Seal Beach, California

Explore the top outdoor adventures in Seal Beach, California with a hike on the San Gabriel River Bike Trail. This 28-mile trail is a must-visit for its scenic views of the Pacific Ocean, the San Gabriel River, and the lush greenery that borders the trail. It's a moderately difficult trail, perfect for a good workout and some fresh air. If you're looking for something more leisurely, head to the Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge. Here, you can stroll along the easy walking trails, spotting a variety of birds and marine life. The best Trails and Outdoor Activities in Seal Beach also include a visit to the iconic Seal Beach Pier. Enjoy a walk along the pier, taking in the ocean views and watching the surfers below. These outdoor attractions make Seal Beach a top destination for active travelers.

Top Spots in and near Seal Beach

  • Malibu, California

    Surf Malibu Point

    3.0
    Malibu point is an iconic surf spot located in Malibu, California. It's a very popular summer time spot due to the exposure to south swells.  The majority of people longboard this surf spot.  It's a very iconic wave with lots of history!  The wave itself is a long right-hand point break that is r...
    Read more
  • Malibu, California

    Photograph the Iconic Malibu Pier

    3.2
    Less than a mile South from the small town center, Malibu Pier stretches out into the Pacific. The Pier has been in Malibu since 1905 and though much of Malibu has been built up around it, it has remained quite similar to when it was first constructed. You can either pay for parking right at the ...
    Read more
  • La Verne, California

    Cattle Canyon Trail

    6.7 mi / 1066 ft gain
    Within the San Gabriel Mountains from Highway 39 and along East Fork Road is Cattle Canyon. To go through Cattle Canyon, you can access the trail head just south of the Bridge to Nowhere trail head along East Fork Road right after it intersects with Glendora Mountain Road. There is a small parkin...
    Read more
  • Palmdale, California

    Hike to Vetter Mountain and the Fire Lookout Tower

    2.8 mi / 550 ft gain
    If you're looking for an easy mountain to hike, and perhaps give the kids something interesting to learn about at the top, then Vetter Mountain may fit the bill.  At 5,908', and with a trailhead at about 5,350', this 1.4 mile (one way) hike only climbs about 550' vertical.   The trailhead is loca...
    Read more
  • Calabasas, California

    Hike and Rock Climb at Saddle Peak

    5.0
    This is one of my favorite hikes in the Los Angeles area. Super easy, yet beautiful and a perfect place to get away from the city.Parking for the trailhead is where the three roads intersect. The parking area is a long strip of dirt, there will most likely be cars there when you arrive already th...
    Read more
  • Calabasas, California

    The Old Topanga Lookout Tower

    2.03 mi / 253 ft gain
    The old Topanga Lookout Tower is the best hidden sunset spot in the Hills above Malibu! Take a quick drive up the winding backroads of Las Flores Canyon road. Once at the top, you can park near the Lois Ewen Overlook and follow the dirt road. Its a short 20-25 min hike back with smaller trails v...
    Read more
  • Malibu, California

    The Malibu Lagoon State Beach

    5.0
    2.11 mi / 118 ft gain
    The Malibu Lagoon State Beach is a loop trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Malibu, California.
    Read more
  • La Verne, California

    Bridge to Nowhere via East Fork Trail

    4.5
    9.65 mi / 1798 ft gain
    The trail on this 10-mile hike is predominately slow and steady, but can be a little rocky, so be prepared to scramble. When you’re fording the river, the water level can range from knee to chest high, especially in the wet months. A good pair of waterproof hiking boots is helpful, but water shoe...
    Read more
  • Los Angeles, California

    Reseda Pond Path

    1.0
    0.3 mi / 0 ft gain
    Reseda Pond Path is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Reseda, California
    Read more
  • Topanga, California

    Red Rock Canyon to Calabasas Peak

    4.0
    4.53 mi / 1004 ft gain
    When you get to the parking lot be sure to pay the $5 parking fee. You will need to place this in the provided envelope and drop it in the iron ranger.  Start the hike by following the fire road behind the gate. About a couple of yards in, you will see a trail on your left which leads to a ghoul...
    Read more
  • Topanga, California

    Top of Topanga Overlook

    1 mi / 1613 ft gain
    Top of Topanga Overlook: San Fernando Valley's Quick Escape with Panoramic Views Top of Topanga Overlook is a parking area with an optional short hike, very close to Warner Center in Woodland Hills. Perfect for those after-work getaways, especially if you need a break from the hectic city life. ...
    Read more
  • Los Angeles County, California

    Trail Canyon Falls

    4.0
    4.56 mi / 1017 ft gain
    To get to the trail, take Big Tujunga Canyon Road until you see signs for Trail Canyon Road. The entry point is easy to miss, but keep an eye out for a stop sign and cars parked at the bottom of a dirt path. Drive up the dirt path for direct parking at the trailhead (4x4 is definitely recommended...
    Read more
  • San Clemente, California

    Beach Day at San Onofre

    5.0
    This spot is no secret but it’s by far one of the best beaches California has to offer and has been regarded since the 1950s as a friendly surfing sanctuary. The beach is divided into three surf spots (named from North to South), known as “The Point,” “Old Man’s,” and “Dogpatch.” To access the be...
    Read more
  • Lake Elsinore, California

    Hike Bear Canyon Trail to Sitton Peak

    6.4 mi / 2200 ft gain
    A MUST hike for any orange country resident! The hike starts of off Ortega HWY 74 at the Bear Canyon Trail head on the same side of the road as the Ortega oaks candy store. Its recommended you park in the lot across the street from the trail head (tip:there is a working water spicket in the parki...
    Read more
  • Lake Elsinore, California

    Sitton Peak

    9.36 mi / 2011 ft gain
    It's amazing what you can find in your own backyard if you really do you research. In Orange County there are so many awesome hiking options that are often overlooked. The Bear Canyon to Sitton Peak Trail in the San Mateo Wilderness is one of those. Sitton tops out at 3,273 feet and it's a 5 mil...
    Read more
  • Topanga, California

    Calabasas Peak Motorway

    7.23 mi / 1565 ft gain
    Getting There You can, from Los Angeles, go one of three ways: take I-405 to US-101 and head west, or from downtown, take US-101 the whole way, OR, get on I-10 from the Westside or east of there and take that until it becomes PCH, then take that to Topanga Canyon (turn left onto Old Topanga Cany...
    Read more