El Cajon, California
El Cajon, California, offers some of the top outdoor adventures for those seeking fresh air and scenic landscapes. One must-visit is the Flinn Springs County Park, a hiking trail that takes you through a variety of terrain, including grasslands, oak forests, and rocky paths. The trail is moderately difficult, making it suitable for those looking for a bit of a challenge. Along the trail, you'll find a creek and a small waterfall, adding to the natural beauty of the area. Other outdoor activities in El Cajon include fishing at Lake Jennings and rock climbing at Mission Trails Regional Park. These are some of the best trails and outdoor activities in and near El Cajon, offering a range of options for those looking to explore the scenic outdoors.
Top Spots in and near El Cajon
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San Diego, California
Explore Sunset Cliffs Open Ceiling Cave
0.5 miStarting from you parking spot on the street you will see it right away. Then look to the right in the small bay--to the right of it you'll see a small place to climb down. There is no rope so be careful when scaling it. Walk south until you hit the reef wall and walk along it until you get aroun...Read more -
Imperial Beach, California
Catch a Sunset at the Imperial Beach Pier
5.0From San Diego, head South on Hwy 5 for 12 miles. Take a right on exit 5A for Palm Ave/CA-75. Take CA-75 west for 1.6 miles. Stay on Palm Ave as it splits from CA-75. Take Palm Ave for 1 mile until it reaches the coast. Turn left on Seacoast Dr and take it for 1 mile until you reach the Imperial ...Read more -
San Diego, California
Surf at Sunset Cliffs
4.5This is a fun, soft, A-frame point break with a reef bottom and kelp beds a little deeper than the lineup to keep the waves clean. Breaks right and a left. Works even when there's a little bit of wind, but not a lot. It's best on a 4-6 foot swell and only go on a mid to low tide. This is th...Read more -
San Diego, California
Black's Beach via the Gliderport
4.30.7 mi / 269 ft gainPark at the Torrey Pines Gliderport, which is conveniently empty before sunrise. The hike down to Black's Beach features a steep hike down a winding path of natural and manmade steps along the cliff face, but stay left and cruise the bluff for endless opportunities to observe, reflect and explor...Read more -
San Diego, California
Torrey Pines Gliderport
4.5Park at the Torrey Pines Gliderport and walk to the railing over the cliffs. From there you can see north to Black's Beach and the Torrey Pines golf course. To the south you can see La Jolla Shores and La Jolla cove. Walk the path down to Black's Beach if you want some exercise. There is food and...Read more -
San Diego, California
Surf Scripps Pier
5.0Park on La Jolla Shores Drive and make the short walk down the boat ramp north of the pier. This spot often has some of the clearest waters in San Diego, making it a picturesque place to surf. During low tide, check out the tide pools just north of the surf spot to find some awesome sea life.Read more -
San Diego, California
Explore Cabrillo National Monument
4.5Cabrillo National Monument is named after Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, the first European explorer to reach America's Wet Coast. There are many knowledgable rangers in the park who are eager to share interesting historical facts. Activities in the park include hiking: the Bayside Trail offers 2 mile...Read more -
San Diego, California
Bayside Trail
4.01.99 mi / 397 ft gainThe Bayside Trail features beautiful spring wild flowers and is accessible year-round. The trail is wide with a few rest stops and benches along the way. The trail is breezy, much cooler than many trails inland, featuring ocean views throughout the duration. This monument commemorates the landi...Read more -
Ramona, California
Cedar Creek Falls
4.85.52 mi / 1024 ft gainThe trail to Cedar Falls starts out at a hill in a residential area and ends in an unexpected spot where there is a beautiful waterfall complete with a swimming hole. Surrounded by 75-foot-high cliffs, a magnificent waterfall splashes into a pool known as the Devil’s Punch Bowl. Hikers have been ...Read more -
San Diego, California
Battle Mountain's Cross
5.00.45 mi / 256 ft gainThis 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 ...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
Point Loma Tide Pools
4.5Begin by making your way towards the Point Loma Naval Base. Continue along that road as far as it goes and you will come to the Cabrillo National Monument. Upon entering the park you will have to pay a fee to get down to the tide pools. It is $5 per car or $3 per person if you choose to walk in. ...Read more -
San Diego, California
Watch the Sunset at Windansea Beach
5.0One of San Diego's hidden gems. This beach offers an incredible and beautiful view any time of the day. My favorite time to go to this beach is during the sunset. There is a set of stairs just north of the parking lot that leads down to the cliffs where you can sit, hang out, and relax. It's also...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
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
