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 County, California
Hike Garnet Peak Trail
3.02.6 mi / 500 ft gainWhile there are a few trail options, the designated Garnet Peak Trail begins off of Sunrise Highway at Mile Marker 27.8. There is a small pull-off on the east side of the road with a sign denoting the trail. An Adventure Pass is required for parking in this area of Cleveland National Forest.The f...Read more -
Laguna Beach, California
Surf Brooks Street Beach
5.0Brooks 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 ...Read more -
San Diego County, California
Big Laguna Lake Loop
5.05.9 mi / 400 ft gainBig Laguna Lake Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Pine Valley, California.Read more -
Laguna Beach, California
West Ridge to Car Wreck Trail and Mathis Canyon Loop
4.53.31 mi / 856 ft gainThere 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...Read more -
Laguna Beach, California
Hike the West Ridge Trail
5.01.5 mi / 150 ft gainBeginning 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...Read more -
Heisler Park, California
Relax at Heisler Park
5.0Located in Laguna Beach, California, Heisler Park is just past Main Beach, so it's the perfect place to avoid the typical tourist crowds. There's plenty of parking at Heisler Park, however you will have to pay, so come with a friend to split the cost! Luckily, if you plan on going to catch the su...Read more -
Laguna Beach, California
Water Tank Trail
4.33.05 mi / 502 ft gainThere 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 hiking, trail running, and mountain biking. A classic out-and-back (with many options for loops) begins in Irvine Bowl Park at the en...Read more -
Trabuco Canyon, California
Hike the Bellview to Dove Lake Trail
2.5 mi / 75 ft gainThis hike will be about going from the Bellview Trailhead to Dove Lake and back. Note that once you get to Dove Lake there are numerous offshoots that can take you in different directions (you can follow the road into the Dove Canyon housing community, take a paved road back to the Bellview parki...Read more -
Laguna Beach, California
Kayak the Laguna Beach State Marine Preserve
5.0Whether you're a beginning, intermediate, or advanced paddler, there are numerous ways to explore via sea kayak the protected waters off the coast of Laguna Beach. You can bring your own or rent and book a tour from several shops in town. An excellent starting point is at Fisherman's Cove just of...Read more -
Laguna Beach, California
Stand Up Paddleboard Fisherman's Cove
Fisherman's Cove is a protected beach and cove in Laguna Beach at the bottom of Boat Canyon that is tucked away from the hustle, bustle, and crowds that are often found at other nearby beaches. Further, parking is easily (relatively speaking) found along Cliff Drive. The beach itself, especially ...Read more -
Laguna Beach, California
Scuba Dive Shaw’s Cove, Laguna Beach
Shaw’s Cove is located just 3 minutes North of Laguna Beach’s Main Beach Park and one beach south of Crescent Bay. There’s a dive shop placed conveniently above the cove so if you need to rent equipment, it’s right there. The shop is close enough to walk to the cove, but with 60 pounds of gear, t...Read more -
Campo, California
Kitchen Creek Falls Trail
4.04.83 mi / 722 ft gainKitchen Creek Falls Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Pine Valley, California.Read more -
Laguna Beach, California
Trail Run the Boat Road and Laguna Ridge
4.34 mi / 600 ft gainThere 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 ...Read more -
Laguna Beach, California
Explore the Seascape at Crescent Bay
4.3If 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...Read more -
San Diego County, California
Hiking the Laguna Hills via the PCT
5.020 mi / 2000 ft gainThis trail is well-maintained, but gets a little rocky on the PCT, and the Chariot Fire burn-zone between Penny Pines and Hayes peak will have a few downed trees and some overgrown grasses. On the other hand, the trail network of the BLT is confusing to follow as the entire network is named "Big ...Read more -
Aliso Viejo, California
Top of the World via West Ridge Trail
5.04.76 mi / 443 ft gainDirections to get here are pretty straight forward via the map. You park your car in a residential neighborhood along the street, and from there, you can't miss the entrance. The trail is paved for the first 100yds or so and after you make a right turn at the top, you'll be on dirt and sand the r...Read more
