Laguna Beach, California

Laguna Beach, California is one of our top picks for outdoor adventurers. With its pristine beaches, scenic trails, and breathtaking views, it's no wonder it's a popular spot for tourists and locals alike. From mountain biking to kayaking, there are plenty of activities to choose from. You can take a hike along the stunning Laguna Coast Wilderness Park or explore the tide pools at Crystal Cove State Park. For a more extreme adventure, you can go skydiving or parasailing. If you prefer something a bit more relaxed, you can take a stroll along the boardwalk or enjoy the sunset from one of the many beachfront restaurants. For a unique experience, you can even take a glass-bottom boat tour of the local kelp forests. Whether you're looking for an adventure or a more laid-back experience, Laguna Beach has something for everyone.

Top Spots in and near Laguna Beach

  • Los Angeles, California

    Elysian Park

    4.0
    1.88 mi / 282 ft gain
    The 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...
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens

    Discover serenity at Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens, a tranquil oasis in Los Angeles, Calfiornia. Admission is $6/person, with guided tours available to explore its spiritual and architectural significance. Nestled in lush greenery, including a labyrinth for contemplative walks, it offer...
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Baxter Steps

    4.5
    0.16 mi / 108 ft gain
    This set of stairs near Dodger Stadium is Los Angeles is a great way to get a workout and stretch your legs. Unfortunately it is not dog-friendly. Keep in mind the best time to go here is during the week, so you can avoid crowds.  Be sure to bring extra water with you as it can get very hot!
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  • Encinitas, California

    Encinitas Coastal Rail Trail

    2.61 mi / 33 ft gain
    The Cardiff/Encinitas Coastal Rail Trail (part of the longer, ongoing project to eventually run 44 miles between Oceanside and San Diego) is a beautiful, mellow, and well-maintained pathway that runs from the corner of Chesterfield Dr. & San Elijo Ave. (right across the street from the Patago...
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  • Encinitas, California

    San Elijo State Beach Campground

    4.5
    This campground is located right next to the beach as well as next to the San Elijo Lagoon. Head to the beach during the day for a swim. This is also a great place to catch a sunset. If you want to stretch your legs and get moving a bit, you can hike around the San Elijo Lagoon to the east of the...
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  • Pasadena, California

    Lower Arroyo Seco Loop

    4.3
    2.88 mi / 230 ft gain
    Nestled next to the CA-134, this trail presents a relaxing atmosphere while only a 30 minute drive from Downtown Los Angeles and a 5 minute drive from Old Town Pasadena. From bird-watching to archery, this trail provides a peaceful atmosphere with no lapse in beauty. The trail which is around 1....
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Music Box Steps

    5.0
    0.08 mi / 20 ft gain
    Climb a historical landmark in LA. This is where the famous, Academy Award winning short, Laurel and Hardy made called "The Music Box”. Filmed back in the 1930's the story is about two movers trying to deliver a piano, up these steps. There is a plaque is dedicated at the bottom to this film. It’...
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Three Stooges Stairs

    4.0
    0.07 mi / 43 ft gain
    The stairs are about 147 steps. Located at Fair Oak View Terrace and Edendale Place in the Silver Lake, a district of Los Angeles. They are famous for where the Three Stooges short "An Ache In Every Stake" was filmed in 1941. It is a classic scene of where they have to deliver a block of ice all ...
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Kenneth Hahn Recreation Area Loop

    5.0
    2.85 mi / 328 ft gain
    The Kenneth Hahn Recreation Area is just outside of downtown LA, a perfect location for hiking, trail running, and biking. The trail loops up to the top of a hill, where hikers get sweeping views of LA. Dogs are allowed, but must be kept on leash.  This is also a great location for trail running...
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Descanso Steps

    3.5
    0.1 mi / 20 ft gain
    The steps are a series of stairways you will find throughout Silver Lake and neighboring areas. They facilitated people from the neighborhood in getting to the “red” streetcars, that used to run throughout the city. Cool relics of a mostly-forgotten past. These particular steps take you down from...
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Silver Lake Reservoir Trail

    4.0
    2.18 mi / 79 ft gain
    Silver Lake Reservoir Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located in the Silver Lake neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. This urban escape is used by people running, walking, and birding. The trail is stroller-friendly, so you may see parents along the trail with their younger fam...
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Piano Mural Staircase aka “Murray Staircase”

    5.0
    0.08 mi / 69 ft gain
    The “Piano Stairs” is a stair mural in Silver Lake neighborhood section of LA. Not to be confused with the “Music Box” staircase that is close by. These 90 steps were painted to look like the piano keyboard by the artist Carrey. Great for a cardio workout and not as creepy as some of the stairs h...
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Mattachine Steps

    5.0
    0.09 mi / 52 ft gain
    The Mattachine Steps, also known as the Cove Avenue stairway, is dedicated to the Mattachine Society (The name was taken from a medieval French secret society that set out to right wrongs.) in 2012 in memory of Harry Hay, who cofounded the gay rights group. Right along this stairway is a small ho...
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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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  • Los Angeles, California

    Bluffs Creek Trail

    4.0
    3.85 mi / 118 ft gain
    The Bluffs Creek Trail is a scenic, 4-mile loop located near Playa del Rey, California, offering an easy and family-friendly hiking experience.  The trail features an elevation gain of 160 feet, making it a gentle climb, with views of Playa Vista and the surrounding bluffs. Popular among walkers...
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Micheltorena Stairs

    3.0
    0.19 mi / 75 ft gain
    I preferred the steps, before anything was painted on them. Whoever thought it would be a great idea to do that was wrong. No upkeep and these stairs have been heavily vandalized. The steps are a series of stairways you will find throughout Silver Lake and neighboring areas. They facilitated peo...
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