All in Southern CA
Secret Sierra
The Lakes Basin is the High Sierra, simplified. About one hour northwest of Tahoe you'll find chill lakeside camping, miles of uncrowded hiking trails, and a lookout like no other.
VIEWPeak Season: Summit Hikes
Summer's peaking so hit the peaks! These three SoCal classics offer some history, some cardio workouts, and—best of all—some seriously amazing panoramas.
VIEWMidsummer Mojo
Ultimate vistas, a Griffith Park classic, and a bonanza of national parks in California and a bit beyond make midsummer sensational!
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SponsoredYes, Seattle!
Ready to try something new this winter? Seattle’s ready for you! Beautiful by nature with its Puget Sound setting, surrounding mountains, and nearby national parks, winter in Seattle can be a magical and festive time. Ever been in a hot tub boat?...
ViewThe Road Trip Less Traveled
A beautiful national park, wild and scenic rivers, hike-in hot springs, tent cabins in the mountains, peak hikes, wine tasting: do a road trip to Southern Oregon!
VIEWHollywood Hikes
Like many in showbiz, the Hollywood Sign has had a few touch-ups over the years, an enduring beacon beaming amid the good and the bad. Here are three hikes starring beautiful views of the timeless, if not ageless, Hollywood Sign.
VIEWWheelhouse: The Pacific Electric Trail
The Pacific Electric Trail is a 20-mile car-free bike path threading six cities in the Inland Empire. Pedal three distinct segments of it so you can explore some sites and grab some bites.
VIEWShort Social Distance Hikes With Big Rewards
Looking for a little space on the trails? These three hikes in Los Angeles County are short (under 3 miles), offer good social distance, and bring big rewards, from “ultimate” viewpoints to tranquil retreats.
VIEWGo Fourth the Great Outdoors
While this won't be your typical Fourth of July, there are still some ways to clear the Covid-cobwebs outside. We've rounded up a few hikes, and you can also explore our new website for more ideas. Stay safe, follow county protocols, and happy Fourth!
VIEWHike, Scramble, and Rock These Views
Ready to rock outdoors? Hike, climb, scramble among rock formations that offer bold new heights, huge points of view, and some truly gem moments.
VIEWLookout Hikes!
Look, look, lookout! Here come some inspiring views. These three hikes to lookouts are all under 6 miles and packed with scenery, especially from the summits.
VIEWYosemite Re-Opens
(whispering...) We don't want to cause a mad rush, but the Sierra Nevada's Shangri-La has re-opened! With visitation limited to about 50% of normal, it's a great time to hit the trails.
VIEWThe Outdoors for Everyone
Since 2006 our credo has been "the outdoors for everyone.” This was meant to inspire outdoor adventures for anybody, regardless of experience level, age, income, gender, or race.
VIEWReacquainted with the Outdoors
Slow and steady, here we go ... outside is making a comeback. Here are some hikes in various counties across Southern California to get you inspired.
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SponsoredYes, Seattle!
Ready to try something new this winter? Seattle’s ready for you! Beautiful by nature with its Puget Sound setting, surrounding mountains, and nearby national parks, winter in Seattle can be a magical and festive time. Ever been in a hot tub boat?...
ViewEasy Does It Outdoors
We're dipping our pinky toe into the outdoors again. Here's a list to consider. Check your county's ordinance for outdoor recreation and mask usage. Stay safe and enjoy the parks!
VIEWShortlist These National Parks
We love our national parks. So we created a shortlist of the top parks to visit, and the best hikes to do, once they re-open. We can't wait to get back!
VIEWNew Rules of the Trail
As parks around California begin to re-open, we came up with tips for being responsible on your outdoor adventures. Let’s do our part so we can all keep enjoying the parks!
VIEWThe Outdoors We're Craving
We're sharing what adventures we're most craving and plan to do as soon as the time is right
VIEWHow to #OptInside
Getting a little stir crazy? Covid-19 has unfortunately shut down a lot of open space. What to do? We have a few ways to bring the great outdoors indoors. We've called it #OptInside. Check out the list of easy things to do indoors.
VIEWSocial Distance Hikes & Bike Rides
We’ve rounded up a few of our favorite easy hikes and bike rides around SoCal. Due to the changing dynamics, please check the official websites to learn about and updates in status.
VIEWLast-minute Waterfalls
When water falls: waterfalls! While it may not last long, the wet skies have perked up some natural waterworks around SoCal. Go get 'em while you can.
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Yes, Seattle!
Ready to try something new this winter? Seattle’s ready for you! Beautiful by nature with its Puget Sound setting, surrounding mountains, and nearby national parks, winter in Seattle can be a magical and festive time. Ever been in a hot tub boat?...
Visit Seattle
Your Inbox to the Outdoors
Stay up to date with our weekly recommendations on where to explore locally in California.
Trending Stories NorCal
View all Stories![Man hiking up a trail at Montara Mountain, with a view of the Pacific and Grey Whale sand beach in the background]()
From Beach to Summit
No need to decide between a beach and a mountaintop—this hike includes both! Explore the stunning coastal scenery on this 6-mile out-and-back up Montara Mountain and into Rancho Corral de Tierra.
ViewPicnic and a Pedal
West Marin has all the right stuff for an afternoon getaway: bike paths, babbling brooks, canopy forests, and secluded picnic spots. Combine a picnic and a pedal at Samuel P. Taylor State Park by biking the easygoing Cross Marin Trail.
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Most Peaceful Hike of All
Is this the most peaceful one-hour hike in the Bay Area? It's got our vote! Lake Lagunitas is the smallest lake in a series of five found on the north side of Mount Tam, so it’s got that tiny but mighty charm. Do a 1.5-mile loop around the lake's shore-hugging trail.
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Sebastopol Food & Wine Roll
One apple farm, three charming towns, multiple wineries, and infinite natural beauty. Savor a perfect autumn day in Sonoma County by biking the West County Regional Trail from Sebastopol to Forestville via Graton. It’s a 17-mile (round-trip) adventure.
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Trending Stories SoCal
View all Stories![Woman walking in the Venice Canals of Los Angeles County]()
Canal Contemplations
With its incense-scented boardwalk, bohemian shops, skateparks, and abundance of body builders, Venice is happily eccentric, and artistic. Exhibit A: Its network of European-style canals with charming bridges, offering a tranquil tour of the town’s history.
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Wine Down, Dine Out in Lake Chelan
The fertile soil around Washington State's Lake Chelan is ripe for more than just the amazing apples. Vineyards here yield high quality grapes, and some of the country’s best less-discovered wineries. Locals know it, and you will too when you start choosing from the more than 30 wineries in the region.
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What's Up, Winthrop!
It’s not just its location close to Washington State’s spectacular and less visited national park (North Cascades) that makes Winthrop such a winsome mountain town. This lively enclave in the Methow Valley bristles with a whimsical blend of Wild West charms, contemporary culture, and a mosaic of outdoor adventures—from river to lake to waterfalls, and beyond.
ViewPlanet of the Oaks
Let us count the number of oak tree species in the Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve near Julian: coast, scrub, canyon, black, and Engelmann. Five! The preserve’s Five Oaks Trail is a 3.2-mile hike that boasts all five.
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