View All

  1. Northern CA

    Picnic With a View!

    Who's hungry for a picnic with beautiful views? From the redwoods to the beach to the bay, here are three places in Marin to relax with a charcuterie or barbecue feast, along with bonus hikes and bike rides.

    VIEW
  2. Southern CA

    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!

    VIEW
  3. Southern CA

    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.

    VIEW
  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.

    View
  5. Northern CA

    Comfort Hikes and Bike Rides

    If you need a bit of a break to contemplate, or to find forms of comfort, sometimes it’s helpful to be in nature. These hiking and biking suggestions include a peace grove, quieter trails, early wildflowers, and some sweet farm animals.

    VIEW
  6. Southern CA

    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!

    VIEW
  7. woman biking bolinas ridge trail bay area
    Northern CA

    Ridgeline Trails With Hints of Spring

    Crisp skylines and the chance of early wildflowers festooning trails … yep, it’s a good time to do a ridge ramble in the Bay Area. Here are some hikes and bike rides featuring ridgelines for positive perspectives and hints of spring!

    VIEW
  8. Northern CA

    Hill Yeah!

    The Bay Area hills are alive with winter greenery, stellar scenery, and seasonally favorable temperatures for conquering peaks. These hikes (some with bike options) feature vistas, peak bagging, and prime picnic spots. Head for the hills!

    VIEW
  9. Southern CA

    The Great Artdoors

    Ready for the great artdoors? SoCal has some beautfiul places to wander and see interesting, inspiring, and educational works, from murals and sculptures to installations and tasty food and drink bonuses.

    VIEW
  10. Northern CA

    Dates Outdoors

    In this season of love and romance, there's one companion who never disappoints: the outdoors! Grab your favorite person or people and head out on some hikes and bike rides that are oh so sweet right now.

    VIEW
  11. Southern CA

    Sweet Hikes, Bike Rides, and Bakeries

    Whether your relationship is new, or you’ve been together a long time, the outdoors makes a terrific companion. Gather your loved one(s) and head outside for these sweet hikes and bike rides, along with some post-adventure bakery treats.

    VIEW
  12. Northern CA

    Look on the Bright Side

    Winter sunsets get a glowing review in California, whether you're watching one from a sand dune surrounded by mountains or pedaling your bike down by the sea. Here are some of the best hikes, bike rides, and viewpoints for catching one of nature's best light shows.

    VIEW
  13. Two hikers on the ridge hiking to San Gabriel Peak in Southern California
    Southern CA

    Glow for It

    Fun fact: finding your glow doesn't mean choosing the latest facial serum promising shiny cheeks. The natural beauty of a winter sunset can get you glowing from the inside out! Here are some of the best hikes and viewpoints for watching one of nature's greatest lightshows. Shine on!

    VIEW
  14. woman hiking Channel Islands
    Ventura County Coast

    California's Most Sea-nic National Park

    Blissful beaches, panoramic hikes, craft beer, and one of California’s wildest national parks—Ventura County Coast has the Southern California climate with its own distinct laid-back vibe. Here are five ideas for your adventure getaway.

    VIEW
  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.

    View
  16. Northern CA

    Peak-a-View!

    Who's ready for a fresh perspective? There’s a peak hike for that. Make that three peak hikes. Test your mettle on the Bay Area’s toughest hike (any guesses?), enjoy a more moderate Diablo adventure, or relax with a sunset hike on Tam.

    VIEW
  17. Southern CA

    Waterfall Way to Hike

    Wait for it, wait for it... now! Winter rains mean waterfall hikes are an actual thing to do this year, but get to them sooner than later while the flow is still good.

    VIEW
  18. Woman sitting at the picnic table at Lawson picnic area in Hood Mountain Regional Park
    Northern CA

    Panoramic Picnic Spots

    Ready to raise your picnic game? These hike-in spots offer incredible vistas to go along with your PB&J. From a brand-new trail to a less-traveled classic, here are three hike-in picnics where you’ll ascend to deliriously good views.

    VIEW
  19. Southern CA

    Surprise Views

    Surprise! These three hikes in North San Diego County are not only less traveled, they're filled with outdoor gems like Torrey pines, sandstone formations, wildlife, and vantage points with huge views.

    VIEW
  20. Woman at Cascade Falls in Mill Valley
    Northern CA

    Waterfall Start to the New Year

    Want a waterfall way to kick off the new year? These three flows are all set within residential areas, making for easy access and nice strolls to oases buttressed by recent rains and other splashy features.

    VIEW
  21. Southern CA

    Find Fresh Views in Malibu

    Happy New Year. Ready for some bu-tiful outdoors? Malibu still has a few secrets to explore and we’ve got three less traveled beach and lake hikes for you to try something new for 2022.

    VIEW
  22. Southern CA

    Top 10 Outdoor Adventures for 2021

    Backcountry explorations, riverwalks, secret beaches, and adventurous day hikes in national parks ... here's our list of the top 10 adventures of 2021. See you on the trails next year!

    VIEW

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Keough's Hot Springs

    Soaking Up History

    When you slide into the soothing water of Keough’s Hot Springs, you’re bathing in a piece of Owens Valley history.

    View
  2. woman hiking Buck Gulch Falls Novato

    Buck Wild!

    Tucked back beyond the residential ranch-style homes and golf courses of Novato in the North Bay is a wild and wondrous 30-foot waterfall that springs to life in the rainy season. Buck Gulch Falls in Novato’s Ignacio Valley Preserve is in peak flow right now, and it’s a short and Middle-earthy hike to reach it.

    View
  3. Grover Hot Springs

    State Park Soaker

    Set in an alpine meadow at 6,000 feet and surrounded by the 10,000-foot granite peaks of the Sierra, Grover Hot Springs State Park—just outside the town of Markleeville—has its very own hot springs.

    View
  4. 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.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Redding Ironman Whiskeytown lake
    Sponsored

    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.

    View
  2. 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.

    View
  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

    View
  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.

    View