Hike in San Diego year round

Many people love San Diego’s mild weather and chill vibe. After all, it’s considered America’s Finest City! When it comes to outdoor adventures there’s more to do than walk on the beach or visit the downtown. I recently did a couple of epic ocean cliff hikes that blew my mind! One is short and tough, the other is long and easy. My favorite part is that they are free activities!

La Jolla’s Ho Chi Minh trail

If you are super adventurous and want epic ocean cliff views then you must do this hike!! It is a short paradise technical hike that leads to the ocean. If you take the right uphill trail you get the epic views from the top. It is extremely refreshing to breathe in the breezy ocean air and wind down at nature’s speed.

I wore hiking boots but others did the hike barefoot in bikinis and others carrying surfboards. There is one part at the end of the ocean that is a bit sketchy. Basically you need to hug the wall for 5-10 feet to continue on the trail. Your feet are planted on the slanted ground so it’s best to have shoes with good tread. I was not scared but someone could be with the 20+ foot drop below. You don’t have to go this far on the trail if you don’t want. Another idea is taking the other right trail to the top of the hill that forks off after the wooden beam crossing.

Ho Minh trail activity ideas

Picnic
Surfing
Hiking
Photography
Beach Walk
Workout

How to find the trailhead

The entrance is hidden behind a bush across from the house at 9885 La Jolla Farms Road, La Jolla, CA. There’s two path choices but if you got uphill on the right there are epic ocean views.

Sunset Cliffs Natural Park

If you prefer a casual stroll along a scenic San Diego coastline then this is your spot! You can hop off the lower cliffs into pools of water, sit on a blanket near the rocks, or walk around and get in some mileage. You can park in one of the several parking lots along the coast or on the street.

When I visited it was windy so you may want to bring a hoodie or light jacket. It was not too busy in the morning around 9:30am on the weekend, only a handful of families and joggers. For photographers, this is a great spot for sunset shots!