Free and Fun Hikes around San Diego

Hiking doesn’t have to be an all-day adventure or cost an arm and a leg to organize. In a city like San Diego, where there is no shortage of warm sunny days, there are plenty of easy, fun and free hikes to explore. Join me as we highlight a couple of the easier to access trails close to the city.

Batiquitos Lagoon Trail

The Batiquitos Lagoon Trail is one of the few remaining coastal wetland areas accessible to the public. Located along the north shore of the lagoon, just east of I-5, the trail runs 1.6 miles in length. Primary access to the trail is via Batiquitos drive, off Gabbiano Lane. There is a small parking area located at the trailhead as well as street parking available.

The Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation operates a lovely Nature Center at the start of the trailhead. Hours of operation are daily from 9am-3pm, depending on volunteer availability. This is a great stop before or after your hike, especially for kids. There are many animal displays to get a great idea of what you might see while on the trail. They also offer a scavenger hunt to keep kids engaged during your hike. Restrooms and water are available at the nature center.

The trail is an easy, flat walk, shaded in many areas, making this a great option for warm summer days! Leashed dogs are allowed on the trail but bikes are not allowed. According to the Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation, over 200 species of birds have been spotted in the Lagoon. This is a great place to come for bird watchers! You may also see other species along your walk, especially on warm days, including local lizards and snakes.

The trail is popular and can be busy, especially on the weekends and during warmer days. However, even on busier days, it rarely seems too crowded. My favorite time of year to use the trail is during the winter and spring months as it tends to be less crowded.

Annie’s Canyon Trail

Annie’s Canyon Trail is part of the San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve in Solana Beach. The Reserve offers over 7 miles of hiking trails as well as a Nature Center. The slot canyon trail is one of the most unique and popular trails in north San Diego.

There are multiple access sites to trailheads taking you to Annie’s Canyon, many with free parking. Be mindful as some parking is in residential areas. Do not block driveways and ensure you are not parked in red or yellow or ‘no parking’ zones. One access point is via 900 North Rios Ave., Solana Beach, which offers residential street parking. From here your hike starts along the Rios Trail, which is an easy, flat walk 0.45 miles East to the start of Annie’s Canyon Trail. Alternatively, you can park just west of I-5 at 450 Solana Hills Dr, Solana Beach. From here, you take the Solana Hills Trail West 0.6 miles to the start of Annie’s Canyon Trail.

Annie’s Canyon Trail is a 0.25 mile hike that winds through a narrow slot canyon and ends with a scenic overlook of the lagoon out to the Pacific Ocean. Some of the passages do get quite narrow so if you suffer from claustrophobia, keep that in mind. There is a short ladder at the end of the canyon so if you have small kids or mobility issues, keep this in mind. While dogs are permitted on trails in the San Elijo Lagoon Reserve, they are not recommended on Annie’s Canyon Trail. This trail may close for brief periods of time after heavy rains. It is always recommended to check the county website for park updates and closure notices.

Keep in mind that Annie’s Canyon Trail can get very crowded on weekends and holidays. If you are able to visit during the week, it should be less busy and more enjoyable.

More Free and Fun Hikes around San Diego

There are many free and fun hikes around San Diego. The above are just a small sampling of what’s available. For more complete listings, check out the San Diego County website for a listing of all trails.