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1. 
   Southern CA

   Now This is Some Star Power!

   SoCal’s real star power … is up in the sky! Make some plans to see the brighter side of shorter days at some prominent parks and local outings that celebrate all things celestial: moon, stars, space, and planets.

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2. 
   Northern CA

   Long Live Summer!

   As we approach the final stretch of summer, savor the good stuff. These popular summer adventures made a lasting impression, and can help make your summer last just a little bit longer...

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3. 
   Southern CA

   Summer's Home Run

   As we hit the home stretch on summer, we’re playing the long game. These outdoor adventures were popular over the season, and can help your summer linger just a little bit longer.

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4. 
   Sponsored

   2026-08-18

   Autumn Magic in Yosemite Mariposa County

   Yosemite Mariposa County is where golden moments unfold all season long. Watch autumn’s warm glow settle over El Capitan and Half Dome, then wander among Mariposa Grove’s giant seq

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5. 
   Northern CA

   Whale What Do We Have Here?

   Usually it’s migrating gray whales that are the star sightings on the California coast, but recently humpback whales are appearing quite close to shore here in the Bay Area, as they feast on fish. Who knows how much longer the buffet will last, but there are some great hikes where you might get bonus humpback whale sightings in the next week or so… go big!

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6. 
   Southern CA

   LA Stairway Culture

   Los Angeles is filled with stairway networks that bring not only great vistas but some cool culture too. From a Pacific Palisades gem designed to resemble Italy’s Amalfi Coast, to a stairway adorned by Hollywood history, here are three stairway walks worth stepping up (and down) for.

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7. 
   Northern CA

   No Reservations Camping and Backpacking

   Some camping and backpacking spots hit their stride in later summer, and don't require a reservation, just good timing, planning, and a little luck. From a backpacking adventure to a shimmering lake in Tahoe National Forest, to walk-in gems on the Sonoma Coast and a few first-come, first-served sites under a canopy of redwoods in Anderson Valley, these camp spots are ready if you are. Campface!

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8. 
   Southern CA

   How Do You Lake It?

   Time for a lake break! Now’s a good time to head out to some of California’s premiere oases. These three California adventures include refreshing lake stops that add some sparkle to your summer plans.

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9. 
   Northern CA

   Picnic With a View

   Room with a view, table with a view... picnic with a view! These three picnic (and BBQ) spots in the North Bay will elevate your charcuterie game.

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10. 
    Southern CA

    LA Hikes + French Bakery Bonuses

    Hikes and urban walks aren’t Olympic sports, yet. But that doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate the 2024 Paris games and some 2028 LA enthusiasm! Do these less-traveled LA trails where after the sweat come the sweets! As in, some of LA’s tastiest French bakeries. Here we goooooo!

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11. 
    Northern CA

    Sunsets & Stargazing

    Look up! Summer nights are some of the best for lingering sunsets and stargazing glories. We've rounded up a backpacking beach trip, an observatory star party, and a prime city-to-sea vantage for observing sunsets and celestial events, including the Perseid meteor shower (peaking August 11).

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12. 
    Southern CA

    Celestial Style

    Summer nights bring lingering sunsets, full moon bliss, and meteor shower shows like the Perseid, currently active and peaking August 11. Check out these top places for hikes and campsites to soak in SoCal, celestial style.  

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13. 
    Northern CA & Southern CA

    Wild Wonders of California

    Desert, forest, city, coast—four of the Golden State’s most wild, dynamic, and resilient ecosystems—are featured in California: State of Nature, a new exhibition at the California Academy of Sciences. We’re sharing some of the best places for outdoor adventures in these ecosystems, and providing a peek inside the exhibition. Plus enter for a complimentary 2-Night Getaway on California’s “secret coast" and 4 tickets to the CA Academy of Sciences!

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14. 
    Northern CA

    Redwoods to Wildflowers

    Mid-summer break: Stop and smell the flowers, see the forest for the trees. These three hikes feature some of the Bay Area’s most iconic flora—from redwoods to roses, even some summer wildflowers ... with beautiful vistas too!

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15. 
    Sponsored

    2026-08-18

    Autumn Magic in Yosemite Mariposa County

    Yosemite Mariposa County is where golden moments unfold all season long. Watch autumn’s warm glow settle over El Capitan and Half Dome, then wander among Mariposa Grove’s giant seq

    View
16. 
    Southern CA

    Glowing Summer Adventures

    Brighten up your summer nights with adventures that bring some cool light! From a star-gazing campground and an upcoming Star Fest, to the silver shoreline flashes of amazing grunion fish runs, here are three fun ways to see what glows in the night.

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17. 
    Northern CA & Southern CA

    Where to Camp in CA: Part 2

    It's not easy getting the good stuff for camping, but with some planning ahead, or some luck with first come, first serves, it can be a magical experience. Here's our recommendations on where to sleep under the stars, and near the water, in California.

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18. 
    Southern CA

    Fourthcoming Outdoors

    Happy 4th! Things are heating up, so your best bet might be to keep things close to the coast. Here are a few WS favorites that'll have you down by the shore.

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19. 
    Northern CA

    4th Shore!

    Happy 4th! Mother Nature sure cranked the heat for this one. So your best bet might be to head for the shore … here are a few WS favorite coastal excursions.

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20. 
    Southern CA

    Okay, Cool (Hikes, Beaches, Camps)

    When the heat's on in SoCal, nature's air conditioning can help if you know where to go. From camping at the beach, to seaside strolls, and high elevation hiking and bouldering, here are a few ways to help keep your cool and have a lot of fun too!

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21. 
    Northern CA

    Waterside Rides

    Waterside bike rides come in all types thanks to Northern California’s dynamic environments. From a bike-in beach to bike rides by beautiful Bair Island and iconic Golden Gate views, here are three ways to pedal down by the bay, the sea, or the slough!

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22. 
    Southern CA & Northern CA

    Waterfall Summer Hikes

    Some waterfall hikes are still spectacles even in early summer, especially after a snow-packing winter. From less known waterworks in the far reaches of both Yosemite and Shasta County, to a stunner in a neighboring state, here are three ways to have a waterfall start to summer.

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