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Best Escondido Hikes: Hiking Heaven Found

Want to discover the best Escondido hikes?  Explore the city’s natural surrounding beauty in this complete hiking guide.

Nestled in the hills of San Diego’s North County, Escondido is a hidden treasure for outdoor enthusiasts seeking to explore the natural beauty of Southern California.

With its diverse landscape of rolling hills, canyons, and pristine lakes, the region boasts a range of stunning hiking trails, each offering a unique adventure and a chance to connect with nature.

From the serene beauty of tranquil lakes to the rugged terrain of mountain peaks, Escondido hikes cater to every type of hiker, from the casual stroller to the seasoned adventurer.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the best hiking trails in Escondido, highlighting their unique features, levels of difficulty, and why they are worth exploring.

So, whether you’re a local or just visiting, grab your hiking boots and get ready to discover the natural wonders that await you in Escondido.

Please note: This article contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link. Of course, this comes at no extra cost to you and helps me to keep offering solid information to readers.

Best Escondido Hikes

Alright, before we get deep into the article, let me clarify the article highlights hiking trails near Escondido. Some hikes may fall within city limits while others fall in nearby cities or unincorporated communities.

The idea is to use Escondido as a base.  I have done this many times and will do it again in a cinch.  We love to hike and explore in the morning/afternoon and return to Escondido for dining, drinking, and shopping.

The trails discussed here are located 5 to 18 miles from the city center.

Now get ready to uncover the best Escondido hikes.

Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve 

Distance from Escondido: 5 miles

The Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve is a 784-acre natural reserve located north of Escondido.  The reserve offers a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking (over 10 miles of trails), biking, and horseback riding, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts of all ages.

In addition to being a haven for outdoor activities, the reserve is home to an Interpretative Center, which offers a range of educational programs, exhibits, and a botanical garden. The center’s main goal is to educate visitors about the reserve’s natural history and the importance of conservation efforts in the area. Visitors can learn about the reserve’s ecosystems and the different species that call it home.

Note: The Interpretative Center is located close to the main parking area.  No hiking is required to visit.

The reserve itself is home to a variety of animals, including bobcats, coyotes, and a wide range of bird species (so keep your eyes wide open). For birdwatchers, the reserve is a must-see destination, as it is home to over 150 different species of birds.

If you are visiting for the first time, I recommend hiking the scenic Way Up Trail, which takes hikers to the top of the hill (Harmony Grove Overlook) for breathtaking views of the surrounding area. Once at the top, you can walk a bit more to the Ridgetop Picnic Area to enjoy views of the Oliverhain Reservoir.  The length of this trail is 2 to 3 miles depending on how far you make it.  It is considered an easy route since there are plenty of switchbacks on the way up.

Fun Fact: There is another Elfin Forest in California! It is located in Los Osos (near Morro Bay), San Luis Obispo County

Del Dios Highlands County Preserve 

Distance from Escondido: 3.5 miles

The Del Dios Highlands County Preserve is a 774-acre preserve that features an exercise trail and 1.5 miles of multi-use trails (hiking, biking, and horseback riding). The preserve is known for its stunning views of Lake Hodges, the San Dieguito River Valley, and the surrounding hills. 

The main trail in the preserve connects to the trails in the Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve.  If you decide to complete the trail, expect to walk a minimum of 2.6 miles (roundtrip).  Again, the total hiking mileage will depend on how far you make it (it is tempting to keep walking around).

Now, get ready since this is a steep way up.  The positive is that you will get incredible views of the Oliverhain Reservoir.

Daley Ranch 

Distance from Escondido: 6 miles

Daley Ranch is one of Escondido’s most popular hiking destinations, offering 25 miles of gorgeous Escondido hiking trails that wind through the rolling hills and grassy meadows of this 3,150-acre nature preserve. 

With its diverse landscapes of oak woodlands, chaparral, and riparian habitats, Daley Ranch is a haven for nature lovers and hikers seeking to explore the region’s rich flora and fauna (including deer, coyotes, and hawks).

The difficulty level of the trails varies, making them accessible to hikers of all skill levels. The trails are well-maintained, and there are plenty of picnic areas and restrooms along the way. 

