All in Southern CA

  1. Woman hiking the Bear Canyon Trail with huge mountain views in the background at Mount Baldy in Los Angeles County

    Beer Hikes

    Hike, then beer? We’ve brewed up some summer adventures where all trails lead to beer(s)! These three routes have plenty of great vistas, beaches, and forest features, followed by nearby brewpubs for refreshing your spirits, and quenching your post-hike thirst.

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  2. Water Hikes

    Summer in SoCal—hot, and dry right now, due to drought. Fortunately, LA’s still got some treasured and less-known waterworks for chilling out. Here are three to visit and appreciate.

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  3. No Reservations Backpacking and Camping

    No reservation? No problem! Well, at least if you have a few of these tips on camping and backpacking in California. From first-come, first-served camping, to no quotas on wilderness backpacking, here are three places to go for summer.

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  4. Sponsored
    2026-02-02

    Warm Up to Winter in Reno Tahoe

    2026 is just getting started, but there’s one place already rising to the top as the best for adventure and relaxation: Reno Tahoe. The awe—and ahhhs—begin as soon as you arrive. G

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  5. Hike-in to the beach at Leo Carrillo State Park

    From Sea to Summit

    America's birthday is coming in hot. These summer classic adventures go from the sea to summits: Hike-in beaches, mellow redwood wanders (in SoCal), and panoramic peak hikes await. Go fourth the great outdoors!

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  6. Woman biking the riverside bike trail from Ventura to Ojai

    AdVentura Time!

    Kick off the official start of the season with a big adVentura. Ventura pops with summer delights like a riverside bike trail to Ojai, plus lakeside hiking, camping, boating, and epic disc golf too.

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  7. Woman walking down towards Blacks Beach in La Jolla

    Outdoor Education

    Among the best places to enjoy art, sculptures, and botanical gardens? College campuses during summer are lovely places to stroll, observe natural beauty and creative art outdoors, plus find surprises like a nearby beach. Here are a few to see.

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  8. Woman hiking lakeside at Lake Hodges in San Diego County

    Lake Hikes

    Water is a scarce resource these days. Pay homage to it and enjoy the precious view hiking beside these lovely lakes and reservoirs in North San Diego County.

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  9. Woman walking at Long Beach in Los Angeles County

    Hidden Long Beach

    Think you know Long Beach? We’ve got some twists for you! Visit its less-known regional park, take a mural art walk beyond the beach, and double up on water attractions combining two urban lagoons on a local hike. Go Long!

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  10. Summer Kick-Off Hikes

    The unofficial start of summer means just one thing: official summer hikes! Blaze your trails from Nevada to LA.

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  11. Friends hiking Reno's Thomas Creek Trail in Galena Regional Park

    Bright Lights and the Great Outdoors

    Is there a city with easier access to the great outdoors than Reno? In 15 minutes you can be on hiking trails to waterfalls and big Sierra views. Or right in town you can enjoy walks and bike rides beside the Truckee River, which cuts right through downtown Reno.

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  12. Woman standing at the top of Josephine Peak hike

    Lookout for Panoramas!

    Lookout hikes are popular because the looking out from them looks really good! And these three viewtiful lookouts are no exception. Summit them before summer and enjoy the panoramas.

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  13. Blue art installation of deer near a Joshua Tree in the Antelope Valley

    Tune in to Antelope Valley

    Antelope Valley is most famous for its poppy season, but there's a lot more to see and do here: hiking among Joshua trees, wine and beer tasting, and driving the unique Musical Road. Tune in!

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  14. Two women at the entrance of the Lavender Labyrinth at Bees N Blooms in Santa Rosa

    Nature Therapy

    When was the last time your prescription read "explore a lavender labyrinth" or "hike to a summit for sunset." Indeed, Sonoma County is just the dose of wellness and outdoors the doctor ordered.

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  15. Sponsored
    2026-02-02

    Warm Up to Winter in Reno Tahoe

    2026 is just getting started, but there’s one place already rising to the top as the best for adventure and relaxation: Reno Tahoe. The awe—and ahhhs—begin as soon as you arrive. G

    View
  16. Secret Canyon Hikes

    Shhh, find some solitude and seriously good views in north San Fernando Valley, where three hikes feature everything from striking rock formations to redwoods.

