Outbound Collective logo

Solana Beach, California

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

Top Chillin Spots in and near Solana Beach

  • San Diego, California

    Explore Chambers Hidden Dam and Waterfall

    3.2
    0.5 mi
    Once you get off on Poway road, turn right onto Sabre Springs Parkway. Take your immediate left onto Creekbridge Road and park right there on the hill. Walk straight down towards the black gate and go down the hill. Turn right on the trail and walk down 1/4 mile to the dam, and another 500 yards ...
    Read more
  • San Diego, California

    Watch the Sunset at Windansea Beach

    5.0
    One of San Diego's hidden gems. This beach offers an incredible and beautiful view any time of the day. My favorite time to go to this beach is during the sunset. There is a set of stairs just north of the parking lot that leads down to the cliffs where you can sit, hang out, and relax. It's also...
    Read more
  • Poway, California

    Relax at Lake Poway

    4.0
    It costs $5 to enter the park and they are open 6am to sunset everyday. There is plenty of parking and this park is huge! This place has so many outdoor recreational activities such as fishing, hiking, running, archery, feeding ducks, or just having a picnic. With so many possibilities in this on...
    Read more
  • San Diego, California

    Bonfire at Fiesta Island

    4.7
    This island offers scenic views of of mission bay and if you're lucky, you can catch fireworks from Sea World. The bonfire rings are stationed around the island, so make sure you get there early to stake yours out, especially if you're headed there on the weekend. Dogs are allowed off leash at th...
    Read more
  • Oceanside, California

    Catch a Sunset at Oceanside Pier

    4.8
    Both 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

    Bike or Skate the Strand

    4.0
    1 mi / 0 ft gain
    Oceanside'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

    Stand Up Paddleboard the Oceanside Harbor

    The Oceanside Harbor is a great place to paddle board with easy parking and access to restaurants, and all protected from the wave and swells of the ocean. Often times there are sea lions, pelicans, and other marine life swimming among the hundreds of beautiful sailboats. Paddleboards are availab...
    Read more
  • Oceanside, California

    Kayak the Oceanside Harbor

    Sea kayaking from the Oceanside Harbor public kayak launch is one of the best ways to experience the Oceanside coast and the Pacific Ocean. There is ample parking along North Harbor Drive with the public kayak launch well-marked on the street. You can paddle around the harbor or you can go out pa...
    Read more
  • San Diego, California

    Old Town San Diego State Historical Park

    4.5
    1 mi
    From where Father Junipero Serra established the first of 21 California Missions in 1769, this area was the first permanent European settlement in the San Diego region. Today, past and present meet in a preserved historical park located near Downtown San Diego. You can explore life as it was in ...
    Read more
  • Escondido, California

    Camp at Dixon Lake

    2.1 mi / 295 ft gain
    Dixon Lake is Escondido's best kept secret! A man-made reservoir located right next to Daley Ranch, Dixon Lake offers overnight camping, boat rentals, fishing, and hiking, along with picnic areas, a kids park, and more.  The campground is open year-round and is located next to the lake with a lof...
    Read more
  • San Diego, California

    Catch a Sunset at Sunset Cliffs

    4.7
    Sunset Cliffs Natural Park area is a 68-acre park on the western edge of Point Loma. The cliffs overlook the Pacific, creating a great spot to take in the sunset. If you head to the parking lot off of Sunset Cliffs, you can get a great view from Pappy's Point. Try to get there a bit before the su...
    Read more
  • San Diego, California

    Picnic at Sunset Cliffs in San Diego

    5.0
    San Diego has so much outdoor adventure to offer! After exploring and playing all day head over to Ocean Beach to catch the sunset with a packed picnic at Sunset Cliffs. The cliffs are pretty vast, but filled with lots of spectators. It can be a bit trafficy getting in and out around sunset so gi...
    Read more
  • Ramona, California

    Mount Woodson's East Approach

    3.0
    3.96 mi / 1385 ft gain
    Mount Woodson is a well-known hiking trail in San Diego County. It is known for its breathtaking views and the famous potato chip rock. The Trail on the east side of the Mountain is fairly steep but is about half the distance of the trail on the west side of the mountain. To get to the trail on ...
    Read more
  • Santee, California

    Cowles Mountain via Big Rock Road

    4.5
    4.32 mi / 1109 ft gain
    Start by plugging 8125 Arlette St, Santee, CA into your GPS. This takes you to Big Rock Park, a convenient parking spot for the Cowles Hike. From here you want to walk through the park, and around the right side of the tennis court. This will take you to the fenced entrance to the hike. Head sout...
    Read more
  • Santee, California

    Cowles Mountain via Big Rock Trail

    4.0
    4.86 mi / 1207 ft gain
    Starting somewhat near sea-level, Cowles Mountain via the Big Rock Trail climbs about 1000 ft in elevation.  This trail is about 5 miles total, out and back.  Arrive at Big Rock park which has good parking.  At the park you will walk to the left of the tennis courts past the limits (the fence) of...
    Read more
  • San Diego, California

    Explore Sunset Cliffs Open Ceiling Cave

    0.5 mi
    Starting from you parking spot on the street you will see it right away. Then look to the right in the small bay--to the right of it you'll see a small place to climb down. There is no rope so be careful when scaling it. Walk south until you hit the reef wall and walk along it until you get aroun...
    Read more