All in Southern CA

  1. A person stands and is looking at Tahquiz Falls in Palm Springs

    Post Rain Adventure Perks

    It's been wet and wild, so go be wet and wild. With skies scrubbed clean and the H2O flowing, discover the best place to witness a sunset viewing of a "now you see it, now you don't" desert lake, plus have a couple of waterfall experiences. Here are some ways to soak in the start of 2026.

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  2. Wild Willy's Hotsprings near Mammoth Lakes California

    Hot Soaks to Start the New Year!

    Happy New Year! Warm up to 2026 with these great places to find hot soaks at natural springs both rugged and spa-some.

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  3. Merry Wetness

    Merry Christmas! We're not sure who ordered the Pineapple Express but as we all try to go with the flow, there's a new podcast episode of "Take It Outside" and some ideas on things to do that let you be inside, too (in case of rain). Wishing you a safe and happy holiday season. See you in 2026!  

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  4. Redding Ironman Whiskeytown lake
    Sponsored
    2025-12-31

    New Year, New Goal: IRONMAN 70.3 Northern California

    2026 is off and running! And swimming. And biking. Don't get left behind! Commit to one of the upcoming year’s most exciting endurance events—IRONMAN 70.3 Northern California in Redding.

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  5. Top 10 Outdoor Stories of the Year

    Less scroll time, more soul time...that's how it goes when you get out to explore our great Golden State. Jingle all the way to the end of the year by checking out our Top 10 stories of 2025.

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  6. A woman walks along the boardwalk next to San Dieguito Lagoon in Del Mar San Diego

    Boardwalks to Beautiful Things

    Bored over the holidays? Get board walking! These three boardwalks meander alongside lakes, lagoons, and a dam, with mountains and birds and beers as bonuses!

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  7. Lots of people walking around the Mission Inn in Riverside California looking at all the red and white and purple holiday lights.

    Seeing the Lights

    All light, all light, all light. This season make your way to any of these places featuring botanical gardens glowing, food and drinks flowing, fields of illumination, and strolls and hikes to help you see the lights. 

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  8. A woman hiker in a light blue shirt points out at the mountains on a hike called Lawson Peak in Southern California

    Fresh Air Saturday

    Thanksgiving Thursday, Black Friday, Weekend Sherpa Saturday? We're sharing some ideas for exploring locally over the holiday. You can also check out our latest podcast episode, talking turkey and Türkiye. Learn about the relatively unknown world-class hiking adventure overlooking Türkiye's incredible Turquoise Coast and passing ancient ruins. 

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  9. A woman on a horse looks out to the mountainous scenery that a man on another horse is pointing towards in Paso Robles at the historic Santa Margarita Ranch with Central Coast Trail Rides

    Change of Scenery

    Whether you've got a full day or can spend a night or three, venturing out for a change of scenery is good for the spirit. Here are some ideas for taking time to enjoy new experiences that are a road trip (or short flight) away!

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  10. Spelunking Good Time

    Caving doesn’t have to be dark and dramatic; some SoCal caves give just enough adventure for a thrill, without going too deep. When the weather clears and conditions are drier, these three hikes to caves offer everything from unique features to photogenic slips of light.

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  11. A woman walks along a path next to the beach as the sun sets at Palisades Park in Los Angeles County

    Urban Parks, Hidden Stairways

    Getting away doesn’t have to mean going far. Go local by hiking and exploring urban parks and hidden stairways with classic skyline scenery, sunset vistas, picnic spots, and gorgeous gardens. 

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  12. Let the Spirits Move You

    Happy Halloween weekend. Head out on these spirited adventures, including a visit to one of the coolest living ghost towns around and some boo-tiful places to picnic or hike.

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  13. Oh So Comfort-Fall

    Pumpkin spice lattes are great but if you're ready to dial up your seasonal comforts, add some easygoing outdoors to the mix. Here are three ways to combine sweet treats with sweet hikes.

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  14. Animal Therapy

    The thing about animals is that they're amazing. And they bring both comfort and delight when you get to visit them at local farms and sanctuaries in Los Angeles County. From gardens and adobes filled with farm animals, to a sanctuary rescue offering a guided tour, here are three amazing places to get your share of adorable animals.

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  15. Redding Ironman Whiskeytown lake
    Sponsored
    2025-12-31

    New Year, New Goal: IRONMAN 70.3 Northern California

    2026 is off and running! And swimming. And biking. Don't get left behind! Commit to one of the upcoming year’s most exciting endurance events—IRONMAN 70.3 Northern California in Redding.

    View
  16. Don't Overlook These Amazing Overlooks

    Good perspectives are nice to find, and Southern California is good at providing them! Cue these three outdoor experiences where you can step outside and over or up to some premier overlooks with scenery from shimmering skylines to inspiring wild lands.

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  17. Jamul in Fall

    Oak trees, tranquil meadows, huge vistas, and wonderful wineries make this San Diego County destination an unexpected hiker's haven. With crisper air coming (we think!) now's a good time to explore this region of canyons, peaks, and wildlife areas. Pair your hike with visits to laid- back wineries. You autumn know about Jamul!

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  18. Splendor in Sequoia's Redwoods

    California’s first national park positively beams with beauty, in large part because of its famous big trees. The forest here is filled with Sequoia trees, big red beauties rising toward the sky like ancient columns. From the otherworldly Stump Trail to a twofer of trails where you can find tranquility, plus where to sleep under the majesty, take this giant leap in early autumn! 

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  19. Field These Trips

    It's a field trip for all this fall. Los Angeles County has all kinds of ways to be outside and explore some art and history. Discover the Ice Age in LA's downtown; go on a hike and check out historic train cars in Griffith Park; or do a commemorative walk combining an outdoor classroom of art. Here are three ways to learn from nature.

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  20. Log Some Lagoon Time

    Log out and get out...outside to some sublime lagoons for walking, wildlife sightings, and a breath of fresh nature. Here are three less known lagoons well worth a wander.

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  21. Walk This Way

    A few of our adventure writers have some great ideas for easy, fun, and colorful strolls in Los Angeles County, which happen to be great ideas for our Adventure Challenge, ending soon! Get your complimentary custom t-shirt before they're all gone. Walk this way....

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  22. Five Faves for the Long Weekend

    Ahhh the long weekend. The end of summer is near, but you still have a few weeks to complete our Adventure Challenge. Get outdoors and send us some photos in exchange for a custom WS t-shirt, a mountain accessory bag from Topo Designs, and a chance to win a trip for 2 to Reno Tahoe. Need some inspiration? Check out these five fun outdoor escapes.

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  1. Keough's Hot Springs

    Soaking Up History

    When you slide into the soothing water of Keough’s Hot Springs, you’re bathing in a piece of Owens Valley history.

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  2. 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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  3. A woman looks out to the scenery while standing next to a bench on a high point on a hike in Orinda Oaks Park in the East Bay

    Orinda Original

    This 3.5-mile out-and-back through Orinda Oaks Park and Moraga offers scenic vistas right inside the city.

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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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Trending Stories SoCal

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  1. Redding Ironman Whiskeytown lake
    Sponsored

    New Year, New Goal: IRONMAN 70.3 Northern California

    2026 is off and running! And swimming. And biking. Don't get left behind! Commit to one of the upcoming year’s most exciting endurance events—IRONMAN 70.3 Northern California in Redding.

    View
  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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