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Escondido, California

Looking for the best photography 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 Photography Spots in and near Escondido

  • Ramona, California

    Cedar Creek Falls

    4.8
    5.52 mi / 1024 ft gain
    The 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 ...
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  • San Diego, California

    La Jolla Cove

    4.8
    La 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...
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  • San Diego, California

    Photographing Hospitals Reef

    5.0
    Hospitals 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...
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  • 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...
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  • Temecula, California

    Dripping Springs Trail

    4.0
    13.68 mi / 3287 ft gain
    The trail immediately begins to climb out of the campground on a well-graded incline. The next mile contains some climbing leading to a set of switchbacks. A long strenuous climb ensues until the 3200' elevation is reached. The trail then makes an easy southward traverse to the basin before resum...
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  • Santa Ysabel, California

    Three Sisters Falls

    4.9
    3.42 mi / 906 ft gain
    Three Sisters Falls is by far the best hike, for the most reward, that I've gone on in the close vicinity of San Diego. Only a short hour and a half drive from downtown San Diego, the hike offers all the draws of a National Park: remote wilderness, strenuous hiking, scenic mountain views, and ama...
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  • San Diego, California

    Old Town San Diego State Historical Park

    4.5
    1 mi
    From where Father Junipero Serra established the first of 21 California Missions in 1769, this area was the first permanent European settlement in the San Diego region. Today, past and present meet in a preserved historical park located near Downtown San Diego. You can explore life as it was in ...
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  • San Diego, California

    Ocean Beach Dog Beach

    5.0
    Ocean Beach Dog Beach is considered "The Original Dog Beach" and one of the first leash-free dog beaches in the U.S., according to city's website.  There's something really magical about being at a beach during sunset, and even up to an hour after sunset can still cast beautiful light on the wat...
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  • Warner Springs, California

    Eagle Rock via the Pacific Crest Trail

    5.0
    6.2 mi / 807 ft gain
    With doing more hikes in the SoCal area, I've realized half the battle is just trying to find the damn trailhead.Technically you have 2 ways to enter this trail ... Start from 79 and add a very enjoyable extra 3ish miles, or start from the Warner Springs Fire Station, for a total 7 mile hike.We c...
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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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  • 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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  • Julian, California

    Hike Stonewall Peak

    4.7
    3.82 mi / 820 ft gain
    This hike is one of the most popular in the Cuyamaca Rancho State Park. When you reach Stonewall Peak's summit, enjoy the view of the surrounding park and nearby Lake Cuyamaca. The hike up the east side is a popular and relatively easy trail. Although you'll be gaining 800 feet, the hike is relat...
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  • Julian, California

    Hike Cuyamaca Peak

    4.5
    5.5 mi / 1700 ft gain
    This peak is one of the tallest in the county. Reaching the summit of the peak takes you to an elevation of 6500'. Although this peak isn't as challenging as others nearby, it's located in the center of San Diego, which offers up amazing views, which is the main reason to take this hike. The best...
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