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1. 
   Northern CA

   Hike San Francisco!

   No disrespect to our beautiful parks, but you can go on an amazing hike right in the city! San Francisco is one of the country's most walkable and beautiful cities—and a perfect place to take a hike (including one that's a historical treasure hunt).

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2. 
   Southern CA

   Water Hikes

   Summer in SoCal—hot, and dry right now, due to drought. Fortunately, LA’s still got some treasured and less-known waterworks for chilling out. Here are three to visit and appreciate.

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3. 
   Sierra Nevada

   No Reservations Backpacking and Camping

   No reservation? No problem! Well, at least if you have a few of these tips on camping and backpacking in California. From first-come, first-served camping, to no quotas on wilderness backpacking, here are three places to go for summer.

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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. 
   Southern CA

   From Sea to Summit

   America's birthday is coming in hot. These summer classic adventures go from the sea to summits: Hike-in beaches, mellow redwood wanders (in SoCal), and panoramic peak hikes await. Go fourth the great outdoors!

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6. 
   Northern CA

   Beaches, Bike Rides, Campsites

   America’s birthday is this weekend. And, well, it’s been quite a year. Take a deep breath at a hike-in beach, pedal a car-free bike trail, or score a first-come first-served campsite.

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7. 
   Northern CA

   Coastal Bliss in Mendocino

   Ready, set, take it easy! The Mendocino Coast is a great way to ease into summer. The dramatic coastline offers fantastic hiking, incredible sunsets, romantic lighthouses, a vibrant botanical garden, and plenty more.

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8. 
   Southern CA

   AdVentura Time!

   Kick off the official start of the season with a big adVentura. Ventura pops with summer delights like a riverside bike trail to Ojai, plus lakeside hiking, camping, boating, and epic disc golf too.

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9. 
   Southern CA

   Outdoor Education

   Among the best places to enjoy art, sculptures, and botanical gardens? College campuses during summer are lovely places to stroll, observe natural beauty and creative art outdoors, plus find surprises like a nearby beach. Here are a few to see.

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10. 
    Northern CA

    Oh That's Cool

    Since you can't crank the air conditioning outdoors, we found some ways to beat the heat and cool down, courtesy of nature. From coastal bike rides to redwood hikes and picnics, here are some ways to chill outside.

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11. 
    Northern CA

    Truly Baymazing Adventures

    The San Francisco Bay is the heartbeat of our region, and these ridge rambling hikes and adventures from the East Bay to right on the Bay have amazing iconic views, and some really cool surprises too.

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12. 
    Southern CA

    Lake Hikes

    Water is a scarce resource these days. Pay homage to it and enjoy the precious view hiking beside these lovely lakes and reservoirs in North San Diego County.

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13. 
    Northern CA

    Bike-In Beaches

    Summer, beaches, bike rides ... is there a better triple play? Grab summer by the handlebars and ride your bike to the beach. These three bike-in-beaches are ready to roll.

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14. 
    Southern CA

    Hidden Long Beach

    Think you know Long Beach? We’ve got some twists for you! Visit its less-known regional park, take a mural art walk beyond the beach, and double up on water attractions combining two urban lagoons on a local hike. Go Long!

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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. 
    Northern CA

    Official Hikes for the Unofficial Start of Summer

    The unofficial start of summer kicks off this weekend, so start it with a long sweet hike. Here are five to set your sights on.

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17. 
    Southern CA

    Summer Kick-Off Hikes

    The unofficial start of summer means just one thing: official summer hikes! Blaze your trails from Nevada to LA.

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18. 
    Reno

    Bright Lights and the Great Outdoors

    Is there a city with easier access to the great outdoors than Reno? In 15 minutes you can be on hiking trails to waterfalls and big Sierra views. Or right in town you can enjoy walks and bike rides beside the Truckee River, which cuts right through downtown Reno.

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19. 
    Southern CA

    Lookout for Panoramas!

    Lookout hikes are popular because the looking out from them looks really good! And these three viewtiful lookouts are no exception. Summit them before summer and enjoy the panoramas.

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20. 
    Northern CA

    Stairways to Heavenly Views

    To get really great views you’ve often gotta climb. Good thing there are some really cool stairs to help you step up to the scenery. These three Bay Area hikes feature stairways to heavenly views.

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21. 
    Southern CA

    Tune in to Antelope Valley

    Antelope Valley is most famous for its poppy season, but there's a lot more to see and do here: hiking among Joshua trees, wine and beer tasting, and driving the unique Musical Road. Tune in!

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22. 
    Northern CA

    Wetland Wanders

    Enjoy a little mellow time: Wetland preserves are a nice way to be outdoors, wander waterside, and listen to birdsong while trying to spot a few feathered favorites. Here are three worth flocking to!

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