San Diego is one of the most diverse places for spectacular views. We have beaches, coastal bluffs, grasslands, and mountains—all begging locals and visitors to lace up their hiking boots (or just sneakers) and explore its variety of landscapes. The next time you head out for a little exercise, or a break from screens, check out these trails with stunningly scenic views.
Torrey Pines is truly one of our most scenic places to walk and hike in San Diego. The wind-sculpted coastal bluffs produce dramatic views across its 2,000-acre reserve that protects one of the world’s rarest pine trees. The Beach Trail leads down to the pristine sands below, while the Guy Fleming Trail provides panoramic ocean vistas that stretch from La Jolla to Mexico on clear days. For an added scenic bonus, go at sunset.
Difficulty: Easy
Dogs: Not Allowed
Details: Parking costs $15-$25 depending on the day you visit.
These more challenging hikes in Mission Trails Regional Park give you sweeping 360-degree views all the way to the ocean on clear days. And the less-traveled trails will give you a break from the crowds at Cowles Mountain (though you can get the same views from there if you want an easier hike). Try going early in the morning to catch sunrise views and avoid the heat.
Difficulty: Challenging
Dogs: Allowed
Details: Park for free at the Mission Trails Dam and follow the trail from the parking lot.
Photo Credit: Cole Novak
La Jolla Cove to Children’s Pool Walk
3 Miles Out & Back
This easy coastal walk has stunning ocean views and plenty of chances to watch the seals and sea lions down below. Start from La Jolla Cove and follow the path that winds along sandstone bluffs. Down below you can watch the ocean waves, surfers, sea lions, seals, and if you’re lucky, dolphins.
Difficulty: Easy
Dogs: Allowed
Details: Go early to find a parking spot in La Jolla Village.
It’s called Sunset Cliffs for a reason. This dramatic coastline features towering sandstone cliffs, hidden coves, and some of the most spectacular sunset views in the county. But even if you don’t go at sunset, the views can’t be beat. There are several winding paths to follow to various viewpoints along the way. Just remember to stay back from the unstable cliff edges.
Difficulty: Moderate
Dogs: Allowed
Details: Start at the Inn at Sunset Cliffs and follow the path down along the cliffs winding down through beautiful homes on your left and the ocean on your right.
Courtesy of AllTrails
Iron Mountain
6 Miles Out & Back
For a different type of view, head further to the desert for this challenging climb. Located in Poway, Iron Mountain offers a taste of San Diego’s inland desert landscape without the long drive to the true backcountry. The trail climbs steadily through sage scrub and chaparral, providing increasingly expansive views of the surrounding valleys and peaks. The summit offers incredible views stretching from the coast to the Palomar Mountains. Try going in the spring to see wildflowers, or winter when the weather is cooler.
Difficulty: Challenging
Dogs: Allowed
Details: Free parking at the trailhead or along the street if the lot is full.
Courtesy of the Cultural Landscape Foundation
Bayside Walk at Embarcadero
5 Miles Out & Back
If you don’t want an official hiking trek, but more of a coastal walk with beautiful views, try the Embarcadero’s bayside walk that stretches from the Convention Center to the Maritime Museum. Along the way you’ll get postcard-perfect views of San Diego Bay, the Coronado Bridge, and the downtown skyline.
Difficulty: Easy
Dogs: Allowed
Details: Paid parking at the San Diego County Administration Building.
Courtesy of the Nature Collective
Annie’s Canyon Trail
3 Miles Out & Back
If you want views that make you feel like you’re on another planet (or maybe just in Utah), head to this spot in the San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve. Annie’s Canyon Trail is a narrow slot canyon carved by thousands of years of erosion, giving you the chance to climb up along towering sandstone walls. The short but steep trail requires some climbing up ladders and you may have to wait in line when it’s crowded, but the unique views make it worth the effort.
Distance: 3 miles out and back
Difficulty: Moderate
Dogs: Allowed but not recommended
Details: Park at 150 Solana Point Cir, 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.
Courtesy of AllTrails
Cedar Creek Falls
6 Miles Out & Back
Located in the Cleveland National Forest, Cedar Creek Falls requires a longer drive but delivers one of San Diego County’s most spectacular views. The challenging hike takes you through chaparral and oak woodlands before leading you to a stunning 80-foot waterfall that pools in a natural swimming hole. Just wait to go until after the summer since the temps can quickly rise.
Difficulty: Challenging
Dogs: Allowed
Details: It’s so popular that you need a permit. Reserve one here.
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.
