All in Southern CA

1. 

   Better Than Brunch

   In a pinch for a Mother’s Day plan? Three of our Los Angeles based writers took their moms on Weekend Sherpa explorations—a cruiser bike ride with wine tasting...a coast-hugging hike...a whole garden instead of a bouquet. Each adventure has been Mom-tested and approved. Cheers to you, Mom!

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2. 

   Mojave Mojo!

   Ready to get your mojo working? Hoodoos, tortoises, and a hermit’s tunnel to nowhere—they’re all part of the wondrously weird, easy-to-explore high desert just beyond the town of Mojave.

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3. 

   San Diego Rechargers

   Jump in a brisk waterfall pool, hike the coast among rare Torrey pines, or savor a sunset from the city’s best viewpoint—you’ll dig these Diego adventures!

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4. 
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   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.

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5. 

   Date with the Outdoors!

   Go out this summer and do any activity we've ever written about in Weekend Sherpa (seriously, there's 10 years' worth of outdoor activities!) and earn yourself some excellent gifts, including a Weekend Sherpa t-shirt and travel wine glasses from our "partner in wine," Line 39. Here are few ideas to get you going!

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6. 

   Free and Wild in Joshua Tree

   Joshua Tree National Park in spring is full of color, and visitors! But these three hikes in the heart of the park take you away from the crowds and into the park’s solitude, where signature trees grandstand, boulders are bountiful, and wildflowers paint the landscape like a rainbow. Bonus: Free admission this weekend for National Park Week!

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7. 

   Waterfalls, Wildflowers, Wow!

   Wanna make a colorful splash this Easter weekend? Here are some hikes with waterfalls, wildflowers, or a brilliant combo of both. Hop to it!

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8. 

   Springtime Stairway Walks

   Who's game to take the stairs? Put a spring in your step this season by hiking any of these SoCal staircases leading to hidden wonders!

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9. 

   Call of the Wildflowers!

   It's our best wildflower season in years! Here are three SoCal hikes for seeing a dazzling array of color and blossoms.

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10. 

    Last Chance Waterfalls

    Ah, what a little rain will do for Southern California. Early spring is our time to savor storm-fed streams tumbling into seasonal waterfalls that are often dormant due to droughts. Drink up on these three see-them-while-you-can hikes!

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11. 

    Green Hikes & Guinness

    There’s something about a verdant landscape that lightens hearts and makes Irish eyes smile. We salute St. Patrick’s Day and the spirit of Éire with three hikes in this greenest of seasons—plus a suggestion for a post-hike beer (or two!) to cap off the end of each outing. Sláinte!

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12. 

    Magic Hour Wanders

    With the time change happening this weekend (spring forward!), take advantage of the last of short days. Here are three sunset-view hikes to say goodbye to winter.

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13. 

    High Hikes with Bragging Rights

    When winter storms clear the SoCal skies, stunning vistas unfold. Here are three hikes with enough elevation gain to make you feel proud for living near such wild beauty. And for reaching the top!

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14. 

    Oscars Gone Wild!

    Celebrate the Oscars this weekend with short hikes through SoCal’s long film history. Here are three old movie ranches where the setting is the star of the show.

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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. 

    Spring Hikes

    Ahhh, sunny spring days! With all of winter's rain, the trails are super-charged. Here's a roundup of some SoCal spring hiking classics.

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17. 

    Long Weekend, Local Outdoor Adventures

    Need a little outdoor inspiration for a long weekend? How about hiking up to Inspiration Point, or to the top of a Palm Springs peak, or to waterfalls! Here are a few ways to let off a little steam and enjoy the outdoors.

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18. 

    Sweet Snowshoe Hikes

    Valentine’s Day is on its way. No plans? No worries! Make some snow hearts with your sweetheart. Here are three snowshoe hikes worth swooning over. Ready, set, snow!

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19. 

    Hikes To Do Now in Palm Springs

    Bag a peak, hike to brunch, see a waterfall: These three hikes in Palm Springs are in top form right now, with favorable weather, flowing falls, and easy access to downtown’s food and drinks.

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20. 

    Waterfall Hikes!

    When it rains, it waterfalls, so hike to some of LA's top oases soon. Enjoy the water boon on these three adventures in the San Gabriels.

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21. 

    Rain, Snow: Adventures always a go!

    There's rain, there's snow, so where do you go? From snowshoeing and waterfalls, to hiking sand dunes and catching sunsets, here are some adventures to avoid the winter blues.

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22. 

    New Year, New Points of View

    In 2017, let’s log on, and get out! Here are three hikes perfect for clearing your head, contemplating your New Year’s goals, and gaining a fresh perspective.

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