Ellwood Mesa Coastal Trail offers an easy hike through eucalyptus forests, open fields, and coastal bluffs leading to stunning ocean views. Visitors can expect varied unimproved trails ideal for hiking, biking, running, and dog walking, with a notable Monarch butterfly grove and abundant birdwatching. The area is dog friendly but many dogs roam off leash. No restrooms are available on-site, and parking is free but street-based.
What to Expect:
🌿 Scenic eucalyptus groves and coastal bluffs
🐦 Excellent birdwatching and Monarch butterfly habitat
🚶♂️ Easy, varied hiking and biking trails
🐕 Dog-friendly with off-leash areas
🌊 Beach access and picturesque ocean views
Important Information:
– No public restrooms onsite
– Free parking on street and in lots nearby
– Trails mostly unpaved and moderately easy
– Beach access involves a steep climb down
Haley's Pick 🍽️
You probably know her as @milehighandhungry. Each week, Haley shares the one place she’s obsessed with right now. From hidden gems to hot new openings, if she picks it, it’s worth the hype.
Haley's Review of Riot BBQ
Riot BBQ on South Delaware feels like a backyard cookout run by a Top Chef, because it is. Chef Manny Barella and pitmaster Patrick Klaiber have teamed up to blend Monterrey flavors with Texas-style smoke, and the results are seriously craveable.
The brisket steals the show: tender, deeply smoky, and finished with Barella’s bold spice rub. Get it solo or wrapped in buttery Raquelita tortillas. The pulled pork brings heat with ancho, guajillo, and morita chiles, and the al pastor ribs are sticky, sweet, and slightly charred in all the right ways.
Even the sides are insanely good! Think crunchy pepita-macha slaw and banana pudding served in a jar that tastes just like childhood (but better). Every bite feels intentional.
It’s barbecue with heart, history, and just the right amount of heat. Riot BBQ isn’t just a meal, it’s a moment worth lining up for.
– Haley @milehighandhungry
📍 Local Insights
🌅 Visit at Sunrise or Late Afternoon: These times offer cooler weather and dramatic coastal lighting for photos and wildlife spotting.
🐕 Expect Many Off-Leash Dogs: While dogs are welcome, many roam off leash, so cautious dog owners should stay alert.
🦋 Monarch Butterfly Season: Winter months showcase impressive monarch butterfly gatherings in the eucalyptus grove.
🚶♀️ Explore Side Trails: Numerous interconnecting trails provide varied loop and out-and-back hikes to customize your adventure.
Review Sentiment
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Based on the 50 most recent Google reviews
Ellwood Mesa Coastal Trail is widely praised for its breathtaking ocean views, serene eucalyptus groves, and the Monarch butterfly grove. Visitors appreciate the easy trails suitable for a variety of activities including biking, running, and dog walking. While generally dog friendly, some note that leash rules are inconsistently enforced, and a few mention issues with homeless encampments and lack of restrooms.
Last updated on
January 9th, 2026
