Woman on a boardwalk at Buena Vista Lagoon in Carlsbad

Under the Radar Outdoors

Carlsbad may be known for beaches, but under the radar there’s a whole lot more to the great outdoors along its less crowded 7 miles of coastline. It’s home to a historic state park (with an upcoming holiday lights event!) and meditative hiking trails for tranquillity and forest bathing.

Week: 11.17.2021
Regions: Southern CA

Holiday at the Rancho

Hike at Leo Carrillo Rancho Historic Park in Carlsbad

Woman on a wide open trail at Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park
Woman hiking a trail at Leo Carillo Ranch Historic Park
Woman hiking among Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park
Visit the beautifully restored 27-acre Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park, a cultural gem in Carlsbad that can be explored as part of a serene 2-mile loop and has an upcoming holiday tree-lighting and festivities event.
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The Coast with the Most Adventures

Oregon Coast Adventure Guide

Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area
Boats on the Oregon Coast
woman on the Oregon Coast
The Oregon Coast isn't your average coast. Take a road trip through charming towns, see numerous historic lighthouses, explore shipwreck beaches, wander bustling promenades, or go “sandboarding” at the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area.
Explore the Oregon Coast

Hosp Grove Forest Bathing

Forest bathe on a 3-mile hike at the Hosp Grove Park in Carlsbad

Woman is walking into a eucalyptus forest in Hosp Grove Park in Carlsbad
Woman hiking and forest bathing in eucalyptus forest at Hosp Grove in Carlsbad
Woman hiking and forest bathing in eucalyptus forest at Hosp Grove in Carlsbad
Forest bathe as you wander among one of the densest displays of eucalyptus trees via an accessible 3-mile adventure at Hosp Grove Park in Carlsbad.
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Buena Vista Lagoon

Go on a Meditative Stroll at Buena Vista Lagoon in Carlsbad

Woman hiking on a boardwalk at Buena Vista Lagoon in Carlsbad
Woman hiking on a trail surrounded by foliage at Buena Vista Lagoon in Carlsbad
Woman standing at an overlook at Buena Vista Lagoon in Carlsbad
Woman walking on the ocean shoreline at Carlsbad City Beach
Take an easygoing wander at Buena Vista Lagoon in Carlsbad, then visit neighboring Carlsbad City Beach for a 1.25-mile out-and-back beach stroll that includes the lagoon’s connecting point with the Pacific Ocean.
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Trending Stories NorCal

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  1. Sponsored

    The 2025 Hiking Calendar Is Here!

    Ready to make hiking part of your New Year’s wellness plan? Get the all-new 2025 Hiking Calendar courtesy of Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST).

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  2. Two hikers at Bear Creek Redwoods Regional Preserve on a new trail.

    New Trails at Bear Creek

    Looking for new trails? Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve has added 170 acres of forest, grassland, and historical sites. Hike this 3.5-mile loop through the new addition.

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  3. Woman swimming in Carson Hotsprings natural thermal pool

    Hot Springs, Naturally

    Thermal spring waters are famous for their curative, relaxing elements, and Reno Tahoe is filled with them! Sink into these amazing thermal respites for a wellness super soak.

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  4. Drake Awakening

    Part salt water, part fresh water, Drake’s Estero is smack in the middle of Point Reyes, and one of only two marine wilderness areas in the entire nation. Yeah, it’s worth a look. Get the extended version by hiking right alongside it.

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Trending Stories SoCal

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  1. Weekend Sherpa Podcast
    Sponsored

    Weekend Sherpa Podcast: Take it Outside

    Adventure for your earbuds. What's new in the world of the outdoors? Listen to Weekend Sherpa co-founders discuss local hikes, beaches, bike rides, camping spots and all kinds of travel and adventure in California and beyond!

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  2. Boardwalking Bliss

    The Stanfield Preserve Boardwalk Trail traverses 1.6 miles of beautiful Big Bear Lake, giving you a chance to get up close to the lake without needing a boat. You’ll also enjoy some peaceful wildlife watching.

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  3. Get Into The Grove

    The 1.8-mile Oak Grove Park Loop trail in La Cañada is short, easy, and close to the city; meaning it’s a perfect destination for a quick holiday hike.

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  4. Woman hiking down the stairs to Coast Royale Beach in Orange County

    Secluded Royale

    Panoramic coastal views and a killer leg workout combine on this 2.7-mile (round-trip) out-and-back hike to secluded Coast Royale Beach in Orange County

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