All in Southern CA

Longer Days for Classic Peaks
The clocks are about to spring forward. You go up. Chase the longer light on these classic peak hikes.
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That Green Glow
Okay, rain did its thing. The hills are glowing. Now’s your window for vivid greens, sweeping views, and maybe even a few early wildflowers. Hit these urban and wild hikes and bike rides while the shamrock shine lasts.
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All Aboard the Mendocino Coast
Where dramatic—and secret—headlands meet a rollicking sea and a historic train winds through fragrant forest, Mendocino invites you to slow down, stay awhile. Ride the rails to a redwood grove with a beverage bar and bonus hike, wander wild bluffs and windswept beaches, then toast the day in a postcard-perfect village with a thriving culinary scene. This is Mendo-time.
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Sponsored
2026-02-02
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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Romance Right Quick!
Caught without a Valentine's plan? Oof. We don’t have all the answers, but we do have a few suggestions for a fun date in the great outdoors. Get sweet on them.
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Going for Gold in the Golden State
The Winter Olympics don’t have to be a spectator sport. California has all the right stuff for chasing your own golden moments. From learning to curl to lacing up skates with Half Dome as your backdrop, these winter sports celebrate the spirit of the Golden State.
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Sealed with a Kiss
You don’t need to head out on the water to see Southern California’s seals and sea lions. These three coastal spots invite you to bike, wander, and explore while catching close-up views of these big beauties, with plenty of nearby parks and places to stroll by the shore. Sea, yeah— see ya there!
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Cozy Sunlight Hikes
Go get your sun glow. Winter's combination of sunlight sifting through clouds or beaming in a crisp and cleansed sky makes for some inspiring scenery. Here are three places to go for a hike and to bask in the comfort of cinematic winter sunlight.
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Parks In Their Prime
Snow, sun, seasonal temperatures … it’s all culminating in a winter of wide and wild adventure options—from sunrise desert hikes and snowy sequoias to waterfalls and dune-scapes, these four mystical wanders in national parks, preserves, and recreation areas are some of the best for the season.
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Post Rain Adventure Perks
It's been wet and wild, so go be wet and wild. With skies scrubbed clean and the H2O flowing, discover the best place to witness a sunset viewing of a "now you see it, now you don't" desert lake, plus have a couple of waterfall experiences. Here are some ways to soak in the start of 2026.
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Hot Soaks to Start the New Year!
Happy New Year! Warm up to 2026 with these great places to find hot soaks at natural springs both rugged and spa-some.
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Merry Wetness
Merry Christmas! We're not sure who ordered the Pineapple Express but as we all try to go with the flow, there's a new podcast episode of "Take It Outside" and some ideas on things to do that let you be inside, too (in case of rain). Wishing you a safe and happy holiday season. See you in 2026!
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Top 10 Outdoor Stories of the Year
Less scroll time, more soul time...that's how it goes when you get out to explore our great Golden State. Jingle all the way to the end of the year by checking out our Top 10 stories of 2025.
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Boardwalks to Beautiful Things
Bored over the holidays? Get board walking! These three boardwalks meander alongside lakes, lagoons, and a dam, with mountains and birds and beers as bonuses!
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Sponsored
2026-02-02
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
Seeing the Lights
All light, all light, all light. This season make your way to any of these places featuring botanical gardens glowing, food and drinks flowing, fields of illumination, and strolls and hikes to help you see the lights.
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Fresh Air Saturday
Thanksgiving Thursday, Black Friday, Weekend Sherpa Saturday? We're sharing some ideas for exploring locally over the holiday. You can also check out our latest podcast episode, talking turkey and Türkiye. Learn about the relatively unknown world-class hiking adventure overlooking Türkiye's incredible Turquoise Coast and passing ancient ruins.
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Change of Scenery
Whether you've got a full day or can spend a night or three, venturing out for a change of scenery is good for the spirit. Here are some ideas for taking time to enjoy new experiences that are a road trip (or short flight) away!
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Spelunking Good Time
Caving doesn’t have to be dark and dramatic; some SoCal caves give just enough adventure for a thrill, without going too deep. When the weather clears and conditions are drier, these three hikes to caves offer everything from unique features to photogenic slips of light.
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Urban Parks, Hidden Stairways
Getting away doesn’t have to mean going far. Go local by hiking and exploring urban parks and hidden stairways with classic skyline scenery, sunset vistas, picnic spots, and gorgeous gardens.
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Let the Spirits Move You
Happy Halloween weekend. Head out on these spirited adventures, including a visit to one of the coolest living ghost towns around and some boo-tiful places to picnic or hike.
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Oh So Comfort-Fall
Pumpkin spice lattes are great but if you're ready to dial up your seasonal comforts, add some easygoing outdoors to the mix. Here are three ways to combine sweet treats with sweet hikes.
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