All in Southern CA

1. 

   Camp on the Beach, Baby!

   If fun in the sun is a blast, making the beach your home for a few days is a dream come true. Catch a Pacific sunset, nod off to the sound of crashing waves, sip your coffee by the sea—at these campgrounds, you own a little slice of California paradise.

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2. 

   Secret Lakes

   Nothing against powerboats or jet skis, but there’s much to be said for lakes where we can go for tranquility. Maybe a little paddling, a little fishing. See some cool birds. Definitely relax. We’ve got three in mind, each distinct, each ideal for a quiet summer day … sans water skis.

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3. 

   Midsummer Classics

   Swimsuit for water holes, shoes for coastal hikes, a fleece for overnighting in a mountain cabin ... what's on your summer checklist? Here are some classic ways to soak in and soak up the rest of summer.

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4. 
   Sponsored

   2026-09-30

   Marquee Marin

   There may be no better place to find the best in coastal outdoors than the Marin Headlands. Bluff-side hiking trails, beautiful sandy beaches, big Pacific views, an iconic lighthouse, and unique lore in the area’s historic batteries are all part of the action here.

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5. 

   Summer Swimming Holes

   When the heat is on, lower the thermostat! Seek out hidden pools where you can swim, splash, picnic, and relax. Naturally, we’re talking au naturel—swimming holes in beautiful natural settings. Where the cool get cool!

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6. 

   Coastal View Hikes

   Folks pay a fortune for ocean views, but the best ones belong to all of us. And they’re free! Here are three hikes that reveal some of the best of our amazing coastline, ranging from dramatic perches to rocky shores.

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7. 

   Keep Your Cool

   Play things cool on these adventures through redwoods, to a waterfall, along a coast-hugging trail of the Channel Islands, and to a hike-in cabin in a canyon. Oh yeah, wave the adventure flag!

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8. 

   Fourth and Out!

   Need to clear your head this Independence Day? Liberate yourself with hikes to nice heights or easygoing strolls for wandering and pondering. Go fourth and get out!

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9. 

   Woodsy Digs

   A cozy cabin or lodge in the mountains right next to some of SoCal's most legendary hiking trails—sounds great, right? We’ve got three woodsy digs that put you right where you want to be: cool and high and ready for serious hiking … or stellar relaxing!

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10. 

    Summer Refresher

    Know what's cool? These watery adventures! From hot springs to beach lounging, hitting the refresh button hasn't been easier.

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11. 

    Can-Do Canyons

    The rugged topography of Southern California creates all sorts of magical folds that are enticing to explore, though sometimes “canyon” may be a bit of a misnomer. For these hikes, don’t think Grand; think beautiful—and close to home!

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12. 

    You Wildin'!

    Beautiful views meet big birds, blubbery seals, breaching whales, and playful dolphins on these three Southern California day-outings. Amazing close encounters!

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13. 

    Secrets of Pauma Valley

    Spread beneath the Palomar Mountains, the hills and vales of Pauma Valley harbor some of SoCal’s best-kept secrets. Explore hiking trails both rugged and lush, a historic river, and a couple of top-notch wineries where you can raise a glass to your new discoveries.

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14. 

    Long May You Adventure

    Waterfalls, wildflowers, redwoods, Pacific coastline, mountains, and hidden hot springs ... yeah, it's good to be in California. See any of these natural wonders this long weekend on these SoCal hikes, bike rides, and explorations.

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15. 
    Sponsored

    2026-09-30

    Marquee Marin

    There may be no better place to find the best in coastal outdoors than the Marin Headlands. Bluff-side hiking trails, beautiful sandy beaches, big Pacific views, an iconic lighthouse, and unique lore in the area’s historic batteries are all part of the action here.

    View
16. 

    California Time Travel

    Make like Marty McFly and go back in time. Although there is no Biff, you can visit an Oceanside mission, a Julian gold mine, and a Riverside state park devoted to citrus. Sweet!

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17. 

    Forest Bathing

    The Japanese art of forest bathing is so simple: Find peace and inner calm by going to the woods and reconnecting with nature. We’ve scouted three of our favorite settings for therapeutic walks in some magnificent woods. Go slow. Breathe!

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18. 

    Late Bloomers

    SoCal's wildflower season took a rain check in early spring, quite literally, due to late-season showers. But better late than never. Flower power is in action now, if you know where to go.

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19. 

    Upstate Adventure

    Have you been to Northern California? We mean wayyy up north. The Redding area is surrounded by mountains, rivers, waterfalls, lakes, bald eagles, and trails galore. This spring, have an upstate of mind!

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20. 

    After-Work Hikes

    When the days get longer, the workdays get a bit shorter, don’t they? Boot down the computer, boot up your feet, and hit these trails for a quick workout hike.

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21. 

    Sierra Hot Springs

    Maybe it's the water, maybe it's the views. Whatever it is, these natural hot springs in the Eastern Sierra will leave you feeling sumptuously soaked and refreshingly renewed. 100%!

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22. 

    Spring for Wildflowers and Waterfalls

    With winter's rains and warm weather followed by splashes of more rain, SoCal's hiking trails are super-charged for spring. Here's a roundup of hikes with wildflowers, waterfalls, and wonderful views. Spring it on!

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