Coastal Hikes / Camping
Trails Covered
Torrey Pines Beach Trail Loop ~2.3 miles
Annies Canyon Trail via North Rios Trailhead Loop ~1.5 miles
Ho Chi Minh Trail (Saigon Trail) ~0.7 miles
Torrey Pines - Glider Port (perfect spot for a beach sunset)
La Jolla Tide Pools Walk ~3.7 miles
West Ridge DAR Loop Trail ~1.3 miles
Margaret Fleming and Red Ridge Trails ~2 miles
Torrey Pines and Broken Hill Loop ~3.5 miles
Reef Point and Cystal Cove ~5 miles
Vista del Sol Park Loop ~1.7 miles
You should camp at the South Carlsbad State Beach Campground!
It is situated on the bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, this campground has stunning ocean views (and perfect ocean sounds for bedtime). The campground offers various amenities, including picnic tables, fire rings, restrooms, and showers. There are also RV hookups and a dump station for RV campers. The South Carlsbad State Beach Campground offers a unique camping experience, allowing visitors to camp within close proximity to the beach. It's an excellent spot for beach lovers, surfers, and outdoor enthusiasts.
Torrey Pines Beach Trail Loop
Torrey Pines is one of those few places that are loved by both San Diegans and tourists. If you go with enough time, make sure you check out those side trails I talk about in the video.
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is located within San Diego city limits and yet remains one of the wildest stretches of land on our Southern California coast! Because of the efforts and foresight of the people in this area, 1,500 acres of land are as they were before San Diego was developed — including the maritime chaparral, the rare Torrey pine, miles of unspoiled beaches, and a lagoon that is vital to migrating seabirds.
~2.3 miles | ~360 feet elevation gain | Loop trail
Recommendation: If you don’t start on the beach, prepare for a good quad workout in the first mile of this hike.
Annies Canyon Trail via North Rios Trailhead Loop
Annie’s Canyon is a San Diego favorite because it is perfect for families and has a unique slot canyon you can check out! With great views of the cliffs and the ocean nearby, this place is a must checkout for the whole family.
~1.5 miles | ~500 feet elevation gain | Loop trail
Recommendation: Parking is in a neighborhood - please keep all driveways clear and be respectful of the neighborhood.
Ho Chi Minh (Saigon/La Jolla) Trail
Ho Chi Minh or Sagion or La Jolla Trail is a less than one-mile adventurous hike down to Black’s beach. Keep in mind Black’s beach is the unofficial nude beach of San Diego.
~0.7 miles | ~300 feet elevation gain | Out and Back trail
Recommendation: The area is eroding. Wear hiking shoes and be careful around the drop-offs. I wouldn’t recommend very young children or large dogs on this trail.
Torrey Pines - Glider Port
This area around Torrey Pines (where the glider port is) has a lot of trails that you can explore.
You can connect it to the ho Chi Minh trail to the south, or take the Gliderport to Black's Beach (~0.5 mile heavily trafficked out and back) trail, or make it a long walk all the way north to the entrance of the Torrey Pines Beach Loop. A beautiful spot in front of UCSD and absolutely worth checking out.
La Jolla Tidepools Walk
I’ll be the first to admit this is not a hike, but a gorgeous walk on the beach to the La Jolla tide pools.
~3.7 miles | ~300 feet elevation gain | Out and Back trail
Recommendation: walking barefoot in the tide pools is fun, but it is very easy to hit your feet on the rocks - be careful. Also, deviate from the trail - there is some construction you want to avoid and you may enjoy staying on the beach more.
West Ridge DAR Loop - Torrey Pines Extension
West Ridge DAR offers great views of Torrey Pines from further west. Most people are familiar with the Torrey Pines beach loop, but this extension of the park is also a great option to hike on those warm sunny afternoons. The cool air from the beach can still be felt here and you will find a lot more solitude in this part of the park.
~1.3 miles | ~200 feet elevation gain | Loop trail
No dogs allowed | Kid Friendly
Margaret Fleming and Red Ridge Trails - Torrey Pines Extension
Margaret Fleming is a bit overgrown, but it is a beautiful trail that connects you to the red ridge loop. Red ridge loop has great views both east to Carmel Valley and Del Mar and West towards the beach.
Most people are familiar with the Torrey Pines beach loop, but this extension of the park is also a great option to hike on those warm sunny afternoons. The cool air from the beach can still be felt here and you will find a lot more solitude in this part of the park.
~2 miles | ~200 feet elevation gain | Out and Back trail
No dogs allowed | Kid Friendly
Torrey Pines and Broken Hill Loop
A San Diego Favorite, this week's trail guide focuses on Torrey Pines and Broken Hill Loop.
As we venture along the trail, you'll gradually gain some elevation, offering you panoramic vistas of the Pacific Ocean. It's not just about the views, though; the unique geology of Broken Hill is beautiful. The exposed sandstone formations look like nature's sculptures.
~3.5 miles | ~400 feet elevation gain | Loop trail
No dogs allowed | Kid Friendly
Reef Point and Crystal Cove Trail
Reef Point and Crystal Cove Trail is a beautiful and enjoyable hike with breathtaking views. The trail boasts panoramic vistas and is well-suited for families with children, offering easy paths mixed with sand, pavement, and some rocky sections. Restroom facilities are abundant, and the beach views are simply stunning. Dogs are only permitted on the upper portion of the trail and are not allowed on the beach.
~5 miles | ~300 feet elevation gain | Loop trail
No dogs allowed (on beach) | Kid Friendly
Vista del Sol Park Loop
Tucked away in San Clemente, California, the Vista del Sol Park Loop is a real gem for anyone looking for an easy hike with breathtaking coastal views. People love it for its family and pet-friendly vibe, and there are even parts that are wheelchair accessible. While there are a few stairs and spots where you're walking close to the road, most of the trail is pretty flat and enjoyable. Plus, they've got restrooms and trashcans along the way.
~1.7 miles | ~200 feet elevation gain | Loop trail
Kid and Dog Friendly
