Oceanside, California

To 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...

The 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. 

This is a great spot to get in a workout and to get some fresh air. The stairs are around 100 steps to the top, so if you're feeling good, you can get a few rounds in. In terms of safety, there are usually people around the convention center, so you most likely won't be alone. With that said, be ...

This 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.

The Deer Canyon Loop Trail is an easy drive from Orange County and Newport Beach. In the spring, wildflowers are abundant along the trial. This is a favorite spot for trail runners, hikers, and mountain bikers. The trail is kept in great condition year-round and is very wide. There is very little...

The 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...

Coronado Central Beach in San Diego is a 1.5-mile-long, wide sandy beach set against the backdrop of the iconic Hotel del Coronado. It’s popular for swimming, surfing, sunbathing, and beachcombing. The flat terrain is ideal for skimboarding and walking, attracting families who often spend the ent...

Cabrillo National Monument is named after Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, the first European explorer to reach America's Wet Coast. There are many knowledgable rangers in the park who are eager to share interesting historical facts.  Activities in the park include hiking: the Bayside Trail offers 2 mile...

Photograph the iconic and historic Hotel Del and Coronado Beach on Coronado Island. The Del is a beautiful Victorian resort, which is the second-largest wooden structure in the United States. The Del offers amazing photo opportunities during sunset and during sunrise when it is beautifully backli...

The Bayside Trail features beautiful spring wild flowers and is accessible year-round. The trail is wide with a few rest stops and benches along the way. The trail is breezy, much cooler than many trails inland, featuring ocean views throughout the duration.  This monument commemorates the landi...

The West Vista Loop in Santa Ysabel, CA, is a moderately challenging trail known for its panoramic views of surrounding hills and valleys. Reviewers appreciate the well-maintained paths and gentle elevation gains, making it suitable for hikers of varying skill levels. The trail is dog-friendly ...

Starting at the trailhead on Hwy 79, enter through the gate and make sure to close it behind you - the preserve is open range area for herds of cows, make sure not to disturb them when hiking. From the gate you'll see the sign with a detailed map of trails that are available for hiking. The trail...

The Bedford Peak Trail in Silverado, California is a challenging hike that offers a variety of natural features. The trail spans 6.78 miles round trip and has an elevation gain of 1,972 feet. It is rated as difficult due to its steep inclines and rocky terrain. The trail begins in a dense oak w...

With doing more hikes in the SoCal area, I've realized half the battle is just trying to find the damn trailhead.Technically you have 2 ways to enter this trail ... Start from 79 and add a very enjoyable extra 3ish miles, or start from the Warner Springs Fire Station, for a total 7 mile hike.We c...

The Newport Beach Back Bay Trail features beautiful wildflowers and is open for use year round. Very minimal elevation gain makes this hike food for all skill levels, but be mindful of the distance. Dogs are allowed on the trail but must be kept on leash.  Cooling sea breezes make this one of th...

Experience the serene beauty of San Diego’s highlands on the Upper Santa Ysabel Creek Trail, a moderately challenging 7-mile loop near Julian that blends creek-side tranquility, open meadows, oak groves, and panoramic ridge views. Ideal for hikers, trail runners, and nature lovers, this trail i...