Top 10 2023 Outdoor Adventures

It's the greatest hits of the great SoCal outdoors, and a few points beyond. Here are the top 10 adventures of 2023, based on very scientific evidence (basically, what you engaged the most!). Have a happy new year and see you in 2024!

Week: 12.26.2023
Regions: Southern CA

Rockin' Clevenger

Hike to Rocking Chairs and Epic Views at Clevenger Canyon in North San Diego County

North or south? San Pasqual’s Clevenger Canyon in North County San Diego has both south and north trailheads about half a mile apart. We’re going south this time, for a rocking chair good time (read on)! This trail nets you 5.4 miles, over 1,300 feet of gain, and fantastic views.
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Snow Time Like the Present

Winter Vacation to Zephyr Cove and Lake Tahoe Adventures

zephyr cove resort
zephyr cove resort
zephyr cove resort
This holiday season unwrap everyone’s best winter getaway. South Lake Tahoe takes your outdoor adventures beyond the ski resorts. Your basecamp—Zephyr Cove Resort—has lakeside wood cabins, a beautiful mile-long beach, and plenty of activities.
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Ballona Beach Hopper

Bike the Ballona Creek Path to Beaches and Piers in Los Angeles County

This easygoing bike escape is proof that you don't have to drive for hours to feel the vast benefits of nature. The Ballona Creek Bike Path is part of the “Park to Playa Regional Trail,” a 13-mile network connecting parks and open spaces from Baldwin Hills to the Pacific Ocean.
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Peak a-’bu

Summit Sandstone Peak in Malibu for Cinematic Scenery

Summiting Sandstone Peak is a premier 6-mile (round-trip) classic adventure delivering a dramatic, ever-changing landscape and some of Southern California’s most cinematic views.
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All the Wright Stuff

Hikes to see Wright's Field and Loveland Reservoir in Alpine

Hiker going to Loveland Reservoir in San Diego County
Sign for Wright's Field near Alpine in San Diego County
Hiker on a trail in Wright's Field in San Diego County near Alpine
Hiker staring out at Loveland Reservoir in Alpine San Diego County
Next time you visit the picturesque town of Alpine in the foothills of the Cuyamaca Mountains, opt for two accessible trails locals love, featuring Wright's Field and Loveland Reservoir.
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Golden Glendale

Hike the less traveled Glendale Peak in Griffith Park Los Angeles

If you want to climb a Griffith peak without the peak crowds, head to Glendale Peak in the southeastern end of the massive green space. The 1,190-foot peak can be bagged on a 3-mile out-and-back adventure with fantastic views.
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Secret and Surprising

Secret Sherman Oaks canyon hike in Los Angeles

Short and sweet, this secret Sherman Oaks canyon hike is LA’s best. Deervale–Stone Canyon Park has a 2-mile out-and-back that’s a good workout and rewards with incredible views, and a one-of-a-kind surprise!
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Deeper Meanings

Monterey Bay Aquarium Behind the Scenes Tour and Into the Deep Exhibit

Monterey Bay Aquarium Behind the Scenes
Monterey Bay Aquarium Behind the Scenes
Behind the Scenes Monterey Bay Aquarium
Behind the Scenes Monterey Bay Aquarium
The Monterey Bay Aquarium brings wonder, inspiration, and education to visitors, including its excellent "Behind the Scenes" tour and outstanding new bilingual exhibit, Into the Deep/En lo Profundo.
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Watson in a Name? A lot, Sherlock!

Hike to Watson Falls in Southern Oregon

Watson Falls in Southern Oregon along the Highway of Waterfalls
Two people at the overlook and watching Watson Falls in Southern Oregon
A hiker crosses a bride enroute to Watson Falls in Southern Oregon
Up close picture of Watson Falls in Southern Oregon
The #1 rule of the unofficial waterfall club? You cannot take a road trip through Southern Oregon and skip the Highway of Waterfalls. This stretch of Highway 138 east of Roseburg along the Umpqua River is a watery marvel that’s lovely year-round.
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Flavors of Fillmore

Go on a Ventura County Food Walk in Fillmore

Fill up on Fillmore! This picturesque city in the Santa Clara River Valley is an ideal day trip for finding good nature and delicious locally grown food. Explore it all via a 5-mile out-and-back walk or bike ride.
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Lunch at the Lakes

Hike to a trio of lakes in Lassen Volcanic National Park

Pack your own picnic and head for a lakeside lunch at Lassen Volcanic National Park. Then take your pick from a lovely trio of lakes accessed from the same trailhead. Follow it all up with a visit to Manzanita Lake on the other side of the park.
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Trending Stories NorCal

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  1. Man hiking up a trail at Montara Mountain, with a view of the Pacific and Grey Whale sand beach in the background

    From Beach to Summit

    No need to decide between a beach and a mountaintop—this hike includes both! Explore the stunning coastal scenery on this 6-mile out-and-back up Montara Mountain and into Rancho Corral de Tierra.

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  2. Woman sitting on a bench overlooking scenery at Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve

    Tarantulas at Twilight

    Embrace the best of the season with big sunset views, up-close tarantula sightings, and a 5-mile (round-trip) hike in Sierra Vista Open Space.

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  3. Sebastopol Food & Wine Roll

    One apple farm, three charming towns, multiple wineries, and infinite natural beauty. Savor a perfect autumn day in Sonoma County by biking the West County Regional Trail from Sebastopol to Forestville via Graton. It’s a 17-mile (round-trip) adventure. 

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  4. Go, Tell It on the Mountain

    Want to be king of the mountain? Head to King Mountain, the 108-acre open space preserve just above Larkspur in Marin. Despite its lofty name, hiking King Mountain proves that simp

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Trending Stories SoCal

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  1. 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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  2. Woman walking in the Venice Canals of Los Angeles County

    Canal Contemplations

    With its incense-scented boardwalk, bohemian shops, skateparks, and abundance of body builders, Venice is happily eccentric, and artistic. Exhibit A: Its network of European-style canals with charming bridges, offering a tranquil tour of the town’s history.

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  3. Sponsored

    Yes, Seattle!

    Ready to try something new this winter? Seattle’s ready for you! Beautiful by nature with its Puget Sound setting, surrounding mountains, and nearby national parks, winter in Seattle can be a magical and festive time. Ever been in a hot tub boat?...

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  4. Wine Down, Dine Out in Lake Chelan

    The fertile soil around Washington State's Lake Chelan is ripe for more than just the amazing apples. Vineyards here yield high quality grapes, and some of the country’s best less-discovered wineries. Locals know it, and you will too when you start choosing from the more than 30 wineries in the region.

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