All in Southern CA

  1. A Walk Among Oaks

    A walk in the woods can be good medicine, and seeing the forest for the trees can also be beneficial. These three hikes feature beautiful and resilient oak trees along with big views for extra inspiration.

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  2. Firework Hikes

    Grab a headlamp and a sense of adventure to do any of these hikes in LA at sunset. And 4th of July bonus: the chance to catch some distant fireworks!

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  3. Okay, Malibu

    Summer! Ocean breeze, Pacific views, beach, blanket, beautiful hikes … okay, Malibu, you’re the quintessential California town to help kick off all the adventures.

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  4. Sponsored
    2025-03-12

    From Alpine Wildflowers to Turquoise Coves

    North Lake Tahoe is where nature, culture, and authentic experiences let you connect to something deeper. Spring is an ode to the region’s harmonious dual nature, where you can mix

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  5. This One's for Hank, and All Dogs

    In celebration of Hank and all dogs (including the ones who now run free in our hearts), here are some of Hank's favorite dog-friendly things to do in Northern California.

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  6. Person on boardwalk at the wetlands of San Dieguto Lagoon in Del Mar San Diego

    Hidden Gems of Del Mar

    San Diego County’s coastal gem of Del Mar is world famous for its beautiful beaches, but it’s still got a few watery and lush secrets … all you have to do is know where to go!

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  7. Where to Camp

    Whether you like your camping adventure on an island, close to the sea, or at a reservoir with no motorized boats, these three places hit the spot … the sweet spot for pitching a tent and enjoying some hikes and kayak explorations.

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  8. Trees Company

    Trees are a vital part of our ecosystem, filtering air, providing shade, and just comforting us with their quiet beauty. From hidden redwoods to secret Torrey Pines and Joshua trees not in Joshua Tree, here are some top tall-tree outdoor adventures.

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  9. All Ride, All Ride, All Ride

    Next time you’re ready to go for a spin, try adding some parks, picnic spots, beach hangouts, and beer bonuses you just can’t find at the gym. Here are three beautiful trails to pedal this spring. All ride then, let’s go!

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  10. Urban Art Walks of LA

    LA is home to the great artdoors, and these three urban walks dazzle with everything from historic downtown parks and art complexes to a magnificent great wall of mural art in North LA.

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  11. Game Plan for These Outdoor Adventures

    Whether it's booking wilderness permits, finding first-come, first-served options, or just setting a date for a trip, it's good to have a game plan for some top outdoor adventures. Here are several favorites to plan for this summer.

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  12. Woman taking a photo of the San Gabriel Mountains from a hiking trail at Azusa River Wilderness Park in Los Angeles

    Find Your Flow

    Refresh your spring with some hikes and bike rides alongside rivers, with bonuses like artwork, flowers, and beer! Here are three places where adventure includes a river running through it. Get flowing!

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  13. Hiker walking into the Thurston Lava Tube in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

    Eight Great National Parks

    Happy National Park Week! Choosing some favorites is like putting together a Greatest Hits album: We think it's all good! Here's a compilation of 8 great national parks and some of our favorite adventures within them ...

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  14. Hikers at Las Virgenes Reservoir in Triunfo Creek Park near Thousand Oaks

    Wildflower Hikes Less Traveled

    If your Easter Egg hunt includes wildflowers, we’ve got a few amazing places for you to check out soon. These hikes feature less-known trails with pockets and fields of florals bringing a confetti of color to the landscapes.

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  15. Sponsored
    2025-03-12

    From Alpine Wildflowers to Turquoise Coves

    North Lake Tahoe is where nature, culture, and authentic experiences let you connect to something deeper. Spring is an ode to the region’s harmonious dual nature, where you can mix

    View
  16. Urban Hike to the Shakespeare Bridge in LA

    Architecture Walks in Los Angeles

    Lace up your shoes for an urban walk through parks with beautiful art and architecture. These three options offer spiritual resonance, UNESCO beauty, some Shakespeare, and signature neighborhood styles.

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  17. Woman exploring Vanalden Cave in the Santa Cruz Mountains

    Cave Adventures

    Take your explorations deeper with these cave adventures across Southern California.

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  18. The Hollywood Sign Letters from behind overlooking the Los Angeles skyline

    Three Hikes, One Sign

    With the Oscars this Sunday how about a hike to the ultimate showbiz sign. Here are three different hikes with unique perspectives of the Hollywood Sign.

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  19. Hiker celebrating at Condor Peak in the San Gabriel Mountains

    Major Peak Hikes

    Now that we have longer days, it’s time for some longer hikes. These three peak-bagging hikes between 8 and 16 miles (round-trip) in the San Gabriel Mountains are truly challenging, with huge panoramic payoffs.

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  20. Three Hikes, One Preserve

    How much variety can you find on three hikes within one preserve? Find out at Rancho La Costa Preserve in San Diego County. It’s home to a secret canyon, a waterfall, and the tallest peak in Carlsbad. Three, two, one … hiking plan, done!

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  21. Wellness Hikes and Bike Rides

    In tumultuous times taking a break in nature can be helpful ... among trees, birds, and trails less traveled. Here are some hiking and biking recommendations for taking a wellness break outdoors.

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  22. Secret Trails of Simi Valley

    Can you keep a secret? These less-traveled trails in Ventura County's heavenly slice of Simi Valley are short and sweet with stellar mountain and skyline scenery and bonuses like wildflowers and beer stops. Simi sensational!

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  1. Mile-Long Cataract Club

    In winter after heavy rains, the north flank of Mount Tam glows with flows. The nearly mile-long series of waterfalls—Cataract Falls—transforms into a supercharged spectacle. Starting at Alpine Dam, a 1.6 mile (one-way) narrow trails threads through redwoods and ferns along Cataract Creek.

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  2. Sponsored

    Mini Guide to Reno Tahoe’s Lodging and Dining

    So, you’re going to Reno Tahoe for some time in nature, and some time in nurture? Excellent choice. The fun and wonder of Reno Tahoe is the easy part.

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  3. Hidden Long Ridge

    After heavy rains, the rolling headwaters of Peters Creek in Long Ridge Open Space Preserve pulsate along the forest floor via a series of small waterfalls that cut grooves in sandstone boulders. See it on a 4.5-mile loop hike starting from the Grizzly Flat parking lot.

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  4. Hike Artdoors

    Add a little color to your new year. This 3-mile loop through the Montalvo Arts Center mixes the beauty of the natural world with local artists’ creations.

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Trending Stories SoCal

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  1. 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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  2. 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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  3. People gathered around a tree at an LA Park as part of the Tree Tour led by Stephanie Carrie

    LA's Tree Tour

    Los Angeles is famous for its iconic palm trees but did you know that LA is home to one of the most diverse urban forests in the world? With over 1,000 different tree species lining its streets, LA offers a unique urban canopy waiting to be explored. One of the best ways to discover it is by joining a Tree Tour

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  4. White Tank Campground for Stargazing

    Heaven for star buffs: the best campground in Joshua Tree National Park for night-sky viewing, in a place named an International Dark Sky Park, with a full-on observatory just minutes away! White Tank Campground is at 3,800 feet in the eastern part of the park.

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