Best Beach Hikes in Southern California

Surrounded by hills and mountain ranges, Southern California is a paradise for hiking near the beach – and going to the beach in general. Here are some of the best beach hikes in SoCal.

Torrey Pines State Reserve (San Diego)

This nature park runs from Torrey Pines Rd to the sea, and is full of amazing viewpoints and secluded entry points to the beach and headlands.

San Clemente Beach Trail (Orange County)

This beach boardwalk runs for 2 miles along San Clemente’s shores and train tracks. Experience views of the ocean for the entirety of this trail!

Bill Wallace El Capitan Trail (Goleta, Santa Barbara)

Santa Barbara is a gorgeous Southern Californian coastal city backed by mountains, so naturally it has TONS of beach hikes and trails to explore

Treasure Island Park, Laguna Beach

This beautiful park has interesting Californian flowers, succulents, and other plants blossoming around trimmed grassy pastures that hug the bluffy coastline.

Montaña de Oro State Park (San Louis Obispo)

This State Park is blessed with DOZENS of miles of beautiful hiking and mountain biking trails, both right next to the sea and high above it.

Tuna Canyon (Malibu, LA)

This one doesn’t take you too close to the beach, but rather presents you with a gorgeous high-up view of the big blue horizon – or rather the entire Santa Monica Bay.

Point Mugu (Malibu, LA)

Point Mugu is the quintessential beach hike – beginning at the beach, summiting at a gorgeous viewpoint right above it where you can hear the waves, and then returning to it again