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1. 
   Southern CA

   Around the World in LA

   Los Angeles is one of the world’s most diverse cities, with global influences found everywhere, including the great outdoors. From Japan to Berlin, here are three great ways to explore the various cultures of LA by stepping outside for a hike.

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2. 
   Northern CA

   National Park Day Hikes in CA

   Point the Way Great views, wildlife sightings, and an oceanfront setting: Don’t let this 9-mile (round-trip) hike to Tomales Point in Point Reyes National Seashore linger too long on your bucket list. Yodel for Yosemite Falls Itchin’ to climb to the top of the tallest waterfall in North America? Goodonya! The 3.5-mile (one-way) hike to Upper Yosemite Falls is challenging, misty, and mystifying! [sponsored-story] King of the Canyon Giant sequoias are the main attraction in Kings Canyon National Park, but the granite peaks around here aren’t too shabby either. Hike to the area’s highest point, Big Baldy (8,209 feet), for a grand panorama of the Sierra Nevada and the Great Western Divide’s epic peaks. Jurassic Redwoods Times change, but the tallest living trees in the world still tower over the grasslands of Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park (one of three state parks located within the jurisdiction of Redwoods National and State Parks). Transport to the Jurassic Era on a 6-mile loop hike. Talk Sweeney to Me For a hike that’ll transport you back in time—and to a place with legendary panoramas—head to the Peninsula’s Sweeney Ridge for a 5-mile (round-trip) hike, part of the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy. National Parks BONUS Check out all of our recent national parks coverage celebrating the Centennial.

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3. 
   Southern CA

   Day Hikes in CA National Parks

   Loop Scoop One of the best hikes in Channel Islands National Park is also one of the most accessible: The 2-mile Cavern Point Loop Trail will get your eyes jazzed on vivid sea vistas as it traces the cliffs west of Scorpion Cove. Yodel for Yosemite Falls Itchin’ to climb to the top of the tallest waterfall in North America? Goodonya! The 3.5-mile (one-way) hike to Upper Yosemite Falls is challenging, misty, and mystifying! [sponsored-story] King of the Canyon Giant sequoias are the main attraction in Kings Canyon National Park, but the granite peaks around here aren’t too shabby either. Hike to the area’s highest point, Big Baldy (8,209 feet), for a grand panorama of the Sierra Nevada and the Great Western Divide’s epic peaks. Jurassic Redwoods Times change, but the tallest living trees in the world still tower over the grasslands of Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park (one of three state parks located within the jurisdiction of Redwoods National and State Parks). Transport to the Jurassic Era on a 6-mile loop hike. Dare Devil You want the grand slam of adventures? This three-part adventure in Mammoth Lakes combines mountain biking, hiking, lakes, waterfalls, epic views, and Devil’s Postpile National Monument, a popular stop-off for Pacific Crest Trail trekkers. National Parks BONUS Check out all of our recent national parks coverage celebrating the Centennial.

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4. 
   Sponsored

   2026-06-03

   Take the Exit to the Best of the San Francisco Peninsula

   The San Francisco Peninsula is proof that some of Northern California’s greatest surprises are hiding just off Highway 101. All you have to do is take the exit.

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5. 
   Southern CA & Northern CA

   National Park Lodges: Hike-in Style

   Part 3 in our monthlong feature celebrating the National Parks centennial: backcountry lodges! No need for hefting a burly backpack, tent, and food to these oases in the wilderness. From the Rockies to the Sierra, we've rounded up some of the best ways to experience national park backcountry, in style!

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6. 
   Southern CA

   Fantasy Island

   Remote, raw, and utterly enchanting, Channel Islands National Park, nicknamed “the Galapagos of California,” is an undeveloped, far less traveled archipelago off the coast of Ventura. Explore this once lost world by adventuring all across the largest of its five islands—Santa Cruz.

