Del Mar, California
Del Mar, California, is a top spot for outdoor adventures, boasting some of the best trails and outdoor activities. The Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is a must-visit, offering scenic hiking trails with views of the Pacific Ocean, rare Torrey Pine trees, and unique rock formations. The difficulty of the trails ranges from easy to moderate, making it suitable for all fitness levels. Additionally, the San Dieguito Lagoon is a popular attraction, featuring bird-watching and walking trails alongside a peaceful river. For beach activities, Del Mar City Beach is ideal for surfing, swimming, and sunbathing. These outdoor attractions make Del Mar a prime location for a variety of outdoor activities.
Top Spots in and near Del Mar
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San Diego, California
Climb the Famous California Balboa Bell Tower
5.0This tour allows you to climb up the iconic landmark of Balboa Park. It has never been open to the public to climb until January 2014. An easy seven floor climb brings you to a beautiful viewing deck. From the top of the tower you'll be able to see the glimpses of the San Diego Zoo, the Cuyamaca ...Read more -
San Diego, California
Balboa Park Botanical Building and Lily Pond
For a peaceful escape, visit the Balboa Park Botanical Building and Lily Pond in San Diego. Built for the 1915 Panama-California Exposition, this serene spot features vibrant water lilies and lotus blossoms in a shallow reflecting pond. The Botanical Building, one of the world’s largest structur...Read more -
San Diego, California
Seven Bridge Walk Loop
5.05.75 mi / 217 ft gainThe Seven Bridge Walk is a 5.2 mile loop through urban San Diego with scenic views, neat bridges, and gorgeous palm trees. Dogs are allowed on the trail, and the loop is perfect for families and all skill levels. On a Sunday, you will go through the Hillcrest farmers market - a great spot for cof...Read more -
Santee, California
Crystal Cave
4.00.46 mi / 59 ft gainStarting at 8100 Mesa road, you will see parking along the side of the road in a few places, take advantage where you find it. Pass over the trail gate that marks the start of the journey. This will be a quick trip, as the total distance is less than a mile out and back. Head a quarter mile or ...Read more -
San Diego, California
Spreckels Organ Outdoor Pavilion
The Spreckels Organ Pavilion in San Diego, California, is home to the world's largest outdoor organ, played weekly by one of only two civic organists in the U.S. Visitors can enjoy free one-hour Sunday concerts at 2 p.m., rain or shine, performed by San Diego’s civic organist. For evening or spec...Read more -
Oceanside, California
Catch a Sunset at Oceanside Pier
4.8Both sides of the pier are awesome to shoot but depending on the time of the year/sun position one might be better than the other. Super mellow beach to chill out at and watch the sunset. You can get some awesome reflections in the tide. Keep an eye on your gear as there can be sketchy crackheads...Read more -
Oceanside, California
Surf Fish at Oceanside Pier
5.0There are lots of great beaches to fish at in Oceanside. You can fish any of these or you could choose to fish off the Oceanside Pier. You can catch many different species of fish from the shore such as croakers, corbina, surfperch, shovelnose guitarfish, leopard shark, halibut, and rays. In orde...Read more -
Oceanside, California
Bike or Skate the Strand
4.01 mi / 0 ft gainOceanside's iconic Strand is a 1 mile long ocean-front road that is perfect for cycling, walking, and running. At various points it is one way or pedestrian only, and is a must-do for any visitors to Oceanside.From the north The Strand begins at Breakwater Way and heads south underneath The Ocean...Read more -
La Mesa, California
Catch a Sunset at Lake Murray
Lake Murray Reservoir provides drinking water to parts of San Diego, and thus is a no swimming lake. This is one of the reasons it is such a great place to photograph! If you are shooting the sunset, use this app to check the time the sun sets, and get to the lake at least 30 minutes prior to set...Read more -
Ramona, California
Mount Woodson's East Approach
3.03.96 mi / 1385 ft gainMount Woodson is a well-known hiking trail in San Diego County. It is known for its breathtaking views and the famous potato chip rock. The Trail on the east side of the Mountain is fairly steep but is about half the distance of the trail on the west side of the mountain. To get to the trail on ...Read more -
Oceanside, California
Surf the South Jetty, Oceanside Harbor
4.5The jetty's of Oceanside Harbor serve to protect and stabilize the mouth of the San Luis Rey River meaning the sand and subsequent breaks remain fairly consistent and sand bars last for quite some time. After heavy rains large sand bars will form making for decent waves. It is also a great place ...Read more -
Oceanside, California
Stand Up Paddleboard the Oceanside Harbor
The Oceanside Harbor is a great place to paddle board with easy parking and access to restaurants, and all protected from the wave and swells of the ocean. Often times there are sea lions, pelicans, and other marine life swimming among the hundreds of beautiful sailboats. Paddleboards are availab...Read more -
San Diego, California
Run the Convention Center Stairs
4.8This is a great spot to get in a workout and to get some fresh air. The stairs are around 100 steps to the top, so if you're feeling good, you can get a few rounds in. In terms of safety, there are usually people around the convention center, so you most likely won't be alone. With that said, be ...Read more -
Coronado, California
Explore Bayview Park
5.0Even though I am quite familiar with this spot, I doubt that most San Diegans have sat in the benches at this little park to take in the sunset, sunrise, or spectacular views of downtown San Diego. I'm absolutely positive that most out-of-towners have no idea that this little gem exists. I want t...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 -
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
