to kite board, surf, or simply fly a kite along the sho...
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  • Newport Beach, California

    Bodysurfing and Photography at The Wedge

    4.8
    Beginning at the east end of the Balboa Peninsula The Wedge's main power house is the Newport Harbor Jetty. When the right south swell hits the jetty it reflects back creating a massive back wash. When the back wash hits an incoming set you have the notoriously heavy wedge-like shore break thunde...
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  • Newport Beach, California

    Stand Up Paddle around Balboa Island, Newport Beach

    5.0
    Balboa Island, located in Newport Bay, is a fun destination on its own, but add a relaxing SUP to the mix and you’ve got yourself an adventure. There are two ways to get onto island: cross the Marine Avenue Bridge, or take the Balboa Island Ferry (directly inland from Balboa Pier and south of New...
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  • Newport Beach, California

    Boulder at Pirate's Cove

    4.0
    This is a great spot for bouldering in Newport Beach, CA with really easy access from the parking lot at Big Corona Beach or street parking above on Ocean Blvd. There are not clear signs to follow, but it is easy to find from the parking lot at Big Corona - it is on the far west side toward the h...
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  • Newport Beach, California

    Exploring the Arches at Little Corona del Mar

    4.9
    Little Corona del Mar Beach is a secluded beach located on Poppy Avenue across Ocean Boulevard in Corona del Mar. Known as one of the less crowded beaches in the area, this spot is the perfect place to chill for the day or photograph a sunset. You will find plenty of free street parking in the ne...
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  • Long Beach, California

    Colorado Lagoon

    5.0
    0.95 mi / 30 ft gain
    The Colorado Lagoon is a wetland that is being restored. To make this 1 mile walk into a loop, you have to walk along sidewalks near the park. This is a very kid-friendly destination. This trail crosses over the lagoon on a boardwalk. It also accesses a sandy swimming beach with restrooms, picnic...
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  • Long Beach, California

    Red Car Greenbelt

    5.0
    0.63 mi / 0 ft gain
    The Greenbelt used to be the right-of-way for the long lost Pacific Electric Red Car, an amazing system of public transportation that connected Long Beach, LA, Orange Coutny, and even San Bernardino. The pathways are landscaped with plants typical of the area and plenty of native flowers for the...
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  • Palos Verdes Estates, California

    Bluff Cove

    4.4
    0.56 mi / 144 ft gain
    Parking for Bluff Cove is located along the sides of the street of Paseo Del Mar, and the trailhead is located right next to the street. Bluff Cove is one of those unique locations in that there are a variety of activities you can do here. It is a great location for surfing, paddle boarding, bod...
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  • Newport Beach, California

    Newport Beach Back Bay Trail

    4.0
    10.62 mi / 499 ft gain
    The Newport Beach Back Bay Trail features beautiful wildflowers and is open for use year round. Very minimal elevation gain makes this hike food for all skill levels, but be mindful of the distance. Dogs are allowed on the trail but must be kept on leash.  Cooling sea breezes make this one of th...
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  • Orange, California

    Crystal Cove Beach Loop

    5.0
    5.13 mi / 151 ft gain
    This is a favorite morning or evening hike, run or stroll. Park in the lot with a state pass, head down the cliff and back, and you'll get an amazing workout. Tip: Time your outings for low tide as there will be more beach to walk on.
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  • Signal Hill, California

    Hilltop Park

    4.7
    Hilltop Park is located in Signal Hill and offers an unmatched panoramic view of the Los Angeles Basin. If you go on a clear day, you may even be lucky enough to see Catalina Island and the Santa Monica and San Gabriel Mountains. This park is the perfect spot for families, dogs, and even dates. T...
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  • Laguna Beach, California

    Photograph the Pacific Coast Highway over Crystal Cove Beach

    4.4
    To get to the bluffs overlooking Crystal Cove State Park Beach to the south, you'll need to pull off onto the side of the Pacific Coast Highway *before* Morro Ridge Road.The easiest and most obvious turnoff is on the right side of the highway southbound, just past the "Adopt a Highway" sign and w...
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  • Laguna Beach, California

    El Moro Canyon Trail

    5.0
    4.94 mi / 814 ft gain
    The trail features a waterfall and is open year-round, but is best used in the spring. Remember to bring $15 cash for the parking fee. The Laguna Beach trail is shared by trail runners, mountain bikers, hikers, and the occasional horseback rider. Dogs are not allowed in Crystal Cove State Park. 
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