All Stories from San Diego County
Encinitas Ranch
Beautiful Torrey pines, striking sandstone bluffs, mountain and ocean vistas ... find these trademark San Diego features on an unassuming suburban hike at Encinitas Ranch in North San Diego County.
ViewManchester Hidden Gem
Hike a hidden gem in San Diego County: Manchester Preserve is a 123-acre canyon with a winding trail network best explored on a 2.25-mile perimeter loop.
ViewHoliday at the Rancho
Visit the beautifully restored 27-acre Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park, a cultural gem in Carlsbad that can be explored as part of a serene 2-mile loop and has an upcoming holiday tree-lighting and festivities event.
ViewBuena Vista Lagoon
Take an easygoing wander at Buena Vista Lagoon in Carlsbad, then visit neighboring Carlsbad City Beach for a 1.25-mile out-and-back beach stroll that includes the lagoon’s connecting point with the Pacific Ocean.
ViewHosp Grove Forest Bathing
Forest bathe as you wander among one of the densest displays of eucalyptus trees via an accessible 3-mile adventure at Hosp Grove Park in Carlsbad.
ViewVolcan High Five!
The moderate 5.5-mile round-trip Volcan Mountain/Five Oaks loop hike in the Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve near Julian transports you from lush farmland to a summit with panoramic views. And the hard cider post-hike bonus...
ViewBorder Field State Park
Border Field State Park is the southernmost point in California as well as one of the last beautiful undeveloped coastlines in the state. Visit this natural refuge for a 4.5-mile hike featuring important history and wildlife habitats, plus stunning SoCal beach scenery.
ViewBluffing Good!
Pristine coastline, beautiful beaches, unique geological history, and picturesque sandstone cliffs with limited foot traffic in San Diego County? We promise we aren’t bluffing! Head to San Onofre State Beach and the 5-mile San Onofre Bluffs Loop Trail.
ViewSecret Trail at Torrey Pines
Find cliff climbs, sandy strolls, and secret hikes throughout “America’s finest sandy stretch" at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve in San Diego County.
ViewSkip School for the Beach
Head to UCSD (University of California, San Diego) for a campus stroll followed by a hike down sandstone cliffs to Black’s Beach in La Jolla.
ViewHodges and Hodgee Monster
Escondido’s Lake Hodges is one of the most beautiful lake settings in San Diego, with Kumeyaay history, phenomenal birdwatching, a world-record-holding bridge, and a resident lake monster! Do a 5.5-mile shoreline hike here ...
ViewMiramarvelous
Hike a 5-mile loop around Lake Miramar that never loses sight of the reservoir and features charming docks, dense chaparral forests, and plenty of local waterfowl.
ViewGo For Guajome
Head to Guajome County Park in Oceanside for a hidden lake twofer hike via a 4-mile loop trail traversing most of the 394-acre haven.
ViewOn A Mission
Feeling dammed up? Head for Mission Trails Regional Park in San Diego for a 3-mile out-and-back trail that features a historic dam, ancient oaks, and a fresh perspective on the value of green space.
ViewLa Mesa Secret Stairs
Step up to 2021 on a secret stairway hike in San Diego’s east county. Head to La Mesa for a 1.4-mile (lollipop loop) historical urban adventure with secret stairs, postcard panoramas, and bonus brews!
ViewTwice As Nice
The best hidden peak in San Diego is actually two peaks! Twin Peaks in Poway sit at 1,309 and 1,251 feet, respectively. Bag both on a 2-mile loop that rewards with classic views and solitude.
ViewKwaay Paay All the Way
Kwaay Paay peak seems modest as the fourth tallest of five in Mission Trails Regional Park, but don’t underrate this gem. Its panoramic views are among the best in San Diego on this 2.5-mile loop.
ViewThis Walk Rocks
Go on a 2.5-mile out-and-back hike along the San Diego River and find the colorful “Covid-19 Rock Snake,” a project encouraging people to spread joy and kindness by adding to the chain of artful rocks.
ViewHoly Cowles!
Enjoy late day-sun vistas on a 3-mile (round-trip) hike to the summit of Cowles Mountain in Mission Trails Regional Park. Located in San Diego, this summit is the city’s tallest at 1,593 feet.
ViewViking Hiking (and Mead)
Go on a secret gems hike at Buena Vista Park, including a hidden wetland with ferocious beasts (okay, it’s a pond with cute ducks!). Afterwards, reward yourself at Twisted Horn Mead and Cider.
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Coastal Hikes Guide for Fall
Ready to fill your fall walks with secluded beaches, towering redwoods, whale sightings, and fresh food? Get coasting! Peninsula Open Space Trust has just released their Coastal Hikes Guide.
POST's Complimentary Coastal Hikes Guide
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