8 Beautiful And Scenic Trails In Southern California That Are Perfect For Beginners
If you’re yearning for some time outdoors but you’re not the adventurous kind, you’ll fall in love with the eight best easy hiking trails in Southern California. It’s just the thing you need to kick off the new year, or the middle of the year…or the end of the year? There’s really no reason to wait on these epic adventures. Here’s a look at our favorite spots that will turn you into a hiking enthusiast in no time!
From the beauty of the coastline to scenic trails that traverse the inland beauty of the SoCal region, we’ve managed to pull together some of the best easy hiking trails in Southern California. Did your favorite make the list? Are we missing something that you adore? Make sure you leave your thoughts in the comments to help out future hikers!
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You can find this picturesque 2-mile hike inside the Point Dume Natural Preserve at 27807 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265. From soaring ocean views to endless blue skies, you'll be in paradise along this trail that's great for beginners and avid hikers alike.
Located at 7550 E. Spring Street, Long Beach, CA, you'll discover the beauty of the El Dorado Nature Center. Packed with a variety of short trails that are all under three miles long, this lush 105-acre setting will completely inspire you to spend more time outdoors.
Head to the University of California Riverside and you'll find an unexpected trail inside the on-campus botanic garden. It's an absolute pleasure to discover! The botanic garden trail is an easy stroll that winds its way through a serene and beautiful setting filled with eye-popping flowers and tons of native plants. You can find this trail at 1 Botanic Gardens Drive in Riverside, CA.
If you're new to hiking, you may want to start with a short trail under three miles. This heavenly outdoor oasis within Oak Glen Preserve is perfect for first-time hikers and for those of you who are drawn to trails that are nice and easy to stroll. One of the easiest hikes is the Oak Glen Divide Trail which is a little under 2.5 miles. You can find Oak Glen Preserve at 39611 Oak Glen Rd., Oak Glen, CA.
If you love a spectacular view ( and who doesn't?) then you'll want to head out on the La Jolla Coast Trail located at 1325 Coast Blvd., La Jolla, CA. This heavenly hike is only 2.2 miles long, so it's incredibly satisfying for those who are new to hiking but also seeking some magnificent sights along the way.
Love an easy hike but prefer to enjoy some scenery that's on the more rugged side? Then you may want to check out Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve in Huntington Beach where you'll find a variety of easy trails under three miles that can be enjoyed throughout the 1,200 acres of wetlands. You can find Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve at 18000 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach, CA 92648.
Torrey Pines State Park is packed with tons of stunning trails for hiking, but the one trail you'll want to experience first if you're new to hiking is the Guy Fleming Trail. Not only is it short and sweet and can be completed in less than an hour, but it's also incredibly beautiful with views of the ocean that seem to go on forever. You can find this trail at Torrey Pines State Reserve at 12600 N Torrey Pines Rd., La Jolla, CA 92037.
One of the best settings to experience a hike for the first time is one with an ocean view. Head to the Bluff Cove Trail at the Palos Verdes Peninsula and you'll find a 1.7-mile coastal trail that's more than just nice and easy, it's also quite stunning. With gorgeous scenery in every direction, this may be just the thing that you need to turn you into a hiking enthusiast.
What do you think of the best hiking trails in Southern California? They sure look like a great way to break in your hiking boots.
If you’re seeking a trail that will really challenge you, go ahead and check out this incredible hike in SoCal that will leave you feeling accomplished.
Address: 27807 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265, USA
Address: 7550 E Spring St, Long Beach, CA 90815, USA
Address: 1610 E 1st St, Beaumont, CA 92223, USA
Address: 39611 Oak Glen Rd, Oak Glen, CA 92399, USA
Address: 1325 Coast Blvd, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
Address: 18000 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach, CA 92648, USA
Address: 12600 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
Address: Bluff Cove Trail, Palos Verdes Estates, CA 90274, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
best easy hiking trails in Southern California
December 17, 2020
Meghan Kraft
What are the best day trips in Southern California?
We recommend heading to Torrey Pines State Beach to walk along the sand or swim in the crystal-clear waters if you’re ever in La Jolla, and LA County’s South Bay Beaches are fabulous as well, including Redondo, Manhattan, and Hermosa Beaches. Wander the Palos Verdes Peninsula, or go peep the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden if you’re looking for the beauty of the California poppy. Old. Mission Santa Barbara is good for a historic tour or two, and the Coachella Valley remains one of the most beautiful desert spaces in the region.
Are there any covered bridges in Southern California?
There are ten authentic covered bridges throughout the state of California, and a whopping six of them are known as historic. Unfortunately, none of them are found in the southern region, but in Northern California counties such as Mariposa, Yuba, Humboldt, and Placer.
What are the most unique places to spend the night in Southern California?
If you’re looking for cool places to stay in Southern California, there are all sorts of unusual accommodations across the southern half of the state. You can head to a luxury tipi in the Mojave Desert, rent a vintage Airstream on the beaches of San Diego, and there’s even a geodesic dome in Joshua tree! Big Sur offers a “human nest,” and Long Beach offers the fun of sleeping overnight in a grand ocean liner: The Queen Mary.
