All in Southern CA

  1. What to Do Outdoors this Easter Weekend

    Ready to find more color than an easter egg hunt this weekend? From desert to sea to downtown LA, make a rainbow connection with adventure.

    VIEW
  2. The Magical Hikes of Mojave

    Soaring mountains, hidden canyons with water holes, and the world’s largest forest of Joshua trees are just a few of the treats in store on these less-traveled hikes in Mojave National Preserve. Spring is the perfect time for exploring the more hidden parts of this desert wonderland.

    VIEW
  3. We've Got a Winter!

    We’re just a week shy of “spring,” but winter is going strong around Mammoth, thanks to recent Sierra storms. Not a downhiller? Go shoeing, tubing, or XC skiing.

    VIEW
  4. Sponsored
    2025-10-29

    Redding Lights and Silent Nights

    Give your holiday events calendar a major glow up this winter in California’s sunniest city. Redding is a revelation: Surrounded by iconic scenery like Mount Shasta, Lassen Volcanic National Park, and Whiskeytown National Recreation Area.

    View
  5. Spirit Quests

    Looking for a different kind of spirit-ual awakening? Here are three new craft distilleries where you can tour, sip, and explore some very cool corners of our metropolis.

    VIEW
  6. Oscar-Buzz Outings

    Roll out the red carpet for some local adventures. We’ve opened the envelope to reveal three sure winners—supercool day outings inspired by three of our favorite Oscar-nominated films.

    VIEW
  7. Hidden Mojave

    The Mojave Desert is so vast that some of its most magical places get overlooked in lieu of the tried and true. Here are three off-the-beaten-path hikes in the high Mojave. Go now!

    VIEW
  8. Very Presidential!

    It's not fake news! From high desert hiking to trying your hand at curling, these adventures are tops for President's Day weekend. Go bigly!

    VIEW
  9. Sweet Escapes

    Roses and chocolates are cool, but how about a hike and a cabin escape? Here are a few ways to get your engine going outdoors over Valentine’s Day!

    VIEW
  10. Westside Rides

    Traffic-free bike rides on LA’s westside? You bet. We’ve got two premier mountain bike routes that lead right into the wilds of the Santa Monicas from their stoop in Brentwood. One is fairly gentle; the other takes some thigh grease. Or you can opt for a classic strip of flat paved path along the coast that keeps the Pacific Ocean in view all the way. Look, Ma—no cars!

    VIEW
  11. The Outlook Is Bright!

    The crisp, sunny days of a SoCal winter are the perfect time to hike high and be dazzled. Here’s a lineup of choice views to pursue—great workouts, each with a memorable payoff.

    VIEW
  12. Mountain Town With the Most

    They say that Mt. Bachelor just outside of Bend, Oregon, is a volcano. But we could swear it's a magnet, attracting outdoor enthusiasts from all across the West. The glorious mountain town of Bend offers every kind of adventure in winter: ski, hike, snowshoe, river surf (!) .... And with 24 craft breweries, your thirst for more adventure is easily quenched.

    VIEW
  13. Howling Good Hikes

    You don’t have to own a dog to love these hikes, but if you do, you’ll definitely make your furry friend happy. Each of these trails is super accessible and serves up great views. (Your dog does savor brilliant vistas, right?) These are also hikes that might be a tad warm in summer or fall, so now is the perfect time to pack up the pooch and go frolic together.

    VIEW
  14. From the Desert to the Sea

    San Diego County is Southern California’s Southern California, which is to say it has magnificent deserts, rugged mountains, and a storied coastline all in close proximity. Here’s a taste of all three geographies—legstretcher walks to start off your year in true SoCal style.

    VIEW
  15. Sponsored
    2025-10-29

    Redding Lights and Silent Nights

    Give your holiday events calendar a major glow up this winter in California’s sunniest city. Redding is a revelation: Surrounded by iconic scenery like Mount Shasta, Lassen Volcanic National Park, and Whiskeytown National Recreation Area.

    View
  16. SoCal's Top 10 Adventures of 2017

    A wise man once said looking back is looking forward. Actually, we just made that up. But we do enjoy looking back at some of your favorite adventures from 2017. Here's to getting outside even more in 2018!

    VIEW
  17. Easy Holiday Outings

    We've had a rough couple of months, from the wine country wildfires in Northern California to the current fires in Southern California. But no fire can snuff out the California spirit. If you're looking for ways to find some comfort and a little adventure this season, here are three outings to please kids from 1 to 92.

    VIEW
  18. Caffeinated Adventures

    We love our wild spaces, but we also love a great coffee drink! From mountain biking to hiking, here are three explorations, each with a tasty payoff—the nearby presence of a very cool coffee house.

    VIEW
  19. Secret Gardens

    We’d be surprised if you’ve heard of, let alone visited, all three of the “secret” gardens we highlight this week. Such is the beauty of SoCal, where natives and exotics grow in abundance, and fantastic preserves showcase them for our walking and viewing pleasure. Secret's out!

    VIEW
  20. 6 SoCal Thanksgiving Hikes

    When you've hit your max on turkey and pumpkin pie, it's time to make a pilgrimage to the outdoors. From Los Angeles to the desert, here are some good adventures to work up another appetite. Grateful for the great outdoors.

    VIEW
  21. Rock Your World!

    Big rocks have a way of making you feel bold. Or boulder, if you will. We’re not talking technical climbs here, but rather stony summits and rocky routes that invite a bit of scrambling and bring out your inner explorer. Why just stroll when you can rock ’n’ roll?

    VIEW
  22. Winter Wanderlands

    Winter brings all kinds of adventures to Southern California: photogenic desert rambles, snowy Sierra outings, chilling in Griffith Park... Here are some winter classics!

    VIEW

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. 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.

    View
  2. Three Cheers

    Good things come in threes when you visit Sonoma. Head out on a short hike right from town, sip and stroll the historic plaza, then take in the magical holiday lights.

    View
  3. 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!

    View
  4. Island Tree Topper

    The light display atop Angel Island State Park’s Mount Livermore has long been a cheerful twinkle visible from many cities throughout the Bay Area on holiday season nights. Get into the festive spirit by hiking the 2-mile (one-way) trail from Ayala Cove up to the "Angel Lights."

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. 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.

    View
  2. Dune It Right

    Want a beach that will really get you away from it all? Monterey's Fort Ord Dunes State Park is just the ticket. And it often glows golden toward sunset.

    View
  3. A woman walks the path next to the beach at sunset at Palisades Park in Los Angeles County

    Santa Monica’s Most Beautiful Walk

    With its sweeping views of Santa Monica Bay and the Santa Monica Pier, the 26-acre Palisades Park, perched along the beach bluffs, may be a tourist’s delight for its quintessential California vibes–but it’s just as beloved by locals. Follow this 2.5-mile loop to experience it like one.

    View
  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.

    View