Dog-friendly, scenic, and perfect for a casual stroll
As much as I love the idea of an intense hike… it’s not something I choose to do often. My husband loves them, but I’m more of a vibe walker. I love a good trail, beautiful views, and a nice coffee to sip on while I stroll. I’m a stroller hahaha.
On days when I want to make it more of a workout, these trails are perfect. You can walk, jog, or do a few laps to get in a good amount of steps. They’re all easy, safe, and have just the right amount of people – never too crowded, but not too quiet either.
I usually go in the mornings (my favorite time to walk), and these trails are always a great way to start the day. Plus, they’re all dog-friendly, so our pup gets to enjoy them too.
Let’s get into my favorite easy trails and hikes in North County San Diego.
Quick Reminder
Please remember to pick up after yourself and your dog, stay on the designated paths, and respect the wildlife. North County has so many beautiful natural spaces – let’s keep them that way.
Easy Walking Trails in San Diego (North County)
1. Batiquitos Lagoon (Carlsbad)
My absolute favorite trail. This is the one I do most often – it’s also where I trained for two half marathons! The loop is about 3 miles and you can enter from either side of the trail.
It’s peaceful, scenic, and full of wildlife. You’ll see birds, plants, and sometimes fish jumping in the water. It’s one of those trails that feels different every time you go. Perfect for an early morning walk or an easy jog.
2. San Dieguito Lagoon (Del Mar)
Another favorite, and our dog loves this one. The trail is flat, easy, and open – great for a casual walk or light run. You’ll often see horses along the path and plenty of locals out getting their steps in.
It’s a great, easy walking trail in North County San Diego that still gives you that “outdoorsy” feeling without being too remote.
3. Calavera Lake Trail (Carlsbad/Oceanside)
This area has a few different trails to choose from – and fun fact: there’s an extinct volcano here! Yep, that big hill you see is an old volcano.
You can hike to the top (that’s more of a real hike-hike – uphill and a little intense), or stay on the flatter loop around the lake. It’s mostly even terrain with a few small inclines. Very dog-friendly, and you’ll see families, runners, and other walkers out here.
If you take the longer route, it’s around 5 miles and a nice mix of scenery.
4. San Elijo Lagoon (Encinitas)
This one is a great local trail and super easy to access. It’s mostly flat with slight inclines, and it connects a few different loops, so you can choose how long you want to go.
There are ADA-accessible sections made with a wooden boardwalk, and there’s a lovely nature center if you want to learn about the plants and wildlife in the area. It’s peaceful, clean, and one of the best maintained trails in North County.
5. South Lake Park (San Marcos) – Lilac Trail
We found this one online because of the lilacs that bloom here in the spring. We haven’t caught a full bloom yet (still hoping for that!), but the trail itself is beautiful.
It’s a loop with a slight incline, mostly flat, and circles around a lake where you’ll often see people fishing. Another dog-friendly trail, and a great spot to go for a family walk or an easy solo stroll.
Easy Walking Trails
If you’re looking for easy trails in North County San Diego, these are the ones I keep going back to. They’re beautiful, safe, dog-friendly, and perfect whether you want a morning walk, a quick jog, or just a calm place to unwind with your coffee.
So grab your sneakers, leash up your pup, and hit one of these local favorites. You’ll see why I love them so much.
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About the author: Hey there! I’m Julia, a passionate theme park and travel writer. My love for theme parks has fueled my obsession with sharing tips and adventures for years. Join me as I uncover the magic of San Diego and beyond!
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