If you are visiting for the first time, I recommend walking a loop composed of the Ranch House, East Ridge, and Creek Crossing Trails.  This easy 2.2 miles loop (perfect to do with kids) showcases the variety of the preserve.

Other Daley Ranch hiking trails include the Boulder Loop (moderate, 4 miles), Sage and East Ridge Loop (moderate, 5 miles), and Jack Creek Meadow (easy, 6 miles)

Note: A $5 donation is suggested.  Consider donating to help keep the preserve pristine.

Dixon Lake 

Distance from Escondido: 6 miles

Dixon Lake is a scenic reservoir located in the northeast of Escondido. The lake features a 1.5-mile hiking trail that loops around the lake and offers beautiful views of the surrounding hills and valleys. The trail is mostly flat and easy, perfect for families with children.

In addition to hiking, Dixon Lake is a popular destination for camping, fishing, and boating. The lake is stocked with a variety of fish, including trout, bass, and catfish, making it an excellent spot for fishing enthusiasts. The lake also features several picnic areas and a playground for children.

Note: Dixon Lake is located pretty much “across” Daley Ranch’s main entrance.  If you are in the area, I recommend taking a look even if you do not attempt to hike around.

Lake Hodges 

Distance from Escondido: 6 – 10 miles (depending on trailhead)

Lake Hodges is a beautiful reservoir located in the hills just south of Escondido. The lake features multiple trails offering gorgeous views of the surrounding hills and valleys. 

Now, this is a vast lake.  During my research, I was not able to get a definite answer on miles of trails in the area but some sources point to about 40 miles of trails. The positive is that trails are mostly flat and easy, catering to hikers of all skill levels.

The trails are accessible from several trailheads.  One recommendation is to connect to the San Dieguito River Trail from the Bernardo Mountain Summit Trailhead.  You will walk a bit next to the freeway before entering the lake area and getting views from the north shore.

It is about 3 miles (one way) to the first viewpoint and about an additional mile to make it to the Visitor’s Center. 

Other options include parking on the northern part of the lake and walking to the Visitor’s Center (which can be extended to the viewpoint).

There is another parking area in the western part of the lake (look for Hernandez Hideaway).  You can connect to all the points I have mentioned above from this trailhead.  However, my opinion is that the views from the northern shore are better.

Experienced hikers may want to cover the 8.2 miles (16 miles round trip) of trail following the northern-western shoreline of Lake Hodges.  This is a portion of the Coast to Crest Trail (some call this portion the Lake Hodges Trail).  It goes from the Bernardo Mountain Summit Trailhead to the Lake Hodges Dam.  Due to its length, this is an all-day affair.

Bernardo Mountain 

Distance from Escondido: 6 miles

Bernardo Mountain is a popular hiking destination in Escondido, offering hikers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The most popular trail to Bernardo Mountain starts at the Bernardo Mountain Summit Trailhead. 

This is the same trailhead I discussed above.  Instead of continuing to the lake viewpoint, hikes deviate to the top of the mountain.

This is a moderate 7.2-mile out-and-back trail featuring a steady climb to the top of the mountain, with a mix of rocky switchbacks and gentle slopes through coastal sage scrub and chaparral habitats. From the summit, hikers can enjoy panoramic views of the San Pasqual Valley, Lake Hodges, and the surrounding hills and mountains.

Piedras Pintadas

This is yet another trail located at the shores of Lake Hodges.  Can you tell I love this area?

Piedras Pintadas is a unique and historic site. It’s one of the best hikes near Escondido and it takes hikers through a boulder-strewn landscape with amazing rock formations and ancient Kumeyaay Native American rock art. 

The Kumeyaay people were the original inhabitants of the region, and their artwork can be seen in the form of petroglyphs (rock carvings) and pictographs (rock paintings) along the trail.

The Piedras Pintadas Trail is relatively easy and suitable for hikers of all skill levels. The course is 3.6 miles long and can be completed in about 1-2 hours. Hikers are advised to wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water, as the trail can be rocky and exposed to the sun.

