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  1. Southern CA

    Lake Expectations

    Summer's on and the SoCal lakes are gleaming and beaming. You will be too, if you visit one of these less known lakes, where you can camp, hike, paddle, have a barbecue, or just soak in the calming effects of nature.

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  2. Southern CA

    Jubilant in Julian

    Beat the June gloom, in Julian! While there’s a lot more to the mountain town of Julian, it is popularly known as a premier hiking haven, with very delicious pies. Try any of these hikes around the town, and pair them with some pies, craft brews, cider, and down-to-earth dining with heavenly views.

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  3. Woman hiking down stairs to Perles Beach on Angel Island State Park in the San Francisco Bay Area
    Northern CA

    California State Parks Week

    California State Parks Week (June 14 - 18, 2023) encourages visits California state parks for new experiences, nourishing health and wellness, celebrating community and culture, and caring for our lands. Here are just a few suggestions of places to go.

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  4. Sponsored
    2026-09-02

    Reno Mountain High

    Take your vacation to new heights with some of the season’s most original events, and plenty of outdoors to explore. Fall for it all in Reno Tahoe.

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  5. Northern CA

    Ready to Rock

    Rock stars: unique, expressive, and with individual flair. These three Northern California rock stars are no exception—featuring nature-sculpted formations you can admire on a hike or from a beach. Rock, on.

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  6. Southern CA

    Camp, Glamp, Stay, Step Outdoors

    Wanna get away, but not by plane ... here are some drive-worthy destinations where you can camp, glamp, or stay in a hotel (no shame!) and enjoy easy access to adventures right outside your door (or tent flap). 

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  7. Northern CA

    Down by the Water

    This winter's epic rain and snow has rivers and creeks currently flowing like never before. Admire the flow, but do it on land, from a safe distance. Here are three unique places to bike, hike, or camp near the water.

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  8. Southern CA

    Stairway Hikes for Summer

    Step up to summer with these urban stairway strolls with parks, gardens, historic scenery, and beautiful greenery—and some food and drink bonuses.

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  9. Northern CA

    Hike-in to Beach Bliss

    Know what feels good after a hike? Sticking your toes in the sand! Kick off the unofficial start to summer with some beach time ... but not just any beach time... these three beaches are hike-ins, for a bit of extra bliss.

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  10. Southern CA

    Quick Mix

    Hike in to a beach, bike a most bountiful trail, take an urban walk with food stops, and visit an LA Canyon...mix it up for the unofficial start of summer.

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  11. Northern CA

    Redwoods Right Now

    Who’s throwing shade? These big ol’ beautiful redwoods across Northern California. Come for the hiking, stay for the camping. You’ll have it made in the shade.

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  12. Hiker at Lake Hodges in San Diego County
    Southern CA

    Spring H20

    Who's thirsty for an adventure? These lakes and reservoirs beam in spring. And they're refreshing places to hike, bike ride, and camp!

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  13. Northern CA

    Small Parks, Big Views

    These Bay Area parks are not super-sized yet bring super-size scenery including iconic views, barbecues, and beautiful scenery—from lush gardens to the Golden Gate, and an artfully designed mini-golf course!

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  14. Southern CA

    National Parks With Distinction

    California's national parks have some bragging rights! There's one formed by the San Andreas Fault. Another is the world's largest national park site in an urban area. Then there's the national park inhabited by an island fox found nowhere else on earth. And the one with the tallest waterfall in North America. Check it out, then check them out!

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  15. Sponsored
    2026-09-02

    Reno Mountain High

    Take your vacation to new heights with some of the season’s most original events, and plenty of outdoors to explore. Fall for it all in Reno Tahoe.

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  16. Northern CA

    Garden State

    Guided rhododendron walks, farm-to-trail events, a lavender maze for World Labyrinth Day, things are coming up more than roses! These three botanical gardens have extra bling this spring. --

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  17. Southern CA

    Foodie Adventures

    Some outdoor activities just go better when there’s food involved. And Southern California is filled with fresh and delicious cuisine and treats. Here are three places to go for a most flavorful hiking, biking, or walking adventure.

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  18. Northern CA

    Super Pedals + Petals

    When the wind’s in your hair, a Bay Area spring is in more than the air...it's all over the hills and trails too! Here are some bike rides (or hikes) where the season is showing off its best stuff.

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  19. Southern CA

    Peaking Now in Los Angeles

    With spring peaking, it’s a scenic time to hike some peaks! From a summit less traveled to a dramatic icon, take a peek at these three peak-bagging adventures.

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  20. Northern CA

    Spring for These Summits

    The wildflowers are flowing, the green hills are rolling, and things are looking up! Way up. Head out and up to these three Bay Area summit hikes currently bringing some spring bling!

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  21. Southern CA

    Lookout, L.A.!

    Some things are not to be overlooked, including these beautiful overlooks that look out over some of LA’s most iconic scenery, with hiking trail bonuses to boot!

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  22. Northern CA

    Bloom Shakalaka

    It's raining wildflowers! A benefit of big rains followed by warm weather is gorgeous scenery festooned by flowers. Here are some places currently blossoming with flora, fauna, and fabulous views.

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Trending Stories NorCal

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  1. Roaring Redwoods

    Tucked next to brilliant Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park in Santa Cruz, the folks at Roaring Camp Railroads had a bright idea: When the sun goes down, the rainbow lights come up. Sequoias at Night brings big magic to some of the tallest trees in the world.

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  2. Barbary Coast Trail medallion hike in San Francisco

    Medallion Walk SF

    The Barbary Coast Trail is a 3.8-mile historical walk and treasure hunt through San Francisco. Be on the lookout for hubcap-sized bronze medallions placed on the city sidewalks with arrows pointing you in the right direction.

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  3. Sponsored

    Autumn Magic in Yosemite Mariposa County

    Yosemite Mariposa County is where golden moments unfold all season long. Watch the sun's warm glow settle over El Capitan and Half Dome, then wander quietly in Mariposa Grove. Beyo

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  4. Greater by the Dozen

    This hike is anything but a dime a dozen. The all-new "Golden Gate Dozen Trail" links 12 National Park sites on a spectacular 13-mile journey across San Francisco's coastline.

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Trending Stories SoCal

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  1. The Big Chill

    In LA, finding a place to chill can be the ultimate flex. So flex, in Franklin Canyon! This unexpected oasis has plenty of shade, cool lake breezes, and ample picnicking spots. Enjoy it on an easy-going 1-mile stroll along its reservoir and duck pond.

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  2. Shimmering Paddle

    Uniquely situated where the Russian River meets the rugged Pacific coast, Jenner is a shining star of kayaking destinations. It’s even better on a guided paddle at sunset, under a full moon, or during peak bioluminescent season.

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  3. Holcomb We Haven't Camped Here?

    Holcomb Valley Campground in the San Bernardino National Forest has 19 pine-shaded sites, all of them first-come, first-served.

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  4. Rancho Style

    Vicente Bluffs Reserve dazzles anytime, but during the golden hour it’s an absolute knockout. Majestic rocky bluffs, dreamy ocean views, and a picturesque lighthouse are just a few of the reasons.

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