Louis Stelzer County Park sprawls across 310 acres of oak woodland and coastal sage scrub in Lakeside, just east of San Diego. The landscape here feels genuinely wild—you’ll walk under gnarled oak trees and through native brush that’s home to plenty of birds, which makes it worth bringing binoculars along with your dog’s leash.

The park allows leashed dogs on all its trails, which is the main reason to come here if you’re looking for a proper hike with your dog rather than just a quick walk around town. The trails wind through the natural terrain without being overly manicured, so there’s actual vegetation to navigate and interesting scenery as you go. You’ll see native plants and have decent chances of spotting raptors or other wildlife typical to San Diego’s inland areas.

Bring water for both of you—there’s no shade for long stretches on some routes, and the sun exposure can be significant depending on which trails you choose. The park includes picnic areas if you want to make a longer day of it, though you’ll want to plan around midday heat if you’re visiting in summer. The ground can get rocky in places, so watch your dog’s paws and your own footing.

Parking is available near the main park entrance. The trails aren’t heavily crowded, especially on weekday mornings, which makes it a good spot if your dog prefers quieter outdoor spaces or if you just want to avoid fighting for trailhead parking. Most people come here specifically for hiking rather than casual walking, so the atmosphere tends to be more focused on actually getting outside rather than socializing.