Solana Beach, California
For outdoor adventures in Solana Beach, California, hiking the Annie's Canyon Trail is a must-visit. This moderate, 2-mile loop trail offers scenic views of the Pacific Ocean and San Elijo Lagoon. The trail is known for its unique sandstone canyon walls and a narrow slot section that adds to its appeal. Another top trail is the San Elijo Lagoon Trail, perfect for bird-watching and spotting local wildlife. For water activities, head to Fletcher Cove Beach Park for surfing and paddleboarding. Nearby, the Cedros Avenue Design District offers unique shopping and dining options after a day of outdoor fun. These are some of the best trails and outdoor activities in and near Solana Beach.
Top Spots in and near Solana Beach
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San Diego, California
Explore Chambers Hidden Dam and Waterfall
3.20.5 miOnce 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
Surf Scripps Pier
5.0Park on La Jolla Shores Drive and make the short walk down the boat ramp north of the pier. This spot often has some of the clearest waters in San Diego, making it a picturesque place to surf. During low tide, check out the tide pools just north of the surf spot to find some awesome sea life.Read more -
San Diego, California
Windansea Beach
5.0One of San Diego's hidden gems. This beach offers an incredible and beautiful view any time of the day. An amazing 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 -
Carlsbad, California
Hike and Fish at Lake Calavera
4.06.24 miLake Calavera Preserve is located in Carlsbad, CA and is home to one of North America's smallest volcanoes. It is the end peak of each trail and is what's known as a "volcanic plug" (cool hardened lava). The northern face of Mount Calavera is that of columnar joints- columns of molded lava. Geolo...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 -
Poway, California
Catch a Sunset at Twin Peaks Mountain
2 miStart by parking at Silverset Park. You will see the trail head for Twin Peaks just behind the park. Park outside of the park if you think you'll be staying past sunset, as the park gates close at dark! Once you spot the trail head, veer left to the path heading up towards the peaks. You will eve...Read more -
Escondido, California
Bernardo Mountain Summit Trail
5.07.15 mi / 1060 ft gainBernardo Mountain is located on the Coast to Crest Trail in San Dieguito River Park. The 7.15-mile out-and-back trail to the 1060 ft. summit starts on the east side of I-15. It's a relatively easy hike all the way to the top. It picks up a little once you make it to the Summit Trail junction, wh...Read more -
Oceanside, California
Buccaneer Beach
If you're looking for a beach to bring your family, Buccaneer Beach is the place to go. It has a little bit of everything plus a huge parking lot, so it's really never full (unless you go midday on the 4th of July or something). There is a grassy area next to the parking lot with benches to have...Read more -
Poway, California
Blue Sky Ecological Reserve to Ramona Dam
3.05.3 mi / 984 ft gainStarting at the trail head where you park your car, head south along the Green Valley Truck Trail. After less than a mile, you will notice the city and noise start to fade behind you, and a beautiful sight of towering oaks, willows, and sycamores appear as you walk along the Creekside Trail. You ...Read more -
Poway, California
Relax at Lake Poway
4.0It 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
4.7This 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 -
Poway, California
Mount Woodson and Potato Chip Rock
4.66.45 mi / 1965 ft gainMt. Woodson is located in Poway's most eastern region and is one of San Diego's most popular and most iconic hiking trails. Known for its grand photo opportunistic "Potato Chip Rock", Mt. Woodson is a 7.5mi out-and-back trail with amazing vistas, convenient rest stops and breathtaking views. The...Read more -
Oceanside, California
Catch a Sunset at Oceanside Pier
4.8Both 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
Surf Fish at Oceanside Pier
5.0There are lots of great beaches to fish at in Oceanside. You can fish any of these or you could choose to fish off the Oceanside Pier. You can catch many different species of fish from the shore such as croakers, corbina, surfperch, shovelnose guitarfish, leopard shark, halibut, and rays. In orde...Read more -
San Diego, California
Hike to the Rope Swing in Tecolote Canyon
4.04.4 miTecolote Canyon offers a great opportunity to explore nature right in the heart of San Diego, whether it is a hike, run, or bike ride on the trails. But the best kept secret is perhaps a rope swing over the creek! The main trail starts off at Tecolote Canyon Natural Park & Nature Center, wh...Read more -
Oceanside, California
Bike or Skate the Strand
4.01 mi / 0 ft gainOceanside'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
