Hemet, California

The best Trails and Outdoor Activities in Hemet, California offer a variety of scenic adventures. The Simpson Park Trail is a top pick for hikers, providing a moderate difficulty level with a 6.5-mile loop. The trail offers stunning views of rock formations, a diverse array of flora, and panoramic vistas of the city. Diamond Valley Lake, near Hemet, is a must-visit for fishing and boating. This man-made reservoir is surrounded by a 21.8-mile trail, perfect for biking or walking. For bird watching, the Western Science Center's grounds are home to numerous species. These outdoor adventures in and near Hemet are perfect for those seeking an active getaway.

Top Spots in and near Hemet

  • Chino Hills, California

    Adobe Loop

    3.0
    1.92 mi / 312 ft gain
    The best place to park for this hike is at Hunter's Hill park. From there, the trailhead is located on Natalie Road just South of the park. There is a large sign marking the start of the trail, but it does not give a name for either the trail head or the trail itself. For reference, it is the But...
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  • Riverside County, California

    Hike the Covington Crest Trail

    4.2 mi / 200 ft gain
    Accessing Covington Flats in Joshua Tree National Park requires a high ground-clearance overland vehicle. In the summer months a standard car might make it to the parking lot after the 7.5 mile off-road drive, but should always be prepared for soft sand. Bring spare water and emergency tools inca...
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  • Hesperia, California

    Sawpit Beach

    Sawpit Beach, is nestled within the Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area. The beach offers a peaceful respite along the southern shores of Silverwood Lake. With lifeguards on duty during the summer months, families can enjoy a worry-free day of swimming and relaxation. The sandy shores provide t...
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  • San Clemente, California

    Beach Day at San Onofre

    5.0
    This spot is no secret but it’s by far one of the best beaches California has to offer and has been regarded since the 1950s as a friendly surfing sanctuary. The beach is divided into three surf spots (named from North to South), known as “The Point,” “Old Man’s,” and “Dogpatch.” To access the be...
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  • Hesperia, California

    Cleghorn Beach and Day Use Area

    Nestled at the southwestern edge of Silverwood Lake lies Cleghorn Beach and Day Use Area, a perfect spot for a leisurely afternoon. This family-friendly beach boasts lifeguards on duty during the summer months and offers reservable picnic shelters for your convenience. Unlike other parts of the l...
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  • San Clemente, California

    San Clemente State Beach

    4.5
    4.58 mi / 26 ft gain
    San Clemente State Beach is an out-and-back trail that takes past scenic surroundings located near San Clemente, California.
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  • Apple Valley, California

    Deep Creek Hot Springs

    4.2
    3.64 mi / 948 ft gain
    Deep Creek Hot Springs is nestled along the Mojave River at an elevation of 3,000 feet in the San Bernardino Mountains. This year-round mineral water retreat consists of three pools the size of large hot tubs, that range in temperature from around 96 degrees in the first pool to 102 in the third....
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  • Carlsbad, California

    Hike and Fish at Lake Calavera

    4.0
    6.24 mi
    Lake Calavera Preserve is located in Carlsbad, CA and is home to one of North America's smallest volcanoes. It is the end peak of each trail and is what's known as a "volcanic plug" (cool hardened lava). The northern face of Mount Calavera is that of columnar joints- columns of molded lava. Geolo...
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  • Laguna Niguel, California

    Colinas Ridge Trail

    2.01 mi / 131 ft gain
    First, you'll be parking in the parking lot for the dog park. It's free parking and there are roughly 40 spaces, so there is plenty of parking. I've never seen more than 20 cars here at any one time. Once parked you'll find the trail head/ start on the northwest side of the lot (opposite the dog ...
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  • Oceanside, California

    Kayak the Oceanside Harbor

    Sea kayaking from the Oceanside Harbor public kayak launch is one of the best ways to experience the Oceanside coast and the Pacific Ocean. There is ample parking along North Harbor Drive with the public kayak launch well-marked on the street. You can paddle around the harbor or you can go out pa...
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  • Laguna Niguel, California

    Kick Back at Laguna Niguel Regional Park

    This is an awesome tucked away little adventure that will have you occupied all day! With plenty of picnic tables you can be sure to have your own privacy tucked into a corner free from other people. Grab a lake side picnic table or even the numerous ones around the grass fields, they are all won...
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  • Oceanside, California

    Stand Up Paddleboard the Oceanside Harbor

    The Oceanside Harbor is a great place to paddle board with easy parking and access to restaurants, and all protected from the wave and swells of the ocean. Often times there are sea lions, pelicans, and other marine life swimming among the hundreds of beautiful sailboats. Paddleboards are availab...
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  • Oceanside, California

    Surf the South Jetty, Oceanside Harbor

    4.5
    The jetty's of Oceanside Harbor serve to protect and stabilize the mouth of the San Luis Rey River meaning the sand and subsequent breaks remain fairly consistent and sand bars last for quite some time. After heavy rains large sand bars will form making for decent waves. It is also a great place ...
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  • Ramona, California

    Explore the Sutherland Dam

    2.0
    1 mi
    Once your on Sutherland Dam Rd, follow it until your right next to the dam. Park on the side of the road where you see a small turn-out. Walk down to the side of the dam and drop down onto the concrete flooring of the dam. Walk on-top where allowed, and check out the views of the lake and the mo...
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  • Oceanside, California

    Bike or Skate the Strand

    4.0
    1 mi / 0 ft gain
    Oceanside's iconic Strand is a 1 mile long ocean-front road that is perfect for cycling, walking, and running. At various points it is one way or pedestrian only, and is a must-do for any visitors to Oceanside.From the north The Strand begins at Breakwater Way and heads south underneath The Ocean...
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  • Oceanside, California

    Catch a Sunset at Oceanside Pier

    4.8
    Both sides of the pier are awesome to shoot but depending on the time of the year/sun position one might be better than the other. Super mellow beach to chill out at and watch the sunset. You can get some awesome reflections in the tide. Keep an eye on your gear as there can be sketchy crackheads...
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