🚶 Easy & flat
Easy walking paths in SoCal
Curated by Simir Shah
13 spots within 60 miles of 92692
Newport Back Bay Loop Trail
Newport Beach
A flat paved loop (~10.5 mi, do any segment) around the Upper Newport Bay wetlands. Stroller and wheelchair friendly.
🗓️ Year-round
Get directions →Anaheim Coves Trail
Anaheim
A ~3-mile paved out-and-back along the Santa Ana River with a playground and fitness area.
🗓️ Year-round
Get directions →Huntington Beach Strand
Huntington Beach
A ~10-mile paved oceanfront path; the first ~2 miles are accessible for strollers and wheelchairs.
🗓️ Year-round
Get directions →Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve Loop
Huntington Beach
A boardwalk over the bay plus a ~1.5-mile stroller-friendly wetland loop. Free.
🗓️ Sunrise-sunset
Get directions →Santa Ana River Trail (Fairmount Park to Van Buren)
Riverside
A fully paved, well-used flat river segment. Easy walking or biking.
🗓️ Year-round
Get directions →Long Beach Shoreline Bike Path
Long Beach
A 4.5-mile flat paved shoreline path with separated ped/bike lanes, Catalina and skyline views, plus surrey rentals at Shoreline Village.
🗓️ Year-round
Get directions →Batiquitos Lagoon Trail
Carlsbad
A wide flat ~3-mile path with interpretive signs; handicap-accessible and strollers allowed.
🗓️ Year-round
Get directions →Coastal Rail Trail
Encinitas
A wide paved path linking coastal Encinitas; mind passing bikes.
🗓️ Year-round
Get directions →San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve
Encinitas
Flat lagoon trails with boardwalk bridges and good birdwatching. Free.
🗓️ Year-round
Get directions →The Strand (Marvin Braude Bike Trail) - Manhattan/Redondo
Manhattan Beach
Flat paved beachfront path along the sand, part of the ~22-mile South Bay coastal trail.
🗓️ Year-round
Get directions →LA River Bike Path (Elysian Valley / Frogtown)
Los Angeles
A flat paved route of 7+ miles with accessible parking and picnic spots along the LA River.
🗓️ Year-round
Get directions →Lake Hemet paved path
Mountain Center
Paved lakeside path near Idyllwild with ducks, pines and picnicking.
🗓️ Year-round
Get directions →Desert View Loop Trail (top of Palm Springs Aerial Tramway)
Palm Springs · Walking path
A mostly flat 1.7-mile loop through pines with several overlooks, restrooms and picnic tables. Requires paid tram ride.
🗓️ Year-round
💵 Paid tram
Get directions →Get more easy outings near you
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best easy, flat walking paths in Southern California?
Family favorites include the Newport Back Bay Loop in OC, the Long Beach Shoreline path, Mission Bay's paved loops in San Diego, Batiquitos and San Elijo Lagoon trails in North County, and the Bolsa Chica boardwalk in Huntington Beach — all flat and scenic. Use the finder above to find the closest.
Which walking paths are stroller- and wheelchair-friendly?
The paved coastal and bay paths are best: the Long Beach Shoreline path, Mission Bay paths, Batiquitos Lagoon Trail, the Alpine Pedal Path in Big Bear, and the Bay-to-Park Paseo downtown are all wide, flat and accessible. Each listing notes access details where known.
Are these walking paths free?
Almost all are free to walk; a few beachfront paths use paid state-beach parking lots (you can also often find free street parking nearby). Each listing shows cost and you can filter to free-only above.