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  17. Woman hiking the Big Sycamore Canyon Loop Trail

    Springspiring Hikes in SoCal!

    Secret canyons, Garden of the Gods, vintage Hollywood, and a historic bridge to a beautiful walk … Here are five fun ways to inspire some spring in your step.

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  18. Walk, Wine, Repeat

    Just a few hours from Los Angeles, the Santa Ynez Valley in Santa Barbara County’s wine country is fruitful with vineyards and small towns with distinct character. Also bountiful? The outdoors! Explore Lake Cachuma, hike Lovers Loop in Los Olivos, and do a self-guided walk in Solvang. Wineries included!

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  19. Panoramic Peak Hikes for Spring

    Wildflowers, wide-open summits, and wowing views: These three hikes in Los Angeles County and the Inland Empire have panoramic summits and inspiring vistas. Spring sensational.

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  20. Woman hiking the South Kaibab Trail in the Grand Canyon

    West's Best National Parks in Spring

    Welcome spring by exploring some of the West’s best national parks. From Yosemite to the Grand Canyon and a few spots in between, here’s a bucket list for your vernal vacations.

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  21. Urban Forest Bathing

    It’s kind of like a bath, but you have your clothes on… and you’re walking through a forest. Okay, it’s not really like a bath. But it’s just as relaxing! From LA to San Bernardino County, these three hikes close to urban environs let you escape for fresh air, beautiful views, and mindfulness among eucalyptus trees.

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  22. Woman standing at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Tree Grove in Los Angeles

    Explore Black History Outdoors

    While Black History Month may be coming to a close, its spirit remains year-round and can be observed in outdoor monuments and cultural landmarks throughout Los Angeles County. Here are three to visit.

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  1. Mike Zakowski (aka Mike the Baker) standing in front of his wood-fire oven at the Sonoma Valley Farmers' Market

    NEW! Walkin' and Talkin': Break Bread, Go On a Panoramic Hike

    What’s a world-traveling, medal-winning baker’s favorite local hike? Weekend Sherpa co-founder Brad Day caught up with Mike Zakowski (aka Mike the Baker) at Sonoma’s Friday farmers' market, where his wood-fired loaves draw loyal crowds. Between bites of fresh-baked bread, they talk baking, travel, and why Sonoma's Overlook Trail is one of his favorite quick, panoramic hikes.

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  2. Hidden Botanical Garden

    Forget a dozen roses. Give your love a botanical garden. Hidden on the western slope of Sonoma Valley’s Mayacamas Mountains, Sonoma Botanical Garden has one of the Bay Area’s best displays of Asian flora—and it’s a brilliant place for a quiet picnic and some calming contemplations.

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  3. Sunnyvale and Salty

    For up-close bird watching, it’s hard to beat a walk along the San Francisco Bay. This 5-mile loop on the Sunnyvale coast is a favorite of local wildlife photographers.

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  4. A man takes a break at a temple spot on a hike at Dragon Mountain in Milptas

    Dragon Quest

    The newly reopened, 4-mile out-and-back hike at Dragon Mountain in Milpitas mixes the physical with the spiritual for a serene hiking experience.

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Trending Stories SoCal

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  1. Sponsored

    Warm Up to Winter in Reno Tahoe

    2026 is just getting started, but there’s one place already rising to the top as the best for adventure and relaxation: Reno Tahoe. The awe—and ahhhs—begin as soon as you arrive. G

    View
  2. A woman stands at Dante's View in Death Valley, looking out to Telescope Peak and Manly Lake, Badwater Basin below.

    Sunset Hike at Dante's View

    It’s one of the world’s best places to watch a sunset. Dante’s View is a 5,476-foot vantage of the whole southern basin of Death Valley from the top of the Black Mountains. Right now there's a banner and bonus view of a rare lake formation that appears only after big rains.

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  3. It's a Waterfall Life

    Tahquitz Canyon’s crystalline stream and lush stands of desert lavender, honey mesquite, and leafy sycamores is home to an easy day hike with a big bonus: a 60-foot waterfall that runs with remarkable gusto after winter rains.

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  4. Oh Snow Nice

    Live in California long enough, and you’ll come to know the rite of passage called “going to the snow”–when we ditch our fair-weather cities and towns in search of winter weather. Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks deliver a winter wonderland worth a visit if there’s been a good dose of snow.

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