This Hidden Beach ...

The term "secret beach" is a bit of a relative one for SoCal. Still, there are a few you can escape to and find a bit of serenity. From a hidden gem to secret strands and pocket sands, don't let others beach you to it!

Week: 10.03.2023
Regions: Southern CA

Ponto Perfection

Relax at hidden South Ponto Beach in Carlsbad

It's no secret that San Diego County is a treasure trove of sandy shores, so when you find a hidden, less-visited stretch of sand, it feels special. And the first time you visit South Ponto Beach in Carlsbad, you feel like you’ve struck gold.
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The Unexpected Wonders of Monterey

Exploring Beyond the Monterey Bay Aquarium

Point Pinos Lighthouse
Monterey Recreation Path
woman painting Monterey
One of the world’s best teachers? Mother Nature. And one of the best destinations to learn from her? The Monterey Bay Aquarium. Spend a few hours at the Aquarium, then take your pick of self-guided walks...
Plan Your Visit to the Monterey Bay Aquarium

Stranded in Dana Point

Orange County "Secret" Beach: Dana Point Strand

The key to finding an uncrowded beach in Orange County? Be willing to hike! Dana Point’s Strand lies beneath a protected coastal promontory called the Headlands, surrounded by rocky bluffs and elegant homes.
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Malibu in Your Pocket

Malibu's "Secret" La Piedra State Beach

La Piedra, one of Malibu’s “pocket beaches,” is the perfect sanctuary for beachgoers who don’t care to rub beach blankets with the crowds at Zuma or Paradise Cove. It’s less than 10 minutes up the coast from Zuma, but a world away from the all the frenzy.
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Trending Stories NorCal

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  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.

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  2. 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.

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  3. A woman looks out to the scenery while standing next to a bench on a high point on a hike in Orinda Oaks Park in the East Bay

    Orinda Original

    This 3.5-mile out-and-back through Orinda Oaks Park and Moraga offers scenic vistas right inside the city.

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  4. 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.

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Trending Stories SoCal

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  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.

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  2. Hikers stand atop Lassen Peak in Lassen Volcanic National Park

    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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  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

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  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.

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