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

  • Los Angeles, California

    Ord & Yale Street Park

    4.0
    Recently opened in 2021, right behind the LA Library in Chinatown, you’ll find this secret gem, tucked away in the corner. Covered picnic tables, with checkerboard game boards in place, and all gender bathrooms with changing tables for the little ones. Two play areas as well as a small climbing w...
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  • Laguna Beach, California

    Hike the West Ridge Trail

    5.0
    1.5 mi / 150 ft gain
    Beginning at Alta Laguna Park at Top of the World, the West Ridge Trail is a popular starting (and ending) point for adventures into the Laguna Coast Wilderness, leading to trails and areas like Car Wreck, Big Bend, and Willow Canyon. You can also do it in reverse from the north. The ridge itself...
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  • Laguna Beach, California

    West Ridge to Car Wreck Trail and Mathis Canyon Loop

    4.5
    3.31 mi / 856 ft gain
    There are numerous ways to incorporate the Car Wreck trail into a larger loop through the Laguna Coast Wilderness and Aliso Canyon Park, but a common route is to begin at Alta Laguna Park at "Top of the World" in Laguna Beach. Take the West Ridge Trail .5 miles, bearing right onto the marked Car...
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens

    Discover serenity at Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens, a tranquil oasis in Los Angeles, Calfiornia. Admission is $6/person, with guided tours available to explore its spiritual and architectural significance. Nestled in lush greenery, including a labyrinth for contemplative walks, it offer...
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  • Laguna Beach, California

    Surf Brooks Street Beach

    5.0
    Brooks Street Beach is just a couple of blocks off the Pacific Coast Highway in Laguna Beach. Parking can be tricky, so be forewarned that you may need to walked a few blocks.  Winter can be good, but during the summer and big south swells are when you want to go surfing, so be sure to check out ...
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Los Angeles Historic Park

    5.0
    1.17 mi / 46 ft gain
    Los Angeles Historic Park is a loop trail that is good for all skill levels located near Dodgertown, California.
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Vista Hermosa Natural Park

    4.2
    0.58 mi / 36 ft gain
    Vista Hermosa Natural Park is part of the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy and the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority. Located in the western gateway to Downtown Los Angeles, it’s very easy to drive by this hidden gem if you’re not looking for it. This park is the perfect mix of ur...
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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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  • Los Angeles, California

    Kenneth Hahn Recreation Area Loop

    2.85 mi / 328 ft gain
    The Kenneth Hahn Recreation Area is just outside of downtown LA, a perfect location for hiking, trail running, and biking. The trail loops up to the top of a hill, where hikers get sweeping views of LA. Dogs are allowed, but must be kept on leash.  This is also a great location for trail running...
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  • Silverado, California

    Hike to Black Star Canyon Falls

    4.8
    7.5 mi / 913 ft gain
    Waterfalls in Orange County are far and few between, with the best lying near and inside the Cleveland National Forest. Black Star Canyon Falls are some of the best just after a rain if you are heading out during a dry time of the season you should still expect to see some water. Free parking, ea...
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Echo Park Lake

    3.0
    0.98 mi / 0 ft gain
    Echo Park Lake in Los Angeles has a loop that is about 1 mile around. It’s a pretty busy park, that has ducks and geese everywhere. Beautiful lotus blossoms and iris flowers in the lake. Generally flat and one tiny incline that can easily be avoided. You can also rent swan paddleboats that light ...
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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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  • Los Angeles, California

    Secret Swing in Elysian Park

    4.2
    0.16 mi / 72 ft gain
    For the most direct directions to the swing, plug in "Swing on top of Elysian Park" into google maps, which will take you directly to the trailhead. If you want to do it the more old fashion way, the swing is on top of a hill at the intersection of Angels Point Drive and Park Row Drive in Elysian...
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Elysian Park

    4.0
    1.88 mi / 282 ft gain
    The trail at Elysian Park in Los Angeles, California, is a moderate difficulty hike that spans approximately 1.88 miles. The trail is well-marked and offers a variety of terrain, including dirt paths and paved roads. The trail is known for its panoramic views of the city, including the iconic Dod...
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  • Culver City, California

    Culver City Stairs

    4.1
    1.32 mi / 344 ft gain
    The Culver City Stairs are an outdoor staircase designed into the trails leading up to the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook. This particular staircase is uniquely constructed to blend into the landscape and is comprised of 282 uneven stairs. The stairs vary in height from 3 inches to nearly 2 ft...s...
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  • Los Angeles, California

    City View and Walnut Forest Trails Loop

    4.0
    2.59 mi / 568 ft gain
    The City View and Walnut Forest Trails in Ernest E. Debs Regional Park are just outside of downtown Los Angeles, and are perfect for all abilities. The trails are most commonly used by dog walkers, trail runners, mountain bikers and families. The top of the hike features a unique pond. Dogs are a...
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