Dana Point, California
Dana Point, California is home to some of the best trails and outdoor activities. From scenic hikes to must-visit parks, the area offers a variety of outdoor adventures. Popular attractions include Dana Point Harbor, Salt Creek Beach Park, Doheny State Beach, and San Onofre State Beach. For hikers, there are several trails in the area, including the San Juan Creek Trail, the Dana Point Headlands Trail, and the San Clemente Coastal Trail. For nature lovers, the Laguna Beach and Crystal Cove State Parks offer beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean. There are also several golf courses, kayaking, and other outdoor activities to enjoy in the area.
Top Spots in and near Dana Point
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San Diego, California
Surfing at Black's Beach via the Main Gate
5.01 mi / 650 ft gainWith arguably some of San Diego’s best waves, Black’s Beach can be found in the vicinity of the University of California San Diego campus, at the southern end of Torrey Pines State Beach and north of La Jolla Shores. Stately eight-figure mansions now line the bluffs where pastures and the Black f...Read more -
San Diego, California
Los Penasquitos Waterfall via Los Penasquitos Canyon Trailhead
4.34.15 mi / 115 ft gainThe Los Penasquitos Preserve waterfall is a hidden gem of San Diego and a popular spot for locals within the area. The hike to the waterfall lies within a preserve of approximately 4,000 acres. There are many different trailheads that lead to the waterfall all offering a unique experience. I alwa...Read more -
Hermosa Beach, California
Surf at El Porto
4.0The South Bay of LA has plenty of good surf. Sand bars are back and its fun...watch out for the sharks.Read more -
San Diego County, California
Photograph Scripp's Pier
4.9Parking is easy, there are tons of random street you can park on just a little walk away. Be sure to arrive on scene at least an hour before sunset. Make sure to look up the sunset time and the weather forecast. Clouds will make for the most dramatic images with the most color from the sunset. Ex...Read more -
San Diego, California
Swing on the La Jolla Tree Swings
3.0From Torrey Pines Rd, turn left onto La Jolla Shores Drive. After about 1/4 of a mile down start to look for parking preferably near UCSD Coastal Apartments. Once parked walk along the UCSD apartments until you see Discovery way. Make a left at Discovery where you will then cross the street. You ...Read more -
Avalon, California
Camp at Parsons Landing
5.07 mi / 0 ft gainThe distance can vary depending on where you start. It is a 2.5 mile hike from Emerald Bay or 7 mile hike from Two Harbors or you can kayak in. There are 8 primitive campsites (6 people/ site) which means there is no running water, no supplies...you must pack in everything. The campsites are spre...Read more -
San Diego, California
Los Penasquitos Canyon Loop
3.36.77 mi / 131 ft gainLos Penasquitos Canyon Loop After about a five minute hike on the trail you will start to enter into Los Penasquitos Canyon. Every section of the trail is different, one minute you are walking next to a stream with trees arching over the trail and another minute you are walking through an open f...Read more -
San Diego, California
La Jolla Cove
4.8La Jolla Cove is one of the most photographed beaches in San Diego, located on the coast just south of Torrey Pines Natural Reserve. La Jolla Cove is also one of the best spots in San Diego for snorkeling and scuba diving. This calm cove is ecologically protected with many animals making their ho...Read more -
San Diego, California
Swim in La Jolla Cove
4.9La Jolla Cove is an iconic destination in San Diego for visitors and locals alike. Anyone visiting San Diego knows La Jolla Cove is famous for sea lions, beautiful sunsets, sea caves, kayaking, diving, etc etc. The entire area is a great place to eat, drink, relax and spend a day enjoying the Cal...Read more -
San Diego, California
La Jolla Coast Walk Trail
5.02.32 mi / 295 ft gainLa Jolla Coast Walk is a beautiful coastline trail, but is a bit of a heavily trafficked tourist trail. The hike can be started and ended at 3 separate locations. The trail is easily accessible with a small parking lot and tons of restaurants nearby. The trail begins near another popular touris...Read more -
San Diego, California
Dive La Jolla Shores
4.5While it doesn't get the attention of La Jolla Cove's green fields, the shores are one of the best parts about San Diego.Driving up to the large parking area it's immediately clear you've come to the right place as there's almost always divers suiting up in the early morning. A dive shop down the...Read more -
Azusa, California
Fish Canyon Falls
2.04.08 mi / 801 ft gainThis trail is currently closed! Learn more on the U.S. Forest Service website. Follow Encanto Parkway towards the hills until you come to a junction with a sign labeled "trail" that points towards a parking lot to your right. Parking is free, though on weekends it may be difficult to find a spot...Read more -
San Diego, California
Photographing Hospitals Reef
5.0Hospitals Reef is a photographer’s paradise. San Diego is known for its many beaches, but Hospitals Reef is one of my favorites to photograph. It’s easy to see why when you get there. The unique rocky shoreline is home to many unusual and wonderful sights.There is a section of rocks filled with p...Read more -
Poway, California
Blue Sky Ecological Reserve to Ramona Dam
3.05.3 mi / 984 ft gainStarting 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 ...Read more