Blue Sky Ecological Reserve

Distance from Escondido: 13 miles

Blue Sky Ecological Reserve is a 700-acre natural reserve located southeast of Escondido (in Poway). The reserve features over 13 miles of hiking trails, including the following:

  • Green Valley Truck Trail to Creekside Trail and back – Easy, 1 mile
  • Green Valley Truck Trail to Picnic Area – Easy, 2 miles
  • Green Valley Truck Trail to Lake Ramona – Moderate, 3 miles
  • Green Valley Truck Trail to the top of Mount Wilson – Difficult, 11 miles (you can connect to the Mount Woodson area, reach the Lake Poway viewpoint and go back)
Lake Ramona, Easy Hikes in San Diego, California

Photo by Chris Palmer

Double Peak Park 

Distance from Escondido: 10 miles

Double Peak Park is a 200-acre park located on a 1,600-foot peak that offers stunning panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, San Marcos, and the surrounding mountains. 

The park features over 4 miles of hiking trails, including the Summit Trail, which takes hikers to the peak for the best views.

The Summit Trail is a challenging hike with steep switchbacks and rocky terrain. The trail is approximately 4 miles round trip and takes about 2-3 hours to complete. Hikers should be prepared for a strenuous climb and bring plenty of water and snacks.

Stop by for great views even if you do not plan to hike.  Also, you can drive to nearby Discovery Lake for great photo options.

Mount Woodson 

Distance from Escondido: 13 miles

Located in the Poway area of San Diego County, the Mount Woodson Trail is a popular hiking destination that offers stunning views of the surrounding area. The trail is 7.5 miles long and is considered to be moderately difficult.

One of the reasons why the Mount Woodson Trail is so popular is the views from the summit, which includes the iconic Potato Chip Rock. The rock, which is a thin slice of granite that juts out from the mountain, has become a popular spot for hikers to take photos. Visitors can climb onto the rock and take photos that make it look like they’re standing on a potato chip. It’s a unique and memorable photo opportunity that draws visitors from all over the world.

In addition to the Potato Chip Rock, the summit of Mount Woodson offers stunning panoramic views of the San Diego area. Visitors can see everything from the ocean to downtown San Diego to the mountains in the east. It’s a great spot to take a break, snap some photos, and take in the natural beauty of the area.

The trailhead is easily accessible and there is ample parking. However, due to its popularity, the trail can get crowded, especially on weekends and holidays. Hikers are advised to arrive early to avoid crowds and to bring plenty of water and sunscreen, as the trail can be hot and exposed in some areas.

Escondido Hikes: Iron Mountain

Distance from Escondido: 18 miles

Located in the Poway area, the Iron Mountain Trail is 5.8 miles long and considered to be moderately difficult, making it a great spot for experienced hikers who are looking for a challenge.

Despite its difficulty, the Iron Mountain Trail is well-maintained and offers plenty of amenities for hikers. The trailhead has restrooms, water fountains, and picnic tables, making it a great spot for a pre-hike snack or a post-hike picnic. The trail is also well-marked and has plenty of shade, making it a great spot to hike even on hot days.

The summit offers panoramic views of the San Diego area, including views of the ocean, downtown San Diego, and even Mexico on a clear day. It’s a great spot to take a break, snap some photos, and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.

Escondido Location and Weather

Escondido is located in northern San Diego County. It is approximately 30 miles northeast of downtown San Diego and 100 miles south of Los Angeles. The city is situated in a valley surrounded by hills and mountains, providing a beautiful natural backdrop for residents and visitors.

Escondido is known for its mild climate, with warm, sunny summers and cool, rainy winters. The city experiences an average of 15 inches of rainfall per year and has an average temperature of 72 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer and 45 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter.

Safety Tips for Hikers

Preparation is key when hiking. Please take to heart the following advice.

Importance of Staying on the Trail

One of the most important things to keep in mind when hiking is to stay on the designated trail. Venturing off the trail can damage the park’s sensitive ecosystem and put you at risk of getting lost or injured. Additionally, staying on the trail helps to preserve the park for future generations of hikers and nature lovers.

Awareness of Wildlife

The Escondido hikes presented here are home to a diverse array of wildlife, including deer, squirrels, rabbits, and a variety of bird species. While these creatures are generally harmless, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and give wildlife plenty of space. Hikers should never approach or feed wildlife, as this can cause harm to the animals and put you at risk.

