Best Hiking Trails in San Diego

How to choose a hike in San Diego

There are more than 300 trails and trailheads in this directory, from coastal bluffs to inland peaks. Coast Walk Trail in La Jolla ranks first, followed by Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, Cabrillo National Monument and Sunset Cliffs Natural Park in Point Loma. Coastal hikes are cooler and shorter; inland peaks like Iron Mountain and Cowles Mountain give bigger views and real elevation.

Start early, especially inland in summer, when trails get hot by late morning. Bring more water than you think you'll need, stay on marked trails near cliff edges, and check rules before bringing a dog: Torrey Pines and parts of Cabrillo don't allow dogs on trails. Our Dog-Friendly Hikes list covers the trails that do.

Before you go: a quick checklist

• Start early: inland trails like Cowles Mountain and Mount Woodson get hot fast, and heat-related rescues are common in San Diego County.
• Carry more water than you think, especially from late spring through fall.
• Watch for rattlesnakes on warm days and stay on the trail.
• Check parking and permit rules: some reserves charge for parking or limit hours.
• Tell someone your route if you’re hiking alone or going somewhere remote.

How we ranked San Diego's best hiking trails

We started with every trail or trailhead in San Diego County that is open, verifiable and reviewed by visitors, then scored each one on review quality weighted by review volume, so a perfect score from a handful of visitors can't outrank years of consistent praise from thousands. Rankings are editorial and never for sale; paid placements are clearly labeled Sponsored and sit outside the ranking.