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  • Imperial Beach
  • Imperial Beach, California

    Imperial Beach in California is home to some of the best trails and outdoor activities. One must-visit is the Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve. It offers a scenic 4.5-mile loop trail which is perfect for a leisurely walk. The trail features a river and is known for its unique bird watching opportunities. The trail is of moderate difficulty, making it suitable for most fitness levels. If you're up for a challenge, try the Border Field State Park Trail. This 1.8-mile trail offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and ends at a beautiful sandy beach. For a different kind of outdoor adventure, head to the Living Coast Discovery Center for close encounters with local wildlife. These top outdoor attractions in and near Imperial Beach are sure to satisfy your adventurous spirit.

    Top Spots in and near Imperial Beach

    • San Diego, California

      Torrey Pines Gliderport

      4.5
      Park 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...
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    • Rosarito Beach Municipality, Mexico

      Surf in Baja Norte

      Hit an ATM before crossing the border, then take the 1 down the coast past Tijuana and into Rosarito. Make sure to pack the wallet with singles and nickels to pay the $2.05 at each booth.Make your way down to K38 where you can have your pick of beach, point, or reef break. Robert's turnoff from...
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    • San Diego, California

      Los Penasquitos Canyon Loop

      3.3
      6.77 mi / 131 ft gain
      Los Penasquitos Canyon Loop After about a five minute hike on the trail you will start to enter into Los Penasquitos Canyon. Every section of the trail is different, one minute you are walking next to a stream with trees arching over the trail and another minute you are walking through an open f...
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    • San Diego, California

      Torrey Pines Beach Trail Loop

      4.7
      2.15 mi / 374 ft gain
      The 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...
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    • San Diego, California

      Razor Point, Beach Trail, & Broken Hill Trail Loop

      5.0
      3.21 mi / 440 ft gain
      The 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...
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    • San Diego, California

      Razor Point Trail

      1.32 mi / 240 ft gain
      Razor Point Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near La Jolla, California.
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    • San Diego, California

      Beach Trail

      5.0
      1.43 mi / 259 ft gain
      I'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 trailhead as well as the parking lot to park for the hike. There is a charge to get into the...
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    • San Diego, California

      Los Penasquitos Waterfall via Los Penasquitos Canyon Trailhead

      4.3
      4.15 mi / 115 ft gain
      The 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...
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    • San Diego, California

      Guy Fleming Trail

      5.0
      0.76 mi / 95 ft gain
      This 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...
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    • San Diego, California

      Explore Chambers Hidden Dam and Waterfall

      3.2
      0.5 mi
      Once you get off on Poway road, turn right onto Sabre Springs Parkway. Take your immediate left onto Creekbridge Road and park right there on the hill. Walk straight down towards the black gate and go down the hill. Turn right on the trail and walk down 1/4 mile to the dam, and another 500 yards ...
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    • Poway, California

      Hike around Goodan Ranch

      5.0
      3 mi
      Starting at the Sycamore Canyon Trail head, you will see the sign and gate that leads to Goodan Ranch. Head down the gravel road for 1.1 miles, until you reach a 3-way directional split. Heading straight for another .5 miles will take you directly to the ruins of the old Goodan house. Here you wi...
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    • Del Mar, California

      Sunset Seat in Del Mar

      3.8
      In 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...
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    • Lakeside, California

      Hike the Oakoasis Open Space Preserve

      2.5 mi / 300 ft gain
      Starting at the trail-head, head down towards the oak-lined ravine marking the beginning of the hike. With trees already growing back from the 2003 fire, these sections of the trail are nice and shady, and quite relaxing. About 1 mile in you will start to see the San Vicente Reservoir to your lef...
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    • Lakeside, California

      Hike El Cajon Mountain

      4.5
      12 mi / 4100 ft gain
      This challenging trek is a great way to get in shape for that spring or summer trip to the Sierras. You may have heard others tell you how tough the hike is and they're not kidding. You'll be gaining 4100 feet over the 12 miles to the peak and back. If you have the time and the energy, you should...
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    • San Diego, California

      Black Mountain via Nighthawk Trail

      5.0
      4.05 mi / 764 ft gain
      Starting at the trail head at the end of Oviedo way, you will see a power line on top of the small hill across from the rec center, which is the start of the South Point View Trail. Follow this trail about a mile until you see a sign for the 'Little Black Mountain Loop' . This is a 4.1 mile loop ...
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    • Poway, California

      Catch a Sunset at Twin Peaks Mountain

      2 mi
      Start by parking at Silverset Park. You will see the trail head for Twin Peaks just behind the park. Park outside of the park if you think you'll be staying past sunset, as the park gates close at dark! Once you spot the trail head, veer left to the path heading up towards the peaks. You will eve...
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