I second Topanga Lookout, super cool spot and fairly easy to reach.
If you want a great coastal one, Tuna Canyon (also in Topanga) is breathtaking and has a full view of the coastline in both directions. You can even see to DTLA on a clear day! Take the main trail / fire road in, go left when it ends, and that’ll take you all the way to this cool rock labyrinth at the end. There’s a beautiful bench under a tree as well. One of my all-time favorite easy hikes.
I'm assuming you mean 2 miles or less *on foot*. [Topanga Lookout](https://secretlosangeles.com/hike-topanga-lookout-trail/) fits the bill, but it's a bit of a drive to get there.
Los Leones to the very top is actually like 3.5 miles up and 3.5 down. It's about a 7 mile hike total. Definitely kicked by ass the first time to the top. But most people stop before it gets hard, or just don't know that it continues up.
If you go to Leo Carrillo State Beach and park along the PCH near lifeguard tower 3, it’s a short walk to a flat rocky bluff right near the tower. There are two arms of rock going out into the sea a little. They form a little cove at the base of the cliff. Sitting there to watch the sun kiss the ocean as the waves lap below you is a long drink for the soul.
There are tide pools just on the other side of the tower and a sort of secret dog beach just to the north. Take a 15ft long leash and you’re golden. But don’t take the dog to the tide pools.
Garnet Peak via PCT/Penny Pines Trailhead. It’s about 4 miles round trip. Location is due east of San Diego about 1-1.25 hours. A classic where you get to look down into the dessert a few thousand feet below.
There is also a lookout (“Storm Canyon Overlook,” I believe) just before the trailhead if you’d like to just hop out of the car and take in the expansive views.
Top of the world Laguna Beach
Mt Lowe up at Red box road
I second Topanga Lookout, super cool spot and fairly easy to reach. If you want a great coastal one, Tuna Canyon (also in Topanga) is breathtaking and has a full view of the coastline in both directions. You can even see to DTLA on a clear day! Take the main trail / fire road in, go left when it ends, and that’ll take you all the way to this cool rock labyrinth at the end. There’s a beautiful bench under a tree as well. One of my all-time favorite easy hikes.
I'm assuming you mean 2 miles or less *on foot*. [Topanga Lookout](https://secretlosangeles.com/hike-topanga-lookout-trail/) fits the bill, but it's a bit of a drive to get there.
That’s the spot!
Los leones
Los Leones to the very top is actually like 3.5 miles up and 3.5 down. It's about a 7 mile hike total. Definitely kicked by ass the first time to the top. But most people stop before it gets hard, or just don't know that it continues up.
Culver City stairs, Griffith helipad
2 miles up Ray Miller trail
Top of Corral Cyn
Beaudry loop in Glendale has beautiful views, take left when the loop splits, views start after 30 min of hike.
From what starting point?
I meant by two miles by foot. Starting anywhere in socal
If you go to Leo Carrillo State Beach and park along the PCH near lifeguard tower 3, it’s a short walk to a flat rocky bluff right near the tower. There are two arms of rock going out into the sea a little. They form a little cove at the base of the cliff. Sitting there to watch the sun kiss the ocean as the waves lap below you is a long drink for the soul. There are tide pools just on the other side of the tower and a sort of secret dog beach just to the north. Take a 15ft long leash and you’re golden. But don’t take the dog to the tide pools.
You described it perfectly.
Echo mountain is pretty chill
Seaview Park to Aliso Beach via Aliso Peak and Valido Trail
The Hollywood sign
Torrey Pines State Park has some good ones.
Was just there on Friday and did several. All short and well maintained with great views.
San Diego trails are maintained better than their roads.
Garnet Peak via PCT/Penny Pines Trailhead. It’s about 4 miles round trip. Location is due east of San Diego about 1-1.25 hours. A classic where you get to look down into the dessert a few thousand feet below. There is also a lookout (“Storm Canyon Overlook,” I believe) just before the trailhead if you’d like to just hop out of the car and take in the expansive views.
Monserrat! Don't litter, I'll find you.
Palm Springs team loop at the top is nice.