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Escondido, California

Looking for the best chillin in Escondido? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Escondido. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Chillin Spots in and near Escondido

  • San Diego, California

    Spruce Street Suspension Bridge

    4.0
    Located at the intersection of Spruce Street and First Avenue this spot is hard to miss! There is no parking lot, but there is plenty of street parking nearby!! This suspension bridge is one of those hidden gems in San Diego. Located within Banker's Hill, this bridge brings peace and serenity. It...
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  • San Diego, California

    Climb the Famous California Balboa Bell Tower

    5.0
    This 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 ...
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  • San Diego, California

    Catch a Sunset at Sunset Cliffs

    4.7
    Sunset Cliffs Natural Park area is a 68-acre park on the western edge of Point Loma. The cliffs overlook the Pacific, creating a great spot to take in the sunset. If you head to the parking lot off of Sunset Cliffs, you can get a great view from Pappy's Point. Try to get there a bit before the su...
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  • San Diego, California

    Picnic at Sunset Cliffs in San Diego

    5.0
    San Diego has so much outdoor adventure to offer! After exploring and playing all day head over to Ocean Beach to catch the sunset with a packed picnic at Sunset Cliffs. The cliffs are pretty vast, but filled with lots of spectators. It can be a bit trafficy getting in and out around sunset so gi...
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  • San Diego, California

    Explore Sunset Cliffs Open Ceiling Cave

    0.5 mi
    Starting 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...
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  • Coronado, California

    Explore Bayview Park

    5.0
    Even 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...
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  • San Diego County, California

    Camp On the Abandoned Santa Margarita Lookout Helipad

    4.3
    Starting in Murrieta, CA you don't have to venture far to enjoy a beautiful view and less light polluted skies.From Murrieta on the I-15 freeway you're going to want to take the Clinton Kieth Road exit and head west. If you're low on gas make sure to fill up at the 7 Eleven on the left corner. Th...
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  • Coronado, California

    Coronado Beach

    4.6
    Photograph the iconic and historic Hotel Del and Coronado Beach on Coronado Island. The Del is a beautiful Victorian resort, which is the second-largest wooden structure in the United States. The Del offers amazing photo opportunities during sunset and during sunrise when it is beautifully backli...
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  • San Diego, California

    Explore Cabrillo National Monument

    4.5
    Cabrillo 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...
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  • San Diego, California

    Bayside Trail

    4.0
    1.99 mi / 397 ft gain
    The 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...
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  • San Diego, California

    Point Loma Tide Pools

    4.5
    Begin 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. ...
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  • San Clemente, California

    Beach Day at San Onofre

    5.0
    This spot is no secret but it’s by far one of the best beaches California has to offer and has been regarded since the 1950s as a friendly surfing sanctuary. The beach is divided into three surf spots (named from North to South), known as “The Point,” “Old Man’s,” and “Dogpatch.” To access the be...
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  • Coronado, California

    Spend a Day at Silver Strand State Beach

    5.0
    A day at the Silver Strand State Beach is a must, playing in the surf and searching for seashells. Parking can be challenging, as all beaches on Coronado Island are very busy.  I recommend coming early in the morning and planning to stay all day.  Lots of food options are close to every beach...
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  • Jamul, California

    Hike the Hollenbeck Canyon Trail

    4.6 mi / 626 ft gain
    The trail is wide and well maintained. The first mile of the trail is well shaded by oak trees. You'll see stunning rocky peaks and rolling green hills as the trail continues. There are three creek crossings to be aware of. Cleveland National Forest is dog friendly, but bring a leash! Hunting is ...
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  • Imperial Beach, California

    Catch a Sunset at the Imperial Beach Pier

    5.0
    From 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 ...
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  • San Diego County, California

    Hike Garnet Peak Trail

    3.0
    2.6 mi / 500 ft gain
    While there are a few trail options, the designated Garnet Peak Trail begins off of Sunrise Highway at Mile Marker 27.8. There is a small pull-off on the east side of the road with a sign denoting the trail. An Adventure Pass is required for parking in this area of Cleveland National Forest.The f...
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