San Diego County

Scenic Viewpoints and Peaks

Explore the diverse topography of San Diego County through this collection of coastal overlooks and inland summits. From the sandstone bluffs of Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve to the rugged peaks of Mission Trails Regional Park, these locations offer expansive views of the Pacific coastline, urban skylines, and the Peninsular Ranges. The list includes the challenging 'stairmaster' ascent of South Fortuna, the 360-degree panoramas of Cowles Mountain, and unique urban vantage points like the Spruce Street Suspension Bridge.

Scenic Viewpoints and Peaks — Map

Vannica Svay / CC BY-SA 4.0

A

Spruce Street Suspension Bridge

The “wiggly bridge” (as locals call it) offers beautiful view of green bushy valley. Great experience, unless you’re afraid of heights.

B

EB Scripps Overlook

Coastal vantage point in Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve overlooking Black's Beach and the Pacific Ocean.

C

View of Mission Bay

Elevated viewpoint providing a broad perspective of the Mission Bay aquatic park and the surrounding coastline.

D

Broken Hill Overlook

Vantage point in Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve featuring views of eroded sandstone formations and coastal sage scrub.

E

West Overlook

Westward-facing overlook within the trail system of Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve.

F

High Point

The highest elevation point within Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, offering 360-degree views of the reserve and the ocean.

G

D Street Viewpoint

Public coastal overlook in Encinitas situated above the D Street Beach access point.

H

Tern Point

Viewpoint overlooking the Batiquitos Lagoon ecological reserve and its migratory bird habitats.

I

Lyon Valley Road

Scenic roadway viewpoint in the rural landscape of Jamul, overlooking the Lyon Valley area.

J

Secret Beach Access

Coastal access trail in La Jolla providing vantage points over the Pacific Ocean.

K

Witch Creek Mountain

A 3,500-foot summit located in the Santa Ysabel area of East County San Diego.

L

Jamul Butte

Distinctive 1,400-foot peak located south of Jamul in the San Diego National Wildlife Refuge.

M

Donohoe Mountain

Summit in the Dulzura area offering views of the rugged backcountry near the international border.

N

Otay Mountain

The highest summit in the San Ysidro Mountains, reaching an elevation of 3,566 feet near the U.S.-Mexico border.

O

Rock Mountain

Peak located near San Miguel Mountain in the southern portion of San Diego County.

P

Mother Grundy Peak

Summit in the Jamul area known for its rugged terrain and views of the surrounding valleys.

Q

Little Tecate Peak

Peak located on the northern slopes of Tecate Mountain near the international border.

R

South Fortuna Mountain

A 1,094-foot peak in Mission Trails Regional Park known for its steep wooden staircase trail.

S

Kwaay Paay Peak

A 1,194-foot summit in Mission Trails Regional Park featuring a steep, direct ascent from the Kumeyaay Lake area.

T

North Fortuna Mountain

The highest point of the Fortuna ridge in Mission Trails Regional Park, reaching 1,291 feet.

U

Apex Mountain

High point located within the northern section of Mission Trails Regional Park.

V

Lyons Peak

Prominent 3,700-foot peak in the Cleveland National Forest, formerly the site of a fire lookout tower.

W

Cowles Mountain

Cowles Mountain is a prominent mountain located in the San Carlos neighborhood, within the city limits of San Diego.

X

Middle Earth

Rock climbing area and cliff face located within the rugged terrain of Mission Trails Regional Park.

Y

Middle Earth

Rock climbing area and cliff face located within the rugged terrain of Mission Trails Regional Park.

Z

Middle earth

Rock climbing area and cliff face located within the rugged terrain of Mission Trails Regional Park.

Sycuan Peak

A 2,800-foot summit in the Dehesa area offering expansive views of the Sweetwater River watershed.

McGinty Mountain

A 2,183-foot peak known for its unique gabbro soil and preservation of rare native plant species.

The Mesa

Elevated plateau area located near McGinty Mountain in East County.

Iron Mountain

Take a 6-mile-round hike up the mountain and enjoy the spectacular views. Moderate climbing and dogs allowed on the leash.

KWFN-FM (San Diego)

Radio transmission tower located on the summit of San Miguel Mountain.

KKLQ-FM (San Diego)

Broadcast antenna situated on the high ground of San Miguel Mountain.

KKLQ-AM (San Diego)

Telecommunications tower located on the summit of San Miguel Mountain.

San Diego Sheriff's Department

Public safety communications tower operated by the San Diego Sheriff's Department.

KUSI-TV (San Diego)

Television broadcast tower located on San Miguel Mountain.

KPBS-FM (San Diego)

Public radio transmission tower situated on the summit of San Miguel Mountain.

KSDO-AUX-FM (San Diego)

Auxiliary radio broadcast tower located on San Miguel Mountain.

KTTY-TV (San Diego)

Television transmission antenna located on the summit of San Miguel Mountain.

KPBS-TV (San Diego)

Public television broadcast tower situated on San Miguel Mountain.

KNSD-TV (San Diego)

Television transmission tower located on the high point of San Miguel Mountain.

KECR-FM (El Cajon)

Radio broadcast antenna located on San Miguel Mountain.

KECR-AM (El Cajon)

AM radio transmission tower located in the El Cajon area.

KSDO-AM (San Diego)

Radio transmission tower located in the Santee area.

NKX Weather Radar (NOAA)

NEXRAD weather radar station operated by NOAA, located near Miramar.

KGB-FM (San Diego)

Radio broadcast tower located on the summit of Cowles Mountain.

KKLQ-FM (San Diego)

Telecommunications antenna situated on the peak of Cowles Mountain.

KPBS-FM (San Diego)

Radio transmission tower located on the summit of Cowles Mountain.

KSON-FM (San Diego)

Radio broadcast tower situated on the peak of Cowles Mountain.

Lawson Peak

Granite peak in the Cleveland National Forest known for its boulder formations and small caves.