All in Southern CA

  1. Get 'Er Done in Huntington

    Huntington Beach may be better known as Surf City USA, but the outdoors fun here happens in more ways than hitting the waves. Spend a day exploring this stretch of Orange County coastline by way of an electric bike, an estuary hike, a firepit delight … and some nano brew IPAs.

    VIEW
  2. Summer Starter Plan

    This long weekend marks the unofficial start of summer, but spring bling still sparkles thanks to recent cool weather. Hike to a secret waterfall, kayak in to a campsite, or say "Hi-View" on a hike in Joshua Tree. Spring on summer!

    VIEW
  3. Spring Rush!

    Ready for your outdoors rush? Whether you like getting your thrills ziplining Yosemite-style or hiking to waterfalls that benefitted from winter's rains, here are some great ways to get outdoors and spring on the adventures.

    VIEW
  4. Sponsored
    2024-11-13

    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?...

    View
  5. Momma Said Get You Out!

    We Weekend Sherpas love and respect our moms, which is why we let them choose our adventures for this Mother’s Day week. They came up with a pedal-boat picnic frolic, a flowery canyon hike, and a Carlsbad beach stroll followed by sweet treats. Nothing’s too good for Mom!

    VIEW
  6. Hydrated Hikes

    Warming weather after a wet winter: what a great combo! Streams are flowing, lakes are filled...everything is primed for water(ish) adventuring. Check out a cool streamside hike, a secret little fishing lake, and a lush desert oasis. H2O to go!

    VIEW
  7. Yosemite Waterfalls Galore!

    The waterfalls are raging, the wildflowers are popping, and the snow-capped granite scenery is epic! This spring, make your way to Yosemite by way of charming Mariposa. Hit the trails to see supercharged waterfalls, or bike around the valley floor, stopping at highlights along the way. Just get to Yosemite!

    VIEW
  8. Technicolor Hikes

    Spring for an Easter hike this weekend: From waterfalls to wildflowers and an adventure on Catalina Island, here are some hikes to get you hopping!

    VIEW
  9. Flower Power

    Wildflower superblooms have gotten super publicity—and super mobbed. But there are ways to enjoy our flower displays a bit more quietly. Here’s a bouquet of three super sites for flower power where you can go on a quiet hike without big crowds. Have a bloomiful time!

    VIEW
  10. Parade of Cascades

    We've had a lot of rain, and now it’s time to cash in! Old streams have new life, and waterfalls that were once a trickle are roaring down our mountain canyons. Here are a few you may not have heard of (in fact, one doesn’t even have a name). Go to the flows!

    VIEW
  11. Waterside Hikes for Spring

    Thirsty for some outdoors? We've got some water for that! From strolling the shoreline of an ethereal desert lake to hiking seaside to spy some whales, here are some amazing waterside wanders perfect for spring. H2-Omg!

    VIEW
  12. Joshua Tree Art Hikes

    Joshua Tree National Park is itself a work of natural art, so it’s no surprise that this gorgeous desert is a magnet for artsy individuals. Here are three hikes in the northern part of the park that are close to surprising art venues where music, movie sets, sculpture, and even crochet (!) are on display.

    VIEW
  13. Ancient Wanders

    Hiking is a fantastic way to walk in the footsteps of Native Americans who thrived in Southern California long before the Spanish arrived. From Chumash villages in the Santa Monicas to Luiseño rock art in Perris, explore the vestiges of Native American culture on these three beautiful hikes.

    VIEW
  14. Wild & Weird Salton Sea

    The strange, weirdly beautiful Salton Sea is the largest lake in California (sorry, Tahoe) and among the lowest in the world. Yes, a sea below sea level. It’s also the centerpiece of some of the state’s quirkiest scenery and most oddball attractions. You’ve got to see Salton at least once, and early spring is the best time to do it.

    VIEW
  15. Sponsored
    2024-11-13

    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?...

    View
  16. Hot Soaks

    Don't let the winter chill be a buzzkill. Sink into some warmth and soak yourself silly at hot springs. Here are a few to visit in SoCal and the Sierra.

    VIEW
  17. Hidden Valley

    Vast ranchos, adobe mansions, a thriving mission—the San Fernando Valley that was, still is. You just need to know where to look. Here’s our take on three hidden treasures where the past springs to life in the sprawling 818.

    VIEW
  18. Who Loves Ya!

    Happy Valentine's Day! Whoever you love, gather them up and get outside once the rain subsides ... here's a few fun ways to get your heart pumping in more ways than one.

    VIEW
  19. Three Versions of Winter in SoCal State Parks

    What’s your winter pleasure? Snowshoeing in the crisp mountain air? Scanning for eagles by a mountain lake? Ogling whales from a dramatic shoreline trail? It's all doable, thanks to our nearby state parks!

    VIEW
  20. Snowshoe Hikes

    The simplicity of snowshoeing meets the epic snowfall in Lake Tahoe! Strap 'em on and head out in wintry Sierra bliss on any of these snowshoe hikes. Oh the places you’ll snow!

    VIEW
  21. Mission Bay Three Ways

    Mission Bay is the hyperactive heart of San Diego where you can do almost anything next to or in the water, but it’s also the nexus of lesser-known wonders—a sweet little natural canyon, 250 years of history, a venerable brewery, and the old-fashioned delights of Old Town. Your mission: Explore!

    VIEW
  22. Super Blood Wolf Moon!

    SoCal's real star power ... is up in the sky! This year is going to be a bonanza of celestial events, starting with the super blood wolf moon on January 20. Also coming: 4 more eclipses, 3 supermoons, 1 blue moon, multiple meteor showers and … you get it! So mark your calendar and make some plans: Here are three great ways to celebrate the wonders of space, stars, the moon, and planets.

    VIEW

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. 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.

    View
  2. Picnic 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.

    View
  3. 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.

    View
  4. 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. 

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. 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.

    View
  2. 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.

    View
  3. 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.

    View
  4. Hike San Diego Volcan Mountain Wilderness

    Planet 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.

    View