All in Southern CA

  1. 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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  2. 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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  3. 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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  4. Sponsored
    2026-06-03

    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.

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  5. 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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  6. 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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  7. 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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  8. 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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  9. 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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  10. 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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  11. 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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  12. 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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  13. 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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  14. 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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  15. Sponsored
    2026-06-03

    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
  16. 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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  17. 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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  18. Woman hiking the Badlands Trail in Golden Canyon in Death Valley National Park

    Death Valley Double Dare

    As the largest national park in the Lower 48, Death Valley is wondrous, with a landscape raw and rugged and spirited and sublime—from canyons to peaks and dunes, even a massive crater, here's a plan!

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  19. Well Isn't This Romantic

    A three-day weekend that includes Valentine’s Day? Oh wow, are you romance ready? Here are some last-minute ideas for turning up the love dial in the outdoors. Get sweet on ’em!

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  20. Woman on a boardwalk overlooking Santa Fe Dam in Los Angeles County

    Dam Good Hikes!

    You just wanna go on a dam hike! Well, we have a few options for you. These three hikes include historic dams and serene scenery. Dam it all, go do them!

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  21. Hiker

    Post Storm Outings

    After rain (and snow!) where do you go? Head for hikes with high points overlooking scenery scrubbed clean, find lush new greenery, and go to the flows ... waterfalls have been turned on!

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  22. Woman standing at peak at Twin Peaks in San Diego

    Secret Heights

    Hike to heights less traveled! These three summits in San Diego County are less popular yet equally spectacular. We hope we’ve piqued your interest.

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Trending Stories NorCal

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  1. 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!

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  2. 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.

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  3. Cheers to Chimney

    If you’re looking for all that Point Reyes has to offer in spring, Chimney Rock is the place to be. The 1.75-mile (round-trip) hike to Chimney may be short, but it packs a visual punch, quadrupling the viewing thrills during spring.

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  4. Eat, Explore, Repeat: Point Reyes Station

    It’s small and laid-back, but Point Reyes Station is a standout gateway to Point Reyes National Seashore. Fresh food, cool culture, and an unfussy vibe are part of the draw.

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Trending Stories SoCal

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  1. 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.

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  2. Garland in Bloom

    Carmel Valley is known for its quaint wineries and scenic hiking trails. Enjoy both on this 3.75-mile loop through Garland Ranch Regional Park.

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  3. Bright Point of View

    Here's a way to brighten your day: Head to Point Reyes Lighthouse. Originally constructed in 1870 to help warn mariners of the navigational hazard that we now call Point Reyes, the lighthouse was handed over to the National Park Service after serving for 105 years.

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  4. A woman stands amid an array of yellow and purple flowers at Descanso Gardens in Los Angeles

    Petal Paradise

    Tulips, lilacs, and daffodils—flower power is in full bloom at Descanso Gardens in La Cañada Flintridge. Sprawling across 150 acres surrounded by mountains, the gardens are putting on their best show right now.

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