All in Southern CA

  1. Woman walking in the Venice Canals of Los Angeles County

    Waterside Walks

    Water, walking, waterside walking…take it easy and catch your breath on these tranquil strolls.

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  2. Pumpkin Spice Hikes

    You asked for it (not really) and we delivered. Time for that perfect autumn combo: autumn outdoors and pumpkin spice lattes. Here are three fall hikes perfect to do with friends and family, where you can find some nearby coffee … pumpkin-spiced!

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  3. State of Bliss

    Take a trip to the high desert this fall … the high desert you might not know but truly should! Washington State’s sunny and arid eastern side—from Wenatchee through Lake Chelan to the Methow Valley, bordered by North Cascades National Park—is an absolute revelation. Relish the apple capital of the world, the mountainous landscapes, rolling vineyards, pristine lakes, rivers, and waterfalls, and spirited small towns brimming with cuisine, art, and culture. Just a few hours east of Seattle, here’s a road trip itinerary to see this hidden gem of Washington State.

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  4. Redding Ironman Whiskeytown lake
    Sponsored
    2025-12-31

    New Year, New Goal: IRONMAN 70.3 Northern California

    2026 is off and running! And swimming. And biking. Don't get left behind! Commit to one of the upcoming year’s most exciting endurance events—IRONMAN 70.3 Northern California in Redding.

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  5. Woman walking on a hiking trail flanked by oaks at Volcan Mountain in San Diego.

    So Fall-filling

    Who says California doesn't get all four seasons? Autumn in SoCal brings golden sunlight, earth-toned foliage, and pumpkins! Enjoy a change of scenery on these three fall-filling outings.

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  6. Adventures in Food!

    We all like adventuring in the great outdoors, but you can't forget about the post activity noshing. We've rounded up a hike, bike, and urban walk with nearby places to grab a bite to eat.

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  7. Woman walking up a stairway surrounded by trees at Lacy Park in San Marino

    Take the Stairs

    We've all heard it: it's healthy to take the stairs. And it's a lot more fun when those stairs are outdoors in nature. Here are three outdoor spaces with stairways to heavenly views and a beach.

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  8. Fall's First Hikes

    Saying goodbye to summer can be hard, but autumn brings its own beauty and seasonal fun. Here are three suggestions for that first fall hike.

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  9. Woman on grassy lawn at Vista Hermosa Park in Echo Park Los Angeles

    Skyline's the Limit

    Los Angeles has one of the most beautiful urban skylines in the country, and with autumn’s sun casting its afternoon glow more deeply, these three urban gems shine for the golden downtown LA views they gift.

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  10. To the Lighthouse!

    To the lighthouse! But not just any lighthouse. These three lighthouses have everything from unique histories and spectacular whale watching spots, to beautifully appointed overnight accommodations, live music concerts, and paranormal activity. Lights are on!

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  11. Now This is Some Star Power!

    SoCal’s real star power … is up in the sky! Make some plans to see the brighter side of shorter days at some prominent parks and local outings that celebrate all things celestial: moon, stars, space, and planets.

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  12. Summer's Home Run

    As we hit the home stretch on summer, we’re playing the long game. These outdoor adventures were popular over the season, and can help your summer linger just a little bit longer.

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  13. LA Stairway Culture

    Los Angeles is filled with stairway networks that bring not only great vistas but some cool culture too. From a Pacific Palisades gem designed to resemble Italy’s Amalfi Coast, to a stairway adorned by Hollywood history, here are three stairway walks worth stepping up (and down) for.

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  14. How Do You Lake It?

    Time for a lake break! Now’s a good time to head out to some of California’s premiere oases. These three California adventures include refreshing lake stops that add some sparkle to your summer plans.

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  15. Redding Ironman Whiskeytown lake
    Sponsored
    2025-12-31

    New Year, New Goal: IRONMAN 70.3 Northern California

    2026 is off and running! And swimming. And biking. Don't get left behind! Commit to one of the upcoming year’s most exciting endurance events—IRONMAN 70.3 Northern California in Redding.

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  16. LA Hikes + French Bakery Bonuses

    Hikes and urban walks aren’t Olympic sports, yet. But that doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate the 2024 Paris games and some 2028 LA enthusiasm! Do these less-traveled LA trails where after the sweat come the sweets! As in, some of LA’s tastiest French bakeries. Here we goooooo!

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  17. Celestial Style

    Summer nights bring lingering sunsets, full moon bliss, and meteor shower shows like the Perseid, currently active and peaking August 11. Check out these top places for hikes and campsites to soak in SoCal, celestial style.  

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  18. Wild Wonders of California

    Desert, forest, city, coast—four of the Golden State’s most wild, dynamic, and resilient ecosystems—are featured in California: State of Nature, a new exhibition at the California Academy of Sciences. We’re sharing some of the best places for outdoor adventures in these ecosystems, and providing a peek inside the exhibition. Plus enter for a complimentary 2-Night Getaway on California’s “secret coast" and 4 tickets to the CA Academy of Sciences!

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  19. Glowing Summer Adventures

    Brighten up your summer nights with adventures that bring some cool light! From a star-gazing campground and an upcoming Star Fest, to the silver shoreline flashes of amazing grunion fish runs, here are three fun ways to see what glows in the night.

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  20. Where to Camp in CA: Part 2

    It's not easy getting the good stuff for camping, but with some planning ahead, or some luck with first come, first serves, it can be a magical experience. Here's our recommendations on where to sleep under the stars, and near the water, in California.

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  21. Fourthcoming Outdoors

    Happy 4th! Things are heating up, so your best bet might be to keep things close to the coast. Here are a few WS favorites that'll have you down by the shore.

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  22. Okay, Cool (Hikes, Beaches, Camps)

    When the heat's on in SoCal, nature's air conditioning can help if you know where to go. From camping at the beach, to seaside strolls, and high elevation hiking and bouldering, here are a few ways to help keep your cool and have a lot of fun too!

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  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.

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  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.

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  3. 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."

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  4. 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.

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Trending Stories SoCal

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  1. Field of Light at Sensorio in Paso Robles

    Light This Way

    Hidden in the bucolic hills of Paso Robles lies one of the greatest light shows on earth. The lighted art exhibition, Sensorio, is as if the rainbow magic of the aurora borealis was plucked from the sky and planted in the fields. DECEMBER BONUS: Enjoy a holiday market, see The Nutcracker, and visit Santa at Sensorio.

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  2. 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!

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  3. O Enchanted Night!

    Prepare to be mesmerized! Holiday-season nights in Descanso Gardens are a magical interplay of lights and natural beauty that dazzle as you stroll through the Enchanted Forest of L

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  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.

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