The Great Artdoors

Next time you want an art, history, and culture fix step outside for a hike. There are some beautiful places in SoCal to wander and see interesting, inspiring, and educational works, from murals and sculptures to installations and tasty food and drink bonuses. Head for the great artdoors.

Week: 02.16.2022
Regions: Southern CA

Treasures in Watts

See the famous Watts Towers in Simon Rodia State Historic Park

Woman looking at the Watts Towers in LA County
The famous Watts Towers are an outdoor sculpture exhibit and an homage to the spirited and diverse history of Watts, from city revitalization and riots, to racial unity and community resilience.
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Channel Islands for a Change

Explore Channel Islands and Ventura County Coast

Channel Island Island Packers
Channel Island Island Packers
Dolphins Channel Islands
There’s no better time to visit California’s Channel Islands National Park. Located 25 miles off Ventura County Coast, this series of five distinct and spectacular islands is reached by a fun ferry ride often filled with wildlife sightings.
Outdoor Lover's Guide to Ventura County Coast

Beach Walk + Cambodia Town

Take a Walk on Long Beach and See the Mural Art in Cambodia Town

Woman standing an looking at mural wall art in Cambodia Town Long Beach Los Angeles
Woman standing at a mural welcoming here to Cambodia Town in Long Beach
Woman walking along the sidewalk at Long Beach in Los Angeles County
Woman walking alongside poppies at Long Beach in Los Angeles County
A trip to Long Beach is not complete without a … long walk on the beach. But add a little extra with a walk through Cambodia Town, featuring local murals and delicious food.
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Noah's Art

Visit Noah Purifoy Outdoor Desert Musueum near Joshua Tree

Noah Purifoy Desert Museum of Assemblage Sculpture in Joshua Tree
Welcome sign at Noah Purifoy Outdoor Museum in Joshua Tree
Brochure used to do self guide tour of the Noah Purifoy Desert Museum near Joshua Tree National Park
Person standing under giant arcing art sculpture at Noah Purifoy Desert Museum near Joshua Tree
Noah Purifoy Desert Museum of Assemblage Sculpture is an outdoor museum near Joshua Tree National Park, with a mosaic of items transformed into works of art. Go on a self-guided tour to view over 30 assemblage sculptures.
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Grand Central Circuit

Urban Hike With Art and Food Highlights in Los Angeles

Urban art and food hike in Los Angeles
Go on a 2.5-mile urban hike in Los Angeles that has it all: the beautiful Aoyama Tree, amazing murals, the Angels Flight funicular, and a stop at LA's vibrant food arcade, Grand Central Market.
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Suspension Bridge Surprise

Urban Hike to Spruce Street Suspension Bridge in San Diego

Urban Hike in San Diego to Spruce Street Suspension Bridge
This urban hike in San Diego connects two gardens by way of two spectacular bridges, including the awesome Spruce Street Suspension Bridge built in 1912.
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Trending Stories NorCal

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  1. Perles Beach Angel Island San Francisco Bay

    Secret Beach

    A hidden beach and a killer view? Those are hard to come by, but that’s exactly what you’ll get at Perles Beach on Angel Island. Bike or hike to this beautiful pocket cove.

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  2. Cinematic Sonoma

    Longer days. Golden light. Wildflowers in bloom. It’s the perfect moment to plan your spring escape to Sonoma for the Sonoma International Film Festival, March 25–29. No fuss. No sprawl. Just films, friends, fresh air, and that unmistakable Sonoma glow.

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  3. Hike Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve

    Mellow in the Marsh

    Beach, birds, ice plant popping purple flowers: That’s a hiking slam dunk! Hike about 2 miles at Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve using their easy to navigate (well-signed) Sequoia Audubon Trail.

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  4. A man is looking through his binoculars at sunrise at the Bayland Nature Preserve in Palo Alto

    Baylands Bird & Art Loop

    Combine an outdoor art walk and wildlife sightings at the Baylands Nature Preserve in Palo Alto. This 5-mile loop through Byxbee Park and the Emily Renzel Wetlands features striking installations by artists Peter Richards and Michael Oppenheimer—where the landscape itself becomes part of the canvas.

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Trending Stories SoCal

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  1. Tree Town

    Home to an estimated 21,000 trees and 100 acres of parkland, South Pasadena has earned its nickname: the City of Trees. This 2.5-mile neighborhood walk lets you experience its leafy canopy up close, winding through charming streets and three of the city’s beloved parks.

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  2. A Better Way to Baldwin

    The Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook in Culver City is one of West L.A.’s most popular hiking spots, but most visitors miss the bigger picture. This 3.5-mile out-and-back along a section of the Park to Playa Trail offers a fuller experience of this gorgeous nature park with sweeping urban views and a few artistic surprises along the way.

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  3. Sponsored

    Warm Up to Winter in Reno Tahoe

    2026 is just getting started, but there’s one place already rising to the top as the best for adventure and relaxation: Reno Tahoe. The awe—and ahhhs—begin as soon as you arrive. G

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  4. A woman standing at the pond's edge at Ernest B Debs Regional Park in Los Angeles. Trees are making reflections on the pond.

    Urban Oasis Loop

    Home to the city’s Audubon Center, Ernest E. Debs' 282-acre park features a robust network of hiking trails and surprising wildlife diversity. More than 140 bird species have been spotted here. Birdwatcher or not, this 2.5-mile route makes for a gorgeous outing.

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