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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Rancho Palos Verdes, California
Terranea Beach Sea Cave
4.31.63 mi / 210 ft gainHead to the Pelican Cove parking lot where there’s plenty of free parking right at the trailhead. From the parking lot, take the Terranea Beach Trail and you will see views of the Point Vicente Lighthouse down the coast to your right. Continue on the trail through the luxury Terranea Resort whic...Read more -
Rancho Palos Verdes, California
Pelican Cove
0.38 mi / 95 ft gainGetting There Coming from San Pedro, make a U-turn at the Hawthorne Boulevard stoplight onto Palos Verdes Drive South. From here, you can access the parking lot for Pelican Cove, where you'll get a 120° view of the ocean. It might be tempting to take in the sunset from the car, but you should def...Read more -
Azusa, California
Fish Canyon Falls
2.04.08 mi / 801 ft gainThis trail is currently closed! Learn more on the U.S. Forest Service website. Follow Encanto Parkway towards the hills until you come to a junction with a sign labeled "trail" that points towards a parking lot to your right. Parking is free, though on weekends it may be difficult to find a spot...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Sunset Hike in Ascot Hills
3.5Ascot Hills Park is a great hidden gem located a few miles east of Los Angeles. There is a parking lot with plenty of parking but the gates close at sunset, which is a great time to go, so if you plan on staying later, park outside the gates where there is ample street parking. Depending on the s...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 -
Palos Verdes Estates, California
Bluff Cove
4.40.56 mi / 144 ft gainParking for Bluff Cove is located along the sides of the street of Paseo Del Mar, and the trailhead is located right next to the street. Bluff Cove is one of those unique locations in that there are a variety of activities you can do here. It is a great location for surfing, paddle boarding, bod...Read more -
Hermosa Beach, California
Surf at El Porto
4.0The South Bay of LA has plenty of good surf. Sand bars are back and its fun...watch out for the sharks.Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles Historic Park
5.01.17 mi / 46 ft gainLos Angeles Historic Park is a loop trail that is good for all skill levels located near Dodgertown, California.Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Ord & Yale Street Park
4.0Recently opened in 2021, right behind the LA Library in Chinatown, you’ll find this secret gem, tucked away in the corner. Covered picnic tables, with checkerboard game boards in place, and all gender bathrooms with changing tables for the little ones. Two play areas as well as a small climbing w...Read more -
Monrovia, California
Monrovia Falls
3.71.46 mi / 459 ft gainMonrovia Falls is closed indefinitely due to the Bobcat Fire and mudslides. Read more on the CityofMonrovia.org website. The Monrovia Falls are at the end of the main trail located in Monrovia Canyon Park. The park is easy to locate and has ample parking. Keep in mind you do have to pay a fee of...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
City View and Walnut Forest Trails Loop
4.02.59 mi / 568 ft gainThe City View and Walnut Forest Trails in Ernest E. Debs Regional Park are just outside of downtown Los Angeles, and are perfect for all abilities. The trails are most commonly used by dog walkers, trail runners, mountain bikers and families. The top of the hike features a unique pond. Dogs are a...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Vista Hermosa Natural Park
4.20.58 mi / 36 ft gainVista Hermosa Natural Park is part of the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy and the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority. Located in the western gateway to Downtown Los Angeles, it’s very easy to drive by this hidden gem if you’re not looking for it. This park is the perfect mix of ur...Read more -
Manhattan Beach, California
Take a Sunset Surf at Manhattan Beach
4.4Manhattan Beach Pier is a popular spot in the South Bay of Los Angeles for surfers of all levels. With its exposed beach break with consistent surf and more than 300 days of sun per year, you can pretty much always count on good weather in Manhattan Beach so you can surf no matter the season. Ide...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Secret Swing in Elysian Park
4.20.16 mi / 360 ft gainFor the most direct directions to the swing, plug in "Swing on top of Elysian Park" into google maps, which will take you directly to the trailhead. If you want to do it the more old fashion way, the swing is on top of a hill at the intersection of Angels Point Drive and Park Row Drive in Elysian...Read more -
Avalon, California
Camp at Hermit Gulch on Catalina Island
3.9 mi / 1206 ft gainThe Avalon port in Catalina is most easily accessed through the Catalina Express leaving from Dana Point, Newport Beach or Long Beach. The Hermit Gulch campsite is only a 20 min walk from the boat and is well run with restrooms, showers... etc. They also sell anything you might have forgotten for...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Elysian Park
4.01.88 mi / 282 ft gainThe trail at Elysian Park in Los Angeles, California, is a moderate difficulty hike that spans approximately 1.88 miles. The trail is well-marked and offers a variety of terrain, including dirt paths and paved roads. The trail is known for its panoramic views of the city, including the iconic Dod...Read more
