It may feel a bit cold and cloudy right now thanks to May grey, but warmer weather is fast approaching. And summer is the best time to head to the coast for all your hiking and walking. But don’t let our regularly temperate weather fool you, it can quickly get very hot as you get just 10 miles off the coast.
So if you’re looking for hikes that beat the heat, we put together a list of our favorite coastal treks to enjoy as the weather starts to spike. With options that range from easy-peasy to more challenging, and all with breathtaking views, here are five of our top summer hikes in San Diego.
Sunset Cliffs Natural Park
This trail along the cliffs in Point Loma is perfect for an easy hike with kids or pets or if you just want a relaxed outing that isn’t too challenging. You can explore Sunset Cliffs’ wandering trails throughout the park and get beautiful ocean views all along the way. Be sure to pay attention to the signs that show where the ocean walls are degrading, to avoid any accidental slips.
- Distance: ~1.5 miles (out and back)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dogs: Allowed
- Details: Look for free parking along Sunset Cliffs Boulevard and then start the hike from there.
Cabrillo National Monument & Bayside Trail
For a slightly more challenging (read: hilly) trek, head to Point Loma’s Cabrillo National Monument which commemorates the landing of Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo at San Diego Bay on September 28, 1542. Located here is Bayside Trail which leads down to the beach before climbing back up. It sits on the southernmost point of San Diego, and makes you feel like you are at the end of the world as you look out to the far-reaching ocean beyond you. When you reach the bottom, there are cool tide pools you can check out as well.
- Distance: 2.5 miles (out and back)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Dogs: Only allowed on Coastal Trail
- Details: You need a pass to enter, which costs $20.
Annie’s Canyon Trail
The Annie’s Canyon hike isn’t quite on the coast, but it’s close enough that you still get the cool breezes and beautiful views at the top. Plus, the climb to the top is exciting as you make your way up through a white slot canyon, with very narrow walls and ladders. Then you pop out on the top and can see the ocean.
- Distance: 1.2 miles out and back
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Dogs: Allowed, but don’t try to bring them up the ladders in the canyon
- Details: Parking is free. Park at 150 Solana Point Cir, Solana Beach, CA 92075 and follow the trail east to get to Annie’s Canyon. Don’t use Google Maps! You’ll avoid climbing a very steep hill along the highway
La Jolla Coast Walk Trail
The La Jolla Coast walk is is a pretty hike to take around La Jolla Village right along the ocean, with chances to take in the seals and sea lions along the way. You can explore the wandering paths all the way to La Jolla Shores Beach if you want to dip your toes in the ocean, or turn back at any point along the way.
- Distance: ~0.6 miles (one way)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dogs: Allowed
- Details: Find street parking anywhere in La Jolla Village and then head to the trail.
Broken Hill Trail
This is one of the more challenging treks in Torrey Pines State Reserve and has beautiful cliffside views at the end. You can add to the distance to the Broken Hill Trail by taking many of the other offshoot trails—honestly, you can spend an entire day wandering through the reserve if you want to.
- Distance: ~2.5 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Dogs: Not allowed
- Details: It costs $25 to park at the reserve, but you can pick up a state adventure pass from any local library and then park for free.
