Costa Mesa, California
Looking for the best photography in Costa Mesa? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Costa Mesa. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.
Top Photography Spots in and near Costa Mesa
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Los Angeles, California
Hollywood Sign via Brush Canyon Trail
4.65.04 mi / 1155 ft gainGetting to the parking lot near the trailhead and finding an open space can seem like the most daunting part of this whole excursion. There are free parking lots along the road to the trailhead, so keep an eye out. There are also several ways to get to the trailhead from other parking areas; I ad...Read more -
Glendale, California
Nibley Park
5.0Nibley Park is a small and secluded park with lots of trees and green area. There are a number of picnic tables and a restroom, that is ADA compliant. The playground is small but two separate play areas that are marked for their specific ages for young kids to have fun. There is also a half court...Read more -
Altadena, California
Thalehaha Falls
1.71 mi / 679 ft gainThe trails starts in a foothill neighborhood of Altadena CA at the corner of Pleasantridge Dr. and Rubio Vista Rd. This is one of the better entries into the Angeles National Forest because it is one of the lesser known. Find a place to park on the street and head out on the trail into Rubio Cany...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Hollyridge Trail to the Hollywood Sign [Closed]
4.23.5 mi / 383 ft gainThis trail is closed as is the Beachwood Gate which is used to access the Hollyridge Trail will be permanently closed on April 18th, 2017 due to a court order. Check out Hollywood Sign via Brush Canyon Trail for an available option. There are three ways to get to the Hollywood Sign. This route ...Read more -
Altadena, California
Echo Mountain and Inspiration Point Loop
4.110.16 mi / 3369 ft gainThe trail switchbacks up the mountain before reaching the first historic marker, in 3 miles. These are the remains of the Mount Lowe Railroad, which brought customers to Echo Mountain Resort, also in ruins, nearby. Explore the historic sites, then head up Castle Canyon Trail. A steep climb will ...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Aileen Getty Ridge Trail
5.03.55 mi / 1194 ft gainThe Aileen Getty Ridge Trail is a singletrack trail that runs between Mt. Lee and Burbank Peak (the location of the Wisdom Tree). Though there are many options to access this trail, the most direct route is from the west via the Wonder View Trailhead. Start by parking on Lake Hollywood Drive near...Read more -
La Verne, California
Cattle Canyon Trail
6.7 mi / 1066 ft gainWithin the San Gabriel Mountains from Highway 39 and along East Fork Road is Cattle Canyon. To go through Cattle Canyon, you can access the trail head just south of the Bridge to Nowhere trail head along East Fork Road right after it intersects with Glendora Mountain Road. There is a small parkin...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Wisdom Tree
4.90.95 mi / 528 ft gainIn Griffith Park, park along Lake Hollywood Drive and walk the paved quarter mile up Wonder View Drive to the start of Wonder View Trail. Here, walk through the yellow gate and make the first right after the road turns to dirt. Head up this unmarked single track path heading east up the mountain....Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Cahuenga Peak Loop Trail
3.88 mi / 1237 ft gainThe Cahuenga Peak Loop is perfect for trail runners and hikers. The trailhead is in Hollywood Hills - park off to the side on a street. This trail features beautiful wildflowers in the spring. Dogs are allowed on the trail if kept on leash. The trail can be dusty and dirty, so watch your step. Ke...Read more -
Santa Monica, California
Santa Monica Pier
4.0Unlimited photography options with the ferris wheel, beach, ocean, and sunsets Abundant people watching opportunities Plenty of ways to get a workout in including swimming, volleyball courts, running, or riding a bike There is a bike and walking path that runs along the coast. One of my favo...Read more -
Altadena, California
Millard Falls
3.01.27 mi / 289 ft gainTo get to the trail, park at the Millard Campground Trailhead parking lot, where you'll find plenty of parking. Follow the trail that leads away from the lot and past the Millard Campground. If necessary, you'll find bathrooms at the campground. Follow signs for Millard Falls as the trail veers r...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden
Explore the beauty of nature at the Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden in Los Angeles. Nestled within the UCLA campus, this enchanting garden showcases a diverse collection of plants from around the world. Wander through lush landscapes, serene ponds, and peaceful trails, perfect for nature lo...Read more -
Oceanside, California
Kayak the Oceanside Harbor
Sea kayaking from the Oceanside Harbor public kayak launch is one of the best ways to experience the Oceanside coast and the Pacific Ocean. There is ample parking along North Harbor Drive with the public kayak launch well-marked on the street. You can paddle around the harbor or you can go out pa...Read more -
Riverside, California
Hike Two Trees Trail
2.5 mi / 977 ft gainParking is free at the trailhead, but there is only room for approximately five cars. The trailhead is on the edge of a neighborhood, so you can park there if needed. From the parking lot, head west, and immediately veer right and across the bridge. If you go left at the first fork, you can stay ...Read more -
Los Angeles County, California
San Gabriel Peak
4.02.79 mi / 1040 ft gainAt 6,000 feet, San Gabriel Peak gives you one of the best views of the Los Angeles basin on the front range of the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument. As you pass through Muller Tunnel, the trail will be littered with rocks and boulders. A little over 100 feet in, the road will fork in thre...Read more -
Glendale, California
Brand Library Loop
5.06.56 mi / 2648 ft gainYour adventure will start at the Brand Library parking lot. Walk behind the library towards the gated day use area and you will find the start of the trail on your right, Las Flores MTWY. The first half-mile rises over 500 feet to a plateau, equipped with benches, a park map and views of Griffit...Read more