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
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Rancho Palos Verdes, California
Pelican Cove
0.38 mi / 95 ft gainGetting There Coming from San Pedro, make a U-turn at the Hawthorne Boulevard stoplight onto Palos Verdes Drive South. From here, you can access the parking lot for Pelican Cove, where you'll get a 120° view of the ocean. It might be tempting to take in the sunset from the car, but you should def...Read more -
San Diego, California
Guy Fleming Trail
5.00.76 mi / 95 ft gainThis trail is located in Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, a beautiful area about 20-30 minutes north of San Diego. To access the reserve, park in the lot off of North Torrey Pines Road (pay $10 to park). If you don't want to walk up the huge hill at the beginning (it is steep and long), I beli...Read more -
Palomar Mountain, California
Hike to Palomar Observatory from the Palomar Observatory Campground
5.04.4 mi / 718 ft gainSituated in the Palomar Mountains of Cleveland National Forest, Palomar Observatory Campground offers many amenities for enjoyable camping and exploring the area. A portion of the campsites loop has been cleared of trees with level cement pads to allow campers to set up their own telescopes. Dr...Read more -
San Diego, California
Beach Trail
5.01.43 mi / 259 ft gainI'm stoked for those of you to find this adventure! Torrey Pines is home to a species of tree that is one of the most rare native pines in the United States. Below I have directions on how to get to the trailhead as well as the parking lot to park for the hike. There is a charge to get into the...Read more -
San Diego, California
Razor Point Trail
1.32 mi / 240 ft gainRazor Point Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near La Jolla, California.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 -
San Diego, California
Torrey Pines Beach Trail Loop
4.72.15 mi / 374 ft gainThe beach trail brings you from the parking lot across the lodge from the bluff down to the beach. You can choose to visit the Red Butte, the Razor Point, and the Yucca Point trails along the way. Of the other trails, this trail seems to provide a complete walkthrough of geological features; it a...Read more -
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
Black Mountain Peak via Miner's Ridge Loop Trail
2.54.3 mi / 951 ft gainThe Miner's Ridge Loop Trail is a relatively mild 4.3-mile loop that takes you to the 1554-foot summit of Black Mountain Peak. Even from the parking lot, the views to the east are stunning. Get there early in the morning on a clear day, or arrive just before sunset to get the full experience. T...Read more -
Palos Verdes Estates, California
Bluff Cove
4.40.56 mi / 144 ft gainParking for Bluff Cove is located along the sides of the street of Paseo Del Mar, and the trailhead is located right next to the street. Bluff Cove is one of those unique locations in that there are a variety of activities you can do here. It is a great location for surfing, paddle boarding, bod...Read more -
Azusa, California
Fish Canyon Falls
2.04.08 mi / 801 ft gainThis trail is currently closed! Learn more on the U.S. Forest Service website. Follow Encanto Parkway towards the hills until you come to a junction with a sign labeled "trail" that points towards a parking lot to your right. Parking is free, though on weekends it may be difficult to find a spot...Read more -
Avalon, California
Camp at Catalina's Two Harbors
4.8An island camping escape is a mere 50 minute boat ride away from the southern California coast. If you're feeling generous with your funds, you can also opt for a helicopter ride, leaving out of Long Beach and 15 minutes later landing in Catalina Island.Two Harbors campground is unique with the a...Read more -
San Diego, California
Black Mountain via Nighthawk Trail
5.04.05 mi / 764 ft gainStarting at the trail head at the end of Oviedo way, you will see a power line on top of the small hill across from the rec center, which is the start of the South Point View Trail. Follow this trail about a mile until you see a sign for the 'Little Black Mountain Loop' . This is a 4.1 mile loop ...Read more -
Avalon, California
Visit Two Harbors, Catalina Island
5.0Just 30 miles from the commotion and congestion of Los Angeles, is a small island village that time seems to have left behind. You won't find the usual traffic, development, and big crowds here. You won't find movie theaters, concert venues, hotels, nightclubs, or sporting events either. At Cata...Read more -
Two Harbors, California
Day Hike across Catalina: Two Harbors to Avalon
21 miThis hike was one of the most difficult and definitely one of the most memorable hikes I’ve ever done. The view of the island and the surrounding water is surreal and I am yet to be anywhere like this hike. The dry California vegetation of the mountains matched with the bright blue endless backgr...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
