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Sea Cliff County Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 170 Google reviews · Running trail in Encinitas, California · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Sea Cliff County Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Serene park offering tide pools and views of the ocean, along with steps to the adjacent beach.
What runners say about Sea Cliff County Park
“Great place to stretch and walk miles alongside highway 101 with the most amazing scenic view of the beautiful Golden State California!”
Beautiful park at the edge of the Pacific Ocean. Great view point but also to hit the water. There is a narrow beach at the bottom of the cliff. I used the park as the starting point for a run. Going south makes for a great run, not keep your eyes on the tide. You may have to climb on and over the rocks.
Actually we call the place Swamies, not sure if that's a local name but that's what everybody knows and ask. Anyway it's a very nice little park We stopped there while we were on a 27 mi bike ride. It's very scenic, has clean bathrooms and very well kept. Plenty of available parking.
Great place to stretch and walk miles alongside highway 101 with the most amazing scenic view of the beautiful Golden State California! Plenty of FREE PARKING. There's also camping for a fee though. Overall, love it!
Trail conditions & character
“Great place to stretch and walk miles alongside highway 101 with the most amazing scenic view of the beautiful Golden State California!”
“Stairs from the parking lot go directly to the beach, but its a climb back up with 100+ steps.”
“Its a good time and nice tide on the surf line got the stairs bathrooms at top so dont wait last minute and you have the greenery behind you .”
Plan your run at Sea Cliff County Park
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Encinitas
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Encinitas Community Park
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44-acre recreational area featuring multi-use sports fields, a huge skate park & open space.
D Street Viewpoint
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Park featuring restrooms, benches, and an ocean overlook, plus stairs down to the beach.
Encinitas Viewpoint Park
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Children's play equipment, picnic facilities, and ocean views are features of this park.
Cottonwood Creek Park
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City park offering basketball & tennis courts, a gazebo, picnic facilities & a kids' play area.
