As a San Diego maternity, newborn, and family photographer, I know of many local hiking spots that families will enjoy. Each of these kid-friendly hikes in San Diego feature scenic ocean views and amazing places to explore, exposing kids of all ages to the unique and wonderful wildlife and plants native to the San Diego region.
Plan A Fun-Filled Family Adventure With These Great Kid-Friendly Hikes In San Diego
Cabrillo National Monument
1800 Cabrillo Memorial Drive, San Diego, CA 92106
Cabrillo National Monument features the Oceanside Trail, which is a brand new kid-friendly hike that gives San Diego families access to the tidepool area. Visitors can enjoy ocean views on this hike that leads down the bluffs and connects to the Coastal Trail and parking lot next to the tide pools. This trail passes by historic coastal defense structures as well as diverse plant and animal life.
Chollas Lake Park
6350 College Grove Dr, San Diego, CA 92115
Chollas Lake Park is a reservoir built in 1901, and in 1966, it was turned over to the Parks and Recreation Department to become a designated youth fishing lake. Families can enjoy the breeze, look at the peaceful water, and enjoy local wildlife as they walk along nature trails that include elevation change, wildlife, and native plants. There is also a large playground at Gloria’s Mesa and a small playground on the south side of the lake that includes swings facing the water.
Cowles Mountain Trail
7001 Golfcrest Drive, San Diego, CA 92119
Cowles Mountain Trail is a 3-mile kid-friendly hike near La Mesa, generally considered a moderate hike and good for San Diego families with older kids. This is a very popular hike that typically takes about 2 hours to complete. The beautiful trail is open year-round, and dogs are welcome. The scenic pathway up Cowles Mountain makes it one of the most popular trails in San Diego County. Families can also enjoy amazing views of downtown San Diego, Mexico, North County, and Orange County. The trail can get steep at certain points, so it probably wouldn’t be ideal for younger children.
Annie’s Canyon Trail
PO Box 230634, Encinitas, CA 92023
If you’re looking for an easier, kid-friendly San Diego hike with just a few challenging portions, try Annie’s Canyon Trail. It features an easy 2-mile loop that includes paved trails and views of the newly restored San Elijo Lagoon. Additionally, you can wander along hiking paths that include tons of great photo opportunities. There is a steep climb on the return journey, so take note before bringing small children.
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
12600 N. Torrey Pines Road, San Diego, CA 92037
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve features outstanding scenic views, seeming like a wilderness island in an urban sea. This is home to one of the country’s rarest pine trees but also includes salt marshes and waterfowl refuges with broken cliffs and deep ravines. San Diego families can hike through kid-friendly trails around wild-sculpted pines with picturesque ocean views. The area’s rich plant community includes wildflowers that are a popular attraction in the springtime.
Mission Trails Regional Park
One Father Junipero Serra Trail, San Diego, CA 92119
Mission Trails Regional Park sits on 8,000 acres of natural and developed recreational acres. It includes rugged hills, valleys, and open areas, the perfect spot for San Diego families. This park even includes a Trail Tykes Toddler Program, which meets every Wednesday afternoon, every other Sunday morning, as well as every other Monday morning. This program is also free for San Diego families.
I Hope Your Family Loves These Incredible Kid-Friendly Hikes In San Diego
Hiking isn’t only a great form of exercise, but it can be a wonderful type of family fun. As a San Diego family and newborn photographer, I know of many local kid-friendly hikes in San Diego. With ocean views and spectacular plant life to explore, these local hikes are perfect for families with kids.
If you have been searching for the right photographer to help you capture these early years, I would love to connect! I know firsthand how important it is to cherish each memory. So I want to help you do it! I’m a San Diego family photographer who specializes in relaxing photo sessions that will result in pictures you’ll adore for years. Contact me today to find out more!