This Beautiful And Scenic Trail In Southern California Is Perfect For Beginners

Hiking is a great way to get some fresh air and enjoy California's natural beauty, but not everyone has a lot of hiking experience. Maybe your family wasn't the outdoorsy-type, or you've never had the time to try hiking. No matter the reason, if you're ready to lace up some hiking boots and get out there, it's best to start with an easy trail, and we've found the perfect place for beginners. Check out Sunset Cliffs Natural Park in San Diego:

Welcome to Sunset Cliffs Natural Park, where you'll find some of the most incredible views on the coast.

Address: Ladera Street, San Diego, CA 92107

It's an easy stroll to explore this little trail that takes you along the cliffs overlooking the ocean.

If parking is available, you can park adjacent to the trail; if not, you might have to walk a few blocks. On busy summer weekends, this place is very popular.

The trail is almost completely flat, so you won't need special hiking gear for this one. Just wear comfortable shoes that are suitable for walking, and slather on the sunscreen, because the trail is completely sun-exposed.

The trail is about three miles, out and back, but you can make it as short as you'd like by turning around when you're ready to head back to your car. You just might be captivated by the views though, so allow yourself a couple hours to explore here.

This is a great hike for those who are new to hiking - it's really more of a stroll. Just make sure to stay on the path, away from the edge of the cliffs.

During low tide, you might want to descend the staircase to the tide pools below.

To avoid crowds, get to the trail early in the day, but to witness the most spectacular sunset, arrive an hour or so before dusk.

Have you hiked the Sunset Cliffs Park Trail? Tell our readers about your experience! Ready for a little bit longer hike? Take this 3.5-mile hike that takes you through an enchanting forest!