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San Marcos, California

Looking for the best chillin in San Marcos? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around San Marcos. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Chillin Spots in and near San Marcos

  • Laguna Beach, California

    Trail Run the Boat Road and Laguna Ridge

    4.3
    4 mi / 600 ft gain
    There a numerous trails in the Laguna Coast Wilderness that proceed up and along the ridges and down into the canyons (or the reverse), and most are excellent for trail running, hiking, and mountain biking. A classic out-and-back (with many options for loops) begins at the end of Dartmoor Street ...
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  • Laguna Beach, California

    Explore the Seascape at Crescent Bay

    4.3
    If you are in Southern California and want to find a good place to watch the sunset, this is the place. Laguna Beach, Orange County is loaded with awesome beaches to shoot photos of the famous California sunsets. This is one of my favorites because of so many options.When arriving to the beach, h...
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  • Laguna Beach, California

    Emerald Canyon & Bommer Ridge Loop

    5 mi / 873 ft gain
    There a numerous trails in the Laguna Coast Wilderness that proceed up and along the ridges and down into the canyons (or the reverse), and are quite popular for mountain biking, hiking, and trail running. A great mountain biking loop begins in Emerald Canyon at the end of Emerald Canyon Road an...
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  • Borrego Springs, California

    Anza Borrego Metal Sculptures

    4.6
    Here's a map I made that marks where most of the sculptures are (here). First, you enter the park and drive through the little city of Borrego Springs. There will be a roundabout you can't miss, so you know you're on the right path. There is nowhere to park to get to the sculptures specifically,...
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  • Mount Laguna, California

    Night Shoot at Mt. Laguna USAF Station

    This is a great stop when passing through the Anza Borrego Desert. The drive is very scenic, and passes through Sunrise Highway. Once you turn off the road, it's a very short drive up the hill where you will find a large spot to leave your car. There is a service gate that you can't drive through...
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  • Laguna Beach, California

    Crystal Cove Loop Trail

    4.0
    4.05 mi / 676 ft gain
    The trail begins and ends at the El Moro Visitor Center. Parking requires either a $15 day use parking pass, which is available in the visitor center. This hike we are focusing on is called the Difficult Loop Trail and it is the third most difficult trail the canyon offers. You take Moro Canyon,...
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  • Laguna Beach, California

    B.F.I. Trail in Crystal Cove State Park

    5.0
    0.78 mi / 125 ft gain
    To get to the trailhead, enter Crystal Cove State Park through the Crystal Cove El Moro Campground entrance immediately next to El Moro Elementary School. Follow the road behind the school which leads to the main gate where you will need to pay a day-use parking fee of $15. Drive past the Campgr...
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  • Laguna Beach, California

    El Moro Canyon Trail

    5.0
    4.94 mi / 814 ft gain
    The trail features a waterfall and is open year-round, but is best used in the spring. Remember to bring $15 cash for the parking fee. The Laguna Beach trail is shared by trail runners, mountain bikers, hikers, and the occasional horseback rider. Dogs are not allowed in Crystal Cove State Park. 
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  • Laguna Beach, California

    El Moro Canyon Trail to Lower Moro Campground

    3.5
    6.37 mi / 997 ft gain
    Located off of Pacific Coast Highway in Laguna Beach is Crystal Cove State Park. There are three primitive sites located in Crystal Cove: Deer Canyon, Upper Moro, and Lower Moro. The site I stayed at was Lower Moro campground. All three of these sites require the backpacker to hike everything in...
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