All in Southern CA

  1. Urban Hike to Spruce Street Suspension Bridge in San Diego

    Lovin' Summer

    Back to school may be coming soon, but summer's not over. Here are a few places in SoCal (and some points a bit beyond) for getting in some last minute beach hikes, camping, kayaking adventures, and cool urban walks.

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  2. Canyon Cooldowns

    SoCal may be one of the coolest places to live, but keeping your cool in summer isn’t always easy. Here are three canyon adventures that offer a little refreshment.

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  3. Alpining

    Set in the Cuyamaca Mountains of San Diego County, Alpine is famous for its government-designated “best climate in the US” status. Here are some great ways to explore Alpine—from summit hikes to lakes and beers!

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  4. Sponsored
    2024-05-15

    A Very Bavarian Spring

    Ready to change up your spring scenery? Pack your bags for this alpine adventure in Washington State’s Cascade Mountains. The Bavarian-style hamlet of Leavenworth could be a stand-in for a mountain village in Europe.

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  5. Play it Cool

    Play it cool this summer with a hike-in beach less traveled, and some coastal trails to feel the ocean breeze on your cheeks.

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  6. Glamp tent at Crater Lake Resort near Klamath Falls in Southern Oregon

    Road Trip to Remember

    Build the best road trip memories in Southern Oregon. Hike the famous Table Rocks, paddle in the serenity of the Cascades, glamp near Crater Lake, see the greatest waterfalls, and enjoy bucolic food + wine trails. Here’s a road trip itinerary from our recent adventure to help you map out your very own Southern Oregon vacation.

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  7. Beach Roll Call!

    Summer goes better with bikes and beaches! From a local LA treasure with hidden parks in between beaches, to seaside pedals with wine and a golden silver strand, here are three fun ways to beach hop by bike this season.

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  8. Go Fourth It This Summer

    Go fourth for a summer of new and classic experiences in nature, including the recently re-opened guided canoe and kayak tours at one of the most mysterious lakes on earth, and go on a coastal walk with a stairway and food bonuses.

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  9. Lake Expectations

    Summer's on and the SoCal lakes are gleaming and beaming. You will be too, if you visit one of these less known lakes, where you can camp, hike, paddle, have a barbecue, or just soak in the calming effects of nature.

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  10. Jubilant in Julian

    Beat the June gloom, in Julian! While there’s a lot more to the mountain town of Julian, it is popularly known as a premier hiking haven, with very delicious pies. Try any of these hikes around the town, and pair them with some pies, craft brews, cider, and down-to-earth dining with heavenly views.

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  11. Camp, Glamp, Stay, Step Outdoors

    Wanna get away, but not by plane ... here are some drive-worthy destinations where you can camp, glamp, or stay in a hotel (no shame!) and enjoy easy access to adventures right outside your door (or tent flap). 

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  12. Stairway Hikes for Summer

    Step up to summer with these urban stairway strolls with parks, gardens, historic scenery, and beautiful greenery—and some food and drink bonuses.

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  13. Quick Mix

    Hike in to a beach, bike a most bountiful trail, take an urban walk with food stops, and visit an LA Canyon...mix it up for the unofficial start of summer.

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  14. Hiker at Lake Hodges in San Diego County

    Spring H20

    Who's thirsty for an adventure? These lakes and reservoirs beam in spring. And they're refreshing places to hike, bike ride, and camp!

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  15. Sponsored
    2024-05-15

    A Very Bavarian Spring

    Ready to change up your spring scenery? Pack your bags for this alpine adventure in Washington State’s Cascade Mountains. The Bavarian-style hamlet of Leavenworth could be a stand-in for a mountain village in Europe.

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  16. National Parks With Distinction

    California's national parks have some bragging rights! There's one formed by the San Andreas Fault. Another is the world's largest national park site in an urban area. Then there's the national park inhabited by an island fox found nowhere else on earth. And the one with the tallest waterfall in North America. Check it out, then check them out!

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  17. Foodie Adventures

    Some outdoor activities just go better when there’s food involved. And Southern California is filled with fresh and delicious cuisine and treats. Here are three places to go for a most flavorful hiking, biking, or walking adventure.

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  18. Peaking Now in Los Angeles

    With spring peaking, it’s a scenic time to hike some peaks! From a summit less traveled to a dramatic icon, take a peek at these three peak-bagging adventures.

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  19. Lookout, L.A.!

    Some things are not to be overlooked, including these beautiful overlooks that look out over some of LA’s most iconic scenery, with hiking trail bonuses to boot!

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  20. Wild and Flowers

    The term "superbloom" is kinda like a superhero movie; it doesn't always live up to the billing. But these three places are super for outdoor adventures with a bonus: they're likely to have good wildflowers blooming right now. Super! 

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  21. Peak Season

    Marvel at panoramic vistas: check. Get in a great workout: check. Just wanna bag a peak: way to summit up! These three peak hikes bring some spring blooms and big views. Take a peek, then take a peak!

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  22. Low Key Outdoors

    Wait for it, wait for it ... now?! When the weather clears, try some of these quieter outdoor escapes that offer good views, places to relax, and vast open space for seeing things on the bright side!

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Trending Stories NorCal

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  1. The Beauty of Bainbridge Island

    You know a place is special when locals head to it for their in-state vacations. Follow the lead of Seattleites and venture to beautiful Bainbridge Island in the heart of Puget Sound on the Kitsap Peninsula. Hike the Grand Forest here, meet Pia the Peacekeeper, and enjoy tasty food and drinks.

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  2. Woman on a bicycle passing a park lake with a fountain spraying water

    East Bay Bike With Blossoms

    Spring wildflowers are in full bloom on this 15.5-mile bicycle loop through the East Bay that begins at charming Heather Farm Park and features plenty of scenic highlights.

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  3. Hiker overlooking Bear Gulch Reservoir at Pinnacles National Park near Monterey

    Pinnacles of Spring

    Why hike at Pinnacles National Park? Spring's a beautiful time of year here. And you might spy the magnificent California condor soaring while you gain soaring views from the High Peaks Trail.

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  4. old church on Monterey Path of History

    Path of History Walk (+ Food Bonuses)

    Monterey’s 2-mile yellow tiled, multilingual Path of History is a do-it-yourself stroll among some of the area’s most interesting, beautiful, and culturally significant sites, including through the Old Town, past Mexican-era adobes, and to the beautiful Royal Presidio Chapel.

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Trending Stories SoCal

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  1. Be Dune-spired!

    There’s only one urban park on the planet that helped inspire a major theme in Frank Herbert’s 1965 sci-fi book, Dune. Herbert was born and raised in Tacoma, and Dune Peninsula at Point Defiance Park is named in honor of his famous novel—a tribute to one of the book’s main ideas ...

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  2. Little Norway

    There aren’t many small towns in America that look and feel like Europe, but Washington State sure seems to have a few! Lesser known among them is Poulsbo on the Kitsap Peninsula. Dubbed “Little Norway,” this hamlet on the waterfront of Liberty Bay is charmed with Scandinavian influence.  

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  3. Caves in Mojave

    No one expects to see caves when they visit the desert, and that’s part of what makes Mitchell Caverns in the Mojave Desert such an interesting place. Go on a two-hour guided adventure tour through Mitchell Caverns in Providence Mountains State Recreation Area.

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  4. Dume in Bloom

    During wildflower season, nature puts on a spectacular show, and one the best places to see it is at Point Dume Natural Preserve in Malibu. 

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