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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Laguna Beach, California
Hike the West Ridge Trail
5.01.5 mi / 150 ft gainBeginning at Alta Laguna Park at Top of the World, the West Ridge Trail is a popular starting (and ending) point for adventures into the Laguna Coast Wilderness, leading to trails and areas like Car Wreck, Big Bend, and Willow Canyon. You can also do it in reverse from the north. The ridge itself...Read more -
Heisler Park, California
Relax at Heisler Park
5.0Located in Laguna Beach, California, Heisler Park is just past Main Beach, so it's the perfect place to avoid the typical tourist crowds. There's plenty of parking at Heisler Park, however you will have to pay, so come with a friend to split the cost! Luckily, if you plan on going to catch the su...Read more -
Trabuco Canyon, California
Hike the Bellview to Dove Lake Trail
2.5 mi / 75 ft gainThis hike will be about going from the Bellview Trailhead to Dove Lake and back. Note that once you get to Dove Lake there are numerous offshoots that can take you in different directions (you can follow the road into the Dove Canyon housing community, take a paved road back to the Bellview parki...Read more -
Laguna Beach, California
Water Tank Trail
4.33.05 mi / 502 ft gainThere a numerous trails in the Laguna Coast Wilderness that proceed up and along the ridges and down into the canyons (or the reverse), and most are excellent for hiking, trail running, and mountain biking. A classic out-and-back (with many options for loops) begins in Irvine Bowl Park at the en...Read more -
Laguna Beach, California
Kayak the Laguna Beach State Marine Preserve
5.0Whether you're a beginning, intermediate, or advanced paddler, there are numerous ways to explore via sea kayak the protected waters off the coast of Laguna Beach. You can bring your own or rent and book a tour from several shops in town. An excellent starting point is at Fisherman's Cove just of...Read more -
Laguna Beach, California
Stand Up Paddleboard Fisherman's Cove
Fisherman's Cove is a protected beach and cove in Laguna Beach at the bottom of Boat Canyon that is tucked away from the hustle, bustle, and crowds that are often found at other nearby beaches. Further, parking is easily (relatively speaking) found along Cliff Drive. The beach itself, especially ...Read more -
Laguna Beach, California
Scuba Dive Shaw’s Cove, Laguna Beach
Shaw’s Cove is located just 3 minutes North of Laguna Beach’s Main Beach Park and one beach south of Crescent Bay. There’s a dive shop placed conveniently above the cove so if you need to rent equipment, it’s right there. The shop is close enough to walk to the cove, but with 60 pounds of gear, t...Read more -
Laguna Beach, California
Trail Run the Boat Road and Laguna Ridge
4.34 mi / 600 ft gainThere a numerous trails in the Laguna Coast Wilderness that proceed up and along the ridges and down into the canyons (or the reverse), and most are excellent for trail running, hiking, and mountain biking. A classic out-and-back (with many options for loops) begins at the end of Dartmoor Street ...Read more -
Laguna Beach, California
Explore the Seascape at Crescent Bay
4.3If you are in Southern California and want to find a good place to watch the sunset, this is the place. Laguna Beach, Orange County is loaded with awesome beaches to shoot photos of the famous California sunsets. This is one of my favorites because of so many options.When arriving to the beach, h...Read more -
Corona, California
Hike to Santiago Peak via Holy Jim
5.015 mi / 4500 ft gainWhen you think of Orange County, you think of beaches, boardwalks, but what you may not know is that there are some great hikes in our very own backyard! My favorite is a fairly strenuous day hiking adventure that only the strong survive. Not to dissuade any interested parties, since this is a ...Read more -
Corona, California
Hike to Holy Jim Falls
3.02.9 mi / 570 ft gainTo start, directions on how to get to the trail there are two different ways, the most common , which I will explain, being through Rancho Santa Margarita you will head east on Santa Margarita Parkway, turn left at the dead end (into a parking lot for a shopping center) on Plano Trabuco Road, thi...Read more -
Aliso Viejo, California
Top of the World via West Ridge Trail
5.04.76 mi / 443 ft gainDirections to get here are pretty straight forward via the map. You park your car in a residential neighborhood along the street, and from there, you can't miss the entrance. The trail is paved for the first 100yds or so and after you make a right turn at the top, you'll be on dirt and sand the r...Read more -
Laguna Beach, California
Hike Willow Canyon, Laguna Coast Wilderness Park
5.06.7 mi / 1208 ft gainThis hike has been a must do since I was young. Do you love scenic views of the ocean and wildlife? You'll see plenty of both, from hawks searching for food to squirrels and deer running through the brush. This is my favorite route in this area but there are plenty of other trails to shorten or a...Read more -
Laguna Beach, California
Emerald Canyon & Bommer Ridge Loop
5 mi / 873 ft gainThere a numerous trails in the Laguna Coast Wilderness that proceed up and along the ridges and down into the canyons (or the reverse), and are quite popular for mountain biking, hiking, and trail running. A great mountain biking loop begins in Emerald Canyon at the end of Emerald Canyon Road an...Read more -
Canyon Lake, California
Kabian Memorial Park Loop
5.03.48 mi / 335 ft gainKabian Memorial Park Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Quail Valley, California.Read more -
Laguna Beach, California
Photograph the Pacific Coast Highway over Crystal Cove Beach
4.4To get to the bluffs overlooking Crystal Cove State Park Beach to the south, you'll need to pull off onto the side of the Pacific Coast Highway *before* Morro Ridge Road.The easiest and most obvious turnoff is on the right side of the highway southbound, just past the "Adopt a Highway" sign and w...Read more
