All in Southern CA

  1. Hurray for Long Days!

    Cure for the common cubicle? Get outdoors! Whether you get out on one of these hikes this weekend or after work, right now is a great time to savor longer sunny SoCal days.

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  2. Get 'Er Done in Huntington

    Huntington Beach may be better known as Surf City USA, but the outdoors fun here happens in more ways than hitting the waves. Spend a day exploring this stretch of Orange County coastline by way of an electric bike, an estuary hike, a firepit delight … and some nano brew IPAs.

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  3. Summer Starter Plan

    This long weekend marks the unofficial start of summer, but spring bling still sparkles thanks to recent cool weather. Hike to a secret waterfall, kayak in to a campsite, or say "Hi-View" on a hike in Joshua Tree. Spring on summer!

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  4. Sponsored

    Chasing Dark Skies: Southern Oregon

    Hot springs, hiking, lodging, antelope, and one of the world’s best places for looking up at night.

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  5. Spring Rush!

    Ready for your outdoors rush? Whether you like getting your thrills ziplining Yosemite-style or hiking to waterfalls that benefitted from winter's rains, here are some great ways to get outdoors and spring on the adventures.

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  6. Momma Said Get You Out!

    We Weekend Sherpas love and respect our moms, which is why we let them choose our adventures for this Mother’s Day week. They came up with a pedal-boat picnic frolic, a flowery canyon hike, and a Carlsbad beach stroll followed by sweet treats. Nothing’s too good for Mom!

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  7. Hydrated Hikes

    Warming weather after a wet winter: what a great combo! Streams are flowing, lakes are filled...everything is primed for water(ish) adventuring. Check out a cool streamside hike, a secret little fishing lake, and a lush desert oasis. H2O to go!

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  8. Yosemite Waterfalls Galore!

    The waterfalls are raging, the wildflowers are popping, and the snow-capped granite scenery is epic! This spring, make your way to Yosemite by way of charming Mariposa. Hit the trails to see supercharged waterfalls, or bike around the valley floor, stopping at highlights along the way. Just get to Yosemite!

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  9. Technicolor Hikes

    Spring for an Easter hike this weekend: From waterfalls to wildflowers and an adventure on Catalina Island, here are some hikes to get you hopping!

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  10. Flower Power

    Wildflower superblooms have gotten super publicity—and super mobbed. But there are ways to enjoy our flower displays a bit more quietly. Here’s a bouquet of three super sites for flower power where you can go on a quiet hike without big crowds. Have a bloomiful time!

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  11. Parade of Cascades

    We've had a lot of rain, and now it’s time to cash in! Old streams have new life, and waterfalls that were once a trickle are roaring down our mountain canyons. Here are a few you may not have heard of (in fact, one doesn’t even have a name). Go to the flows!

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  12. Waterside Hikes for Spring

    Thirsty for some outdoors? We've got some water for that! From strolling the shoreline of an ethereal desert lake to hiking seaside to spy some whales, here are some amazing waterside wanders perfect for spring. H2-Omg!

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  13. Joshua Tree Art Hikes

    Joshua Tree National Park is itself a work of natural art, so it’s no surprise that this gorgeous desert is a magnet for artsy individuals. Here are three hikes in the northern part of the park that are close to surprising art venues where music, movie sets, sculpture, and even crochet (!) are on display.

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  14. Ancient Wanders

    Hiking is a fantastic way to walk in the footsteps of Native Americans who thrived in Southern California long before the Spanish arrived. From Chumash villages in the Santa Monicas to Luiseño rock art in Perris, explore the vestiges of Native American culture on these three beautiful hikes.

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  15. Sponsored

    Chasing Dark Skies: Southern Oregon

    Hot springs, hiking, lodging, antelope, and one of the world’s best places for looking up at night.

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  16. Wild & Weird Salton Sea

    The strange, weirdly beautiful Salton Sea is the largest lake in California (sorry, Tahoe) and among the lowest in the world. Yes, a sea below sea level. It’s also the centerpiece of some of the state’s quirkiest scenery and most oddball attractions. You’ve got to see Salton at least once, and early spring is the best time to do it.

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  17. Hot Soaks

    Don't let the winter chill be a buzzkill. Sink into some warmth and soak yourself silly at hot springs. Here are a few to visit in SoCal and the Sierra.

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  18. Hidden Valley

    Vast ranchos, adobe mansions, a thriving mission—the San Fernando Valley that was, still is. You just need to know where to look. Here’s our take on three hidden treasures where the past springs to life in the sprawling 818.

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  19. Who Loves Ya!

    Happy Valentine's Day! Whoever you love, gather them up and get outside once the rain subsides ... here's a few fun ways to get your heart pumping in more ways than one.

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  20. Three Versions of Winter in SoCal State Parks

    What’s your winter pleasure? Snowshoeing in the crisp mountain air? Scanning for eagles by a mountain lake? Ogling whales from a dramatic shoreline trail? It's all doable, thanks to our nearby state parks!

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  21. Snowshoe Hikes

    The simplicity of snowshoeing meets the epic snowfall in Lake Tahoe! Strap 'em on and head out in wintry Sierra bliss on any of these snowshoe hikes. Oh the places you’ll snow!

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  22. Mission Bay Three Ways

    Mission Bay is the hyperactive heart of San Diego where you can do almost anything next to or in the water, but it’s also the nexus of lesser-known wonders—a sweet little natural canyon, 250 years of history, a venerable brewery, and the old-fashioned delights of Old Town. Your mission: Explore!

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A Hiker looking over a mountain range

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Trending Stories NorCal

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  1. Sponsored

    Chasing Dark Skies: Southern Oregon

    Hot springs, hiking, lodging, antelope, and one of the world’s best places for looking up at night.

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  2. Woman with her arms outstretched to the rolling hills scenery while on a rock outcrop at Barnabe Peak in Samuel P Taylor Sate Park in Marin

    Barnabe Bonanza

    Sure, there are higher mountains in Marin (Mount Tam) and easier ascents (Mount Burdell), but is there a more expansive North Bay view? Barnabe Peak in Samuel P. Taylor State Park offers a glorious panorama including Mount Tam, Mount Diablo, and Mount St. Helena.

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  3. Tamtastic Sunset

    Sure, the East Peak of Mount Tam is absolutely spectacular at sunset, but some magic-hour enthusiasts head to a nearby spot, Trojan Point, for a little more personal space in their panoramic viewings.

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  1. Lagoon Swoon

    We all love an underdog story, especially in the shadow of the greats. Enter a truly SoCal coastal version: Malibu Lagoon State Beach. Though situated next to Surfrider Beach, a fa

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  2. Woman hiking the San Onofre Bluffs Loop Trail to San Onofre State Beach in San Diego County

    Bluffing Good!

    Lovely coastline, beautiful beaches, unique geological history, and picturesque sandstone cliffs with limited foot traffic in San Diego County? Head to San Onofre State Beach and the 5-mile San Onofre Bluffs Loop Trail.

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  3. Tahoe's Trio of Lake Vistas

    They say good things come in threes, and it’s true when you embark on this 8-mile (round-trip) hike in Tahoe’s Desolation Wilderness. It gives you three excellent lake vistas: Eagl

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