Carrying Adequate Supplies

Before heading out on your hike, it’s important to carry adequate supplies to ensure your safety. This includes plenty of water, food, a first aid kit, and appropriate clothing and footwear. Additionally, it’s a good idea to carry a map of the park and a charged cell phone in case of an emergency.

Sun and Heat Protection

Winter, early spring, and late fall are the best times to hike in the park. Temperatures can get quite hot during the summer months. I do not recommend hiking if the temperature is over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. I would reconsider hiking even if the temperature is over 90.

Regardless of temperature, it is important to stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun by wearing a hat, sunglasses, and applying sunscreen. Additionally, it’s a good idea to hike during the cooler parts of the day and take plenty of breaks in the shade.

Ask for help if you start feeling ill.

Escondido Hikes Gear

I recommend taking into consideration the following gear when planning your Escondido hikes:

  • Wearing the right shoes is essential when hiking or walking.  I recommend investing in a good pair.  Merrell shoes have always been good for my crooked feet. My husband is more of a fan of the Salomon brand.
  • I take the minimum with me when I go on trails.  I keep everything organized in a small crossbody bag.  My husband prefers to take a light day pack.
  • Hiking poles are lifesavers on trails with an incline (more if you have wobbly knees).
  • I protect myself from the sun with a wide bream hat, sunscreen, lip balm, and a long sleeve tee.
  • Do not forget to bring water!  We pack a cold beverage or hot coffee to enjoy after a hike.  The THERMOS Tumblers keep drinks hot for 7 hours and cold for over 10 hours.
  • I have never gotten used to taking pictures exclusively with my phone.  I prefer to use the Sony Alpha a6000.  It is compact and takes gorgeous pictures.

Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just starting out, Escondido has hiking trails that are sure to meet your needs. So grab your hiking boots, pack some water and sunscreen, and head out to explore the natural beauty of Escondido’s hiking trails. You never know what wonders you might discover along the way.

More Hikes in Southern California

Easy Hikes in Los Angeles

Easy Hikes in Orange County

Easy Hikes in San Diego

What Escondido hikes have you completed?

