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Trails

Lake Drive Trail

TRAIL STATUS: CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE (updated 06.24.25)

Repairs to the trail and storm drain pipes are underway as a result of heavy rainfall. For your safety, please remain off of the trails until maintenance is complete.
DIFFICULTY: Easy
DISTANCE (ROUND-TRIP): 1.3 miles (to hilltop overlook and back)
TIME: 40 min
HOURS: Sunrise to sunset
RESTROOMS: No
BICYCLES: No
PETS/ANIMALS: Leashed dogs welcome
ENTRANCE: Near the intersection of Sea Village Way + Lake Dr (Cardiff-by-the-Sea, CA) See map
CLOSEST PUBLIC TRANSIT: Highway 101 + Chesterfield (Cardiff-by-the-Sea, CA) See map
PARKING: On-street, please park along Sea Village Way.
TERRAIN: Uneven terrain, narrow trail, includes inclines + declines.

Beautiful Views

Lake Drive trail includes plant communities of Diegan coastal sage scrub, southern maritime chaparral, and maritime succulent scrub.

Ready for amazing new hiking in San Diego County? Then enjoy traveling this fresh trail! Join us in restoring habitat at Lake Drive – learn more about our Volunteer Opportunities.

Did you know? Nature Collective cares for many of your favorite hikes, like Lake Drive Trail. We help maintain paths, lead native habitat restoration, remove trash, and share knowledge with the community.

Please donate $2 to keep your beloved experiences protected.

Keep an eye out for:

No. 1

Local student artwork

along the trail, which highlights a selection of native plants + animals that call this place home.

No. 2

Awe-inspiring views

of the Pacific Ocean + a great place to see a sunset.

No. 3

An excellent look

at the San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve.

What to expect

The trailhead can be found along Sea Village Way, which is also where you can park.
The start of the trail requires you to walk down a relatively steep hill that has some uneven terrain, so be wary of roots.
Continue heading downhill, following the trail lined with Sagebrush and enjoy feeling the ocean breeze. You will come across some portions of uneven terrain caused from water erosion and will also notice storm drains displaying some beautiful art creating by Canyon Crest Academy students.

After passing the last painted storm drain, you will be required to walk up and down some steeper portions of the trail. Keep in mind the trail also becomes slightly narrower.
You will then come to the end of the trail, a platform from where you can take in gorgeous views of the lagoon.
To return, use the same trail and be sure to keep an eye out for all five painted storm drains. Admire the painted culvert at the start of the trail which is a perfect place to view the ocean.

On your hike, you might see . . .

Mojave Yucca

is recognized by the clusters of long, sharp leaves that are carried at the end of a thick trunk and by the leaf edges that produce long, curly fibers. More info

View Full Plant Guide