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  • San Diego County, California

    San Diego County, California is a great destination for all. From scenic hikes to must-visit beaches, the area has plenty of top attractions and activities to explore. Hike the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve for views of the Pacific Ocean, or take a stroll through Balboa Park, a 1,200-acre urban park with gardens, museums, and trails. For a unique experience, visit the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, a 1,800-acre wildlife sanctuary where you can explore the African Savannah and get close with exotic animals. For a more tranquil experience, check out the Japanese Friendship Garden in Balboa Park, or take a boat tour of Mission Bay for views of the city skyline. No matter what type of activity you’re looking for, San Diego County has something for everyone.

    Top Spots in and near San Diego County

    • Jamul, California

      Hike the Hollenbeck Canyon Trail

      4.6 mi / 626 ft gain
      The trail is wide and well maintained. The first mile of the trail is well shaded by oak trees. You'll see stunning rocky peaks and rolling green hills as the trail continues. There are three creek crossings to be aware of. Cleveland National Forest is dog friendly, but bring a leash! Hunting is ...
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    • Jamul, California

      Hiking Otay Mountain

      5.0
      15.3 mi / 2903 ft gain
      The trek begins on the Otay Mountain Truck Trail at Pio Pico Resort & Campground. You can either park and hike the entire trail, or drive up to a point a couple miles and park before the road becomes steep and rough. The distance on here is if you hiked the whole way. If you have a 4-wheel dr...
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    • Jamul, California

      Hike Mt. McGinty

      4.8 mi / 1263 ft gain
      Balancing a good workout, gorgeous views, and minimal time commitment, these 4.8-mile steep trail is definitely a San Diego point of interest, and despite its proximity to the city of San Diego, it remains a low trafficked hike. The Hike: Right away the trail weaves you through beautiful vegetati...
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    • San Diego County, California

      Multi-pitch Climbing at Corte Madera

      5.0
      This is one of San Diego's finest multi-pitch climbing crags. South-facing and standing 500 feet tall, Corte Madera has a history of both traditional and sport routes. The traditional routes will offer adventure with some en-route bushwhacking. The newer sport routes climb the clean faces of this...
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    • Campo, California

      Hike Corte Madera Mountain

      7.75 mi / 2375 ft gain
      From 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...
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    • Chula Vista, California

      Hike Mother Miguel Mountain

      5.0
      4.5 mi / 977 ft gain
      At the summit, your work will be rewarded with stunning views from downtown San Diego all the way to Mexico. You can also see the surrounding mountain peaks and the Sweetwater Reservoir.  This is a great hike to do at sunset - but bring a headlamp / flashlight for the hike back down. This trail i...
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    • Campo, California

      Photograph the Mexican Border on the PCT Southern Terminus

      4.5
      From San Diego head East on Hwy 8 for roughly 60 miles to Buckman Springs Road (Exit 51). Take a right on Buckman Springs road an drive South for 10 miles. Turn right on CA-94 W (Campo Rd) and drive for 1.5 miles. After crossing the railroad tracks turn left on Forrest Gate Road. Take this road f...
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    • San Diego County, California

      Hiking the Laguna Hills via the PCT

      5.0
      20 mi / 2000 ft gain
      This 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 ...
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    • Campo, California

      Kitchen Creek Falls Trail

      4.0
      4.83 mi / 722 ft gain
      Kitchen Creek Falls Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Pine Valley, California.
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    • Descanso, California

      Green Valley Falls

      5.0
      0.36 mi / 98 ft gain
      Green Valley Falls is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Descanso, California.
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    • 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...
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    • Santee, California

      Crystal Cave

      4.0
      0.46 mi / 59 ft gain
      Starting at 8100 Mesa road, you will see parking along the side of the road in a few places, take advantage where you find it.  Pass over the trail gate that marks the start of the journey. This will be a quick trip, as the total distance is less than a mile out and back. Head a quarter mile or ...
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    • San Diego, California

      Pyles Peak

      5.0
      6.03 mi / 1706 ft gain
      Most 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...
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    • Lakeside, California

      Hike El Cajon Mountain

      4.5
      12 mi / 4100 ft gain
      This challenging trek is a great way to get in shape for that spring or summer trip to the Sierras. You may have heard others tell you how tough the hike is and they're not kidding. You'll be gaining 4100 feet over the 12 miles to the peak and back. If you have the time and the energy, you should...
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    • Santee, California

      Cowles Mountain via Big Rock Trail

      4.0
      4.86 mi / 1207 ft gain
      Starting somewhat near sea-level, Cowles Mountain via the Big Rock Trail climbs about 1000 ft in elevation.  This trail is about 5 miles total, out and back.  Arrive at Big Rock park which has good parking.  At the park you will walk to the left of the tennis courts past the limits (the fence) of...
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    • Lakeside, California

      Hike the Oakoasis Open Space Preserve

      2.5 mi / 300 ft gain
      Starting at the trail-head, head down towards the oak-lined ravine marking the beginning of the hike. With trees already growing back from the 2003 fire, these sections of the trail are nice and shady, and quite relaxing. About 1 mile in you will start to see the San Vicente Reservoir to your lef...
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    Camping and Lodging in San Diego County

    Boulder Oaks Eqst
    Campo, California

    Boulder Oaks Eqst

    San Diego Metro KOA Resort
    Chula Vista, California

    San Diego Metro KOA Resort

    Boulevard / Cleveland National Forest KOA Holiday
    Boulevard, California

    Boulevard / Cleveland National Forest KOA Holiday

    Wooded Hill Group
    Mount Laguna, California

    Wooded Hill Group

    El Prado Group
    Laguna Meadow Road

    El Prado Group

    Burnt Rancheria
    Mount Laguna, California

    Burnt Rancheria

    Guides, Insights and Stories from San Diego County

    The 5 Best Photography Spots in San Diego

    The 5 Best Photography Spots in San Diego

    Dustin Kahia