San Diego Area: Encinitas, La Jolla, San Diego
San Diego Botanic Gardens - Encinitas
Daily 9:00am-5:00pm
Location: 230 Quail Gardens Drive (runs parallel to Interstate 5 between Encinitas/Leucadia Boulevards)
Why Go There? 25+ distinct gardens; four miles of trails, 37 acres; outdoor art sculptures; special events: annual chocolate festival, fall gala fundraiser dinner; active military, senior (60+), student discount
More Information: Botanical Garden
Self-Realization Fellowship Hermitage, Meditation Gardens - Encinitas
Tuesday-Saturday 9:00am-5:00pm, Sunday 11:00am-5:00pm
Location: 215 K Street
Why Go There? Gentle path winds through peaceful open-to-the-public meditation garden; offers spectacular view overlooking the ocean. Just paces from busy Highway 101 south.
More Information: Retreat & Gardens Schedule
Scripps Coastal Meander Trail/Caroline's Seaside Cafe - La Jolla
Location: Look for “Coastal Trail Access” sign west side of La Jolla Shores Drive (just below the “S” curve); trailhead at the top of Biological Grade
Why Go There? Offers sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, San Diego coastline from La Jolla Cove to Torrey Pines State Beach. Coastal Meander Trail on the campus of Scripps Institution of Oceanography is a unique, publicly accessible trail; can combine with breakfast, lunch stop at Caroline's Seaside Cafe and a short to longer walk.
More Information: Scripps Trail
Mission Trails Regional Park - San Diego County
Location: Cowles Mountain trailhead 7001 Golfcrest Drive/Navajo Road, San Carlos neighborhood
Why Go There? 7,200 acres natural and developed recreational acres offers 42 miles of level, steep hill option trails (including Cowles Mountain), views; 12 miles from downtown San Diego; visitor center (daily, 9:00am-5:00pm, closed holidays, see listing under Arts ); events include volunteer led walks, hikes
Access: Drive, parking lots, trailheads
More Information: Mission Trails Regional Park
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve Pines Extension - San Diego
Location: Southernmost entrance: Carmel Valley Road exit off I-5, head west; Turn right Del Mar Scenic Parkway, continue to end, park in cul-de-sac (nearby popular Torrey Pines Reserve has four entrances).
Why Go There? Offers an island of protected green surrounded by suburbia with several shorter trails, varying mileage/difficulty (350 ft elevation gain, 2.4 miles roundtrip if just staying within the extension); less crowded than other ocean view area trails, especially those in Torrey Pines State Nature Preserve
Access: Free parking (per vehicle fee parking in main Nature Preserve)
More Information: Modern Hiker + Torrey Pines