It’s the time of year when friends and relatives descend on San Diego from across the country. While the rest of the US sees cold, snow, rain, and freezing temperatures around December and January, our city usually has sunny days and perfect hiking weather in the 60s and low 70s. Plus, our hiking trails and paths feel less crowded around this time (except for Cowles Mountain on New Year’s Day). So it’s the perfect time to take advantage. Here are three of the best hikes to tackle with out-of-town guests in San Diego.
This hike is a rare find: It’s relatively short, easy, and flat, but it also boasts truly unparalleled landscapes that you can’t get anywhere else in the region. People won’t believe they’re in San Diego instead of Zion Canyon or some other spot with steep walls and cool rock formations. It’s a white slot canyon that has become quite famous on Instagram, especially after officials worked to clean up the graffiti that used to cover the walls. Your guests will be thrilled to take cool photos to show off when they go home.
Directions: Park at 150 Solana Point Circle in Solana Beach 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.
Distance: 1.2 miles out and back
Difficulty: Easy
Dogs: Allowed, but don’t try to bring them up the ladders in the canyon
This path along the San Diego River makes you feel like you’re walking straight out into the ocean. It has beautiful views of the bay and the river and cool seaside breezes—it offers the quintessential San Diego waterside stroll experience. Plus, your friends or family will think you’re an in-the-know insider when you pull up to this secluded path. Follow it out straight and west, and when you reach the turnaround point that sticks out into the ocean, you’ll get the sense you’re standing at the edge of the world.
Distance: 4.5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Dogs: Allowed
Details: Park on the lot just off Friars Road.
Balboa Park Seven Bridges Hike
Guests—especially kids—will love this fun, urban hike that takes you across all seven pedestrian bridges scattered around Balboa Park. It feels like taking secret passageways through the heart of San Diego. Plus, the swinging suspension bridge on Spruce Street is sure to thrill and entertain.
Difficultylevel: Moderate
Length: 6.5 miles for the loop
Dogs: Allowed
Details: Park on Park Boulevard near the San Diego Zoo and take the pedestrian bridge to the Desert Garden. Then, walk back through the park to the Cabrillo Bridge over the 163. Follow Laurel Avenue, then turn right on First Avenue to the First Avenue Bridge, then turn right on Quince Street to cross the Quince Street Bridge. From there, turn left on Fourth Avenue and left on Spruce Street to cross the Spruce Street Suspension Bridge. Walk through Hillcrest to University Avenue, then through the Trader Joe’s shopping area to the Vermont Street Bridge. Follow Lincoln Avenue to Georgia Street, and take the short Georgia Street Bridge over University Avenue, then follow Robinson Street back to Park Boulevard where you started.
Claire Trageser has been writing for San Diego Magazine for 10 years. She also is a reporter at KPBS and writes for The New York Times, National Geographic, Marie Claire, Elle and Runner's World.
