Costa Mesa, California

Top Spots in and near Costa Mesa

  • San Diego County, California

    Bluffs Trail Loop

    5.0
    2.63 mi / 95 ft gain
    Discover the natural beauty of Southern California on the San Onofre Bluffs Trail Loop, a scenic hike located within San Onofre State Beach. This trail offers hikers breathtaking views of sandstone cliffs, access to secluded beaches, and opportunities to observe diverse coastal wildlife. Hours ...
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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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  • Lake Elsinore, California

    San Mateo Peak via Morgan Trailhead

    5.0
    4.47 mi / 784 ft gain
    San Mateo Peak, standing at an elevation of 3,591 feet, is the highest summit in the Elsinore Mountains, a subrange of the Santa Ana Mountains in Southern California. The peak offers hikers panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes and is accessible via the Morgan Trail. Hours of Operation...
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  • Lake Elsinore, California

    Explore Walker Canyon

    4.3
    Walker canyon is within easy driving distance from most places in Orange County and San Diego which makes for a great day trip.  While there is no official parking lot for the trail you will be able to find parking all along Lake Street and Walker Canyon Road.  The trail begins at the corner of L...
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  • Avalon, California

    Camp at Hermit Gulch on Catalina Island

    3.9 mi / 1206 ft gain
    The Avalon port in Catalina is most easily accessed through the Catalina Express leaving from Dana Point, Newport Beach or Long Beach. The Hermit Gulch campsite is only a 20 min walk from the boat and is well run with restrooms, showers... etc. They also sell anything you might have forgotten for...
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  • Hermosa Beach, California

    Surf at El Porto

    4.0
    The South Bay of LA has plenty of good surf. Sand bars are back and its fun...watch out for the sharks.
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  • Avalon, California

    Trans-Catalina Trail

    5.0
    37.67 mi / 8189 ft gain
    This adventure is a great way to see the entire island of Santa Catalina. Catalina Island is situated less than 30 miles off the coast of Southern California, and can be reached by ferry from Dana Point, San Pedro, or Long Beach. Catalina Express in the company that operates the ferry. This adve...
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  • San Diego County, California

    Camp On the Abandoned Santa Margarita Lookout Helipad

    4.3
    Starting in Murrieta, CA you don't have to venture far to enjoy a beautiful view and less light polluted skies.From Murrieta on the I-15 freeway you're going to want to take the Clinton Kieth Road exit and head west. If you're low on gas make sure to fill up at the 7 Eleven on the left corner. Th...
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  • Manhattan Beach, California

    Take a Sunset Surf at Manhattan Beach

    4.4
    Manhattan Beach Pier is a popular spot in the South Bay of Los Angeles for surfers of all levels. With its exposed beach break with consistent surf and more than 300 days of sun per year, you can pretty much always count on good weather in Manhattan Beach so you can surf no matter the season. Ide...
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Ascot Hills

    3.5
    2.11 mi / 446 ft gain
    Ascot Hills Park is a great hidden gem located a few miles east of Los Angeles. There is a parking lot with plenty of parking but the gates close at sunset, which is a great time to go, so if you plan on staying later, park outside the gates where there is ample street parking. Depending on the s...
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  • Los Angeles County, California

    Bikepack Catalina Island

    5.0
    43.5 mi / 5700 ft gain
    This is a great introductory overnight bikepacking adventure. With restaurants, water, and stores at each end of the ride, your packing list is minimal. Head out on Saturday morning and make it back in time for dinner on Sunday evening. Packing List Your Bike – I did this ride on my drop bar grav...
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Ord & Yale Street Park

    4.0
    Recently opened in 2021, right behind the LA Library in Chinatown, you’ll find this secret gem, tucked away in the corner. Covered picnic tables, with checkerboard game boards in place, and all gender bathrooms with changing tables for the little ones. Two play areas as well as a small climbing w...
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Los Angeles Historic Park

    5.0
    1.17 mi / 46 ft gain
    Los Angeles Historic Park is a loop trail that is good for all skill levels located near Dodgertown, California.
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  • La Verne, California

    Marshall Canyon Trail

    4.0
    5.99 mi / 722 ft gain
    For this adventure you can choose to start in a multiple of places; for the easiest parking use Oak Mesa Park located next to Oak Mesa Elementary School. From the parking lot cross the soccer field towards the bridge on the north east end of the school. Once across the bridge follow Los Robles ea...
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Vista Hermosa Natural Park

    4.2
    0.58 mi / 36 ft gain
    Vista Hermosa Natural Park is part of the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy and the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority. Located in the western gateway to Downtown Los Angeles, it’s very easy to drive by this hidden gem if you’re not looking for it. This park is the perfect mix of ur...
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  • Los Angeles, California

    City View and Walnut Forest Trails Loop

    4.0
    2.59 mi / 568 ft gain
    The City View and Walnut Forest Trails in Ernest E. Debs Regional Park are just outside of downtown Los Angeles, and are perfect for all abilities. The trails are most commonly used by dog walkers, trail runners, mountain bikers and families. The top of the hike features a unique pond. Dogs are a...
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