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
-
Oceanside, California
Surf the South Jetty, Oceanside Harbor
4.5The jetty's of Oceanside Harbor serve to protect and stabilize the mouth of the San Luis Rey River meaning the sand and subsequent breaks remain fairly consistent and sand bars last for quite some time. After heavy rains large sand bars will form making for decent waves. It is also a great place ...Read more -
Oceanside, California
Bike or Skate the Strand
4.01 mi / 0 ft gainOceanside's iconic Strand is a 1 mile long ocean-front road that is perfect for cycling, walking, and running. At various points it is one way or pedestrian only, and is a must-do for any visitors to Oceanside.From the north The Strand begins at Breakwater Way and heads south underneath The Ocean...Read more -
Oceanside, California
Catch a Sunset at Oceanside Pier
4.8Both sides of the pier are awesome to shoot but depending on the time of the year/sun position one might be better than the other. Super mellow beach to chill out at and watch the sunset. You can get some awesome reflections in the tide. Keep an eye on your gear as there can be sketchy crackheads...Read more -
Oceanside, California
Surf Fish at Oceanside Pier
5.0There are lots of great beaches to fish at in Oceanside. You can fish any of these or you could choose to fish off the Oceanside Pier. You can catch many different species of fish from the shore such as croakers, corbina, surfperch, shovelnose guitarfish, leopard shark, halibut, and rays. In orde...Read more -
Huntington Beach, California
Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve Trail
4.72.97 mi / 30 ft gainThe Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve Trail is great for birding and wildlife viewing. If you want a longer hike, you can extend the mileage by heading down the riverbed trail. The trail is open year-round. Dogs are not allowed in Bolsa Chica. Bolsa Chica State Beach is easily accessible from Oran...Read more -
Huntington Beach, California
Stand Up Paddle (SUP) in Huntington Harbor
4.5Huntington Harbor is the perfect location for an easy and relaxing stand up paddle board session. Here you will get to enjoy the view of the houses by the harbor, some boats sailing by, and some low bridges you'll have to paddle through while ducking on your board (fun!).There are several stores ...Read more -
Oceanside, California
Buccaneer Beach
If you're looking for a beach to bring your family, Buccaneer Beach is the place to go. It has a little bit of everything plus a huge parking lot, so it's really never full (unless you go midday on the 4th of July or something). There is a grassy area next to the parking lot with benches to have...Read more -
Canyon Lake, California
Kabian Memorial Park Loop
5.03.48 mi / 335 ft gainKabian Memorial Park Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Quail Valley, California.Read more -
Seal Beach, California
Sunset Beach
4.6Sunset Beach is located just 9 miles south of Long Beach and 6 miles North of Huntington Beach, CA on the famous Pacific Coast Highway 1. I accessed Sunset Beach from the South on I-405. I took exit 22 for Seal Beach. After the exit I turned a left/west on Seal Beach Blvd and drove for 2.6 miles ...Read more -
Chino Hills, California
Adobe Loop
3.01.92 mi / 312 ft gainThe best place to park for this hike is at Hunter's Hill park. From there, the trailhead is located on Natalie Road just South of the park. There is a large sign marking the start of the trail, but it does not give a name for either the trail head or the trail itself. For reference, it is the But...Read more -
Seal Beach, California
Seal Beach
4.7Seal Beach is a small beach community between Long Beach and Huntington Beach. Right off PCH (Pacific Coast Highway), this sandy beach is a great place to chill on a hot summer day. The high winds coming off the water makes it an ideal place to kite board, surf, or simply fly a kite along the sho...Read more -
Carlsbad, California
Hike and Fish at Lake Calavera
4.06.24 miLake Calavera Preserve is located in Carlsbad, CA and is home to one of North America's smallest volcanoes. It is the end peak of each trail and is what's known as a "volcanic plug" (cool hardened lava). The northern face of Mount Calavera is that of columnar joints- columns of molded lava. Geolo...Read more -
Long Beach, California
Colorado Lagoon
5.00.95 mi / 30 ft gainThe Colorado Lagoon is a wetland that is being restored. To make this 1 mile walk into a loop, you have to walk along sidewalks near the park. This is a very kid-friendly destination. This trail crosses over the lagoon on a boardwalk. It also accesses a sandy swimming beach with restrooms, picnic...Read more -
Long Beach, California
Red Car Greenbelt
5.00.63 mi / 0 ft gainThe Greenbelt used to be the right-of-way for the long lost Pacific Electric Red Car, an amazing system of public transportation that connected Long Beach, LA, Orange Coutny, and even San Bernardino. The pathways are landscaped with plants typical of the area and plenty of native flowers for the...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 -
Signal Hill, California
Hilltop Park
4.7Hilltop Park is located in Signal Hill and offers an unmatched panoramic view of the Los Angeles Basin. If you go on a clear day, you may even be lucky enough to see Catalina Island and the Santa Monica and San Gabriel Mountains. This park is the perfect spot for families, dogs, and even dates. T...Read more
