Lake Elsinore, California
Lake Elsinore, California has many popular spots for anyone looking to explore the outdoors. With its scenic views, numerous trails, and variety of outdoor activities, there is something to satisfy everyone. From mountain biking and hiking to kayaking and fishing, there are plenty of activities to choose from. For the adventurous, there are rock climbing and rappelling opportunities. For the more relaxed, there are scenic drives, picnics, and bird watching. For those looking for a unique experience, there are hot air balloon rides and zip lines. For those who love the water, there are boat tours, water skiing, and jet skiing. There are also a variety of must-visit attractions in and near the area such as the Lake Elsinore Grand Prix, the Lake Elsinore Outlets, and the Lake Elsinore Casino. Come explore the best trails and activities in the area and make lasting memories.
Top Spots in and near Lake Elsinore
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Newport Beach, California
Bommer Ridge from the Pacific Ridge Trailhead
7.54 mi / 394 ft gainThe Bommer Ridge West Trailhead aka The Pacific Ridge Trailhead begins at the edge of Ridge Park Road, overlooking CA State Highway 73, and marks the northwest entrance to the Laguna Coast Wilderness and its neighbor, Crystal Cove State Park. From the well-marked trailhead follow the trail south...Read more -
Heisler Park, California
Relax at Heisler Park
5.0Located in Laguna Beach, California, Heisler Park is just past Main Beach, so it's the perfect place to avoid the typical tourist crowds. There's plenty of parking at Heisler Park, however you will have to pay, so come with a friend to split the cost! Luckily, if you plan on going to catch the su...Read more -
Laguna Beach, California
Trail Run the Boat Road and Laguna Ridge
4.34 mi / 600 ft gainThere a numerous trails in the Laguna Coast Wilderness that proceed up and along the ridges and down into the canyons (or the reverse), and most are excellent for trail running, hiking, and mountain biking. A classic out-and-back (with many options for loops) begins at the end of Dartmoor Street ...Read more -
Laguna Beach, California
Kayak the Laguna Beach State Marine Preserve
5.0Whether you're a beginning, intermediate, or advanced paddler, there are numerous ways to explore via sea kayak the protected waters off the coast of Laguna Beach. You can bring your own or rent and book a tour from several shops in town. An excellent starting point is at Fisherman's Cove just of...Read more -
Laguna Beach, California
Stand Up Paddleboard Fisherman's Cove
Fisherman's Cove is a protected beach and cove in Laguna Beach at the bottom of Boat Canyon that is tucked away from the hustle, bustle, and crowds that are often found at other nearby beaches. Further, parking is easily (relatively speaking) found along Cliff Drive. The beach itself, especially ...Read more -
Laguna Beach, California
Scuba Dive Shaw’s Cove, Laguna Beach
Shaw’s Cove is located just 3 minutes North of Laguna Beach’s Main Beach Park and one beach south of Crescent Bay. There’s a dive shop placed conveniently above the cove so if you need to rent equipment, it’s right there. The shop is close enough to walk to the cove, but with 60 pounds of gear, t...Read more -
Laguna Beach, California
Emerald Canyon & Bommer Ridge Loop
5 mi / 873 ft gainThere a numerous trails in the Laguna Coast Wilderness that proceed up and along the ridges and down into the canyons (or the reverse), and are quite popular for mountain biking, hiking, and trail running. A great mountain biking loop begins in Emerald Canyon at the end of Emerald Canyon Road an...Read more -
Laguna Beach, California
Explore the Seascape at Crescent Bay
4.3If you are in Southern California and want to find a good place to watch the sunset, this is the place. Laguna Beach, Orange County is loaded with awesome beaches to shoot photos of the famous California sunsets. This is one of my favorites because of so many options.When arriving to the beach, h...Read more -
Laguna Beach, California
B.F.I. Trail in Crystal Cove State Park
5.00.78 mi / 125 ft gainTo get to the trailhead, enter Crystal Cove State Park through the Crystal Cove El Moro Campground entrance immediately next to El Moro Elementary School. Follow the road behind the school which leads to the main gate where you will need to pay a day-use parking fee of $15. Drive past the Campgr...Read more -
Laguna Beach, California
Crystal Cove Loop Trail
4.04.05 mi / 676 ft gainThe trail begins and ends at the El Moro Visitor Center. Parking requires either a $15 day use parking pass, which is available in the visitor center. This hike we are focusing on is called the Difficult Loop Trail and it is the third most difficult trail the canyon offers. You take Moro Canyon,...Read more -
Laguna Beach, California
Photograph the Pacific Coast Highway over Crystal Cove Beach
4.4To get to the bluffs overlooking Crystal Cove State Park Beach to the south, you'll need to pull off onto the side of the Pacific Coast Highway *before* Morro Ridge Road.The easiest and most obvious turnoff is on the right side of the highway southbound, just past the "Adopt a Highway" sign and w...Read more -
Laguna Beach, California
El Moro Canyon Trail to Lower Moro Campground
3.56.37 mi / 997 ft gainLocated off of Pacific Coast Highway in Laguna Beach is Crystal Cove State Park. There are three primitive sites located in Crystal Cove: Deer Canyon, Upper Moro, and Lower Moro. The site I stayed at was Lower Moro campground. All three of these sites require the backpacker to hike everything in...Read more -
Laguna Beach, California
El Moro Canyon Trail
5.04.94 mi / 814 ft gainThe trail features a waterfall and is open year-round, but is best used in the spring. Remember to bring $15 cash for the parking fee. The Laguna Beach trail is shared by trail runners, mountain bikers, hikers, and the occasional horseback rider. Dogs are not allowed in Crystal Cove State Park.Read more -
Orange, CaliforniaCrystal Cove Beach Loop
5.05.13 mi / 151 ft gainThis is a favorite morning or evening hike, run or stroll. Park in the lot with a state pass, head down the cliff and back, and you'll get an amazing workout. Tip: Time your outings for low tide as there will be more beach to walk on.Read more -
Newport Beach, California
Exploring the Arches at Little Corona del Mar
4.9Little Corona del Mar Beach is a secluded beach located on Poppy Avenue across Ocean Boulevard in Corona del Mar. Known as one of the less crowded beaches in the area, this spot is the perfect place to chill for the day or photograph a sunset. You will find plenty of free street parking in the ne...Read more -
Oceanside, California
Kayak the Oceanside Harbor
Sea kayaking from the Oceanside Harbor public kayak launch is one of the best ways to experience the Oceanside coast and the Pacific Ocean. There is ample parking along North Harbor Drive with the public kayak launch well-marked on the street. You can paddle around the harbor or you can go out pa...Read more
