All in Southern CA

1. 

   Harvest Fun-for-Fall

   Pick a peck of apples, pluck your perfect pumpkin, pet a goat, watch a pig race, nab a trophy zucchini—yep, it’s harvest season, and we’ve got the scoop on the best places to have fun for all and fun for fall!

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2. 

   Redwood Hikes & Sleeps

   In case you didn't hear, October was just declared California Redwoods Month, honoring our iconic trees from the coast to the Sierra Nevada. Celebrate by hiking, relaxing, and lodging among these behemoth beauties. Here are 7 of the best places to make it happen!

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3. 

   Welcome Back, Idyllwild!

   One of our favorite mountain hamlets, Idyllwild, is in full swing again, now that last summer’s Cranston Fire is a receding memory. Camp, hike, relax at a lake ... here's how to go Idyllwild!

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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. 

   Outdoors, Amigos!

   We just celebrated Mexican Independence Day (September 16, 1810), but the ¡Viva México! sentiment can go on year round in SoCal with these outdoor adventures, followed by some authentic comida de México!

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6. 

   Reno Tahoe Trifecta

   Ready for the Reno Tahoe Trifecta? If you can knock out all three, you'll bag one of Tahoe's tallest peaks, paddle the lake in a clear kayak, and sample craft beers by way of a human-powered bike trolley. Ready, set, Reno Tahoe!

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7. 

   Sea Caves, Beaches!

   Feeling fried by the late-summer sun? Find refuge in a sea cave! We have a few in mind that are suitably cool, plus they add a dash of adventure to your beach outing. Just keep an eye on the tides!

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8. 

   Wild Wanders

   Looking to go wild before summer runs out? Take a hike! From coastal peaks to Sierra hot springs and foggy redwoods, you'll be wildin' all right!

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9. 

   Easy Summer Outings

   Getting outdoors doesn't have to be epic or challenging. Sometimes the easiest adventures are the most fun! From hitting the beach to hitting the trails, here are a few ways to take it easy this summer.

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10. 

    Tidal Ways

    Don’t let the heat wave drive you indoors! Tide pools are the cool place to be right now, where you can ogle colorful creatures and refresh yourself in sea breezes. Good tidings to you!

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11. 

    Camp on the Beach, Baby!

    If fun in the sun is a blast, making the beach your home for a few days is a dream come true. Catch a Pacific sunset, nod off to the sound of crashing waves, sip your coffee by the sea—at these campgrounds, you own a little slice of California paradise.

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12. 

    Secret Lakes

    Nothing against powerboats or jet skis, but there’s much to be said for lakes where we can go for tranquility. Maybe a little paddling, a little fishing. See some cool birds. Definitely relax. We’ve got three in mind, each distinct, each ideal for a quiet summer day … sans water skis.

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13. 

    Midsummer Classics

    Swimsuit for water holes, shoes for coastal hikes, a fleece for overnighting in a mountain cabin ... what's on your summer checklist? Here are some classic ways to soak in and soak up the rest of summer.

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14. 

    Summer Swimming Holes

    When the heat is on, lower the thermostat! Seek out hidden pools where you can swim, splash, picnic, and relax. Naturally, we’re talking au naturel—swimming holes in beautiful natural settings. Where the cool get cool!

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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. 

    Coastal View Hikes

    Folks pay a fortune for ocean views, but the best ones belong to all of us. And they’re free! Here are three hikes that reveal some of the best of our amazing coastline, ranging from dramatic perches to rocky shores.

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17. 

    Keep Your Cool

    Play things cool on these adventures through redwoods, to a waterfall, along a coast-hugging trail of the Channel Islands, and to a hike-in cabin in a canyon. Oh yeah, wave the adventure flag!

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18. 

    Fourth and Out!

    Need to clear your head this Independence Day? Liberate yourself with hikes to nice heights or easygoing strolls for wandering and pondering. Go fourth and get out!

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19. 

    Woodsy Digs

    A cozy cabin or lodge in the mountains right next to some of SoCal's most legendary hiking trails—sounds great, right? We’ve got three woodsy digs that put you right where you want to be: cool and high and ready for serious hiking … or stellar relaxing!

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20. 

    Summer Refresher

    Know what's cool? These watery adventures! From hot springs to beach lounging, hitting the refresh button hasn't been easier.

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21. 

    Can-Do Canyons

    The rugged topography of Southern California creates all sorts of magical folds that are enticing to explore, though sometimes “canyon” may be a bit of a misnomer. For these hikes, don’t think Grand; think beautiful—and close to home!

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22. 

    You Wildin'!

    Beautiful views meet big birds, blubbery seals, breaching whales, and playful dolphins on these three Southern California day-outings. Amazing close encounters!

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