Encinitas, California
One of the top outdoor adventures in Encinitas, California, is hiking the Annie's Canyon Trail. This must-visit trail is known for its unique sandstone walls and narrow passages. It's a moderate difficulty trail, making it suitable for most fitness levels. Along the trail, you'll see the San Elijo Lagoon, a vibrant ecosystem home to various bird species. If you're into mountain biking, the Manchester Preserve is a great spot with miles of dirt trails and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. For those interested in water activities, Moonlight Beach is a popular spot for surfing and swimming. In conclusion, Encinitas is packed with scenic outdoor activities and attractions, from hiking and biking trails to beaches, making it a top destination for outdoor adventures.
Top Spots in and near Encinitas
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Encinitas, California
Coastal Roots Farm
5.0Coastal Roots Farm in Encinitas, California provides high quality, freshly picked organic produce with a pay-what-you-can pricing model. If you can afford to, pay their asking price, especially when you consider in return they allow people in need to buy for less than normal market prices. Best p...Read more -
Encinitas, California
San Elijo State Beach Campground
4.5This campground is located right next to the beach as well as next to the San Elijo Lagoon. Head to the beach during the day for a swim. This is also a great place to catch a sunset. If you want to stretch your legs and get moving a bit, you can hike around the San Elijo Lagoon to the east of the...Read more -
Encinitas, California
Photograph Surfers at Beacons Beach
5.0Pack for a day of fun, and don’t forget your camera! Getting there is easy. You can plug “beacons beach” or Leucadia State Beach right into your gps. You’ll find it right off of Neptune Street, where you can park in the parking lot on top of the sea bluff. Walk down the windy beach trail and you ...Read more -
Solana Beach, California
Annie’s Canyon Trailhead
4.72 mi / 100 ft gainIf you're looking for a super short hike, this 10 minute flat walk couldn't be more ideal. Start at 840 N Rios Avenue, Solana beach and walk east towards the FWY 5 where you will see Annie’s Canyon on your right. There is only one way to go up the canyons and it gets pretty tight in places, but y...Read more -
Encinitas, California
Grandview Beach
5.03 miGrandview Beach is a great spot for surfing when conditions line up (see Surfline). it's also an ideal spot to kick back and relax (bring your whole fam, dogs too). If you're looking for a little fitness, you can start at either Grandview Beach and head south along the beach to the San Elijo la...Read more -
Carlsbad, California
South Carlsbad Campground
5.0South Carlsbad Campground is a picturesque experience. Imagine gorgeous sea cliffs overlooking a lovely beach, with ample activities to pursue (or just lay in the sun and enjoy some quiet time). The most popular campsites, 1-70 and 156-222, are perched on the edge of a bluff and feature the best ...Read more -
Del Mar, California
Watch the Sunset at Sunset Seat in Del Mar
3.80.5 mi / 200 ft gainIn a place in our country where you can take an epic sunset picture nearly everyday, its hard say there is one location tin San Diego that is better than another. I'll let you in my new favorite secret spot to take amazing sunset pictures with a cool piece of art work at the location. Visit the t...Read more -
San Diego, California
Hiking Torrey Pines
4.75.5 mi / 300 ft gainThe beach trail brings you from the parking lot across the lodge from the bluff down to the beach. You can choose to visit the Red Butte, the Razor Point, and the Yucca Point trails along the way. Of the other trails, this trail seems to provide a complete walkthrough of geological features; it a...Read more -
San Diego, California
Hiking the Guy Fleming Trail
5.00.7 mi / 100 ft gainThis trail is located in Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, a beautiful area about 20-30 minutes north of San Diego. To access the reserve, park in the lot off of North Torrey Pines Road (pay $10 to park). If you don't want to walk up the huge hill at the beginning (it is steep and long), I beli...Read more -
San Diego, California
Hike the Beach Trail at Torrey Pines State Reserve
5.02 mi / 364 ft gainI'm stoked for those of you to find this adventure! Torrey Pines is home to a species of tree that is one of the most rare native pines in the United States. Below I have directions on how to get to the trail head as well as the parking lot to park for the hike. There is a charge to get into the...Read more -
San Diego, California
Hike Razor Point, Beach Trail, & Broken Hill Trail Loop
5.03.2 miThe parking area for all of Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is located right off North Torrey Pines Road (where the location is for this hike), about 20-30 minutes north of San Diego. It's $10 to park, and there was also a smaller parking lot at the top of the hill if you want to avoid the ini...Read more -
Escondido, California
Day Hike Elfin Forest
4.6Elfin Forest is one of the most beautiful and unique trails in all of San Diego, CA. The parking is free as well as the overflow parking area. There is an Interpretive Center located in the staging area where you can speak to park rangers, learn about the wildlife and trail locations. The parking...Read more -
Carlsbad, California
Hike and Fish at Lake Calavera
4.06.24 miLake Calavera Preserve is located in Carlsbad, CA and is home to one of North America's smallest volcanoes. It is the end peak of each trail and is what's known as a "volcanic plug" (cool hardened lava). The northern face of Mount Calavera is that of columnar joints- columns of molded lava. Geolo...Read more -
San Diego, California
Hike to Black's Beach via the Gliderport
4.32 mi / 350 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
Visit 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
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
Top Activities
Camping and Lodging in Encinitas
Chula Vista, California
San Diego Metro KOA Resort
Welcome to sunny San Diego! Escape with your family to this multi-award-winning KOA. You'll love the beautifully landscaped grounds, pave...
Palomar Mountain, California
Observatory Campground
Overview
Science buffs and families are drawn to Observatory Campground for its proximity to the Palomar Observatory, a world-class cente...
Palomar Mountain, California
Fry Creek Campground
Overview
Fry Creek Campground is situated in the heart of Cleveland National Forest, uniquely located down the road from the world-famous...
Aguanga, California
Temecula KOA at Vail Lake
Welcome to your ideal Southern California escape to nature with wide-open spaces to explore. Temecula/Vail Lake KOA sits on 385 acres of ...
Temecula, California
Dripping Springs Campground (Ca)
Overview
Dripping Springs campground is a wonderful campground adjacent to the Agua Tibia Wilderness.Recreation
Recreation in the area in...
Warner Springs, California
Oak Grove Campground
Overview
Located on the Cleveland National Forest, Oak Grove Campground is nestled in a valley of large oak groves and manzanita.Recreati...
