If you’re looking to head outside for some easy exploration of our magnificent scenery without having to break a sweat, then check out these best hikes in Southern California. These 10 low-key hikes will get you outside in the fresh air in SoCal with very little effort. Do you have a favorite trail on this list?

1. Point Dume Cove — Malibu, CA.
27807 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265, USA
flickr/eats words
This short and sweet hike in Southern California is what dreams are made of. Located inside the Point Dume Natural Preserve, this delightful 2-mile cove trail has soaring views of the ocean that seem to go on for infinity. To reach this trail, just head to 27807 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265.
2. El Dorado Nature Center — Long Beach, CA.
7550 E Spring St, Long Beach, CA 90815, USA
flickr/tdlucas5000
You can take your pick of trails at this 105-acre park tucked inside Long Beach that features short hikes ranging from one to three miles. These are some of the most scenic hikes in Southern California. From lakes and streams and tons of lush plants and trees, this destination has it all. You can find this destination at 7550 E Spring St, Long Beach, CA 90815.
3. The La Jolla Coast Trail — La Jolla, CA.
701 Coast Blvd, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
googlemaps/stefan piperov
The La Jolla Coast Trail is a great spot to experience spectacular views of the coastline on one of the easy hikes in Southern California that won't leave you feeling fatigued. You can find the trailhead for this heavenly 2.2-mile hike at 1325 Coast Blvd in La Jolla.
4. Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve — Huntington Beach, CA.
18000 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach, CA 92648, USA
flickr/corey seeman
Looking for some rugged scenery in SoCal that will take you to a new destination that you've never explored? Then spend some time wandering through the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve where you'll find more than 1,200 acres of wetlands that can be enjoyed along with some easy trails that are all under three miles each. To reach this hike you can head to 18000 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach, CA 92648.
5. Bluff Cove Trail — Palos Verdes Peninsula.
Bluff Cove Trailhead, Blf Cv Trl, Palos Verdes Estates, CA 90274, USA
flickr/ken shoufer
You don't need to break a sweat when you head out on a trail in Southern California. Especially if you find yourself out on the Bluff Cove trail in Palos Verdes Peninsula. Your eyes will be treated to a magical view along this 1.7-mile coastal trail in SoCal and your ears will be serenaded with sounds of ocean waves crashing in the distance. This trail is on the list of best hikes in Southern California because it is pure bliss!

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6. San Clemente Beach Trail — San Clemente, CA.
San Clemente Pedestrian Beach Trail, San Clemente, CA 92672, USA
flickr/rails to trails conservancy
Need a little more beach in your life? You can have the best of both worlds along the San Clemente Beach Trail. This looped trail is approximately five miles roundtrip but can be reduced at any point whenever you decide to head back. You'll find sandy beaches, ocean waves, and some historic train tracks along this hike that offers a little something for everyone and is one of the kid-friendly hikes around Southern California.
7. Los Jilgueros Preserve — Fallbrook, CA.
Los Jilgueros Preserve, S Mission Rd, Fallbrook, CA 92028, USA
fallbrook land conservancy
When you head to Los Jilgueros Preserve, you can trek through a green oasis filled with ponds, wetlands and lush towering trees that provide plenty of shade. You'll find more than two miles of trails in this 46-acre sanctuary of natural beauty. If you'd like to see this spot for yourself you can find it on S. Mission Rd. north of Fallbrook High School.
8. UC Riverside Botanic Garden Trail — Riverside, CA.
UC Riverside Botanic Gardens, 1 Botanic Gardens Dr, Riverside, CA 92507, USA
flickr/connor sousa
There's nothing quite like a botanic garden trail in Southern California to add a little joy to your life. Tucked inside the campus of the University of California Riverside, this unexpected gem offers a colorful trail loaded with wildflowers and native plants that pop with color. You can find this sweet and easy hike in Southern California at 1 Botanic Gardens Drive in Riverside.
9. Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook — Culver City, CA.
Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook Hike Trailhead, 6050 Jefferson Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232, USA
flickr/daniel pouliot
When you're short on time but your soul is craving an extraordinary view, you can head to this short one-mile hike that offers an incredible view of the city. Located in Culver City, Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook trail is operated by the California State Parks Department. This easy but satisfying trail can be found at 6300 Heztler Road.
10. Upper Newport Bay Preserve — Newport Beach.
2301 University Dr, Newport Beach, CA 92660, USA
tripadvisor/linda j.
There are times when you need a little variety in your life and that's exactly what you'll find along the picturesque trail at Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve. With more than 1,000 acres of natural beauty to explore, you'll encounter a feast for the eyes in every direction along a peaceful trail that's fairly flat and easy to navigate. You can find this hike at 2301 University Drive in Newport Beach.

Which one of these best hikes in Southern California do you want to explore first?

For more hiking destinations that are worth checking out in SoCal, take a look at these five trails that should be on everyone’s radar.

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More to Explore

Best Hikes In Southern California

Libby Monson | March 27, 2022

What is the best family-friendly hike in Southern California?

Ferndell Trail in Griffith Park is one of the best hikes in Southern California for the whole family. This short half-mile trail meanders next to a stream and is bordered by tropical plants. Sycamore trees will offer you shade from the SoCal sun. If you'd like to venture a little farther, you can extend this hike up Western Canyon. Stop at The Trails Cafe for a snack and enjoy the beauty of Griffith Park.

What is the best waterfall hike in Southern California?

Tail Canyon Falls near Burbank, California, is one of the best hikes in Southern California if you are looking for a waterfall. This trail is 4.5 miles out and back and takes around two and a half hours. This moderate hike gets tricky towards the end and will require some climbing. The waterfall isn't the only beautiful thing you'll see on your adventure; you'll also see wildflowers and a creek. Tail Canyon Falls is hardly a secret so plan to share the beauty and the trail with others. If your pup loves an adventure, bring them along (with a leash, of course)!

Which state park should I visit in Southern California?

Mount San Jacinto State Park in Riverside County is definitely worth a visit. This wilderness area is the ideal place to find some of the best hikes in Southern California. Want to extend your hike? Backpacking is also popular in the park. Home to Mount San Jacinto, hiking enthusiasts will love the challenge of the second highest peak in Southern California. Grab your hiking boots and visit San Jacinto State Park!

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