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7. 
   Northern CA

   May the Redwood Forest Be With You

   Think you’ve seen redwoods? Not like this. Humboldt County is home to giant gems within the towering temperate rainforests of Redwood National and State Parks, and more big stuff beyond! Get ready for hulking reds, winding jade rivers, a hidden state park, and 40 miles of wild coastline that add magic like only the far north can.

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8. 
   Northern CA

   Summer Classics

   It's summer. You live in California. Get out there on these adventures!

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9. 
   Southern CA

   Summertime Adventures

   It's summer. You live in California. Get out there on these adventures!

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10. 
    Southern CA & Northern CA

    Going Big in the High Sierra

    Big trees, big peaks, big backpacking treks, and big views … it doesn’t get bigger (or better!) than adventuring in California’s first national park, Sequoia & Kings Canyon. This is the first in our May series celebrating the 2016 National Park Centennial. Each week we’ll bring you a range of national park ideas, with insider tips and plenty of ideas to get you going!

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11. 
    Southern CA

    Two Wheels to Wild

    This spring, choose your own bike adventure in San Diego County, with three bike routes full of wildlife, wildflowers, salty ocean spray, and even some tunnels and trestle bridges. Oh my, nice ride!

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12. 
    Northern CA

    Going Clear Lake

    An interesting thing happens when you venture a few hours north of the Golden Gate Bridge. You start to see a whole different side of Northern California: remote, beautiful, and filled with adventures. Clear your calendar for Clear Lake!

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13. 
    Northern CA

    Best Views of the Golden Gate Bridge

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14. 
    Northern CA

    Rolling Through Point Reyes

    With craggy coastal cliffs, abundant beaches, and over 80 miles of rolling shoreline, Point Reyes National Seashore is ideal for a casual coastal spin. Here are three easy bike rides that pack a scenic punch and reveal some secret spots, too. Bring your own bike or rent one in Point Reyes. Wheels in motion!

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15. 
    Sponsored

    2026-06-03

    Take the Exit to the Best of the San Francisco Peninsula

    The San Francisco Peninsula is proof that some of Northern California’s greatest surprises are hiding just off Highway 101. All you have to do is take the exit.

    View
16. 
    Southern CA

    Canyon Dig It?

    Between the San Gabriel and Santa Ana mountains lie the less-travelled Puente Hills: 3,680 acres of chaparral, oak woodland, riparian habitats, and diverse hiking trails in canyons. Here are 3 canyon hikes worth the trifecta. Of course you canyon!

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17. 
    Southern CA

    Wild Hikes in Palm Springs

    Palm Springs might be best known for golf courses, condos, and cocktails by the swimming pool. But have you explored the best of its wild side? Here are three hikes to get you going, before going wild doing other things.

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18. 
    Northern CA

    Wild Views & Wildflowers

    Huge views are even better when the surrounding landscape is painted by wildflowers. Here are three Bay Area hikes and bike rides combining beautiful vistas and flower power!

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19. 
    Southern CA

    Spring for Fallbrook Hikes

    Tucked in north San Diego County, Fallbrook is famous for its avocados, but less known are the outstanding open space preserves, home to some of SoCal's best hiking. From a peak-bagging butt-buster to a lollygagging wander, here are three to Fallbrook for.

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20. 
    Northern CA

    Big Hikes in Wine Country

    Some of the best ridge walks in the Bay Area just go better with a post-hike wine or beer. From Napa to the Russian River, we’ve rounded up a few ridge ramblin’ adventures that pack in the miles, the redwoods, the wildflowers, and the views—with bonus beverages too!

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21. 
    Northern CA

    Tasty Adventures

    Kayak to a Bavarian beer garden, bike to cool urban wineries, and hike secret hillside passageways followed by exotic tequila tastings: A day exploring Oakland is better when you bike, hike, and paddle to the good stuff!

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22. 
    Southern CA

    Secret Hikes of Griffith Park

    LA’s Griffith Park isn’t a secret, but that doesn’t mean there aren't secret hiking spots—especially those of the artistic kind. Here are three ways to explore Griffith and discover its hidden gems. Avant Garde, Griffith!

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