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

Los Angeles County
Hikes
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

Ventura County
Hikes, Water, Overnight Escapes
Sponsored
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

Los Angeles County
Hikes
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

Greater California, Deserts
Hikes
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

Los Angeles County
Hikes
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

San Diego County
Hikes, Dog Friendly
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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A Hiker looking over a mountain range

Your Inbox to the Outdoors

Stay up to date with our weekly recommendations on where to explore locally in California.

Trending Stories NorCal

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  1. Woman with her arms outstretched to the rolling hills scenery while on a rock outcrop at Barnabe Peak in Samuel P Taylor Sate Park in Marin

    Barnabe Bonanza

    Sure, there are higher mountains in Marin (Mount Tam) and easier ascents (Mount Burdell), but is there a more expansive North Bay view? Barnabe Peak in Samuel P. Taylor State Park offers a glorious panorama including Mount Tam, Mount Diablo, and Mount St. Helena.

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  2. Hiker on the SCA trail in Marin Headlands with view of the Golden Gate Bridge

    Headlands Over Heels

    People come from all over the world to get a glimpse of the Golden Gate Bridge. Get a dramatic and novel view of the bridge without all the people on this moderate 6-mile hike in the Marin Headlands.

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  3. Cheers to Chimney

    If you’re looking for all that Point Reyes has to offer in spring, Chimney Rock is the place to be. The 1.75-mile (round-trip) hike to Chimney may be short, but it packs a visual punch, quadrupling the viewing thrills during spring.

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Trending Stories SoCal

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  1. Woman hiking the San Onofre Bluffs Loop Trail to San Onofre State Beach in San Diego County

    Bluffing Good!

    Lovely coastline, beautiful beaches, unique geological history, and picturesque sandstone cliffs with limited foot traffic in San Diego County? Head to San Onofre State Beach and the 5-mile San Onofre Bluffs Loop Trail.

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  2. Can We Get a Whoop Whoop!

    City, mountain, and ocean views all in one hike? Whoop whoop! It’s no surprise the the Kenter Fire Road and Whoop-de-Doos Trail (a combo of fire road and singletrack) is a favorite among local mountain bikers and hikers alike.

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  3. The Big Chill

    In LA, finding a place to chill can be the ultimate flex. So flex, in Franklin Canyon! This unexpected oasis has plenty of shade, cool lake breezes, and ample picnicking spots. Enjoy it on an easy-going 1-mile stroll along its reservoir and duck pond.

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