All "Water" Stories in Southern CA

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  Channel Island Smuggler

  One of the best hikes in Channel Islands National Park traverses Santa Cruz Island, offering panoramic vistas and leading to a secluded cove. The 7.5-mile (round-trip) hike to Smug

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  Strolling Stornetta

  Big Sur has some competition. Located along the rugged Mendocino County coastline, the 1,665-acre Point Arena-Stornetta Public Lands is a spectacular place to meander for miles along bluffs overlooking small coves, sea caves, dunes, and clusters of offshore islands.

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  June in September

  Fall may be June's best season. At least, when it comes to lakeside lounging. Set beneath the spiky mountain backdrop of the Ansel Adams Wilderness and looming Carson Mountain, Jun

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  Waterfall Way to Spend the Day

  Three waterfalls, two swimming holes, and a beautiful hike to boot: That's some H2-Oh! And September's a good time to visit McCloud River falls for a 3.8-mile (round-trip) hike. Lo

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  Border Birds

  Head wayyy south—to the Tijuana River Estuary in Border Field State Park, a sprawling, primarily wetland habitat that's home to some of San Diego's rarest wildlife. Several miles o

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  Rainforest Hike to Hidden Hot Springs

  Located on the far flung rugged west coast of Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Tofino is set on Clayoquot Sound, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve with old-growth rainforest, barely

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  Rainforest Hike to Hidden Hot Springs

  Located on the far flung rugged west coast of Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Tofino is set on Clayoquot Sound, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve with old-growth rainforest, barely

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  Drama-free at Sea

  For an adventure at sea without the drama of thrashing ocean waves, go kayaking in Oxnard's serene Channel Islands Harbor. The calm waters (shielded by the breakwater at the harbor

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  Echo-friendly

  There's always something new going on in Echo Park, but there's also a way to enjoy some good old-fashioned fun. Strap on a life jacket and find a co-pilot for an afternoon of peda

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  Down by the River

  Carmel might be one of the best-known enclaves in the Monterey area, but its nearby Carmel River State Beach is much more of a local’s secret—especially the southern end of it. On

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  No Ordinary Beach

  Want a beach that will really get you away from it all? Fort Ord Dunes State Park is just the ticket. This relative newcomer to the state park system gives an impressive perspectiv

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  Hello, Sur!

  Big Sur is home to numerous fantastic beaches and coves, so which one do you choose? Go for the beach that's quintessential Big Sur (and dog-friendly!). Pfeiffer Beach in Pfeiffer

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  Starring Leo

  The shores at Leo Carrillo State Park in Malibu have been the backdrop for such cinematic masterpieces as Drew Barrymore and Adam Sandler's 50 First Dates. Of course, it's also bee

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  Gray Area

  Honking, quacking, whistling … we're not talking about a raucous night in the city. We're talking about an absolute bonanza of bird species when you visit Gray Lodge Wildlife Area,

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  Crystal Coastline

  Captivating coastline, charming cottages, clear waters, and quaint wooden staircases: It’s just another day at the beach on this 6-mile (round-trip) seaside stroll in Crystal Cove State Park.

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