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
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Rancho Palos Verdes, California
Sacred Cove View Trail
4.52.08 mi / 292 ft gainThis area is spectacular - the views of the cliffs, the channels of water entering the caves, and the marine life (sea lions, whales, dolphins, sea urchin and sea anemone) are huge draws. Bring anyone here that has a sense of adventure and be ready to get wet. Only attempt swimming across the cha...Read more -
Newport Beach, California
Bodysurfing and Photography at The Wedge
4.8Beginning at the east end of the Balboa Peninsula The Wedge's main power house is the Newport Harbor Jetty. When the right south swell hits the jetty it reflects back creating a massive back wash. When the back wash hits an incoming set you have the notoriously heavy wedge-like shore break thunde...Read more -
Newport Beach, California
Boulder at Pirate's Cove
4.0This is a great spot for bouldering in Newport Beach, CA with really easy access from the parking lot at Big Corona Beach or street parking above on Ocean Blvd. There are not clear signs to follow, but it is easy to find from the parking lot at Big Corona - it is on the far west side toward the h...Read more -
Newport Beach, California
Exploring the Arches at Little Corona del Mar
4.9Little Corona del Mar Beach is a secluded beach located on Poppy Avenue across Ocean Boulevard in Corona del Mar. Known as one of the less crowded beaches in the area, this spot is the perfect place to chill for the day or photograph a sunset. You will find plenty of free street parking in the ne...Read more -
Rancho Palos Verdes, California
Terranea Beach Sea Cave
4.31.63 mi / 210 ft gainHead to the Pelican Cove parking lot where there’s plenty of free parking right at the trailhead. From the parking lot, take the Terranea Beach Trail and you will see views of the Point Vicente Lighthouse down the coast to your right. Continue on the trail through the luxury Terranea Resort whic...Read more -
Rancho Palos Verdes, California
Pelican Cove
0.38 mi / 95 ft gainGetting There Coming from San Pedro, make a U-turn at the Hawthorne Boulevard stoplight onto Palos Verdes Drive South. From here, you can access the parking lot for Pelican Cove, where you'll get a 120° view of the ocean. It might be tempting to take in the sunset from the car, but you should def...Read more -
Whittier, California
Hellman Park Trail
3.04 mi / 850 ft gainThis trail is great if you're looking for a quick, but intense workout. The hike itself is only 4 miles out- and-back and can be easily completed within a couple of hours. However, be prepared for a steep and steady incline for the first 1.5 miles. The trail itself is pretty wide, and if you sho...Read more -
Palos Verdes Estates, California
Bluff Cove
4.40.56 mi / 144 ft gainParking for Bluff Cove is located along the sides of the street of Paseo Del Mar, and the trailhead is located right next to the street. Bluff Cove is one of those unique locations in that there are a variety of activities you can do here. It is a great location for surfing, paddle boarding, bod...Read more -
Whittier, California
Sycamore Canyon Trail in Turnbull Canyon
2.03.47 mi / 627 ft gainThe Sycamore Canyon Park Trailhead can be found at the end of the dirt parking lot off Workman Mill Road. The entrance is off a small road which is pretty easy to miss, but there is a sign off the main road. Soon after you start on the trail, the path opens up onto a larger dirt road for vehicle ...Read more -
Hermosa Beach, California
Surf at El Porto
4.0The South Bay of LA has plenty of good surf. Sand bars are back and its fun...watch out for the sharks.Read more -
Newport Beach, California
Bommer Ridge from the Pacific Ridge Trailhead
7.54 mi / 394 ft gainThe Bommer Ridge West Trailhead aka The Pacific Ridge Trailhead begins at the edge of Ridge Park Road, overlooking CA State Highway 73, and marks the northwest entrance to the Laguna Coast Wilderness and its neighbor, Crystal Cove State Park. From the well-marked trailhead follow the trail south...Read more -
Newport Beach, California
Explore Deer Canyon
6.9 mi / 1489 ft gainThe Deer Canyon Loop Trail is an easy drive from Orange County and Newport Beach. In the spring, wildflowers are abundant along the trial. This is a favorite spot for trail runners, hikers, and mountain bikers. The trail is kept in great condition year-round and is very wide. There is very little...Read more -
Orange, CaliforniaCrystal Cove Beach Loop
5.05.13 mi / 151 ft gainThis is a favorite morning or evening hike, run or stroll. Park in the lot with a state pass, head down the cliff and back, and you'll get an amazing workout. Tip: Time your outings for low tide as there will be more beach to walk on.Read more -
Manhattan Beach, California
Take a Sunset Surf at Manhattan Beach
4.4Manhattan Beach Pier is a popular spot in the South Bay of Los Angeles for surfers of all levels. With its exposed beach break with consistent surf and more than 300 days of sun per year, you can pretty much always count on good weather in Manhattan Beach so you can surf no matter the season. Ide...Read more -
Laguna Beach, California
El Moro Canyon Trail to Lower Moro Campground
3.56.37 mi / 997 ft gainLocated off of Pacific Coast Highway in Laguna Beach is Crystal Cove State Park. There are three primitive sites located in Crystal Cove: Deer Canyon, Upper Moro, and Lower Moro. The site I stayed at was Lower Moro campground. All three of these sites require the backpacker to hike everything in...Read more -
Laguna Beach, California
El Moro Canyon Trail
5.04.94 mi / 814 ft gainThe trail features a waterfall and is open year-round, but is best used in the spring. Remember to bring $15 cash for the parking fee. The Laguna Beach trail is shared by trail runners, mountain bikers, hikers, and the occasional horseback rider. Dogs are not allowed in Crystal Cove State Park.Read more
