Cedar Creek Falls, Cleveland National Forest

The most well-known waterfall in San Diego is Cedar Creek. The falls are located in Cleveland National Forest, which is situated in the city's eastern foothills and is about an hour's drive from downtown. Permits are necessary to visit the falls since they have become such a famous adventure destination.

This San Diego landmark location offers much in the way of beautiful scenery, great exercise and a natural watering hole. But to get to the falls, you'll need a permit and a 6.6-mile round-trip hike that's moderate to challenging. The trail rises 1,000 feet in height and passes through exposed and hot terrain. Prepare for a lengthy and hot hike, but the stunning 80-foot Cedar Creek Falls plunging into a great swimming pool will be well worth it. During the summer, the falls are usually not in use, it's totally dry, and the highest flow falls in the winter and spring.