All Stories from San Diego County
La 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.
ViewPitch Perfect Parks
Visit the ballpark and a National Historic Landmark on this 3.75-mile urban jaunt in San Diego. Along the way, enjoy some authentic Mexican fare as well as some craft beer.
ViewSuspension Bridge Surprise
This urban hike in San Diego connects two gardens by way of two spectacular bridges, including the awesome Spruce Street Suspension Bridge built in 1912.
ViewColorado Meets Pasadena
Connect a neoclassical-inspired bridge with a bridge listed on the National Register of Historic Places on this hike in Pasadena via the Arroyo Seco Trail.
ViewNew Trail Alert
Check out the vastly improved trail at the Edward and Frances Hunter Arboretum on Palomar College’s San Marcos campus.
ViewFill Up on Fallbrook
This small town in northern San Diego County has more than 10 nature preserves. Explore two less-visited hiking havens: Hellers Bend and Dinwiddie Preserve
ViewPlanet of the Oaks
Let us count the number of oak tree species in the Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve near Julian: coast, scrub, canyon, black, and Engelmann. Five! The preserve’s Five Oaks Trail is a 3.2-mile hike that boasts all five.
ViewStone Cold Escondido
Escondido is Spanish for “hidden,” but its adventurous ales and tasty trails are right out in the open. It’s home to the not-so-secret Stone Brewing and a hike that’s just a stone’s throw away.
ViewI'll Have a Double!
Get the best view and best brew of “San Parkos” on a 4.5-mile out-and-back summit trek to Double Peak Park, which looms above North County, followed by a tasting flight at Double Peak Brewery.
ViewBeach to Brew Times 2
Nothing represents North County San Diego better than a walk on the beach and a stop at a local brewery—or two.
ViewMurals of La Jolla
You need a map and sense of adventure for this fun journey through the lovely town of La Jolla. The “Murals of La Jolla” project began in 2010 as part of SoCal’s commitment to publ
ViewKayak the Clam Cave
Kayaking the seven sea caves in La Jolla Shores is a blast, if you can make it past the “guards”—that is, a bunch of playful sea lions! The helpful guides at Hike Bike Kayak Advent
ViewLaguna Campground
Star travelers can find dark skies and solitude for stargazing only an hour away from downtown San Diego at Laguna Campground in the Cleveland National Forest. Go on a weeknight to
ViewHigh Tide in the Old Town
High tide or low tide, Mom will always be by your side. This Mother’s Day, show her love as wide as the ocean with a walk alongside it. Feel the sand between your toes, search for
ViewSester-Centennial Peregrination
This year, 2019, marks 250 years since the founding of San Diego—an anniversary some call a sestercentennial. By any name, it’s a great excuse for exploring the history, culture, a
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Fall Coastal Hikes Guide
Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) is ready to fill your fall with bluffside trails, tranquil beaches, whale watching, a haunted distillery, and seasonal sweet treats.
POST's Coastal Hiking Guide
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