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Drive Around Big Sur By Dhara from It's Not About the Miles Driving the Big Sur stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway between Carmel and Ragged Point should be high on your list of things to do in California. Considered one of the most scenic coastlines on the planet, the drive gives you the opportunity to enjoy magnificent views of the Pacific Ocean and the rugged Central California coastline. Just a little over 75 miles in length, Highway One hugs the water for most of this route. Where it does not, for short stretches, you will drive through towering redwoods or bucolic countryside. There are numerous pullouts where you can park and enjoy the views at leisure, and take lots of photos. Some of the best places to stop on the Big Sur Coast drive include Point Lobos State park, just south of the quaint village of Carmel-by-the-Sea, the very wild Garrapata State Park, with hiking trails if you want to stretch your legs, and the historic Bixby Creek Bridge, considered an engineering marvel. Drive the road in late spring after the rains are over, and you will see gorgeous wildflowers along the road. The hills are green at this time as well, and look gorgeous against the blue of the ocean. Ride a Buggy at the Oceano Dunes By Sharon from Daily Dream 360 If you are looking for a little adventure on the beach, you may want to consider a dune buggy ride at Oceano Dunes State Park, which is located 3 miles from Pismo Beach. This activity is a great add-on when visiting the San Luis Obispo region of California. You will find plenty of Dune Buggy rental companies just outside the state park entrance. Once you complete a vehicle orientation, you'll be driven to the site within the state park and get set up with your vehicles. Your tour operator will offer directions, a map and will guide you to the area where you are allowed to drive your buggy. The park has a designated area for off-road vehicles and several restrictions with regards to speed. What I loved about the Dune Buggy ride was that I was able to choose my level of thrill. Some of the Sand Dunes were very high, and there was a high risk from coming down from a dune and getting stuck before moving back up another. For thrill-seekers, there is plenty of challenging dunes to conquer. For those less adventurous, there were some smaller hills and the very scenic ride along the ocean. Photo by Sharon Read More: Things to Do in Pismo Beach Things to Do in Avila Beach Things to Do in California - Southern California This is the part of the state I call home. After more than 15 years living here, I am still discovering new places. Check out the super fun recommendations below! Road Cycle in Santa Barbara County By Clare from Epic Road Rides If you fancy a spot of road cycling, Santa Barbara County in southern California, is a fantastic place to do it. It's a beautiful region that’s warm and sunny for much of the year. Winters tend to be short and mild. Head to the Santa Ynez valley and you’ll find quiet rolling roads that take you through gorgeous vineyards and pretty ranches with wide open fields dotted with well-groomed horses. In the village of Solvang, you’ll find an excellent bike shop that can fit you out with everything you need (you can rent too) and set you off to explore the countryside. There are around 120 wineries in this area, clustered around the pretty towns and villages of Solvang, Los Olivos and Santa Ynez. Many cyclists take the opportunity to combine cycling with a wine tour as many of the wineries open their doors to people who want to come and learn about wine and enjoy some wine tasting. Exploring by bike is the best way to really get to know a region, and I highly recommend the Santa Ynez Valley! Photo by Clare Read More: Things to Do in Solvang Mountain Bike at Snow Summit By Heather from That OC Girl If you thought Big Bear’s Snow Summit was only for winter, you got it wrong. In the summertime, the ski lifts at Snow Summit are transformed into mountain bike lifts, taking you up to an elevation of 8,000 feet and dropping you into the coolest downhill bike park in Southern California. Snow Summit has around 18 miles of mountain bike trails, including trails for the beginner all the way to the most advanced riders. The beginner level trail “Going Green” is the longest in the park at 2.5 miles, and is the most basic of all. It’s a great idea to start with this trail to get warmed up! The blue-rated trails are the most fun; this is where you can really let loose and sharpen your skills. The trails rated as black diamond are the most difficult trails in the park. You will find built-in features like jumps and berms, but most of the time you can bypass those features if you are not up for the challenge. Get some practice in at the Base Area to improve your skills before attempting those difficult trails! Day or season passes are available and the park is open to all – kids and adults! Open and closing dates. Photo by Heather Read More: Big Bear Weekend Guide Dive the Channel Islands By James from Travel Collecting One of the top things to do in California is to dive the Channel Islands. There are eight Channel Islands off the coast of Los Angeles and Santa Barbara. Five of them make up the Channel Islands National Park. The largest, Catalina Island, has places to stay and shore dives as well as boat dives are available. However, you can take day trips straight from just north of LA (Ventura Harbor) to Anacapa Island and just south of LA (San Pedro) to dive sites around Catalina. Dive boats also leave from Santa Barbra to the northern islands, though these are further offshore. The main attraction is diving the Californian giant kelp forests. Kelp stretches from the sea bed up more than forty feet to the surface, creating a magical forest to swim through. Winding your way through