Irvine, California
The Quail Hill Loop in Irvine, California is a top-rated hiking trail for outdoor adventurers. This 2-mile trail offers scenic views of the Pacific Ocean, the Santa Ana Mountains, and the unique rock formations of Laguna Beach. The trail is considered moderate in difficulty, making it a must-visit for both novice and seasoned hikers. Another notable outdoor attraction near Irvine is the Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve. This preserve is a haven for bird watching and offers kayaking and paddleboarding on the bay. For a more relaxed outdoor activity, the Orange County Great Park Balloon Ride offers panoramic views of the Irvine landscape. These are just some of the best trails and outdoor activities in and near Irvine, California.
Top Spots in and near Irvine
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Dana Point, California
Surf Salt Creek
5.0There are two HUGE parking lots off of PCH, so parking isn't an issue (unless it's on a weekend in the summer, then it does get full). This is a paid lot with a few pay stations located around the parking lot, and they take cash and credit/ debit card...you can pay by the hour. Once you find your...Read more -
Seal Beach, California
Seal Beach
4.7Seal Beach is a small beach community between Long Beach and Huntington Beach. Right off PCH (Pacific Coast Highway), this sandy beach is a great place to chill on a hot summer day. The high winds coming off the water makes it an ideal place to kite board, surf, or simply fly a kite along the sho...Read more -
Dana Point, California
Walk the Dana Point Preserve Trail
5.00.5 miOcean views the whole time, plenty of wildlife and different species of native plants make this short hike beautiful. With the hike being short enough to complete in the afternoon after a day at the beach you can see a beautiful view of the coastline north and south. There is plenty of parking in...Read more -
Dana Point, California
Stand Up Paddle Dana Point Harbor
5.0Whether I’m looking for a quick workout on the water, wanting to catch some waves, or simply explore the coastline, Dana Point is one of my favorite places to paddle. There is plenty of parking close to the beach, so you don’t have to walk far with your board. It’s also a great spot to launch as ...Read more -
Dana Point, California
Explore Tide Pools at Dana Point
5.0If you're ever driving on the 5 between San Diego and Los Angeles and traffic is miserable (always), consider making a stop at Dana Point to check out the tide pools. The best place is behind the Ocean Institute which offers plenty of free parking and a short walk behind the building will quickly...Read more -
Corona, California
Skyline Drive Trail
3.09.07 mi / 1946 ft gainThis trail is shared by hikers, mountain bikers and trail runners. Rock climbers can find areas to boulder off the trail. Bring lots of extra water as this trail is rather dusty and can get very hot. This is a good training hike for those looking to do some backpacking. The trail is open year-r...Read more -
Trabuco Canyon, California
Bell Canyon Trail
3.86 mi / 102 ft gainBell Canyon Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see wildflowers located near San Juan Capistrano, California.Read more -
San Juan Capistrano, California
Hike the Pinhead Peak Trail at Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park
4.02 mi / 220 ft gainRonald W. Caspers Wilderness Park is the perfect place to getaway from the hubbub of LA. Enjoy the scenic drive north on Ortega Highway before reaching the entrance gate to the park. Parking Fees are currently $3 on Weekdays and $5 on Weekends. Camping Fees vary depending on your group size. The...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 -
Long Beach, California
Colorado Lagoon
5.00.95 mi / 30 ft gainThe Colorado Lagoon is a wetland that is being restored. To make this 1 mile walk into a loop, you have to walk along sidewalks near the park. This is a very kid-friendly destination. This trail crosses over the lagoon on a boardwalk. It also accesses a sandy swimming beach with restrooms, picnic...Read more -
Long Beach, California
Red Car Greenbelt
5.00.63 mi / 0 ft gainThe Greenbelt used to be the right-of-way for the long lost Pacific Electric Red Car, an amazing system of public transportation that connected Long Beach, LA, Orange Coutny, and even San Bernardino. The pathways are landscaped with plants typical of the area and plenty of native flowers for the...Read more -
Chino Hills, California
Adobe Loop
3.01.92 mi / 312 ft gainThe best place to park for this hike is at Hunter's Hill park. From there, the trailhead is located on Natalie Road just South of the park. There is a large sign marking the start of the trail, but it does not give a name for either the trail head or the trail itself. For reference, it is the But...Read more -
Signal Hill, California
Hilltop Park
4.7Hilltop Park is located in Signal Hill and offers an unmatched panoramic view of the Los Angeles Basin. If you go on a clear day, you may even be lucky enough to see Catalina Island and the Santa Monica and San Gabriel Mountains. This park is the perfect spot for families, dogs, and even dates. T...Read more -
Lake Elsinore, California
Ride the San Juan Trail
4.511 mi / 3400 ft gainThe San Juan Trail is located off the Ortega Highway (Hwy 74) in Southern Orange County. It is done frequently as a long, 11 mile climb that is rewarded by an almost continuous descent of 3400ft. The out-and-back trail head is back Hot Spring Canyon Rd from the San Juan Fire Station. It can also ...Read more -
San Clemente, California
San Clemente State Beach
4.54.58 mi / 26 ft gainSan Clemente State Beach is an out-and-back trail that takes past scenic surroundings located near San Clemente, California.Read more
