Long Beach, California
Long Beach, California is a must-visit for outdoor adventures and boasts some of the best trails and outdoor activities. The scenic El Dorado Nature Center Trail is a top pick for hiking, with its 2-mile loop offering glimpses of streams, lakes, and unique rock formations. For a more challenging trek, the Dominguez Gap Wetlands Trails presents a 7-mile round trip through a diverse landscape of wetlands and river views. If water activities are more your style, kayaking in the Naples Canals is a popular choice. Nearby, the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve offers bird-watching opportunities, with over 200 species spotted annually. These outdoor attractions make Long Beach a hub for those seeking scenic, active pursuits.
Top Spots in and near Long Beach
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Valyermo, California
Blue Ridge Trail via Inspiration Point
4.97 mi / 692 ft gainThere are two trail heads for the Blue Ridge Trail, one via the Grassy Hollow Visitor Center, and the other across from Inspiration Point. When parking gets crowded over at Grassy Hollow Visitor Center, than parking at Inspiration Point is the better option. To access the Blue Ridge Trail from In...Read more -
Malibu, California
Leo Carillo State Beach
4.5Leo Carrillo State Park has 1.5 miles of two sandy beach areas, tide pools, and numerous coves and sea caves. This year-round paradise offers privacy and ocean access for anglers, divers, surfers, wildlife watchers, beachcombers, and campers. If you're headed here for day-use, there are also tide...Read more -
Stevenson Ranch, California
Mentryville: Pico Canyon Trail
7.07 mi / 1388 ft gainMentryville: Pico Canyon Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Stevenson Ranch, California.Read more -
Wrightwood, California
Snow Hike Lightning Ridge
5.1 mi / 900 ft gainWhen you hear the report about snow in the San Gabriels, it's time to plan this hike!Only a short 90 minute drive is all that separates nearly a third of California's population from high-altitude snowy adventures. This isn't about Yosemite, but Southern California's very own San Gabriel Mountain...Read more -
Westlake Village, California
Climb at Echo Cliffs
1.3 miThe hike to the crag is about 1.3 miles one way and takes roughly 45 minutes. The approach starts at the Backbone / Mishe Mokwa trail head off Yerba Buena Rd. After walking a couple minutes you'll see a sign pointing left for the backbone trail or straight for Mishe Mokwa. Continue straight and ...Read more -
Santa Clarita, California
Hike the PCT and Foot Trail Loop through Vasquez Rocks
5.05.5 mi / 287 ft gainThe Pacific Crest Trail and foot trail hike is a 5-mile loop with a quick PCT branch-off that leads under the 14 freeway through a long, well-maintained (but very dark) tunnel. Pull into the well-marked parking lot and stop in the visitor center to take a look at the topographical park model and...Read more -
Llano, California
Table Mountain Campground
Table Mountain Campground is a hilly campground that offers ADA-accessible sites, pit toilets, fire rings, picnic tables, BB! grill, water, and parking spaces for a two-car limit. Rules are strictly enforced, which is great, so we can enjoy nature and not someone’s party/music. Book your campgro...Read more -
San Diego County, California
Camp On the Abandoned Santa Margarita Lookout Helipad
4.3Starting in Murrieta, CA you don't have to venture far to enjoy a beautiful view and less light polluted skies.From Murrieta on the I-15 freeway you're going to want to take the Clinton Kieth Road exit and head west. If you're low on gas make sure to fill up at the 7 Eleven on the left corner. Th...Read more -
Agua Dulce, California
Vasquez Rocks
5.02.42 mi / 367 ft gainThis is a Natural Park Area located in Santa Clarita, within the Sierra Pelona Mountains. It features amazing diagonal rock formations, created because of the force between two tectonic plates pushing against each other. This place is a photographer's paradise, and every spot in this 900+ acre l...Read more -
Malibu, California
Sandstone Peak
4.83.03 mi / 971 ft gainIf you live in Los Angeles, Sandstone Peak is a must! The hike to the summit can be done on a 2 mile hike up and back on Sandstone Peak Trail, or a 6.5 mile hike up and back on Backbone Trail. The shorter trail is more popular, yet both are equally rewarding. You won't believe the views from the...Read more -
Malibu, California
Balanced Rock via Sandstone Trailhead
5.04.36 mi / 1125 ft gain...From the PCH, make a left turn on Yerba Buena road (turn right if you're coming South) for about 6 miles until you get to the dirt parking area. If the lot is full, there's extra parking on the side of the road. FYI, Balanced Rock can also be accessed by starting at the Mishe Mokwa trailhead,...Read more -
12869 Yerba Buena Road, California
Mishe Mokwa Trail to Sandstone Peak
5.07.06 mi / 1755 ft gainTake Yerba Buena road to the trailhead. It is less zigzagged and shorter distance from PCH. Parking is easy provided that you start early in the morning. If the lot is full, you can always park on the side of the road. Bathroom is available at Sandstone Peak Trailhead parking lot, just 0.8 miles ...Read more -
Lytle Creek, California
Old CC Spur Trail via Big Tree Cucamonga Rd
5.11 mi / 1138 ft gainOld CC Spur Trail via Big Tree Cucamonga Rd is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Fontana, California.Read more -
Malibu, California
Grotto Trail
2.64 mi / 492 ft gainWho doesn't enjoy a hike that offers water, scenic views, boulder hopping and a subterranean cave? I know I do! The Grotto Trail begins at Circle X Ranch, which looks a bit like a small cowboy western store, and is approximately 6 miles from the Highway 1 (PCH). The parking is a tad tight, fittin...Read more
