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Seal Beach, California

Explore the top outdoor adventures in Seal Beach, California with a hike on the San Gabriel River Bike Trail. This 28-mile trail is a must-visit for its scenic views of the Pacific Ocean, the San Gabriel River, and the lush greenery that borders the trail. It's a moderately difficult trail, perfect for a good workout and some fresh air. If you're looking for something more leisurely, head to the Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge. Here, you can stroll along the easy walking trails, spotting a variety of birds and marine life. The best Trails and Outdoor Activities in Seal Beach also include a visit to the iconic Seal Beach Pier. Enjoy a walk along the pier, taking in the ocean views and watching the surfers below. These outdoor attractions make Seal Beach a top destination for active travelers.

Top Spots in and near Seal Beach

  • Mount Baldy, California

    Summit Mt. Baldy

    4.8
    12.12 mi / 5958 ft gain
    Located only an hour’s drive from Los Angeles is the top of highest mountain in LA County—at 10,064 feet. Bear Flat Trail (also called the Old Mt. Baldy Trail) offers some of the finest scenery and most rewarding views in the San Gabriel Mountains high country. With nearly 6000 ft of elevation g...
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  • Agoura Hills, California

    Rock Climbing in Malibu Creek

    A great day trip! Referred to by many as the "Yosemite of Southern California," Malibu Creek offers a huge selection of bolted sport routes on generously pocketed volcanic rock. This is the perfect place to bring a first time climber or even your most seasoned climbing buddies. Routes range from ...
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  • Pearblossom, California

    Cooper Canyon Trail Camp

    5.37 mi / 1214 ft gain
    There's a small parking lot just below Cloudburst Summit on the way to Mount Waterman. Start your adventure there. I'd be hard-pressed to say it's more than 15 yards from the sign for the summit (7018' AMSL). There's a fire road, if you're newer to altitude and don't know how to read a map (or e...
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  • Pearblossom, California

    Mt. Waterman

    5.0
    5.87 mi / 1499 ft gain
    Mt. Waterman is accessed along Highway 2 in the Angeles National Forest. Heading east from La Canada look for mileage marker 58.0 (34 miles from La Canada) just past the closed ski resort. Park at one of the large paved turnouts on your left. Display an Adventure Pass ($5 at Ranger Station or Big...
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  • Pearblossom, California

    Cooper Canyon Falls via Burkhart Trail

    5.0
    3.01 mi / 755 ft gain
    Burkhart Trail is well-defined and easy to follow through an unbelievable old growth of Jeffrey pines, incense-cedars and surprisingly, redwoods! At 0.25 miles, there is a steep spur trail near a large pile of boulders that leads to a popular swimming area, often frequented by guests of the campg...
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  • Malibu, California

    Escondido Falls Trail

    4.3
    3.74 mi / 699 ft gain
    This 3.8 mile out-and-back hike takes place on a very easy to use trail. The first 0.75 miles on Winding Way are paved, leading you up to Escondido Canyon Trail. As you head up Winding Way, it’s safest to stay on the side of the road on the dirt. You’ll take this paved road up roughly 200 feet be...
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  • Agoura Hills, California

    Malibu Lake Overlook

    5.0
    4.12 mi / 741 ft gain
    To get to the trail, use the address 27800 Mulholland Highway, Agoura Hills, CA 91301. This will take you to a dirt pull off right off the Mulholland Highway. At the southern part of the pull off, you'll see a dirt path leading up and away from the road. This is the Cistern Trail Trailhead. You'l...
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  • Malibu, California

    Jim Morrison Cave

    3.2
    1.2 mi / 600 ft gain
    Note: Jim Morrison Cave is closed indefinitely. The bright colors of the Jim Morrison Cave are something to not be missed, and is appreciated by people of all ages. The cave also provides a beautiful outlook of the Malibu canyon, Malibu State Park and the Pacific Ocean. There is a ton of rock ho...
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  • Riverside, California

    Hike Mt. Rubidoux

    4.3
    2.7 mi / 500 ft gain
    Featuring over 161 acres and over 3.5 miles of combined paved and dirt trails, Mount Rubidoux Park in Riverside, CA is a beautiful natural environment and adventure location. Although some say this is just a "hill", this Inland Empire gem offers a quick escape from the pace of city life. Just m...
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  • Malibu, California

    Rock Climb at Point Dume

    4.0
    There are a couple of different ways to get to the rock, but the easiest will be at the end of Westward Beach Rd. The rock is impossible to miss as you drive further down the beach. Once parked, which I believe you have to pay for beyond a certain point, it's a short walk out on the sand to the b...
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  • Mount Baldy, California

    Cedar Glen Camp

    4.88 mi / 1650 ft gain
    Cedar Glen Camp is a great beginner backpacking trip just outside of Los Angeles, California. Starting from the Icehouse Trailhead (also used for Cucamonga Peak), head out on the Icehouse Canyon Trail from the parking area. The trail will intersect with the Chapman Trail, at which point, you'll t...
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  • Mount Baldy, California

    Cucamonga Peak via Icehouse Canyon

    4.6
    11.13 mi / 4157 ft gain
    Start hiking early, before the sun rises so you can maximize the day out of the heat and to give yourself plenty of time for the hike. As you get to higher elevations, it will be a little cooler and there might be snow on the ground, so be sure to pack layers. This hike requires a permit. If yo...
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  • Mount Baldy, California

    Icehouse Saddle via Icehouse Canyon Trail

    3.8
    6.62 mi / 2562 ft gain
    The hike is accessible in all seasons, but in winter there can be snow and ice so special equipment may be useful, but not required. In mid-January there were patches of ice on the trail but were easily crossed in boots and trainers. You can take the trail and end at Ice house Saddle or continue ...
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  • Mount Baldy, California

    Ontario Peak and Cucamonga Peak via Icehouse Canyon Trailhead

    16.22 mi / 5610 ft gain
    We started out at 8am on a Sunday, usually parking at Ice House Saddle can be tricky, I would advise going earlier. We headed out on our journey hiking up to the saddle, when you reach the switchbacks there is a fresh water spring, it's the last place you can get water...so stock up! We pressed o...
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  • Malibu, California

    Point Dume

    4.8
    0.95 mi / 141 ft gain
    From the parking lot, make your way towards Point Dume. You will find the entrance to the trail at the end of the lot. The trail is a bit sandy, but fairly easy. Be careful of the cactus plants along the trail! Make your way up towards the cliff and you'll notice ropes hanging on the edge. Don't...
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  • Malibu, California

    Paradise Cove via Point Dume

    5.0
    4.74 mi / 338 ft gain
    You will start your beach-hiking to Paradise Cove from Point Dume which is located 20 miles north of Santa Monica on Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). On PCH, take left on Westward Beach Road and follow it to the end. Try to park as close to the end of the paid parking lot. You can use the automated m...
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