Chula Vista, California
The best Trails and Outdoor Activities in Chula Vista, California, include the Otay Valley Regional Park. This park is a must-visit for outdoor adventures, featuring a scenic 8-mile trail that offers a variety of terrain for hikers of all levels. The trail winds through the park, passing by the Otay River and several ponds, offering plenty of chances to spot local wildlife. Notable features include the park's unique rock formations and the historic Gunpowder House. For those seeking a more challenging hike, the park also offers the Rock House Trail, a steep climb that rewards hikers with panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscape. In addition to hiking, the park also offers biking and horseback riding trails. Nearby, the Living Coast Discovery Center provides another top outdoor attraction, with exhibits on local wildlife and habitats.
Top Spots in and near Chula Vista
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Campo, California
Hike Corte Madera Mountain
7.75 mi / 2375 ft gainFrom Buckman Springs Road, turn onto Corral Canyon OHV/Morena Stokes Valley Rd and drive almost 5 miles to a green gate with a red heart on it, this is the trailhead. Just past the turn is the parking area that fits 5-6 vehicles. Walk across the road past the locked gate and head up the oak cover...Read more -
Encinitas, California
Photograph Surfers at Beacons Beach
5.0Pack for a day of fun, and don’t forget your camera! Getting there is easy. You can plug “beacons beach” or Leucadia State Beach right into your gps. You’ll find it right off of Neptune Street, where you can park in the parking lot on top of the sea bluff. Walk down the windy beach trail and you ...Read more -
Encinitas, California
Grandview Beach
5.03 miGrandview Beach is a great spot for surfing when conditions line up (see Surfline). it's also an ideal spot to kick back and relax (bring your whole fam, dogs too). If you're looking for a little fitness, you can start at either Grandview Beach and head south along the beach to the San Elijo la...Read more -
Santa Ysabel, California
Three Sisters Falls
4.93.42 mi / 906 ft gainThree Sisters Falls is by far the best hike, for the most reward, that I've gone on in the close vicinity of San Diego. Only a short hour and a half drive from downtown San Diego, the hike offers all the draws of a National Park: remote wilderness, strenuous hiking, scenic mountain views, and ama...Read more -
Descanso, California
Green Valley Falls
5.00.36 mi / 98 ft gainGreen Valley Falls is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Descanso, California.Read more -
Carlsbad, California
South Carlsbad Campground
5.0South Carlsbad Campground is a picturesque experience. Imagine gorgeous sea cliffs overlooking a lovely beach, with ample activities to pursue (or just lay in the sun and enjoy some quiet time). The most popular campsites, 1-70 and 156-222, are perched on the edge of a bluff and feature the best ...Read more -
San Diego County, California
Hiking the Laguna Hills via the PCT
5.020 mi / 2000 ft gainThis trail is well-maintained, but gets a little rocky on the PCT, and the Chariot Fire burn-zone between Penny Pines and Hayes peak will have a few downed trees and some overgrown grasses. On the other hand, the trail network of the BLT is confusing to follow as the entire network is named "Big ...Read more -
Campo, California
Kitchen Creek Falls Trail
4.04.83 mi / 722 ft gainKitchen Creek Falls Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Pine Valley, California.Read more -
Escondido, California
Camp at Dixon Lake
2.1 mi / 295 ft gainDixon Lake is Escondido's best kept secret! A man-made reservoir located right next to Daley Ranch, Dixon Lake offers overnight camping, boat rentals, fishing, and hiking, along with picnic areas, a kids park, and more. The campground is open year-round and is located next to the lake with a lof...Read more -
Campo, California
Photograph the Mexican Border on the PCT Southern Terminus
4.5From San Diego head East on Hwy 8 for roughly 60 miles to Buckman Springs Road (Exit 51). Take a right on Buckman Springs road an drive South for 10 miles. Turn right on CA-94 W (Campo Rd) and drive for 1.5 miles. After crossing the railroad tracks turn left on Forrest Gate Road. Take this road f...Read more -
Julian, California
Hike Cuyamaca Peak
4.55.5 mi / 1700 ft gainThis peak is one of the tallest in the county. Reaching the summit of the peak takes you to an elevation of 6500'. Although this peak isn't as challenging as others nearby, it's located in the center of San Diego, which offers up amazing views, which is the main reason to take this hike. The best...Read more -
Julian, California
Hike Stonewall Peak
4.73.82 mi / 820 ft gainThis hike is one of the most popular in the Cuyamaca Rancho State Park. When you reach Stonewall Peak's summit, enjoy the view of the surrounding park and nearby Lake Cuyamaca. The hike up the east side is a popular and relatively easy trail. Although you'll be gaining 800 feet, the hike is relat...Read more -
Ramona, California
Explore the Sutherland Dam
2.01 miOnce your on Sutherland Dam Rd, follow it until your right next to the dam. Park on the side of the road where you see a small turn-out. Walk down to the side of the dam and drop down onto the concrete flooring of the dam. Walk on-top where allowed, and check out the views of the lake and the mo...Read more -
Carlsbad, California
Hike and Fish at Lake Calavera
4.06.24 miLake Calavera Preserve is located in Carlsbad, CA and is home to one of North America's smallest volcanoes. It is the end peak of each trail and is what's known as a "volcanic plug" (cool hardened lava). The northern face of Mount Calavera is that of columnar joints- columns of molded lava. Geolo...Read more -
Oceanside, California
Buccaneer Beach
If you're looking for a beach to bring your family, Buccaneer Beach is the place to go. It has a little bit of everything plus a huge parking lot, so it's really never full (unless you go midday on the 4th of July or something). There is a grassy area next to the parking lot with benches to have...Read more -
San Diego County, California
Hike Garnet Peak Trail
3.02.6 mi / 500 ft gainWhile there are a few trail options, the designated Garnet Peak Trail begins off of Sunrise Highway at Mile Marker 27.8. There is a small pull-off on the east side of the road with a sign denoting the trail. An Adventure Pass is required for parking in this area of Cleveland National Forest.The f...Read more
