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5 easy walks around San Diego County with pretty views

Climbing a mountain is one way to take in San Diego County’s most scenic spots, but putting in so much effort isn’t always necessary to find a nice view.

These five easy hikes, from the coast to the country, are proof of that. Some hikers may categorize these paths more as walks than hikes, depending on skill level, but most will agree that the lookout points showcase some of the region’s most beautiful corners.

Old Seaworld Drive Bay Trail 

The best part of this 4.5 mile out-and-back walk is that hikers can experience a pleasant view for nearly the entire length of the trail. Starting along Old Sea World Drive, the paved path travels along the San Diego River, home to a variety of bird species and native plants. This is also a sweet spot to watch planes after they’ve taken off from the San Diego airport and head out over the ocean.

As they walk, hikers can take in the wildlife and sparkling blue water before the path eventually leads them out to a jetty. The hike is ideal for a few reasons; for one, it’s an easy walk, offering plenty of places to pause and gaze out over the river. It also takes hikers to the ocean, which is a perk of being in San Diego that should be taken advantage of whenever possible.

Location: Park on available shoulder space anywhere along Old Sea World Drive between Friars Road and West Mission Bay Drive.

Ramona Grasslands County Preserve

Head to the far eastern part of the county for this roughly 3-mile loop at the Ramona Grasslands County Preserve. If hikers go at the right time of year, such as in the spring after heavy rains, they’ll be gifted with idyllic green hills that inspire images of Julie Andrews frolicking and singing in “The Sound of Music.” But a hike through the preserve at any time of year will offer wide open spaces to admire, plus the chance to see the Santa Maria Creek and some of the more than 400 plant species at the preserve.

The trail follows a wide dirt path that is flat for the majority of the hike, featuring just a few inclines. Simple to navigate, the loop is ideal for families and larger groups, though keep in mind that hikers will share the trail with cyclists and equestrians, too. Hikers may also spot some gentle cows eating or resting along the side of the trail; give them space and appreciate them from a distance.

Location: Park at the large parking lot at the preserve’s trailhead, located on Highland Valley Road, east of Archie Moore Road, in Ramona. Take the trail that heads north into the preserve.

Rattlesnake Mountain

This trail is all about the views. Only about 200 yards long, the short dirt path steadily climbs to the top of Rattlesnake Mountain, located in Santee’s Rattlesnake Mountain Preserve, a 368-acre protected area managed by the Center for Natural Lands Management. Once at the top, hikers can take a seat on one of the benches and check out the 180-degree view, featuring Gillespie Field airport and Mission Trails Regional Park to the west and El Cajon Mountain towering in the distance to the east. Visitors will likely see small planes taking off from the airport below.

What’s special about this quick hike is that it offers one of the few opportunities to take in nature in an otherwise highly developed part of Santee. It’s comforting to know that hikers can easily find themselves atop a mountain overlooking East County without venturing too far off the beaten path.

Location: The trail can be accessed via the Sky Ranch neighborhood. Street parking is only available in certain sections of the neighborhood, but aim to park your car along Cala Lily Street, by Sky Ranch Park. The Rattlesnake Mountain trailhead starts at the intersection of Mariposa Street and Morella Street, so visitors can also park along Mariposa Street near the intersection with Mara Villa Street.

Scripps Coastal Meander Trail

Walk along a section of the California Coastal Trail, a public trail network that, once completed, will span 1,230 miles from Oregon to Mexico. The Scripps Coastal Meander Trail is a roughly 1.75-mile out-and-back path that follows the cliffs above the ocean in La Jolla, near the MESOM Laboratory at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. The ocean alone is a sight to behold, and the coastal sage scrub growing along the cliffs and trail add pops of greens, yellows and oranges to the otherwise blue scenery.

Location: The trail starts at the top of Biological Grade, off of La Jolla Shores Drive, and follows a mix of stairs, dirt and paved paths down as far as the beach. For a shortened version, stop at one of the benches that overlook the Ellen Browning Scripps Memorial Pier.

Sunset Cliffs

This guide wouldn’t be complete without the hike along Sunset Cliffs, one of San Diego County’s most prized views. On a perfect day — one with sunny skies, a gentle breeze and minimal crowds — Sunset Cliffs can feel otherworldly in its beauty. But even with cloudy conditions, the waves crashing on rocks below, unique vegetation and jagged cliffs make this place well worth a visit.

The easy 2-mile out-and-back hike begins at the Sunset Cliffs Natural Park, a 68-acre preserve located west of Point Loma Nazarene University. Hikers will follow a dirt path along the coast for the majority of the walk, though there are some sections where the dirt trail stops due to coastal erosion. In these areas, hikers will proceed on Sunset Cliffs Boulevard. As always, use caution when walking along the street. Walkers will find plenty of places to rest and take in the sea air along the journey as well.

Parking: To begin the hike, park at the Sunset Cliffs Natural Park, a 68-acre preserve located west of Point Loma Nazarene University.