Get Some Holiday Space

It's okay to ask for a little space this holiday season, including open space! From a secluded hike-in beach to an LA hill with big and bold views, plus a trail for your dog to roam alongside you, here are three great ways to space out ... outdoors! 

Week: 12.06.2023
Regions: Southern CA

Secluded Royale

Hike to secluded Coast Royale Beach in Orange County

Woman hiking down the stairs to Coast Royale Beach in Orange County
Hikers going down stairs on a trail towards Coast Royale Beach in Orange County
Hiker going down stairs towards Coast Royale Beach in Orange County
Hikers going down to Coast Royale Beach in Orange County
Panoramic coastal views and a killer leg workout combine on this 2.7-mile (round-trip) out-and-back hike to secluded Coast Royale Beach in Orange County
Read the full story

Elephant in the Open Space

Hike to a Beautiful Views at Elephant Hill Open Space in Los Angeles County

Hiker on wide open trail at Elephant Hill Open Space in Los Angeles
Do Not Feed The Dinosaurs sign at Elephant Hill Open Space in Los Angeles
Hiker on trail pointing to surrounding hills at Elephant Hill Open Space in Los Angeles
Hiker going down a trail at Elephant Hill Open Space in Los Angeles
Elephant Hill Open Space, a less-traveled, 20-acre public green space, can be hiked via a 2-mile DIY urban adventure that includes a leg-busting workout and elephant-size views.
Read the full story

Pawfect Double

Dog-friendly LA hike with great views at Upper and Lower Canyonback Trails

Two hikers and a dog at Upper and Lower Canyonback Trails in Los Angeles County
Hiker and a dog at Upper and Lower Canyonback Trails in the Santa Monica Mountains
Dog drinking out of a waterbowl at a dog station at Upper and Lower Canyonback Trails in Los Angeles County
Two hikers coming to the crest of a trail at Upper and Lower Canyonback Trails in Los Angeles county
It might be the best doggone hike in LA! Double up on the fur-friended fun in the northeastern Santa Monica Mountains of the San Fernando Valley. Upper and Lower Canyonback Trails deliver countless panoramic city views.
Read the full story

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Mike Zakowski (aka Mike the Baker) standing in front of his wood-fire oven at the Sonoma Valley Farmers' Market

    NEW! Walkin' and Talkin': Break Bread, Go On a Panoramic Hike

    What’s a world-traveling, medal-winning baker’s favorite local hike? Weekend Sherpa co-founder Brad Day caught up with Mike Zakowski (aka Mike the Baker) at Sonoma’s Friday farmers' market, where his wood-fired loaves draw loyal crowds. Between bites of fresh-baked bread, they talk baking, travel, and why Sonoma's Overlook Trail is one of his favorite quick, panoramic hikes.

    View

  2. Hidden Botanical Garden

    Forget a dozen roses. Give your love a botanical garden. Hidden on the western slope of Sonoma Valley’s Mayacamas Mountains, Sonoma Botanical Garden has one of the Bay Area’s best displays of Asian flora—and it’s a brilliant place for a quiet picnic and some calming contemplations.

    View

  3. Sunnyvale and Salty

    For up-close bird watching, it’s hard to beat a walk along the San Francisco Bay. This 5-mile loop on the Sunnyvale coast is a favorite of local wildlife photographers.

    View
  4. A man takes a break at a temple spot on a hike at Dragon Mountain in Milptas

    Dragon Quest

    The newly reopened, 4-mile out-and-back hike at Dragon Mountain in Milpitas mixes the physical with the spiritual for a serene hiking experience.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Sponsored

    Warm Up to Winter in Reno Tahoe

    2026 is just getting started, but there’s one place already rising to the top as the best for adventure and relaxation: Reno Tahoe. The awe—and ahhhs—begin as soon as you arrive. G

    View
  2. A woman stands at Dante's View in Death Valley, looking out to Telescope Peak and Manly Lake, Badwater Basin below.

    Sunset Hike at Dante's View

    It’s one of the world’s best places to watch a sunset. Dante’s View is a 5,476-foot vantage of the whole southern basin of Death Valley from the top of the Black Mountains. Right now there's a banner and bonus view of a rare lake formation that appears only after big rains.

    View

  3. It's a Waterfall Life

    Tahquitz Canyon’s crystalline stream and lush stands of desert lavender, honey mesquite, and leafy sycamores is home to an easy day hike with a big bonus: a 60-foot waterfall that runs with remarkable gusto after winter rains.

    View

  4. Oh Snow Nice

    Live in California long enough, and you’ll come to know the rite of passage called “going to the snow”–when we ditch our fair-weather cities and towns in search of winter weather. Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks deliver a winter wonderland worth a visit if there’s been a good dose of snow.

    View