1. Bayside Trail

    1. Bayside Trail

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    San Diego, CA

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    Bayside Trail

    4.6 (16 reviews)

    Bayside Trail Photos

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    Bayside Trail
    Travis T.

    I'm always looking for hiking trails whenever I visit National Parks or Monuments. This is a nice easy trail at Cabrillo National Monument. You can access it from the parking lot. Bayside Trail is around two miles roundtrip and follows an old military road winding down from the top of the park toward San Diego Bay. It offers amazing views of the city of San Diego, the bay and Coronado Island. You can even catch planes taking off from the nearby Naval Base. Other than the uphill climb on the way back, I found the hike pretty easy. There are a few benches along the way if you want to sit and enjoy the view. The sign at the beginning of the trailhead says no dogs or bikes. There are no restrooms or water on the trail either. So make sure you take care of business at the visitor center.

    Map of Cabrillo where Bayside Trail is
    Emily S.

    Beautiful trail within the Cabrillo National Park. You have to go all the way past the Military into the National Park to access the Trail. It costs $20 for parking but we purchased the annual pass for National parks for $80 which is worth it since we will be coming back and forth here. The whole area is beautiful and if you are not looking for a hike which is about a 2 mile return loop, you can walk and just enjoy the view at Cabrillo monument.

    Trailhead sign
    Emmett T.

    It was free admission on the first day of National Park Week so we came to Cabrillo National Monument for this short hike. The Bayside Trail descends from near the Old Point Loma Lighthouse and winds around the southeastern side of the peninsula. It is an easy round trip of less than two miles. There were several informational signs along the side of the trek describing the weather, wildlife and flora in the area. I don't think you can get a better view of the San Diego harbor and downtown skyline than from here. Many leisure boats were cruising through the water and even some jet skis were plowing through the waves. I can imagine the excitement when an aircraft carrier is departing or approaching the harbor as you would have a front row view from the trail. My only complaint is that I wish the path would wind its way around the southern tip and end at the Point Loma Tide Pools. That would make a great circuit and maximize the views from a level closer to the water.

    Jamie A.

    This is a lovely place for some exercise and fresh air. I took in the views while getting a decent amount of steps in which was nice. To get to Bayside trail, walk toward the lighthouse from the parking lot. You will see signs pointing you to the start of the Bayside trail (a little less than 2.0 miles roundtrip). Note that the first part is on an asphalt road, then it is a easy scramble downhill where you can enjoy amazing views of SD and, ships in the sea and whales if you are lucky. Note that when you get to the end of the trail, you have to turn around and backtrack to get to the parking lot you started in. There can be a lot of foot traffic coming back uphill depending on what time it is. Most of the people were wearing masks and there are only a few narrow points on the trail so technically you can social distance most of the trail if it isn't too crowded. Note that there are no restrooms on the trail. Either make a stop at the lighthouse or at the restrooms near the gift shop. If you are traveling a ways to get here try to come on a clear, sunny day to get the most out of this scenic trail. The park has a $20 day use fee, but if you have a National Park pass or annual Cabrillo one, use it!

    Thomas S.

    Great short hiking trail that winds along the cliffs and hugs the shore of Pacific Ocean. The distance is less than a mile between a parking lot and the lighthouse. The trail is paved with dirt and gravel. The difficulty is easy to moderate. There is no bathroom or water station along the trail. On the morning that we hiked, it was foggy. It was very dramatic with the rolling fog and the crash of the wave. We totally enjoyed the short hike.

    Nathalie G.

    It's literally by the bay and it is one of the nicest walks we have ever done. So peaceful, even though I had to carry my son's bike on the way back. Tons of educational stops that you can read and learn more information about the bay. Great views, wind blowing, quite yet enjoyable, and the best part is the walk coming back. PS. No bikes allowed. We should of read the sign.....The more I know, the more I appreciate.

    Kenneth K.

    Bayside Trail is located in the historic Cabrillo National Monument in San Diego California. This trail is part of the National Park Service of the U.S. Department of the Interior. There is is so much to see & learn here at the Cabrillo National Monument . Visitor Center where one can learn how San Diego was discovered and by whom. Point Loma Lighthouse/ area for Whale Watching/ Access to Tidepools / Walking trail / Defense Exiibit. This review is of Bayside Trail Only ! How appropriate to name a walking trail along the cliffs of the San Diego Bay "Bayside Trail". The trail is 1.86 miles/ 3.1 km (round trip). It was an old army road used during World War 1. The starting point of the trail is right in front of the Point Loma Lighthouse. Here you will find a paved road winding down the mountain for about a third on a mile. The trail turns to gravel at this point, taking you down a steep trail along the coast. Along the trail you will find educational material of local plants, animals, and history of the area. You will also come across remnants of old defense structures used during the war. Just remember that this trail takes you down roughly 328 feet ! Which means you will have to hike back up 328 feet ! No dogs or bikes are allowed on the trail . Restrooms and refreshments can be found at the visitors center nearby. I found the trail to be a little challenging going back up, but well worth the trip to see Coronado Island and the City of San Diego from across the bay !

    Leroy T.

    Well Date of Visit : January 20 , 2020 and it was Free Day at Cabrillo National Monument. So Yuppie !! Off I went on this Trail which is located inside Cabrillo National Monument and close to the Lighthouse there . It's a good trail and there is lots of good sightseeing here !! With Beautiful Views of the Ocean and lots of Trees and Greenery as you walk this Trail . It's an easy trail not hard at all !! It is perfect for anyone who loves the outdoors and enjoys hiking. Now as I was walking this trail I was just enjoying seeing how beautiful the views were here . It's amazing and perfect for pictures and a easy walk around !! So if you happen to be at the Cabrillo National Monument and close to the Lighthouse I do suggest you give this trail a shot !! The Parking here is no problem !! It's just separated into small lots !! I do suggest you give it a try and enjoy the amazing Views here !!!

