Carlsbad, California
Carlsbad, California is a top destination for outdoor adventures with some of the best trails and outdoor activities. One must-visit is the Lake Calavera Preserve Trail, a moderate difficulty hiking trail that spans 4.9 miles. It features a lake and unique volcanic plug, one of the few in Southern California. Another scenic trail is the Batiquitos Lagoon Trail, a 3.2-mile trail that offers stunning views of the lagoon and its diverse bird species. For a unique outdoor attraction, visit the Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch, a 50-acre spectacle of colorful ranunculus flowers. If you're into water sports, Carlsbad State Beach offers surfing and paddleboarding. Remember to also check out the Carlsbad Lagoon for jet skiing and wakeboarding. These outdoor activities make Carlsbad a great spot for an active vacation.
Top Spots in and near Carlsbad
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Ramona, California
Cedar Creek Falls
4.85.52 mi / 1024 ft gainThe trail to Cedar Falls starts out at a hill in a residential area and ends in an unexpected spot where there is a beautiful waterfall complete with a swimming hole. Surrounded by 75-foot-high cliffs, a magnificent waterfall splashes into a pool known as the Devil’s Punch Bowl. Hikers have been ...Read more -
Laguna Beach, California
West Ridge to Car Wreck Trail and Mathis Canyon Loop
4.53.31 mi / 856 ft gainThere are numerous ways to incorporate the Car Wreck trail into a larger loop through the Laguna Coast Wilderness and Aliso Canyon Park, but a common route is to begin at Alta Laguna Park at "Top of the World" in Laguna Beach. Take the West Ridge Trail .5 miles, bearing right onto the marked Car...Read more -
Laguna Beach, California
Hike the West Ridge Trail
5.01.5 mi / 150 ft gainBeginning at Alta Laguna Park at Top of the World, the West Ridge Trail is a popular starting (and ending) point for adventures into the Laguna Coast Wilderness, leading to trails and areas like Car Wreck, Big Bend, and Willow Canyon. You can also do it in reverse from the north. The ridge itself...Read more -
Trabuco Canyon, California
Hike the Bellview to Dove Lake Trail
2.5 mi / 75 ft gainThis hike will be about going from the Bellview Trailhead to Dove Lake and back. Note that once you get to Dove Lake there are numerous offshoots that can take you in different directions (you can follow the road into the Dove Canyon housing community, take a paved road back to the Bellview parki...Read more -
Heisler Park, California
Relax at Heisler Park
5.0Located in Laguna Beach, California, Heisler Park is just past Main Beach, so it's the perfect place to avoid the typical tourist crowds. There's plenty of parking at Heisler Park, however you will have to pay, so come with a friend to split the cost! Luckily, if you plan on going to catch the su...Read more -
Laguna Beach, California
Water Tank Trail
4.33.05 mi / 502 ft gainThere a numerous trails in the Laguna Coast Wilderness that proceed up and along the ridges and down into the canyons (or the reverse), and most are excellent for hiking, trail running, and mountain biking. A classic out-and-back (with many options for loops) begins in Irvine Bowl Park at the en...Read more -
Laguna Beach, California
Kayak the Laguna Beach State Marine Preserve
5.0Whether you're a beginning, intermediate, or advanced paddler, there are numerous ways to explore via sea kayak the protected waters off the coast of Laguna Beach. You can bring your own or rent and book a tour from several shops in town. An excellent starting point is at Fisherman's Cove just of...Read more -
Laguna Beach, California
Stand Up Paddleboard Fisherman's Cove
Fisherman's Cove is a protected beach and cove in Laguna Beach at the bottom of Boat Canyon that is tucked away from the hustle, bustle, and crowds that are often found at other nearby beaches. Further, parking is easily (relatively speaking) found along Cliff Drive. The beach itself, especially ...Read more -
Corona, California
Hike to Santiago Peak via Holy Jim
5.015 mi / 4500 ft gainWhen you think of Orange County, you think of beaches, boardwalks, but what you may not know is that there are some great hikes in our very own backyard! My favorite is a fairly strenuous day hiking adventure that only the strong survive. Not to dissuade any interested parties, since this is a ...Read more -
Corona, California
Hike to Holy Jim Falls
3.02.9 mi / 570 ft gainTo start, directions on how to get to the trail there are two different ways, the most common , which I will explain, being through Rancho Santa Margarita you will head east on Santa Margarita Parkway, turn left at the dead end (into a parking lot for a shopping center) on Plano Trabuco Road, thi...Read more -
Laguna Beach, California
Scuba Dive Shaw’s Cove, Laguna Beach
Shaw’s Cove is located just 3 minutes North of Laguna Beach’s Main Beach Park and one beach south of Crescent Bay. There’s a dive shop placed conveniently above the cove so if you need to rent equipment, it’s right there. The shop is close enough to walk to the cove, but with 60 pounds of gear, t...Read more -
Aliso Viejo, California
Top of the World via West Ridge Trail
5.04.76 mi / 443 ft gainDirections to get here are pretty straight forward via the map. You park your car in a residential neighborhood along the street, and from there, you can't miss the entrance. The trail is paved for the first 100yds or so and after you make a right turn at the top, you'll be on dirt and sand the r...Read more -
Laguna Beach, California
Trail Run the Boat Road and Laguna Ridge
4.34 mi / 600 ft gainThere a numerous trails in the Laguna Coast Wilderness that proceed up and along the ridges and down into the canyons (or the reverse), and most are excellent for trail running, hiking, and mountain biking. A classic out-and-back (with many options for loops) begins at the end of Dartmoor Street ...Read more -
Laguna Beach, California
Explore the Seascape at Crescent Bay
4.3If you are in Southern California and want to find a good place to watch the sunset, this is the place. Laguna Beach, Orange County is loaded with awesome beaches to shoot photos of the famous California sunsets. This is one of my favorites because of so many options.When arriving to the beach, h...Read more -
Laguna Beach, California
Hike Willow Canyon, Laguna Coast Wilderness Park
5.06.7 mi / 1208 ft gainThis hike has been a must do since I was young. Do you love scenic views of the ocean and wildlife? You'll see plenty of both, from hawks searching for food to squirrels and deer running through the brush. This is my favorite route in this area but there are plenty of other trails to shorten or a...Read more -
Laguna Beach, California
Emerald Canyon & Bommer Ridge Loop
5 mi / 873 ft gainThere a numerous trails in the Laguna Coast Wilderness that proceed up and along the ridges and down into the canyons (or the reverse), and are quite popular for mountain biking, hiking, and trail running. A great mountain biking loop begins in Emerald Canyon at the end of Emerald Canyon Road an...Read more
