Points for Perspective

Points for perspective can come in many forms, whether you just want to wander and ponder in peace, stroll with friends in tranquil places, or gain a spectacular view on a peak hike. Here are a few outdoor ways to take a break and contemplate.

Week: 02.19.2025
Regions: Southern CA

Rob A Peak!

Hike Robber's Peak in Orange County

It’s a guilty pleasure to bag a peak via a short hike. Steal some spectacular views in Orange County’s Santiago Oaks Regional Park. A 3.5-mile loop climbs to 1,152-foot Robbers Peak (a.k.a. Robber’s Roost) and earns you gorgeous vistas of Orange County, iconic mountains, and the
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Live the SLO Life

Small-Town California, Big-Time Charm

This year, live the SLO life. San Luis Obispo charms with its friendly vibe, Mediterranean climate, and fun adventures both in town and along the Central Coast.
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Barrel of Fun

Hike and Wine Taste in Palmdale in Antelope Valley

Group of four friends enjoying wine at Thief and Barrel in Palmdale Antelope Valley
Put a spring in your step and a barrel in your belly in Antelope Valley's Palmdale. Do a 2.75-mile hike on Barrel Springs Trail and enjoy a local winery that shares part of the nomenclature.
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The Silence of Cinco

Hike Cinco Poses Trail Near Idyllwild

The 3.8-mile (round-trip) Cinco Poses Trail, located near the town of Idyllwild, offers a peaceful escape when you just want to have a break.
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  1. Hike to New Lights

    For an enlightening late-day hike, catch the San Francisco skyline at sunset from high atop Ring Mountain in Tiburon. This 2-mile (round-trip) hike to Turtle Rock is a perfect late afternoon wander.

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  2. Three Cheers

    Good things come in threes when you visit Sonoma. Head out on a short hike right from town, sip and stroll the historic plaza, then take in the magical holiday lights.

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  3. Island Tree Topper

    The light display atop Angel Island State Park’s Mount Livermore has long been a cheerful twinkle visible from many cities throughout the Bay Area on holiday season nights. Get into the festive spirit by hiking the 2-mile (one-way) trail from Ayala Cove up to the "Angel Lights."

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  4. Woman swimming in Carson Hotsprings natural thermal pool

    Hot Springs, Naturally

    Thermal spring waters are famous for their curative, relaxing elements, and Reno Tahoe is filled with them! Sink into these amazing thermal respites for a wellness super soak.

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  1. Field of Light at Sensorio in Paso Robles

    Light This Way

    Hidden in the bucolic hills of Paso Robles lies one of the greatest light shows on earth. The lighted art exhibition, Sensorio, is as if the rainbow magic of the aurora borealis was plucked from the sky and planted in the fields. DECEMBER BONUS: Enjoy a holiday market, see The Nutcracker, and visit Santa at Sensorio.

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  2. Hikers stand atop Lassen Peak in Lassen Volcanic National Park

    Weekend Sherpa Podcast: Take It Outside

    Adventure for your earbuds. What's new in the world of the outdoors? Listen to Weekend Sherpa co-founders discuss local hikes, beaches, bike rides, camping spots and all kinds of travel and adventure in California and beyond!

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  3. O Enchanted Night!

    Prepare to be mesmerized! Holiday-season nights in Descanso Gardens are a magical interplay of lights and natural beauty that dazzle as you stroll through the Enchanted Forest of L

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  4. Hikers sitting on a large rock slab next to Three Sisters Falls in Cleveland National Forest Southern California near Julian

    Three Sisters

    Good things come in threes at this hike to a lovely trio-tiered waterfall in Cleveland National Forest. The 4.25-mile out-and-back hike rambles among rolling hills, with rocky mountain views as switchbacks take you down to a lush canyon and the falls.

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