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  • San Juan Capistrano, California

    For top outdoor adventures in San Juan Capistrano, California, the Patriot Trail is a must-visit. This 2.4-mile moderate difficulty trail offers stunning views of the city and the Pacific Ocean. A highlight of the trail is the panoramic view from the "Top of the World" point. The trail also passes through a variety of terrain, from grassy hills to rocky outcrops, and is home to diverse wildlife. For those interested in history, the trail features several markers detailing the area's past. Nearby, the San Juan Creek Trail provides a scenic route along the river, perfect for biking or walking. Another outdoor attraction is the Mission San Juan Capistrano, a historic landmark known for its beautiful gardens and the annual return of the swallows. These are some of the best trails and outdoor activities in and near San Juan Capistrano.

    Top Spots in and near San Juan Capistrano

    • Laguna Niguel, California

      Colinas Ridge Trail

      2.01 mi / 131 ft gain
      First, you'll be parking in the parking lot for the dog park. It's free parking and there are roughly 40 spaces, so there is plenty of parking. I've never seen more than 20 cars here at any one time. Once parked you'll find the trail head/ start on the northwest side of the lot (opposite the dog ...
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    • Dana Point, California

      Stand Up Paddle Dana Point Harbor

      5.0
      Whether I’m looking for a quick workout on the water, wanting to catch some waves, or simply explore the coastline, Dana Point is one of my favorite places to paddle. There is plenty of parking close to the beach, so you don’t have to walk far with your board. It’s also a great spot to launch as ...
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    • Dana Point, California

      Hike the Salt Creek Trail

      5.0
      3 mi / 20 ft gain
      Starting from the Salt Creek Beach parking lot (a paid lot that takes cash, debit, and credit cards and charges by the hour. There are pay stations at a few points in the parking lots), you head west towards the ocean...through a tunnel and down the hill towards the beach. Once you get to the bas...
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    • Dana Point, California

      Surf Salt Creek

      5.0
      There are two HUGE parking lots off of PCH, so parking isn't an issue (unless it's on a weekend in the summer, then it does get full). This is a paid lot with a few pay stations located around the parking lot, and they take cash and credit/ debit card...you can pay by the hour. Once you find your...
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    • Dana Point, California

      Explore Tide Pools at Dana Point

      5.0
      If you're ever driving on the 5 between San Diego and Los Angeles and traffic is miserable (always), consider making a stop at Dana Point to check out the tide pools. The best place is behind the Ocean Institute which offers plenty of free parking and a short walk behind the building will quickly...
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    • Dana Point, California

      Walk the Dana Point Preserve Trail

      5.0
      0.5 mi
      Ocean views the whole time, plenty of wildlife and different species of native plants make this short hike beautiful. With the hike being short enough to complete in the afternoon after a day at the beach you can see a beautiful view of the coastline north and south. There is plenty of parking in...
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    • Laguna Niguel, California

      Kick Back at Laguna Niguel Regional Park

      This is an awesome tucked away little adventure that will have you occupied all day! With plenty of picnic tables you can be sure to have your own privacy tucked into a corner free from other people. Grab a lake side picnic table or even the numerous ones around the grass fields, they are all won...
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    • Laguna Beach, California

      Laguna Beach Caves

      3.8
      Explore some beautiful caves right on the beach in Laguna. The stairs leading down to the beach are just off the side of PCH at 9th st. You can park anywhere along the PCH on both sides near 9th st. Head down the stairs and the main caves are on the left. To the right there are also some small c...
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    • Laguna Beach, California

      Aliso Peak via the Valido Trail

      5.0
      1.14 mi / 325 ft gain
      The Valido Trail trailhead can be found just off West street off the Pacific Coast Highway, just south of Aliso Beach. Park on West Street past the trailhead. The trail proceeds approximate .5 miles till it intersects with the Aliso Peak Trail. Go left .4 miles to the obvious summit and wooden p...
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    • Laguna Niguel, California

      Dripping Cave in the Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness

      4.4
      7.68 mi / 889 ft gain
      Dripping Cave sits tucked away in a corner of Wood Canyon, part of the Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, and the trail to the cave, while short, requires *at least* a 2.25 mile hike in from the nearest trailhead (West Ridge Trail to Mathis Canyon), though this is less than ideal as that rou...
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    • Laguna Beach, California

      Skimboard Table Rock Beach

      Laguna Beach is both the birthplace *and* and the capital of skimboarding, and for good reason: it boasts an impressive array of beaches where (if you know where to look) you can find one where the conditions are right for one of the most difficult but rewarding of water sports. Table Rock is one...
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    • Laguna Beach, California

      Bodysurf at Aliso Beach

      5.0
      This 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.
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    • Laguna Beach, California

      Explore Laguna Beach's Pirate Tower

      4.4
      To 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...
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    • San Juan Capistrano, California

      Hike the Pinhead Peak Trail at Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park

      4.0
      2 mi / 220 ft gain
      Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park is the perfect place to getaway from the hubbub of LA. Enjoy the scenic drive north on Ortega Highway before reaching the entrance gate to the park. Parking Fees are currently $3 on Weekdays and $5 on Weekends. Camping Fees vary depending on your group size.  The...
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    • Laguna Beach, California

      Exploring Pearl Street Beach's Arch Rock

      4.0
      Pearl 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...
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    • Trabuco Canyon, California

      Bell Canyon Trail

      3.86 mi / 102 ft gain
      Bell Canyon Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see wildflowers located near San Juan Capistrano, California.
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    Camping and Lodging in San Juan Capistrano

    Temecula KOA at Vail Lake
    Aguanga, California

    Temecula KOA at Vail Lake

    Dripping Springs Campground (Ca)
    Temecula, California

    Dripping Springs Campground (Ca)

    Fry Creek Campground
    Palomar Mountain, California

    Fry Creek Campground

    Observatory Campground
    Palomar Mountain, California

    Observatory Campground

    Guides, Insights and Stories from San Juan Capistrano

    The Best Views in Laguna Beach

    The Best Views in Laguna Beach

    Visit Laguna Beach

    The Top 4 Places to Explore Tide Pools in Laguna Beach

    The Top 4 Places to Explore Tide Pools in Laguna Beach

    Visit Laguna Beach

    Why Laguna Beach Is the Ultimate Summer Destination

    Why Laguna Beach Is the Ultimate Summer Destination

    Visit Laguna Beach

    Loco Laguna: 7 Videos of Wild Adventure in Laguna Beach

    Loco Laguna: 7 Videos of Wild Adventure in Laguna Beach

    Josiah Roe

    Laguna Beach's Top 5 Trails for Hiking, Biking, and Running

    Laguna Beach's Top 5 Trails for Hiking, Biking, and Running

    Visit Laguna Beach

    5 Must-Do Adventures in Laguna Beach, CA

    5 Must-Do Adventures in Laguna Beach, CA

    Visit Laguna Beach