All Stories from San Diego County

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  San Elijo Stairway and Beach Walk

  Grab your sunscreen (and maybe your tent!) and head to San Elijo State Beach and Campground near Cardiff in San Diego County. Take in some bluffside bliss and a 1.5-mile coastal stairway and beach walk.

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  All in for Agua Hedionda

  The stunning San Diego coastline is no secret—it’s got some of the most pristine sandy shorelines in the world. But just beyond some of those stretches lie beautiful, less-frequented hidden gems: lagoons! For some oar-some kayaking and a few short and sweet hiking trails, choose Agua Hedionda.

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  Ponto Perfection

  It's no secret that San Diego County is a treasure trove of sandy shores, so when you find a hidden, less-visited stretch of sand, it feels special. And the first time you visit South Ponto Beach in Carlsbad, you feel like you’ve struck gold.

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  Viejas Valor

  Pining for something short, sweet, and steep? Head to Viejas Mountain, just 3 miles north of Alpine in the Cleveland National Forest, for a 3.2-mile out-and-back that gains nearly 1,500 feet in elevation and rewards the sweetest of vistas. 

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  Secret Crestridge

  It’s hard to call a 2,800-acre green space a hidden gem, but the Crestridge Ecological Reserve feels like a secret treasure, with a multitude of trails that traverse riparian, oak woodland, coastal sage scrub, and chaparral habitats.

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  All the Wright Stuff

  Next time you visit the picturesque town of Alpine in the foothills of the Cuyamaca Mountains, opt for two accessible trails locals love, featuring Wright's Field and Loveland Reservoir.

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  Garnet's Grand Vista

  On your next trip to beautiful Julian, get out of town! But only for a day trip to the Laguna Mountains. Located just a few miles east, this area has some of San Diego’s best hiking trails, including two short hikes with perhaps the best vistas in the entire county. DARK SKY BONUS: Julian's StarFest is coming up soon, under the stars at Menghini Winery.

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  Santa Ysabel

  Just 7 miles west of Julian, Santa Ysabel has two beautiful preserves to explore, with oak woodlands and grasslands dominating its 4,600-acre landscape. Choose your adventure (or do both) via a 5.5-mile loop through the west preserve or a 4-mile loop starting at the east preserve’s visitor center. Then go eat a pie!

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  Rockin' Clevenger

  North or south? San Pasqual’s Clevenger Canyon in North County San Diego has both south and north trailheads about half a mile apart. We’re going south this time, for a rocking chair good time (read on)! This trail nets you 5.4 miles, over 1,300 feet of gain, and fantastic views.

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  Hey Stanley

  Escondido’s 3,200-acre Daley Ranch is home to one of the largest trail systems in San Diego County. Its prominent point is Stanley Peak, reached via a 6.3-mile lollipop loop that climbs just over 1,000 feet to the 1,975-foot apex of the park.

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  Bountiful Bernardo

  Epic summit views, awesome cardio workout, beautiful lake vistas, accessible trailhead—all signs point to Bernardo Mountain in north San Diego County. Conquer it via a 7.25-mile out-and-back.

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  Grasslands Galore

  At the sprawling 3,521-acre Ramona Grasslands Preserve in northern San Diego County, there are just two loops: the 2-mile Wildflower Loop and the 0.8-mile Meadow Loop. Connect them both on this hike that explores the best features of the park.

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  Hidden Hike, Huge View

  90-acre Luelf Pond County Preserve is a hidden treasure in San Diego County. It's home to a 1.5-mile (out-and-back) trail with a huge vista reward.

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  Dos Picos

  The 1.4-mile loop around Dos Picos County Park is a small yet mighty gem in northern San Diego County. It's gentle and packs a bunch of scenery.

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  Daley Dose of Zen

  Trees, views, and solitude—that’s a top-tier trifecta when it comes to hiking. Get it at Escondido’s Daley Ranch via the 5-mile Engelmann Oak loop, featuring stunning north county vistas and rare sightings of its namesake oaks.

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  Going, Going, Gonzales!

  Find the secret geographical gem that is Gonzales Canyon Open Space and explore its surprisingly large network of trails through two hidden canyons on a 3-mile loop.

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  Turf's Up!

  Crest Canyon Open Space Park is a small and beautiful green space that can be explored on a 2.2-mile loop that features famous flora, lagoon views, and sandstone cliffs. 

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  Masterpiece Marshland + Beers

  San Dieguito Lagoon is one of the biggest wetland habitats in America. Uncover the magical marshland masterpiece on a gentle 3-mile out-and-back urban hike with a pit stop at a brewery.

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  Do Denk

  Denk Mountain is the highest point in Carlsbad, reached via a 3.5-mile figure eight loop that nets 800 feet of elevation and delivers the best views in town.

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  Bobcat to Box Canyon

  Sometimes it’s good to focus on the little joys in life instead of the big picture. At Rancho La Costa Preserve, that means hiking the hidden 2-mile Bobcat loop amid its 500 acres. This petite escape combines small wonders and big views.

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