San Diego is known for its wonderful scenery, so while you’re visiting, you should take time to enjoy everything this beautiful city has to offer by walking around and absorbing everything. San Diego and the surrounding areas are known for great hiking and walking trails. There are a range of ability levels and types of scenery to choose from, so you have plenty of options. Here are the best walks and hikes in the San Diego area.
Sunset Cliffs - Ocean Beach
Sunset Cliffs is a must-see for anyone visiting the San Diego area. Located just outside of the Ocean Beach neighborhood, the cliffs provide a dramatic vista with great views of the Pacific Ocean. As the name suggests, it’s a beautiful place to watch the sunset, but it can be enjoyed at any time of day. There’s a long walking trail that runs the length of the park, and if you’re feeling daring and the tide is low, you can climb down to the small beach below the cliffs.
Torrey Pines - La Jolla
The Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is located in La Jolla, a beach town just north of San Diego. The area has several trails that you can explore, all of which are located right along the coastline and are surrounded by beautiful wildlife. The trails range in difficulty, but most are fairly easy to do, making this the perfect place for a gentle stroll during your visit. After your hike, you can walk down to the beach and enjoy some sun for the rest of the afternoon.
Cowles Mountain - La Mesa
If you want stunning mountain views, this is the hike to take in the San Diego area. It is fairly long and more difficult than many of the hikes in the area, but that’s what makes it so fun and rewarding. When you get to the top of the mountain, you can see for miles, allowing you to take in San Diego’s diversity, with views of the desert, ocean, and cityscape. There’s little shade on this trail, so be sure to bring some sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
Balboa Park
As one of the largest urban parks in the country, it’s no surprise that Balboa Park has plenty of walking trails within its boundaries. The east side of the park has more varied terrain and is better for a more strenuous walk, while the west side of the park is home to many historical buildings, museums, and the San Diego Zoo, which is ideal for gentle strolling and exploring. If you’re visiting San Diego and don’t want to head too far out of the city to walk, this is an ideal location for you to check out.
Pacific Beach Boardwalk
This path, which runs along the coast through the popular Mission Beach and Pacific Beach neighborhoods, is ideal for virtually any type of workout, whether you want to stroll with the family, go for a run, or even rent a bike. While it does get very crowded, the path has a pleasant waterfront view, and there are tons of places along the way where you can stop for food or a drink.
These are just a few of the many options in San Diego that are perfect for a walk or a hike. If you have access to transportation, there are also plenty of places in North County or East County that have longer, more intensive hikes. The diverse and beautiful scenery is such an important part of San Diego’s culture, so be sure to check it out while you are visiting the city.