San Diego, a city famed for its year-round sunshine and stunning coastline, boasts a diverse array of hiking trails in its coastal zone. With an average temperature of 65°F and a climate that rarely strays from pleasant, the San Diego coast is nothing short of an outdoor enthusiast's dream.

San Diego is a renowned destination for outdoor enthusiasts due to its pleasant weather and diverse landscapes. Although the immediate coastal areas contain the most popular tourist destinations, San Diego’s inland valleys and foothills offer exceptional outdoor recreation and hiking experiences.

San Diego may be known for its sandy beaches, but its mountains also offer a unique and rewarding hiking experience. Located within 60-90 minutes of downtown, these mountain ranges provide an escape from the busy city and offer breathtaking views, challenging hikes, and the chance to see snow in the winter.

Anza Borrego Desert State Park is a vast wilderness area located in eastern San Diego County, California. It spans over 600,000 acres, making it the largest state park in California and one of the largest in the United States. The park is named after the Spanish explorer Juan Bautista de Anza and the Spanish word "borrego," which means bighorn sheep.

While we generally enjoy highlighting lesser-known hikes, these trendy San Diego hikes are popular for a reason, and well worth your time if you’ve never been. In this list, you’ll find some of the most popular hikes near San Diego including favorites like Torrey Pines, Penasquitos Canyon, Annies Canyon, Mission Trails, Iron Mountain, Cedar Creek Falls, and Mt Woodson’s Potato Chip Rock.

Hiking in San Diego County can be a delightful experience for outdoor enthusiasts. The diverse landscape of the county offers plenty of options for hikers, from coastal trails with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean to arid desert terrain with towering cacti. However, before embarking on a hiking adventure, it's essential to be well-prepared and mindful of safety considerations.

Hiking at Torrey Pines Reserve in San Diego