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Temecula, California

For the best trails and outdoor activities, Temecula, California, is a top choice. The Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve is a must-visit, offering a scenic hiking trail with unique natural features such as vernal pools and rare plants. The trail is moderately difficult, making it suitable for most fitness levels. Another highlight is Dripping Springs Trail, known for its beautiful rock formations and views of Agua Tibia Wilderness. For those seeking water activities, Lake Skinner is nearby, offering fishing and boating. The Old Town Temecula Community Theater provides cultural attractions, with performances throughout the year. From hiking to fishing, Temecula is full of outdoor adventures.

Top Spots in and near Temecula

  • Whitewater, California

    Red Dome via Pacific Crest Trail

    4.3 mi / 387 ft gain
    Red Dome via Pacific Crest Trail is an out and back trail that takes you by a lake located near Whitewater, California
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  • 9160 Whitewater Canyon Road, California

    Whitewater Ranger Station to Cottonwood TH via PCT

    7.79 mi / 1421 ft gain
    Whitewater Ranger Station to Cottonwood TH via PCT is a point-to-point trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Whitewater, California.
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  • Santa Ysabel, California

    Three Sisters Falls

    4.9
    3.42 mi / 906 ft gain
    Three Sisters Falls is by far the best hike, for the most reward, that I've gone on in the close vicinity of San Diego. Only a short hour and a half drive from downtown San Diego, the hike offers all the draws of a National Park: remote wilderness, strenuous hiking, scenic mountain views, and ama...
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  • San Diego, California

    Dive La Jolla Shores

    4.5
    While it doesn't get the attention of La Jolla Cove's green fields, the shores are one of the best parts about San Diego.Driving up to the large parking area it's immediately clear you've come to the right place as there's almost always divers suiting up in the early morning. A dive shop down the...
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  • Borrego Springs, California

    Hike through Borrego Palm Canyon

    5.0
    3.25 mi / 450 ft gain
    Borrego Palm Canyon Trail is located just north of the park visitor center, making it a convenient place to begin your exploration of the Anza-Borrego Desert. To reach the trailhead, drive through Borrego Palm Canyon Campground, the largest developed campground in the park, where an $8 day use fe...
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  • Borrego Springs, California

    Camping in Anza-Borrego State Park

    5.0
    With over 600,000 acres, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is the largest state park in the contiguous United States. 500 miles of dirt roads, 12 wilderness areas and miles of hiking trails provide visitors with an unparalleled opportunity to experience the wonders of the Colorado Desert. The park i...
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  • San Diego, California

    La Jolla Cove

    4.8
    La Jolla Cove is one of the most photographed beaches in San Diego, located on the coast just south of Torrey Pines Natural Reserve. La Jolla Cove is also one of the best spots in San Diego for snorkeling and scuba diving. This calm cove is ecologically protected with many animals making their ho...
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  • San Diego, California

    Swim in La Jolla Cove

    4.9
    La Jolla Cove is an iconic destination in San Diego for visitors and locals alike. Anyone visiting San Diego knows La Jolla Cove is famous for sea lions, beautiful sunsets, sea caves, kayaking, diving, etc etc. The entire area is a great place to eat, drink, relax and spend a day enjoying the Cal...
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  • San Diego, California

    La Jolla Coast Walk Trail

    5.0
    2.32 mi / 295 ft gain
    La Jolla Coast Walk is a beautiful coastline trail, but is a bit of a heavily trafficked tourist trail. The hike can be started and ended at 3 separate locations. The trail is easily accessible with a small parking lot and tons of restaurants nearby.  The trail begins near another popular touris...
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  • Borrego Springs, California

    Hike the Panorama Overlook in Anza Borrego Desert State Park

    1.6 mi / 636 ft gain
    This is an out and back 1.6 mile round trip with 636 feet of elevation gain. The top has excellent views of Anza Borrego. It is close to the visitor center.
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  • San Diego, California

    Photographing Hospitals Reef

    5.0
    Hospitals Reef is a photographer’s paradise. San Diego is known for its many beaches, but Hospitals Reef is one of my favorites to photograph. It’s easy to see why when you get there. The unique rocky shoreline is home to many unusual and wonderful sights.There is a section of rocks filled with p...
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  • Santee, California

    Oak Canyon in Mission Trails Regional Park

    5.0
    3.22 mi / 249 ft gain
    Starting on Father Junipero Serra Trail, drive 0.7 miles west to the Old Mission Dam parking lot on the left. The park closes the gates at 7pm, so make sure to park early, or plan your hike in such a way that you don't get locked in! If you think you'll need longer, you can park out on the main r...
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  • Santee, California

    Kwaay Paay Trail

    2.4 mi / 846 ft gain
    Park your car in the small gravel parking lot at the southwest corner of Father Junipero Serra Trail and Bushy Hill Drive (this is especially important if you plan to take the sunset hike, so you'll be outside the locked park gate when you descend). There will be other hikers parked there, but I'...
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  • Newport Beach, California

    Newport Pier

    4.9
    Newport Pier is located just south of Huntington Beach at the center of the Balboa Peninsula. Balboa Pier, the more crowded pier of Newport Beach, is nearby to the south. Thanks to the awesome weather of Southern California, there’s no reason this beach can’t be enjoyed all year long, which means...
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  • Borrego Springs, California

    Hike to Maidenhair Falls via Hellhole Canyon in Anza Borrego Desert State Park

    5.1 mi / 974 ft gain
    This 5.1 mile hike begins near the visitor center of Anza Borrego Desert State Park and gains 974 feet of elevation while climbing up a canyon to a small waterfall. It is an interesting hike as you can see the plant life change as you get closer to the waterfall. There are parts where the trail g...
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  • Forest Falls, California

    Summit Mt. San Bernardino from Angelus Oaks

    16 mi / 4775 ft gain
    The trailhead is somewhat 'interesting' to get to given the dirt roads are in questionable shape and some of the roads in Angelus Oaks are not easily identifiable but I didn't have any problems finding it by closely following Google Maps.    Trailhead parking requires an Adventure Pass parking pe...
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