Rancho Santa Fe, California
Rancho Santa Fe, California offers some of the best trails and outdoor activities. A must-visit is the Del Dios Gorge Trail, a 2.5-mile trail that's perfect for hikers of all skill levels. This scenic trail is known for its river views and unique rock formations. Another top trail is the Cielo Trail, a 4.5-mile loop that offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. For those seeking outdoor adventures, the San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve is a great spot for bird watching and exploring the diverse flora and fauna. Near Rancho Santa Fe, you can visit the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, known for its stunning cliffs and views of the Pacific Ocean. These are just a few of the outdoor attractions in and near Rancho Santa Fe, making it a great place for outdoor activities.
Top Spots in and near Rancho Santa Fe
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San Diego, California
Razor Point, Beach Trail, & Broken Hill Trail Loop
5.03.21 mi / 440 ft gainThe parking area for all of Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is located right off North Torrey Pines Road (where the location is for this hike), about 20-30 minutes north of San Diego. It's $10 to park, and there was also a smaller parking lot at the top of the hill if you want to avoid the ini...Read more -
San Diego, California
Explore Chambers Hidden Dam and Waterfall
3.20.5 miOnce you get off on Poway road, turn right onto Sabre Springs Parkway. Take your immediate left onto Creekbridge Road and park right there on the hill. Walk straight down towards the black gate and go down the hill. Turn right on the trail and walk down 1/4 mile to the dam, and another 500 yards ...Read more -
San Diego, California
Battle Mountain's Cross
5.00.45 mi / 256 ft gainThis is a quick and easy hike for everyday explorers desiring a 20-minute sweat-inducing power walk leading to incredible views of urban development, Iron Mountain, Mt. Woodson, Mule Hill, and The 15. Come enjoy the views while sitting under the beautiful 20ft cross you've been admiring from the ...Read more -
Escondido, California
Bernardo Mountain Summit Trail
5.07.15 mi / 1060 ft gainBernardo Mountain is located on the Coast to Crest Trail in San Dieguito River Park. The 7.15-mile out-and-back trail to the 1060 ft. summit starts on the east side of I-15. It's a relatively easy hike all the way to the top. It picks up a little once you make it to the Summit Trail junction, wh...Read more -
Carlsbad, California
South Carlsbad Campground
5.0South Carlsbad Campground is a picturesque experience. Imagine gorgeous sea cliffs overlooking a lovely beach, with ample activities to pursue (or just lay in the sun and enjoy some quiet time). The most popular campsites, 1-70 and 156-222, are perched on the edge of a bluff and feature the best ...Read more -
Poway, California
Catch a Sunset at Twin Peaks Mountain
2 miStart by parking at Silverset Park. You will see the trail head for Twin Peaks just behind the park. Park outside of the park if you think you'll be staying past sunset, as the park gates close at dark! Once you spot the trail head, veer left to the path heading up towards the peaks. You will eve...Read more -
San Diego, California
Torrey Pines Gliderport
4.5Park at the Torrey Pines Gliderport and walk to the railing over the cliffs. From there you can see north to Black's Beach and the Torrey Pines golf course. To the south you can see La Jolla Shores and La Jolla cove. Walk the path down to Black's Beach if you want some exercise. There is food and...Read more -
San Diego, California
Black's Beach via the Gliderport
4.30.7 mi / 269 ft gainPark at the Torrey Pines Gliderport, which is conveniently empty before sunrise. The hike down to Black's Beach features a steep hike down a winding path of natural and manmade steps along the cliff face, but stay left and cruise the bluff for endless opportunities to observe, reflect and explor...Read more -
San Diego, California
Black's Beach via the Ho Chi Minh Trail
4.30.61 mi / 259 ft gainFinding the actual trail is 80% of the adventure. Once you turn down La Jolla Farms Road you will follow it for about 3/4 of a mile and there won't be anything too apparent that you are there, except a few cars parked along the street. Make sure to plug in the directions from the map so you know ...Read more -
San Diego, California
Surfing at Black's Beach via the Main Gate
5.01 mi / 650 ft gainWith arguably some of San Diego’s best waves, Black’s Beach can be found in the vicinity of the University of California San Diego campus, at the southern end of Torrey Pines State Beach and north of La Jolla Shores. Stately eight-figure mansions now line the bluffs where pastures and the Black f...Read more -
Poway, California
Blue Sky Ecological Reserve to Ramona Dam
3.05.3 mi / 984 ft gainStarting at the trail head where you park your car, head south along the Green Valley Truck Trail. After less than a mile, you will notice the city and noise start to fade behind you, and a beautiful sight of towering oaks, willows, and sycamores appear as you walk along the Creekside Trail. You ...Read more -
San Diego, California
Swing on the La Jolla Tree Swings
3.0From Torrey Pines Rd, turn left onto La Jolla Shores Drive. After about 1/4 of a mile down start to look for parking preferably near UCSD Coastal Apartments. Once parked walk along the UCSD apartments until you see Discovery way. Make a left at Discovery where you will then cross the street. You ...Read more -
San Diego, California
Hike the Rose Canyon Trail
3.58.9 mi / 725 ft gainThis hike is open year-round but is especially beautiful in the spring when the wildflowers are blooming and the spring is running. This trail offers good entry level mountain biking, with mostly flat well maintained trails and a couple of challenging but doable hills.Read more -
Poway, California
Relax at Lake Poway
4.0It costs $5 to enter the park and they are open 6am to sunset everyday. There is plenty of parking and this park is huge! This place has so many outdoor recreational activities such as fishing, hiking, running, archery, feeding ducks, or just having a picnic. With so many possibilities in this on...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 -
Poway, California
Mount Woodson and Potato Chip Rock
4.66.45 mi / 900 ft gainMt. Woodson is located in Poway's most eastern region and is one of San Diego's most popular and most iconic hiking trails. Known for its grand photo opportunistic "Potato Chip Rock", Mt. Woodson is a 7.5mi out-and-back trail with amazing vistas, convenient rest stops and breathtaking views. The...Read more
