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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San Clemente, California
Beach Day at San Onofre
5.0This spot is no secret but it’s by far one of the best beaches California has to offer and has been regarded since the 1950s as a friendly surfing sanctuary. The beach is divided into three surf spots (named from North to South), known as “The Point,” “Old Man’s,” and “Dogpatch.” To access the be...Read more -
San Diego County, California
Photograph Scripp's Pier
4.9Parking is easy, there are tons of random street you can park on just a little walk away. Be sure to arrive on scene at least an hour before sunset. Make sure to look up the sunset time and the weather forecast. Clouds will make for the most dramatic images with the most color from the sunset. Ex...Read more -
San Diego, California
Pyles Peak
5.06.03 mi / 1706 ft gainMost people who live in San Diego have heard of, if not hiked, Cowles Mountain. At 1591 ft., Cowles is the highest peak in the city of San Diego. It's a hugely popular destination for day hikers and trail runners looking to get in a little trail time and take in the 360 degree views the summit h...Read more -
San Diego, California
Dive La Jolla Shores
4.5While it doesn't get the attention of La Jolla Cove's green fields, the shores are one of the best parts about San Diego.Driving up to the large parking area it's immediately clear you've come to the right place as there's almost always divers suiting up in the early morning. A dive shop down the...Read more -
Borrego Springs, California
Anza Borrego Metal Sculptures
4.6Here's a map I made that marks where most of the sculptures are (here). First, you enter the park and drive through the little city of Borrego Springs. There will be a roundabout you can't miss, so you know you're on the right path. There is nowhere to park to get to the sculptures specifically,...Read more -
San Diego, California
La Jolla Cove
4.8La Jolla Cove is one of the most photographed beaches in San Diego, located on the coast just south of Torrey Pines Natural Reserve. La Jolla Cove is also one of the best spots in San Diego for snorkeling and scuba diving. This calm cove is ecologically protected with many animals making their ho...Read more -
San Diego, California
Swim in La Jolla Cove
4.9La Jolla Cove is an iconic destination in San Diego for visitors and locals alike. Anyone visiting San Diego knows La Jolla Cove is famous for sea lions, beautiful sunsets, sea caves, kayaking, diving, etc etc. The entire area is a great place to eat, drink, relax and spend a day enjoying the Cal...Read more -
La Mesa, California
Catch a Sunset at Lake Murray
Lake Murray Reservoir provides drinking water to parts of San Diego, and thus is a no swimming lake. This is one of the reasons it is such a great place to photograph! If you are shooting the sunset, use this app to check the time the sun sets, and get to the lake at least 30 minutes prior to set...Read more -
San Diego, California
La Jolla Coast Walk Trail
5.02.32 mi / 295 ft gainLa Jolla Coast Walk is a beautiful coastline trail, but is a bit of a heavily trafficked tourist trail. The hike can be started and ended at 3 separate locations. The trail is easily accessible with a small parking lot and tons of restaurants nearby. The trail begins near another popular touris...Read more -
Descanso, California
Green Valley Falls
5.00.36 mi / 98 ft gainGreen Valley Falls is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Descanso, California.Read more -
Mountain Center, California
Cactus Spring Trail
31.73 mi / 6407 ft gainCactus Spring Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see wildflowers located near Mountain Center, California.Read more -
Mountain Center, California
Mount San Jacinto via Devil's Slide
4.514.57 mi / 4475 ft gainMt. San Jacinto is the second tallest peak in Southern California at 10,834’. Although this route requires a fair amount of work, the effort is more than rewarded by the expansive views, forest, meadows, and dramatic topography. You will need an Adventure Pass ($5/day) to park at Humber Park, as...Read more -
Mountain Center, California
Tahquitz Peak via Devils Slide Trail
5.08.31 mi / 2238 ft gainTahquitz Peak via Devils Slide Trail is a moderately trafficked 8+ mile out and back trail located near Idyllwild, California. This trail is one of the most popular hikes in the San Jacinto area that features a fire lookout tower at the peak and amazing views of the valley below. At an elevation...Read more -
San Diego, California
Photographing Hospitals Reef
5.0Hospitals Reef is a photographer’s paradise. San Diego is known for its many beaches, but Hospitals Reef is one of my favorites to photograph. It’s easy to see why when you get there. The unique rocky shoreline is home to many unusual and wonderful sights.There is a section of rocks filled with p...Read more -
Lake Elsinore, California
Ride the San Juan Trail
4.511 mi / 3400 ft gainThe San Juan Trail is located off the Ortega Highway (Hwy 74) in Southern Orange County. It is done frequently as a long, 11 mile climb that is rewarded by an almost continuous descent of 3400ft. The out-and-back trail head is back Hot Spring Canyon Rd from the San Juan Fire Station. It can also ...Read more -
Banning, California
Lake Fulmor Loop Trail
5.00.53 mi / 89 ft gainLake Fulmor is a small lake in the San Jacinto Wilderness near Idyllwild, CA. The trail loops around the lake offering spectacular views and is good for all skill levels. There are picnic tables, grills, and a small dock where you can peer out over the lake or cast a line. To fish in Lake Fulm...Read more
