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. Get a change of sea-nery with these five itinerary ideas!

Week: 01.26.2022
Regions: Northern & Southern CA

Purely Wild

Hike Channel Islands Santa Cruz Island to Potato Harbor and Cavern Point

Hiker walking along the North Bluff Trail on Santa Cruz Island, Channel Islands National Park
Campground sign and Cavern Point sign at Santa Cruz Islands, Channel Islands National Park
Two hikers at Santa Cruz Island Channel Islands National Park
Channel Islands National Park lives up to its nickname as “North America’s Galapagos.” This less-traveled national park is an undeveloped and isolated series of five dramatic and distinct islands reached by boat. Hike the largest of the islands, Santa Cruz.
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Sea-splunking

Adventure Sea Cave Kayak Tour at Channel Islands National Park

Kayaker inside cave at Channel Islands National Park Adventure Sea Cave Kayak Tour
Channel Island Adventure Company guides getting kayakers ready for the sea kayak adventure tour at Santa Cruz Island
If exploring a cave is spelunking, then exploring a cave by kayak is … spelayaking?! This unique cave-kayaking adventure at Channel Islands National Park is a wonderful way to get an in-depth perspective of the marvelous caves here.
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Bike the Harbor, Catch Sunset at Hollywood Beach

Bike Channel Islands Harbor to Hollywood Beach in Oxnard

Hollywood Beach Oxnard
Woman on an e-bike at Channel Islands Harbor in Oxnard passing by docked sailboats
docked sailboats at sunset at Channel Islands Harbor
Sea Lions at Channel View Park in Oxnard
Sailboats, barking sea lions, wide-open golden beach—Channel Islands Harbor and Hollywood Beach are marquee attractions, and renting a fat-tire E-bike is a fun way to explore this classic Southern California setting in Oxnard.
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That's Just Wildwood!

Hike Wildwood Canyon Overlook Trail Near Camarillo

Two Hikers at Wildwood Canyon Overlook Trail in Camarillo there are big mountain views
Hikers at the Camarillo Wildwood Canyon Overlook Trail in Ventura County
Hikers taking in the big mountain panoramic views at Wildwood Canyon Overlook Trail in Ventura County
The farm-to-table agricultural landscape around Camarillo delights with vineyards, lush canyons, and craggy mountains. For a hike combining a trifecta of these views, head to Wildwood Canyon Overlook Trail.
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The Camarillo Beer Trail

Enjoy the Camarillo Beer Trail in Ventura County

Two women having craft beer at a patio picnic table at Topa Topa in Camarillo
Institution Ale 12 oz beer next to a spicy fried chicken pizza
Institution Ale Company beer
Two women having beers on the outdoor patio at Institution Ale in Camarillo
Some trails are more refreshing than others! And while the Camarillo Beer Trail isn’t a hiking trail, it is most certainly worth exploring. Make it a day of brews or do a “brews and views” tour by combining a scenic hike followed by some tasty beers.
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Trending Stories NorCal

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  1. 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.

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  2. H is for Hawk Hill

    After a nearly year-long closure, Hawk Hill in the legendary Marin Headlands recently emerged with a glow-up. Thank the hearty TLC from the National Park Service. This Golden Gate National Recreation Area gem now has a new trail along with revamped spaces for taking in timeless, grand views.

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  3. 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.

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    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

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Trending Stories SoCal

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  1. People on ice learning to curl at Hollywood Curling

    You Go, Curl!

    Hollywood Curling’s Learn to Curl classes make the perfect setting for newcomers. Take the ice, and friendly curling instructors will teach you the basics.

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  2. Eat, Sleep, Beach, Repeat

    For an ultra-relaxing getaway where you can sit back and soak in some nature and nurture, head to Mendocino and follow this eat, beach, sleep, repeat itinerary (you won't regret it!) ...

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  3. This Skunk Doesn’t Stink!

    All aboard for a ride through history—and through air scented with redwood, dewy ferns, forest-fresh breeze, and a bonus snack and beverage bar, fire pit, and short hike. The World-Famous Skunk Train delivers in every category: scenery, greenery, and towering redwoods.

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  4. Hike Cherry Canyon Park

    Cherry on Top

    How do you reach the Ultimate Destination in LA County? Cherry Canyon Park has a 2.5-mile out-and-back hike with a vista point called, well, the Ultimate Destination.

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