    Gravel trail off main road

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    Ask the Community - Bayside Trail

    Is this trail stroller friendly?

    Yes it is stroller friendly If you start from the Cabrillo Park Information Center office going down to Bayside Trail.… 

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    Review Highlights - Bayside Trail

    A must when visiting the Cabrillo National Monument (unless you can't handle the walk).

    Mentioned in 5 reviews

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    La Jolla Trail - Along the hiking path.

    La Jolla Trail

    4.1(214 reviews)
    14.6 miLa Jolla Shores

    I had heard a lot about the "Ho Chi Minh Trail" and finally tried it over a recent weekend. I am…read morenot sure who discovered or developed this hike, but it felt like, "Hey, let's follow the natural erosion of the land and create a shortcut to Black's Beach from the residences in La Jolla Farms." The number of people who were either barefooted or were wearing flip flops to make this trek really surprised me. I was wearing hiking shoes and was fortunate to only pick up a couple of minor scrapes along the way. The views of the canyons, the bluffs, and the hang gliders overhead were very beautiful so there were plenty of photo opportunities. I felt the hassle to descend towards the beach was not worth the short journey. The path was only about 3/4 mile in distance one way which I completed in about 20 minutes. Trekking poles were not at all useful, and they became a hindrance in a few areas. This was a hike in which you should NOT bring children or dogs. If you have a fear of heights, then you may also want to think twice before trying this trail. There were at least two or three very treacherous spots in which a slip could lead to a nasty fall with a concussion, sprain, fracture, or even death as an outcome. There are many other hiking locations in San Diego County that are more rewarding than the La Jolla Trail.

    Tried this hike a couple of times. Short and sweet with some scrambling/ mildly challenging areas…read more Beautiful views and ends in blacks beach. Lots of paragliders that glide off glider port nearby.

    Photos
    La Jolla Trail - Beach shore at the end of the hike

    Beach shore at the end of the hike

    La Jolla Trail - A doable hike with some challenging spots

    A doable hike with some challenging spots

    La Jolla Trail

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    Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve - The falls area

    Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve

    4.2(396 reviews)
    19.3 miMira Mesa, Torrey Hills

    I love hiking this trail! It is never too busy and the views are amazing. The best part is you can…read morestart at different location and increase or decrease the hike time based on your fitness level. Plenty of parking if you park at the baseball field and they open at 6am. It is mostly flat with slight inclines during the hike but it's no too bad. The challenge comes if you decide to hike down to the actual waterfall because it is a bit steep but there is plenty of space to view it from the top of the cliff.

    Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve is a great place to come out to hit the trails. There are several…read moretrails and I do plan to hit all of them up at some point. The trail I went on was well worn and went through canyon and up the hill towards the Qualcomm parking lot and down the hill on path leading back the parking lot off Sorrento Valley Blvd. on the west side of the preserve. It was a very nice walk and hike. In the canyon, there were a lot of beautiful Californian live oak trees, Californian Sycamores, and Freemont Cotton Woods, not to mention a lot of native shrubs and flowering plants. I was surprised to find wild squash vines fruiting in many places near the seasonal stream. I enjoyed the paths when they found their way through the shade of all the giant trees. I do look forward to exploring more of the canyon and what has to offer. The next hike will be to the seasonal waterfall.

    Photos
    Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve - Path across a ridge

    Path across a ridge

    Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve
    Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve

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    Lake Murray - Always gorgeous

    Lake Murray

    4.4(335 reviews)
    13.8 mi

    Lake Murray is so beautiful and I enjoy coming here! I've been here a few times to walk the trail…read moreand also sit by the lake and read on a nice sunny morning. The birds can be a bit annoying, but guess that comes with the great outdoors. Definitely a nice spot to chill, take a walk and get those steps in. This area feels safe and well maintained. When I went, there weren't too many people, so it was pretty peaceful. The trail can get busy and there are bathrooms along the way (I didn't use them though) There's plenty of parking here, but just be sure you leave on time for closing. I've heard they lock up and it can be an issue with getting out. (not sure how true this is but I won't chance it) There is more parking elsewhere with trail access too, I just personally haven't found it.

    Lake Murray Service road walking trail is one of my go-to workouts--about 5.5 miles to the locked…read moregate and back. After entering the main entrance, follow the road and turn right where you will see a yellow locked gate. This is the beginning of the paved walking trail. There's plenty of parking at the main entrance, and the paved trail is perfect for walkers, runners, bikers, and even kids tagging along. It's basically a choose-your-own-adventure: bird watching, fishing (permit required), or just a casual picnic. Bonus perks: lots of porta potties and benches when you need a breather. If you're holding out for a real restroom, there's one just past the second baseball field--plan accordingly. Photo is attached to show where to locate this. Heads up: the main gate is closed every 2nd Tuesday of the month, but don't panic--you can still access the trail through the neighborhood entrance off Baltimore Drive. Hope you enjoy this walking trail as much as I do.

    Photos
    Lake Murray - Bench for a picnic. Be careful it maybe too hot out!

    Bench for a picnic. Be careful it maybe too hot out!

    Lake Murray - Read signs and be careful when wondering off the paved road.

    Read signs and be careful when wondering off the paved road.

    Lake Murray

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    Bayside Trail - hiking - Updated September 2026

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