Summer is approaching, but you’d be forgiven if you’re not eager to hop on an airplane and travel any time soon. Air fares are sky high and the economy is, well, not great. So maybe try this idea instead: do a staycation hiking trip in San Diego. There are so many great hikes and trails, and you can find a hotel or campground near many of them. Just wake up, put your gear on, and head out to the trails—it’ll feel like a true vacation, without all the driving and parking and travel time. Here are a few staycation hikes, runs, or bike rides to try if you’re itching for a mini holiday.
Paradise Point and Mission Bay Trail
12 Miles Roundtrip
You can really feel like you’re on vacation at the very tucked away Paradise Point. The resort takes up most of the tiny island in the middle of Mission Bay, and with its multiple pools, biking and kayaking, mini golf courses and fun activities for kids, it feels like a true resort vacation. But add to that a trek around Mission Bay and you’ve got a great day trip outing. Follow the path around the bay for the entire 12-mile loop, which is great for running, walking and biking. Or do a shorter 5-mile loop from Paradise Point to the western side of the bay.
Ocean Beach Bike Path to Sunset Cliffs
Distance Varies
Stay in a Point Loma hotel and then hop on the bike path to run or walk out to Sunset Cliffs, where you can explore the beautiful views on the ocean cliffs. Try the Comfort Inn Sea World area, which is clean, affordable, and has complimentary breakfast, and then take off for your expedition. It’s 5 miles to Sunset Cliffs, perfect for a bike ride on the separate path along the San Diego River. Then you can lock your bike and hike the trails.
Los Peñasquitos Canyon Trails
8 Miles Roundtrip
The trails throughout Los Peñasquitos Canyon truly make you feel like you’ve left the city completely, even though they’re right in the middle of Sorrento Valley. Book a room at the Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, which has a great fire pit and outdoor area to really make you feel like you’re camping without the hassle of pitching a tent. Then, walk a mile to the southern trailhead and hike another 3 miles to the waterfall.
San Elijo Lagoon
Distance Varies
Book a room at the Cardiff by the Sea Lodge and be right next to the lagoon, which has endless trails to explore. Definitely don’t miss out on hiking up the slot canyon on Annie’s Canyon Trail, which provides “I can’t believe this is in San Diego and not Utah” views. But also try some other trails, like Santa Inez and La Orilla, to get peaceful hikes along the marshes and take in the birds and cool ocean breezes.
Sunset Trail in Laguna Mountains
6 Miles Roundtrip
Camp out in the Laguna Mountains campground before hiking the gorgeous Sunset Trail. From the campground, the hike is about 3 miles to the Sunrise Highway, with beautiful mountain views most of the way. Then loop back to see Water of the Woods and the Big Laguna Lake. If you want to explore more, there are other trails to check out, including Mount Laguna Meadow and parts of the Pacific Crest Trail, all within walking distance.
North Fortuna in Mission Trails
8 Miles Roundtrip
Another camping option is the Kumeyaay Lake Campground in Mission Trails. In the morning, hit the trail and hike North and South Fortuna. It’s about 8 miles to hit both peaks, or you can do a shorter 2-mile loop around the Grasslands. If you’re feeling really ambitious, the campground is a great starting point to attempt the “all five peaks in one day challenge,” which requires about 16.5 miles of hiking and more than 4,000 feet elevation gain.