a thick screen of golden kelp is an incredible experience. The kelp is home to cheeky seals and sea lions that zoom out of nowhere and right up to your mask, as well as bright orange garibaldi fish. This was one of my favorite dives from the many I have done around the world. It also makes a nice contrast to the other more urban things you can do in Los Angeles. Hike to the Hollywood Sign By Caroline from Pictures and Words Few things scream LA more than the glitz and glamour of Hollywood and the movie industry. One of the coolest things to do in California is to hike up to the Hollywood sign, one of the most iconic sights in LA. Technically, the sign itself is blocked off (and don’t even try to jump the fence) so you are hiking to right behind and above the sign. Still, this is the closest you can get to the sign being able to get so up and close to the iconic monument is such a cool experience! The hike starts inside Griffith Park, from where you can take the Brush Canyon trail. It is a 6.5 mile out and back hike, and is rated moderate difficulty with an 1100 foot elevation gain. Allow about 2 1/2-3 hours to complete the hike. Also be aware that there is hardly any shade on the trail and it tends to get really hot, really fast, so be prepared and carry lots of water with you. Read More: One Day in LA: Itinerary for First-Time Visitors 2 Days in Los Angeles: Downtown-Based Itinerary Self-Guided Multicultural Tour of Los Angeles By Team Hazard Rides Again LA is incredibly diverse. There are people here from every corner of the Earth and LA is happy to give each culture its due. Tim and I once went to 3 cultural events in a single weekend – and we weren't even trying hard. On Friday night we went to a chamber music concert at the big Downtown Library. On Saturday night we were in Hollywood to see Amadou and Mariam, a blind couple from Mali who rocked the Afro-pop scene at the El Rey Theater. And on Sunday we were in Chinatown for a big cultural celebration. There is no single recipe for doing a cultural tour of Los Angeles. There are just too many options. But here are some places to look so you can put together your own multicultural tour of Los Angeles. There are neighborhoods throughout the city like Little Tokyo, Olvera Street, Little Ethiopia, Little Bangladesh and Chinatown, just to name a few. Some of them are a bit touristy, but still fun and there are also many unnamed enclaves where various cultures flourish. They often hold festivals as well. And Long Beach seems to have a festival for something every other week. Keep an eye on local calendars. There are also exhibits and performances exploring different cultures all over town. The Craft and Folk Art Museum on Wilshire almost always has something culturally unique going on, as does the Fowler Museum on the UCLA Campus. You can also check out the USC Pacific Asia Museum in Pasadena. Again, to name just a few. Then there are the performances, like Amadou and Mariam we mentioned above, or Prince Diabate whom we saw in some tiny club in Santa Monica. One of the best places to look for these more eclectic events is the LA Weekly. LA's multiculturalism is one of its most awesome features and it's something not to be missed if you're visiting the city. It's easy to stack events that are near you or that suit the dates of your visit. It's LA. There's always something going on! Hike in Joshua Tree National Park By Julie from Family Travel Lifestyle While California is famous for National Parks like Yosemite and the Redwoods, one of our lesser-known parks, Joshua Tree, offers fantastic hiking in a unique desert environment. Located in southern California – just east of Palm Springs, and less than a 3-hour drive from San Diego – Joshua Tree offers numerous trails at every level of hiking. What I love about Joshua Tree is that it isn’t as crowded as many other parks and it’s smaller which means you can do a one-day visit and still get in some great hikes and really feel as though you saw the park. Also, this park offers a lot of loop trails, which I tend to prefer to the ‘out and back’ trails. One of the most popular and can’t-miss trails in Joshua Tree is the Skull Rock loop. It’s pretty easy, good for all levels including children, and you get to see the famous and giant Skull-shaped boulder. There’s a great kids’ nature walk called the Discovery Trail that’s less than a mile if you have really little ones. The bigger hikes offer a great variety of sights. There are several hikes up to different peaks, with outstanding views of the mountains and desert. You can hike out to a palm tree oasis or walk through the boulders and include a little scrambling on your hike. The one thing to watch out for is the heat – it’s no joke at Joshua Tree, so come prepared and enjoy! VIsit the Sunny Jim Sea Caves By April from SoCalFunFamily La Jolla is known for the locals who hang around the beach. And no, I am not talking about the hodads, you know, non-surfers, but the friendly seals lounging right there on the sand. It’s also known as an incredibly fun family area, for its good food, and having the coolest sea caves. However, there is only one cave you can explore without a kayak. And that cave is only accessible through Sunny Jim’s Cave Store. From the exterior it looks just like any other beach themed gift shop, but upon further review you might see the long dark tunnel leading what looks like directly into the ground. This is the access to Sunny Jim’s Sea Cave, which was dug out in 1902. To reach the bottom you will pay $5 for adults, and $3 for children, walk down 145 dark, narrow stairs and come out on a damp wooden platform to take in the waves and views from below. This hidden gem is a unique experience if you are in the area. But, make sure to mingle with the locals on the shore below and check out the free, smaller caves right there as well. Read More: One