Thanksgiving Wanders

November hasn't been easy. But we are #CaliforniaStrong. Immense gratitude to the heroic firefighters, first responders, and volunteers who have been giving tirelessly and selflessly to those in need. Here are a few ideas for spending time with friends and family over Thanksgiving.

Week: 11.22.2018
Regions: Southern CA

Rancho PV Seaside Spree

Hiking Ocean Trails Reserve in Rancho Palos Verdes

Here’s a hike where the payoff comes with every step you take, not just in a hero view from a summit perch. The oceanside trails of Rancho Palos Verdes keep the dramatic Pacific in sight—and its breezes on your skin—all along the 5 miles of clearly marked paths of the Ocean Trail
Read the full story

Amir's Art

Amir's Garden in Griffith Park Los Angeles

At 4,210 acres, Griffith Park is one of the largest urban parks in North America, home to a huge variety of trails, recreation, and hidden gems. Among the most inspiring of its better kept secrets is Amir’s Garden, a beautiful, heavily-shaded spot that’s literally a work of natural art.
Read the full story

Great Ascot!

Ascot Hills Park Sunset

Sometimes the skyline’s the limit, and that’s a good thing if you’re visiting Ascot Hills Park, an 83-acre urban respite that offers autumn and winter sunsets to remember. A 1-mile loop passes over the park’s highest hill—an excellent spot for seeing the sun sink behind LA’s down
Read the full story

How to Help With California Wildfires

How to Help with California Wildfires

It’s hard to see the devastation and grief caused by the numerous California wildfires, including the tragic loss of lives and destruction of iconic landscapes. We’re a strong state; we’ll recover. But it’s tough-going right now. A way to help: Donate money. Charity Navigator is
Read the full story

Descanso 2.0

A Workout Hike on Descanso Trail

Descanso Trail gets overlooked by its showy neighbor, Descanso Gardens, but if you’re looking for a quick-fix hike and a cardio challenge, opt for the 3-mile loop trail.
Read the full story

Thousand Steps Beach

Stairway hike to beach in Santa Barbara

Okay, the name is a bit of an exaggeration—it takes only 154 steps to reach Santa Barbara's Thousand Steps Beach (also known as Camino al Mar, Spanish for “the way to the sea”). But why quibble? Your reward for descending this narrow concrete staircase is a ribbon of sand nestled
Read the full story

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories

  1. Muir Woods Night Tour

    Thousands of people flock to Muir Woods every year, yet only a few see it at night, when this beloved park is experienced in a whole new light. The Muir Woods Night Tour happens on the last Friday of every month through October.

    View
  2. Slide Ranch Marin

    Slide On Over

    Marin's Slide Ranch has a popular neighbor in the Muir Beach Overlook. But don’t overlook Slide! This open-to-the-public nonprofit organization sits on 134 acres of coastline and is filled with animals, Pacific scenery, and an adjacent hiking trail.

    View
  3. Sponsored

    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

  4. Hello, Sur!

    Big Sur is home to numerous fantastic beaches and coves, so which one do you choose? Go for the beach that's quintessential Big Sur (and dog-friendly!). Pfeiffer Beach in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. Its signature lilac-colored sand is waiting for your feet!

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories

  1. Waterfall Hunter

    If you ask a local in Reno about one of the best hiking trails in town, odds are high they’ll point you to Hunter Creek Falls. It’s a year-round favorite, but it absolutely shines in spring, when desert peach wildflowers make a splash—and so does the marquee waterfall.

    View

  2. Wapama Wows

    Hetch Hetchy can be overlooked in Yosemite National Park because of its more remote location and limited facilities. But this is where you’ll also find one of the best day hikes in the park: Wapama Falls.

    View
  3. Bike the Coastal Trail to Pillar Point Harbor in Half Moon Bay

    Ride and Seek

    Oceanside breezes, beautiful beaches, a car-free pathway for biking, and beer at the end: You’re on a roll! The San Mateo Coast was made for beach hopping and beer tasting … and it all goes down smooth as part of an 8-mile out-and-back bike ride.

    View

  4. Tamtastic Sunset

    Sure, the East Peak of Mount Tam is absolutely spectacular at sunset, but some magic-hour enthusiasts are onto a fresh perspective in getting a little more personal space for their panoramic viewings.

    View