Hiking in So-Cal: Recommendations?

I’m going to be working in the Riverside, CA area over the next couple weeks, and I may have a day or two free one weekend to do something fun. I’m thinking beach and/or hiking. I’m really leaning toward the hiking, if I can’t do both.

I’ve been taking a look at the various parks and trails within an hour drive of my hotel in Moreno Valley. There are some beautiful places to hike. I’m considering either the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park or the San Bernardino National Forest.

Can anyone recommend a good place to hike in this area?

Also, where can one buy pepper spray? Since I’ll most likely be out there alone, I want to have something to protect myself.

Thanks all!