Day in San Diego Pedal Boat At Lake Murray By Martina from Stack Your Dollars One of the best and most relaxing things to do in sunny San Diego is to take a ride on the water at Lake Murray. On a hot day, getting on a pedal boat is a great way to get a nice breeze and cool off. You’ll also be putting those leg muscles to work and getting in some fun exercise! Lake Murray is a 171 acre reservoir with a 3.2 mile shoreline; it can be found on the border of San Diego, La Mesa, and Santee. To rent the pedal boat, you have to go into the concession stand by the parking lot. It costs about $15 to rent per hour, with an additional $15 for a deposit. The boat fits about 3 adults or 2 adults and 2 children. This low-cost activity is a great way to get out and have fun. It allowed my family to stick to our very frugal budget. If you would prefer, there are also kayaks, canoes, row boats, and motor boats. However, the pedal boat is my favorite because it also has a canopy to block the sun! Whale Watch in Newport Beach By Rebecca from KwaFare One of the most thrilling outdoor experiences you can have in California is to get up close and personal with some of the largest animals on earth. Whale watching in Southern California can put you right in the migratory path of humpback, minke, fin and gray whales. Even orcas are spotted from time to time, as well as sperm whales and blue whales, the largest animal to have ever lived. An excellent spot for whale watching is Newport Beach, which is only about an hour from LAX airport or downtown Los Angeles. Newport Beach is a cozy community where you’ll find Balboa Pier and Island and some great beaches. My go to whale watching company here is Davey’s Locker. And for good reason. First, they regularly have sales for their whale watching tours on Groupon. So, for about the price of a movie ticket you can take a front row seat to these magnificent creatures for over a couple of hours. But what I really enjoy is hearing the excitement of the crew every time we get to see a whale out at sea. This testifies to just how electrifying it is to witness these deep sea giants in their natural habitat. Despite how many times they get to see them, every time it’s a thrill. And the thrill is definitely contagious. You just never know what you are going to see when you get out on the boat. However, if you want to up your chances of sighting whales go out during their migration times. In general, winter and spring are great times to see gray whales, humpback and minke whales. And summer and fall are ideal for blue whales, finbacks, orcas and sperm whales. So whether you find yourself in the middle of a pod of hundreds of dolphins or next to an enormous blue whale, this is one of those things to do in California that is not to be missed! Visit the Center of the World By Theresa from The Local Tourist Just inside the border in the southeast corner of the state, you can put your toes on the officially designated Center of the World. Felicity, California, is home to the Museum of History in Granite and the Center of the World and is a destination worth a visit that's a whole lot less kitschy than it sounds. In 1985, Jacques-André wrote a children’s book titled “Coe: The Good Dragon at the Center of the World.” Somehow, this Frenchman and Father of American Parachuting convinced the Imperial County Board of Supervisors and Institut Géographique National, the French Mapping Agency, that property he owned in Imperial County should be declared the Center of the World. You can visit this town, population two, and not only make a wish inside a pyramid but also browse granite tablets etched with history. They're designed to last 4,000 years and the goal is that they'll preserve the entirety of humanity for millennia to come. It's a quirky destination with a noble promise, and should definitely be on any southern California itinerary. ATV in the Imperial Sand Dunes By Kay from The Awkard Traveler It isn't general knowledge, but California has sand dunes. Some of the best California sand dunes are found in Southern California. Specifically, the Imperial Sand Dunes State Park right near the border of Mexico. Winter is arguable a better season to visit, especially when summer temperatures can easily reach over 110F. But that also means winter is the most busy time to visit. So, pick your poison. From San Diego, the drive is about 2.5hours, 2 hours from Palm Springs, and 3 hours from Los Angeles, making the Imperial Sand Dunes an easy day trip if you do not want to stay nearby. However, there are camping and RV options at the state park! To enter the park, permits are required from October 1 through April 15 each year. Permits are $35 per week in advance and $50 per week if purchased onsite. Season permits are $150. America the Beautiful National Park pass also counts for this park. Once you are all settled into the park, you're ready to ride! But before you get into your off-highway vehicle (whether it is ATV or a bike, or other), make sure to remember the basics. Wear a protective helmet, pay attention to "closed to vehicle signs," and tall visible red flags are REQUIRED on your vehicle for visibility and safety! There you have it! Tons and tons of ideas on things to do in California. Hope you find this article useful when planning your next getaway! More of California Los Angeles Ultimate Bucket List Weekend Getaways from Los Angeles Ultimate San Diego Bucket List 150+ Places to Go in Orange County Places to Visit in Santa Barbara What are your favorite things to do in California? Let me know in the comments section below. Pin “Things to Do in California” for later!, Pigeon Point LighthouseThings to Do in California: Golden State Best Silver Strand State Beach, Coronado, Camping in San Diego County, CaliforniaCamping in San Diego: Explore the Best Spots!

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