Things to do in San Diego, California (CA): The Best Hiking Trails

December 16, 2021 Kelli Reichel

San Diego embodies laid-back California culture, complete with a Boardwalk, surfing communities, and outstanding Mexican food. Breathe in the fresh ocean air at Sunset Cliffs Natural Park, then gobble down a fresh fish taco at a La Jolla seafood joint. The naval aircrafts at the USS Midway Museum will have you standing at attention. A free Sunday concert at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion is the perfect way to unwind after a Saturday night bar-hop in the thumping Gaslamp Quarter.
Restaurants in San Diego

1. Bayside Trail

San Diego, CA
Excellent
50%
Good
50%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 4 reviews

Bayside Trail

Located near Point Loma, this two mile hike offers vistas of San Diego Bay.

2. Cabrillo Tide Pools

San Diego, CA +1 619-557-5450 http://www.nps.gov/cabr/planyourvisit/basicinfo.htm
Excellent
65%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 387 reviews

Cabrillo Tide Pools

A short, one mile hike that offers one the opportunity to observe sea life along the shore.

Reviewed By cheese4me - Phoenix, United States

Very easy to access, a short hike from the parking lot and a brief climb down. We brought beach chairs to sit and watch the people pick up little treasures. The volunteers are very helpful and knowledgeable they provide plastic coated guides for the children to assist in looking for their little treasure. They make sure everyone is minding the rules - I was glad to see this. If you are going to walk around in the pool, be very careful as the rocks are covered with moss and are very slippery. My husband did take a tumble and bruised his ego. He was a little sore but managed to continue on with our vacation. Beautiful scenery and the weather was perfect for November at the ocean.

3. Razor Point and Beach Trail Loop

12600 N Torrey Pines Rd, San Diego, CA 92037-1047 http://www.torreypine.org/parks/basic-information.html
Excellent
67%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 18 reviews

Razor Point and Beach Trail Loop

A two mile hike offering great views of the bay and Pacific Ocean.

4. Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

12600 N Torrey Pines Rd, San Diego, CA 92037 +1 858-755-2063 [email protected] https://torreypine.org/
Excellent
78%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3,745 reviews

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

Although this park is located within San Diego's city limits, it remains one of the wildest landscapes along the Southern California coast, with miles of unspoiled beaches, chaparral, elegant Torrey Pine trees and a lagoon vital to many species of migrating birds.

Reviewed By MKTBE - Topeka, United States

Torrey Pines State Beach Park is an amazing place to spend a beautiful, sunny Spring afternoon in San Diego. There is a $15 parking fee if you drive in, but we parked on nearby Torrey Pines Road and enjoyed the area at no cost. Though the sun was bright, the cool ocean breezes made it perfect for an afternoon adventure.The hiking trails are heavily trafficked, moderate hikes with amazing views of the Pacific Ocean, Seaside Cliffs, and surrounding foliage. After taking numerous gorgeous photos, there are beach stairs to access the beach and a pleasant beach stroll back to the parking area. During these crazy COVID-19 times, we can regain our sanity enjoying the beauties of this glorious world we live in!

5. Miramar Reservoir

10710 Scripps Lake Dr, San Diego, CA 92131-1237 +1 619-465-3474 http://www.sandiego.gov/water/recreation/miramar.shtml
Excellent
58%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
15%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 33 reviews

Miramar Reservoir

This lake is very popular for bicycling, jogging, walking, rollerblading, and picnicking.

Reviewed By Oceanloversfamily - San Diego, United States

Soooo beautiful and scenic!! Parking is hard to get but great place to hike with wide roads. Easy to socially distance while you walk the 5.5 mile loop.

6. Ho Chi Minh Trail

9883 La Jolla Farms Rd, La Jolla, San Diego, CA 92037-1136
Excellent
54%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
5%
Terrible
10%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 87 reviews

Ho Chi Minh Trail

Reviewed By heyheyhey619 - San Diego, United States

Loved the hike! I’m 52 & I have been on a few hikes the past few years but this one was the most challenging. You have to concentrate on your footwork all the way down. You could easily break an ankle if you are not paying attention. First, wear proper shoes w traction. It’s steep walking downhill on sand, slippery rocks and occasionally muddy areas. Second, don’t do this hike if you don’t have good balance. There are several areas that require you to walk on narrow ledges. To get to the beach you have to use a rope to descend down the rocks. Third, I would not recommend bringing a water bottle because at times you will need both hands to help balance yourself while either going down or back up the hike. Last, take your time, have fun & make sure you are hydrated because it’s a beautiful hike!

7. San Clemente Park

Genessee Avenue, San Diego, CA 92117 http://hikingsdcounty.com/san-clemente-canyon/
Excellent
50%
Good
50%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2 reviews

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