Small Towns, Big Adventures

Bright lights, big city … actually, some of the most interesting adventures are small town, big fun! We’ve got three small-town explorations for you that include waterfalls, murals, and fabulous vista hikes. (Plus our recommendations on great places to eat and drink.)

Week: 01.30.2020
Regions: Southern CA

Fountain to the Falls

Hike the Fountain to Falls Trail in Monrovia

Fountain to Falls trail Monrovia
There are three ways to reach the lovely Monrovia Canyon Falls, but only one of them is worthy of being named a good challenge!
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Fill Up on Fallbrook

Visit Fallbrook California for Hiking, Eating, and Drinking

Hike Fallbrook in San Diego
This small town in northern San Diego County has more than 10 nature preserves. Explore two less-visited hiking havens: Hellers Bend and Dinwiddie Preserve
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North Lake Tahoe's 18 Winter Wows

18 Winter Wows in North Lake Tahoe

North Lake Tahoe sunset snowshoe
See North Lake Tahoe's 18 Winter Wows
North Lake Tahoe's 18 Winter Wows

Old Towne Orange

Hike El Modena Open Space in Orange County

Chapman Crafted Beer
Tour the county’s namesake city via a 2.5-mile hike in El Modena Open Space, followed by a stroll through the charming Old Towne district.
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  1. Afternoon on the Island

    What is it about tiny islands in the middle of lakes? There’s something that just draws you in. It’s even more fun when getting there is half the adventure because you have to reach it by canoe, kayak, paddleboat, or a ranger-guided boat tour!

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  2. Golden Gate's Blue Heron

    Golden Gate Park’s Blue Heron Lake is home to birds of many feathers, turtles lounging on rocks, visitors from afar, and locals who love this urban oasis in San Francisco. Try the "Boats and Breakfast" rowboat or pedal boat deal.

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  3. This Is Paradise

    Granite mountain-scape, superb sunset views, crystal lakes, and shoreline campsites … the trip to Paradise Lake in Tahoe National Forest lives up to its idyllic name.

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  4. Aloha from California

    Say Aloha without leaving California with a 7-mile out-and-back hiking adventure to Lake Aloha in El Dorado National Forest. You can also camp here, a premier place for stargazing.

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  1. Walking the Los Angeles River Trail Through Frogtown

    Frogtown Strutter’s Stroll

    Don’t go dismissing the Los Angeles River as merely a 51-mile concrete channel. It’s a genuine urban artery that links real neighborhoods, and its riverside bike/ped paths endear i

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  2. Coming Up Roses

    Looking to spice up your hiking life? Give your partner a rose—Mount Rose! The 10-mile out-and-back peak hike goes up to one of the grandest views in all of Lake Tahoe. Get ready f

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  3. Underground Garden

    Looking to escape the summer heat? Head to Fresno and discover its cool secret: the Forestiere Underground Gardens–an enchanting garden and architecture oasis like no other.

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  4. Sequoia Re-opens Crystal Cave

    Step inside Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park's hidden world by visiting the newly re-opened Crystal Cave—the only cave in the parks open to the public. Closed for four years, this rare marble karst cavern is welcoming visitors once again, but only through the summer season!

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