All in Southern CA

  1. 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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  2. 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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  3. 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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  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. 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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  6. Waterfall Summer Hikes

    Some waterfall hikes are still spectacles even in early summer, especially after a snow-packing winter. From less known waterworks in the far reaches of both Yosemite and Shasta County, to a stunner in a neighboring state, here are three ways to have a waterfall start to summer.

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  7. Beachy-Keen Hikes

    With summer on the horizon, coastal hikes that include beaches can be a 10 out of 10 experience. Where to go? Beach ya to it! Here are three recommendations...

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  8. Seaside Hikes, Bike Rides, and Camp Spots in SoCal

    Sally sells seashells by the seashore, but where does Sally hike and bike and camp? By the sea, of course! Here are three seaside strolls and rolls that are simply spectacular ... and some have sleeping spot campsites too.

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  9. Lakes Basin Camping and Hiking in the Sierra Nevada

    Where to Camp and Glamp in CA: Part 1

    We feel the camping vibes. Here's our first in a two-part roundup of beautiful destinations that also have camping, cabins, and glamping.

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  10. Your Long Weekend Outdoors

    Disc golf by the lake, peaks less traveled, adorable farm animals, and beautiful biking to food and beer spots ... long May you relax and adventure outdoors this weekend.

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  11. Bluff Yeah!

    We’re not bluffing around! These three bluffside hikes deliver huge Pacific views and on-land charms—from a ranch-style rambler that’s postcard perfection at sunset, to a hidden gem leading to a less known beach. Have a bluffing good time.

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  12. Wellness Waters

    It’s a known health benefit to spend time in nature, and around water. Lucky for us, among the many gems of Southern California’s premier coastal setting are beautiful lagoons for hiking, kayaking, and stopping to smell the wildflowers. Find your awe at these three beautiful oases.

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  13. Flavorful Spring Strolls

    Sometimes a walk in the great outdoors just goes better when food is involved. Actually, almost always. Good thing Southern California has its fill of fresh and tasty eats and drinks. Here are some top places to go this spring for some flavorful strolls with bonus beautiful scenery.

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  14. Washington State of Mind

    It’s one of the West's most nature-nurtured getaways. Washington State shines in spring, and this easy, short-distances road trip explores the region's majestic Kitsap Peninsula and Tacoma. Experience electric green forests, gorgeous gardens, sublime waterfront harbors, iconic mountains, “Little Norway,” and one of the most outstanding urban parks in America.

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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. Take a Walk on the Wild(flower) Side!

    The real rainbow at the end of a really rainy winter? Wildflowers! They can paint a kaleidoscope of colors across SoCal landscapes. Some are in full form right now, so when the sun’s out, head out to any of these places that can go wild with flowers.

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  17. Spring Release Hikes

    Ahhh, spring. With all of winter’s rain, the trails are super-charged. So get out and enjoy these hikes with electric green hills, blooming flowers, plus mountain and sea views.

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  18. Cave In to These Spring Adventures

    Before the deserts get too hot, before the wildflowers dwindle, and before the summer crowds take over, take your explorations deeper with these thrilling cave adventures.

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  19. Coming Soon: Spring?

    Well, let's just call any further rains a spring refresher; which can bring a real pop to the colors of nature, soon-ish. Spring it on!

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  20. Bon-Anza-Borrego!

    At over 640,000 acres and 500 miles of roads, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is easily the biggest in California. And it positively blooms in spring! Get there soon and take in the wild—and wildflower—scenery! These three short hikes to overlooks each offer a different perspective of this vast desert.

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  21. Three Intriguing Canyon Hikes in CA

    There’s just something so intriguing about landscapes formed by all kinds of geologic activity and forces of nature. Before it gets too hot, here are three places to adventure within a lava tube, a surprise canyon, and a canyon hike with a stunning natural bridge … all in California!

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  22. Post Rain Greenery & Scenery

    Some of LA County’s most impressive landscapes beam bright green after rains. Here are three hikes bound to shine for big views with Shamrock colored scenery.

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Trending Stories NorCal

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  1. Waterfall Hunter

    If you ask a local in Reno about one of the best hiking trails in town, odds are high they’ll point you to Hunter Creek Falls. It’s a year-round favorite, but it absolutely shines in spring, when desert peach wildflowers make a splash—and so does the marquee waterfall.

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  2. Cheers to Chimney

    If you’re looking for all that Point Reyes has to offer in spring, Chimney Rock is the place to be. The 1.75-mile (round-trip) hike to Chimney may be short, but it packs a visual punch, quadrupling the viewing thrills during spring.

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  3. Sponsored

    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
  4. Hello, Sur!

    Big Sur is home to numerous fantastic beaches and coves, so which one do you choose? Go for the beach that's quintessential Big Sur (and dog-friendly!). Pfeiffer Beach in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. Its signature lilac-colored sand is waiting for your feet!

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Trending Stories SoCal

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  1. Garland in Bloom

    Carmel Valley is known for its quaint wineries and scenic hiking trails. Enjoy both on this 3.75-mile loop through Garland Ranch Regional Park.

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  2. A woman stands amid an array of yellow and purple flowers at Descanso Gardens in Los Angeles

    Petal Paradise

    Tulips, lilacs, and daffodils—flower power is in full bloom at Descanso Gardens in La Cañada Flintridge. Sprawling across 150 acres surrounded by mountains, the gardens are putting on their best show right now.

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  3. Bike the Coastal Trail to Pillar Point Harbor in Half Moon Bay

    Ride and Seek

    Oceanside breezes, beautiful beaches, a car-free pathway for biking, and beer at the end: You’re on a roll! The San Mateo Coast was made for beach hopping and beer tasting … and it all goes down smooth as part of an 8-mile out-and-back bike ride.

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  4. Tamtastic Sunset

    Sure, the East Peak of Mount Tam is absolutely spectacular at sunset, but some magic-hour enthusiasts are onto a fresh perspective in getting a little more personal space for their panoramic viewings.

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