Pauma Valley, California
Pauma Valley, California is a top destination for outdoor adventures. One of the best trails in this area is the Palomar Mountain State Park Trail. This moderate difficulty, 6.7-mile loop trail offers scenic views of beautiful forests, creeks, and a variety of local flora and fauna. The trail also features the famous Boucher Lookout Tower, a must-visit spot for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. For those looking for a more challenging hike, the Palomar Observatory Trail is a great option. This 4.8-mile trail offers stunning views of the Palomar Observatory and the nearby Lake Henshaw. Other outdoor activities in Pauma Valley include bird watching, camping, and fishing in the nearby Lake Henshaw and Pauma Creek. With its diverse range of trails and outdoor activities, Pauma Valley is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a scenic outdoor adventure.
Top Spots in and near Pauma Valley
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Campo, California
Hike Corte Madera Mountain
7.75 mi / 2375 ft gainFrom Buckman Springs Road, turn onto Corral Canyon OHV/Morena Stokes Valley Rd and drive almost 5 miles to a green gate with a red heart on it, this is the trailhead. Just past the turn is the parking area that fits 5-6 vehicles. Walk across the road past the locked gate and head up the oak cover...Read more -
Silverado, California
Bedford Peak Trail
5.06.78 mi / 1972 ft gainThe 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...Read more -
San Diego, California
Point Loma Tide Pools
4.5Begin by making your way towards the Point Loma Naval Base. Continue along that road as far as it goes and you will come to the Cabrillo National Monument. Upon entering the park you will have to pay a fee to get down to the tide pools. It is $5 per car or $3 per person if you choose to walk in. ...Read more -
Laguna Beach, California
Bodysurf at Aliso Beach
5.0This wave is super fun to bodysurf and shoot photos of when there is a swell. It is a shorebreak so be careful of shallow water and little rocks. It usually isn't too crowded especially on weekdays. Bring your fins and a smile and you have a good time.Read more -
Coronado, California
Spend a Day at Silver Strand State Beach
5.0A day at the Silver Strand State Beach is a must, playing in the surf and searching for seashells. Parking can be challenging, as all beaches on Coronado Island are very busy. I recommend coming early in the morning and planning to stay all day. Lots of food options are close to every beach...Read more -
Lake Forest, California
Hike Borrego Canyon to Red Rock Canyon Trails
4.64.2 mi / 500 ft gainJust south east of the city of Irvine, on the southern end of Orange County, is the scenic Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park. Don't let the newly developed shopping centers restaurants fool you, because just beyond the parking lot ($3 Daily Use Fee) of the Borrego Canyon Trailhead, you will find your...Read more -
Laguna Beach, California
Explore Laguna Beach's Pirate Tower
4.4To find this little hidden treasure, put Victoria Beach into your phone as your destination and park for free on S Coast Highway anywhere between Sunset Terrace, McAulay Place, or Victoria Drive. Make your way down any of these streets toward the beach and you will see stairs going down at the en...Read more -
Laguna Beach, California
West Ridge to Car Wreck Trail and Mathis Canyon Loop
4.53.31 mi / 856 ft gainThere are numerous ways to incorporate the Car Wreck trail into a larger loop through the Laguna Coast Wilderness and Aliso Canyon Park, but a common route is to begin at Alta Laguna Park at "Top of the World" in Laguna Beach. Take the West Ridge Trail .5 miles, bearing right onto the marked Car...Read more -
Laguna Beach, California
Hike the West Ridge Trail
5.01.5 mi / 150 ft gainBeginning at Alta Laguna Park at Top of the World, the West Ridge Trail is a popular starting (and ending) point for adventures into the Laguna Coast Wilderness, leading to trails and areas like Car Wreck, Big Bend, and Willow Canyon. You can also do it in reverse from the north. The ridge itself...Read more -
Laguna Beach, California
Exploring Pearl Street Beach's Arch Rock
4.0Pearl Street Beach is a great spot to just chill and watch (and photograph) the sunset with friends and family. Parking for the beach can be found on S. Coast Hwy (the 1) and is meter parking. There is also free, but limited parking available along the smaller streets closer to Pearl Street Beach...Read more -
Aliso Viejo, California
Top of the World via West Ridge Trail
5.04.76 mi / 443 ft gainDirections to get here are pretty straight forward via the map. You park your car in a residential neighborhood along the street, and from there, you can't miss the entrance. The trail is paved for the first 100yds or so and after you make a right turn at the top, you'll be on dirt and sand the r...Read more -
Laguna Beach, California
Surf Brooks Street Beach
5.0Brooks Street Beach is just a couple of blocks off the Pacific Coast Highway in Laguna Beach. Parking can be tricky, so be forewarned that you may need to walked a few blocks. Winter can be good, but during the summer and big south swells are when you want to go surfing, so be sure to check out ...Read more -
Campo, California
Kitchen Creek Falls Trail
4.04.83 mi / 722 ft gainKitchen Creek Falls Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Pine Valley, California.Read more -
Laguna Beach, California
Hike Willow Canyon, Laguna Coast Wilderness Park
5.06.7 mi / 1208 ft gainThis hike has been a must do since I was young. Do you love scenic views of the ocean and wildlife? You'll see plenty of both, from hawks searching for food to squirrels and deer running through the brush. This is my favorite route in this area but there are plenty of other trails to shorten or a...Read more -
San Diego County, California
Hiking the Laguna Hills via the PCT
5.020 mi / 2000 ft gainThis trail is well-maintained, but gets a little rocky on the PCT, and the Chariot Fire burn-zone between Penny Pines and Hayes peak will have a few downed trees and some overgrown grasses. On the other hand, the trail network of the BLT is confusing to follow as the entire network is named "Big ...Read more -
Laguna Beach, California
Water Tank Trail
4.33.05 mi / 502 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 hiking, trail running, and mountain biking. A classic out-and-back (with many options for loops) begins in Irvine Bowl Park at the en...Read more
