Coronado, California

The best Trails and Outdoor Activities in Coronado, California offer a variety of scenic outdoor adventures. One of the top trails is the Silver Strand State Beach trail. This is a flat, easy trail that runs along the beach, providing stunning ocean views. The trail is perfect for walking, running, or cycling. Another must-visit trail is the Coronado Beach Walk which offers panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. For a more challenging hike, head to the Cabrillo National Monument trails. Here, you'll find rocky terrain and steep inclines, but the reward is breathtaking views of San Diego Bay and the Pacific Ocean. Besides hiking, Coronado also offers kayaking and paddleboarding in Glorietta Bay and surfing at Coronado Beach. Whether you're a hiker or a water sports fan, Coronado has something for everyone.

Top Spots in and near Coronado

  • Del Mar, California

    Coast to Crest Trail at the San Dieguito Lagoon

    4.1
    Coast to Crest Trail at the San Dieguito Lagoon is an out-and-back trail that begins at its western end on Jimmy Durante Boulevard, where it links up with the River Path Del Mar. Heading east, the trail extends a short distance to the Birdwing Open Air Classroom and passes by the Surf Sports Park...
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  • Jamul, California

    Hollenbeck Canyon Trail

    4.65 mi / 709 ft gain
    The trail is wide and well maintained. The first mile of the trail is well shaded by oak trees. You'll see stunning rocky peaks and rolling green hills as the trail continues. There are three creek crossings to be aware of. Cleveland National Forest is dog friendly, but bring a leash! Hunting is ...
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  • Poway, California

    Hike around Goodan Ranch

    5.0
    3 mi
    Starting at the Sycamore Canyon Trail head, you will see the sign and gate that leads to Goodan Ranch. Head down the gravel road for 1.1 miles, until you reach a 3-way directional split. Heading straight for another .5 miles will take you directly to the ruins of the old Goodan house. Here you wi...
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  • Solana Beach, California

    La Colonia Park

    5.0
    This is such a perfect park in Solana Beach. Great for dogs, kids, and groups. The park has a grass field perfect for pickup games of soccer or lounging, a big playground, a full basketball court, a pickleball court, picnic tables, and bathrooms. This park has plenty of space, easy and free stree...
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  • San Diego, California

    Black Mountain Peak via Miner's Ridge Loop Trail

    2.5
    4.3 mi / 951 ft gain
    The Miner's Ridge Loop Trail is a relatively mild 4.3-mile loop that takes you to the 1554-foot summit of Black Mountain Peak. Even from the parking lot, the views to the east are stunning. Get there early in the morning on a clear day, or arrive just before sunset to get the full experience. T...
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  • Poway, California

    Catch a Sunset at Twin Peaks Mountain

    2 mi
    Start by parking at Silverset Park. You will see the trail head for Twin Peaks just behind the park. Park outside of the park if you think you'll be staying past sunset, as the park gates close at dark! Once you spot the trail head, veer left to the path heading up towards the peaks. You will eve...
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  • Solana Beach, California

    Annie’s Canyon via N Rios

    4.7
    1.34 mi / 92 ft gain
    If you're looking for a super short hike, this 10 minute flat walk couldn't be more ideal. Start at 840 N Rios Avenue, Solana beach and walk east towards the FWY 5 where you will see Annie’s Canyon on your right. There is only one way to go up the canyons and it gets pretty tight in places, but y...
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  • Lakeside, California

    Hike the Oakoasis Open Space Preserve

    2.5 mi / 300 ft gain
    Starting at the trail-head, head down towards the oak-lined ravine marking the beginning of the hike. With trees already growing back from the 2003 fire, these sections of the trail are nice and shady, and quite relaxing. About 1 mile in you will start to see the San Vicente Reservoir to your lef...
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  • Encinitas, California

    San Elijo State Beach Campground

    4.5
    This campground is located right next to the beach as well as next to the San Elijo Lagoon. Head to the beach during the day for a swim. This is also a great place to catch a sunset. If you want to stretch your legs and get moving a bit, you can hike around the San Elijo Lagoon to the east of the...
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  • Lakeside, California

    El Cajon Mountain

    4.6
    11.07 mi / 3337 ft gain
    This challenging trek is a great way to get in shape for that spring or summer trip to the Sierras. You may have heard others tell you how tough the hike is and they're not kidding. You'll be gaining 4100 feet over the 12 miles to the peak and back. If you have the time and the energy, you should...
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  • Ramona, California

    Iron Mountain Peak Trail

    4.1
    5.67 mi / 1030 ft gain
    Iron Mountain is the longest wilderness trail in Poway, CA. The parking lot is free and provides bathroom and water fountain amenities. The distance from the parking area to the summit is approximately 3.2 miles. Beginning with a wide smooth trail, slowly transitioning into semi-technical incline...
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  • Encinitas, California

    Encinitas Coastal Rail Trail

    2.61 mi / 33 ft gain
    The Cardiff/Encinitas Coastal Rail Trail (part of the longer, ongoing project to eventually run 44 miles between Oceanside and San Diego) is a beautiful, mellow, and well-maintained pathway that runs from the corner of Chesterfield Dr. & San Elijo Ave. (right across the street from the Patago...
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  • Poway, California

    Mount Woodson and Potato Chip Rock

    4.7
    6.45 mi / 1965 ft gain
    Mt. Woodson is located in Poway's most eastern region and is one of San Diego's most popular and most iconic hiking trails. Known for its grand photo opportunistic "Potato Chip Rock", Mt. Woodson is a 7.5mi out-and-back trail with amazing vistas, convenient rest stops and breathtaking views. The...
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  • Poway, California

    Lake Poway

    4.0
    It costs $5 to enter the park and they are open 6am to sunset everyday. There is plenty of parking and this park is huge! This place has so many outdoor recreational activities such as fishing, hiking, running, archery, feeding ducks, or just having a picnic. With so many possibilities in this o...
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  • Poway, California

    Blue Sky Ecological Reserve to Ramona Dam

    3.0
    5.3 mi / 984 ft gain
    Starting at the trail head where you park your car, head south along the Green Valley Truck Trail. After less than a mile, you will notice the city and noise start to fade behind you, and a beautiful sight of towering oaks, willows, and sycamores appear as you walk along the Creekside Trail. You ...
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  • San Diego, California

    Battle Mountain's Cross

    5.0
    0.45 mi / 256 ft gain
    This is a quick and easy hike for everyday explorers desiring a 20-minute sweat-inducing power walk leading to incredible views of urban development, Iron Mountain, Mt. Woodson, Mule Hill, and The 15. Come enjoy the views while sitting under the beautiful 20ft cross you've been admiring from the ...
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