Two people at the water basin of the historic Brown Mountain Dam in Angeles National Forest Southern California

Water Hikes

Summer in SoCal—hot, and dry right now, due to drought. Fortunately, LA’s still got some treasured and less-known waterworks for chilling out. Here are three to visit and appreciate.

Week: 07.13.2021
Regions: Southern CA

Dam Cool!

Hike to the Historic Brown Mountain Dam in the Angeles National Forest

Historic Brown Mountain Dam in Angeles National Forest Southern California
Man standing at the edge of the water at the historic Brown Mountain Dam in Southern California
Two men wading into the water basin of historic Brown Mountain Dam in Southern California
Hikers descending into a canyon in the Angeles National Forest Southern California
Head to the accessible southwest section of the Angeles National Forest, where you’ll find a hike to the historic Brown Mountain Dam. Few hikers, one refreshing reward!
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Summer's Must Sea

Marine Wildlife and Easy Adventures at Monterey Bay Aquarium

Monterey Bay Aquarium
whale watch Monterey
kids at Monterey Bay Aquarium
The newly reopened Monterey Bay Aquarium never misses a “Best of” list—for good reason. The Aquarium’s location right on the shores of Monterey Bay, with waves crashing below the decks, is a mesmerizing experience.
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Crystal Ball

Hike and Camp at Crystal Lake Recreation Area in the Angeles National Forest

Woman staring out at Crystal Lake in Crystal Lake Recreation Area in Angeles National Forest Southern California
Find the magical snow-, rain-, and spring-fed Crystal Lake perched at 5,539 feet in the center of the Angeles National Forest. There's camping too. And it's first-come, first-served!
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Haines Your Way

Hike Haines Canyon Debris Basin in the San Gabriels

Haines Canyon Debris Basin in the San Gabriels Southern California
Hiker and dog on a trail in Haines Canyon Debris Basin in the San Gabriels Southern California
High point vista of Haines Canyon Debris Basin in the San Gabriels Southern California
Mountain Bikers on a trail in Haines Canyon Debris Basin in the San Gabriels Southern California
Enter the Debris basins, one of the less-visited, less-appreciated water features of the San Gabriels. Go on an out-and-back hike that highlights the Haines Canyon Debris Basin, and features some awesome valley views.
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    Secret Beach

    A hidden beach and a killer view? Those are hard to come by, but that’s exactly what you’ll get at Perles Beach on Angel Island. Bike or hike to this beautiful pocket cove.

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  2. Peak at the Flowers

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  3. Hike Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve

    Mellow in the Marsh

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    Baylands Bird & Art Loop

    Combine an outdoor art walk and wildlife sightings at the Baylands Nature Preserve in Palo Alto. This 5-mile loop through Byxbee Park and the Emily Renzel Wetlands features striking installations by artists Peter Richards and Michael Oppenheimer—where the landscape itself becomes part of the canvas.

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    No Limits Family Trip: Reno Tahoe

    What if your next family getaway didn’t come with a set agenda—just the freedom to go where the day takes you? Find yourselves in Reno Tahoe, a land of no limits and plenty of outdoor bounty.

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  2. Tree Town

    Home to an estimated 21,000 trees and 100 acres of parkland, South Pasadena has earned its nickname: the City of Trees. This 2.5-mile neighborhood walk lets you experience its leafy canopy up close, winding through charming streets and three of the city’s beloved parks.

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  3. Fountain to Falls trail Monrovia

    Fountain to the Falls

    There are three ways to reach the lovely Monrovia Canyon Falls, but only one of them is worthy of being named a good challenge, with a lovely old town stroll included.

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  4. A Better Way to Baldwin

    The Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook in Culver City is one of West L.A.’s most popular hiking spots, but most visitors miss the bigger picture. This 3.5-mile out-and-back along a section of the Park to Playa Trail offers a fuller experience of this gorgeous nature park with sweeping urban views and a few artistic surprises along the way.

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