La Mesa, California
The best Trails and Outdoor Activities in La Mesa, California offer a variety of scenic outdoor adventures. One of the top must-visit trails is Lake Murray Trail, a 5.3-mile loop that circles the lake, offering beautiful views of the water and surrounding landscape. It's a relatively easy trail, suitable for all skill levels. The trail is also home to diverse bird species, making it a delight for birdwatchers. Another notable trail is Cowles Mountain Trail. It's a bit challenging with its steep incline, but the panoramic view of San Diego from the summit is worth the effort. Nearby, Mission Trails Regional Park offers over 60 miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails, with unique rock formations and riparian habitats. From lakeside strolls to challenging climbs, La Mesa has something to offer for every outdoor adventurer.
Top Spots in and near La Mesa
-
San Diego, California
Explore Chambers Hidden Dam and Waterfall
3.20.5 miOnce you get off on Poway road, turn right onto Sabre Springs Parkway. Take your immediate left onto Creekbridge Road and park right there on the hill. Walk straight down towards the black gate and go down the hill. Turn right on the trail and walk down 1/4 mile to the dam, and another 500 yards ...Read more -
San Diego, California
Ocean Beach Dog Beach
5.0Ocean Beach Dog Beach is considered "The Original Dog Beach" and one of the first leash-free dog beaches in the U.S., according to city's website. There's something really magical about being at a beach during sunset, and even up to an hour after sunset can still cast beautiful light on the wat...Read more -
San Diego, California
Los Penasquitos Canyon Loop
3.36.77 mi / 131 ft gainLos Penasquitos Canyon Loop After about a five minute hike on the trail you will start to enter into Los Penasquitos Canyon. Every section of the trail is different, one minute you are walking next to a stream with trees arching over the trail and another minute you are walking through an open f...Read more -
Jamul, California
Hike the Hollenbeck Canyon Trail
4.6 mi / 626 ft gainThe trail is wide and well maintained. The first mile of the trail is well shaded by oak trees. You'll see stunning rocky peaks and rolling green hills as the trail continues. There are three creek crossings to be aware of. Cleveland National Forest is dog friendly, but bring a leash! Hunting is ...Read more -
San Diego, California
Catch a Sunset at Sunset Cliffs
4.7Sunset Cliffs Natural Park area is a 68-acre park on the western edge of Point Loma. The cliffs overlook the Pacific, creating a great spot to take in the sunset. If you head to the parking lot off of Sunset Cliffs, you can get a great view from Pappy's Point. Try to get there a bit before the su...Read more -
San Diego, California
Picnic at Sunset Cliffs in San Diego
5.0San Diego has so much outdoor adventure to offer! After exploring and playing all day head over to Ocean Beach to catch the sunset with a packed picnic at Sunset Cliffs. The cliffs are pretty vast, but filled with lots of spectators. It can be a bit trafficy getting in and out around sunset so gi...Read more -
San Diego, California
Sunset Cliffs Open Ceiling Cave
0.5 miStarting from you parking spot on the street you will see it right away. Then look to the right in the small bay--to the right of it you'll see a small place to climb down. There is no rope so be careful when scaling it. Walk south until you hit the reef wall and walk along it until you get aroun...Read more -
San Diego, California
Surf at Sunset Cliffs
4.5This is a fun, soft, A-frame point break with a reef bottom and kelp beds a little deeper than the lineup to keep the waves clean. Breaks right and a left. Works even when there's a little bit of wind, but not a lot. It's best on a 4-6 foot swell and only go on a mid to low tide. This is th...Read more -
San Diego, California
Los Penasquitos Waterfall via Los Penasquitos Canyon Trailhead
4.34.15 mi / 115 ft gainThe Los Penasquitos Preserve waterfall is a hidden gem of San Diego and a popular spot for locals within the area. The hike to the waterfall lies within a preserve of approximately 4,000 acres. There are many different trailheads that lead to the waterfall all offering a unique experience. I alwa...Read more -
San Diego, California
Cabrillo Sea Cave (CLOSED)
3.4From the park entrance, follow the park road down to the tide pools parking area. From the parking area, follow the trail down to the cliffs, and head north. If it is high tide, this route will be inaccessible, so be sure that you are visiting this area at low tide. Follow the cliff as it wraps a...Read more -
San Diego, California
Explore Cabrillo National Monument
4.5Cabrillo National Monument is named after Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, the first European explorer to reach America's Wet Coast. There are many knowledgable rangers in the park who are eager to share interesting historical facts. Activities in the park include hiking: the Bayside Trail offers 2 mile...Read more -
San Diego, California
Bayside Trail
4.01.99 mi / 397 ft gainThe Bayside Trail features beautiful spring wild flowers and is accessible year-round. The trail is wide with a few rest stops and benches along the way. The trail is breezy, much cooler than many trails inland, featuring ocean views throughout the duration. This monument commemorates the landi...Read more -
Imperial Beach, California
Catch a Sunset at the Imperial Beach Pier
5.0From San Diego, head South on Hwy 5 for 12 miles. Take a right on exit 5A for Palm Ave/CA-75. Take CA-75 west for 1.6 miles. Stay on Palm Ave as it splits from CA-75. Take Palm Ave for 1 mile until it reaches the coast. Turn left on Seacoast Dr and take it for 1 mile until you reach the Imperial ...Read more -
San Diego, California
Point Loma Tide Pools
4.5Begin by making your way towards the Point Loma Naval Base. Continue along that road as far as it goes and you will come to the Cabrillo National Monument. Upon entering the park you will have to pay a fee to get down to the tide pools. It is $5 per car or $3 per person if you choose to walk in. ...Read more -
Ramona, California
Iron Mountain Peak Trail
4.15.67 mi / 1030 ft gainIron Mountain is the longest wilderness trail in Poway, CA. The parking lot is free and provides bathroom and water fountain amenities. The distance from the parking area to the summit is approximately 3.2 miles. Beginning with a wide smooth trail, slowly transitioning into semi-technical incline...Read more -
Poway, California
Catch a Sunset at Twin Peaks Mountain
2 miStart by parking at Silverset Park. You will see the trail head for Twin Peaks just behind the park. Park outside of the park if you think you'll be staying past sunset, as the park gates close at dark! Once you spot the trail head, veer left to the path heading up towards the peaks. You will eve...Read more
