All in Southern CA

  1. Waterfall Summer Hikes

    Some waterfall hikes are still spectacles even in early summer, especially after a snow-packing winter. From less known waterworks in the far reaches of both Yosemite and Shasta County, to a stunner in a neighboring state, here are three ways to have a waterfall start to summer.

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  2. Beachy-Keen Hikes

    With summer on the horizon, coastal hikes that include beaches can be a 10 out of 10 experience. Where to go? Beach ya to it! Here are three recommendations...

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  3. Seaside Hikes, Bike Rides, and Camp Spots in SoCal

    Sally sells seashells by the seashore, but where does Sally hike and bike and camp? By the sea, of course! Here are three seaside strolls and rolls that are simply spectacular ... and some have sleeping spot campsites too.

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  4. Lake Nacimiento
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    Savor Summer in Paso Robles

    Ready for the “Great California Road Trip”? Keep it real and rolling in bucolic and beautiful Paso Robles. This down- to-earth destination has everything you need to enjoy the coolest experiences.

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  5. Lakes Basin Camping and Hiking in the Sierra Nevada

    Where to Camp and Glamp in CA: Part 1

    We feel the camping vibes. Here's our first in a two-part roundup of beautiful destinations that also have camping, cabins, and glamping.

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  6. Your Long Weekend Outdoors

    Disc golf by the lake, peaks less traveled, adorable farm animals, and beautiful biking to food and beer spots ... long May you relax and adventure outdoors this weekend.

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  7. Bluff Yeah!

    We’re not bluffing around! These three bluffside hikes deliver huge Pacific views and on-land charms—from a ranch-style rambler that’s postcard perfection at sunset, to a hidden gem leading to a less known beach. Have a bluffing good time.

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  8. Wellness Waters

    It’s a known health benefit to spend time in nature, and around water. Lucky for us, among the many gems of Southern California’s premier coastal setting are beautiful lagoons for hiking, kayaking, and stopping to smell the wildflowers. Find your awe at these three beautiful oases.

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  9. Flavorful Spring Strolls

    Sometimes a walk in the great outdoors just goes better when food is involved. Actually, almost always. Good thing Southern California has its fill of fresh and tasty eats and drinks. Here are some top places to go this spring for some flavorful strolls with bonus beautiful scenery.

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  10. Washington State of Mind

    It’s one of the West's most nature-nurtured getaways. Washington State shines in spring, and this easy, short-distances road trip explores the region's majestic Kitsap Peninsula and Tacoma. Experience electric green forests, gorgeous gardens, sublime waterfront harbors, iconic mountains, “Little Norway,” and one of the most outstanding urban parks in America.

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  11. Take a Walk on the Wild(flower) Side!

    The real rainbow at the end of a really rainy winter? Wildflowers! They can paint a kaleidoscope of colors across SoCal landscapes. Some are in full form right now, so when the sun’s out, head out to any of these places that can go wild with flowers.

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  12. Spring Release Hikes

    Ahhh, spring. With all of winter’s rain, the trails are super-charged. So get out and enjoy these hikes with electric green hills, blooming flowers, plus mountain and sea views.

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  13. Cave In to These Spring Adventures

    Before the deserts get too hot, before the wildflowers dwindle, and before the summer crowds take over, take your explorations deeper with these thrilling cave adventures.

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  14. Coming Soon: Spring?

    Well, let's just call any further rains a spring refresher; which can bring a real pop to the colors of nature, soon-ish. Spring it on!

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  15. Lake Nacimiento
    Sponsored
    2025-06-25

    Savor Summer in Paso Robles

    Ready for the “Great California Road Trip”? Keep it real and rolling in bucolic and beautiful Paso Robles. This down- to-earth destination has everything you need to enjoy the coolest experiences.

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  16. Bon-Anza-Borrego!

    At over 640,000 acres and 500 miles of roads, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is easily the biggest in California. And it positively blooms in spring! Get there soon and take in the wild—and wildflower—scenery! These three short hikes to overlooks each offer a different perspective of this vast desert.

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  17. Three Intriguing Canyon Hikes in CA

    There’s just something so intriguing about landscapes formed by all kinds of geologic activity and forces of nature. Before it gets too hot, here are three places to adventure within a lava tube, a surprise canyon, and a canyon hike with a stunning natural bridge … all in California!

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  18. Post Rain Greenery & Scenery

    Some of LA County’s most impressive landscapes beam bright green after rains. Here are three hikes bound to shine for big views with Shamrock colored scenery.

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  19. Just Dune It

    With Dune 2 coming out in theaters, now is a good time to explore some surreal sandscapes. We’ve rounded up some national preserves, parks, and refuges—including the epic landscape that inspired the novel. Dune it right!

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  20. A woman stands at Dante's View in Death Valley, looking out to Telescope Peak and Manly Lake, Badwater Basin below.

    Sunrise, Sunset, Starry Desert Hikes

    March in Death Valley is (dare we say) full of life! There’s a dark sky festival to kick off the month, and the temporary Manly Lake at Badwater Basin—the lowest point in North America—is still going strong (for now). Here’s your guide to a sunrise, sunset, and starry night hiking trifecta for winter and early spring in Death Valley National Park.

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  21. Walks for Black History Month

    With a break in the stormy weather, now is a good time to venture out and pay homage to Black History Month at these monuments, landmarks, and murals in LA county. 

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  22. Dragon Days Ahead

    Lunar new year is February 10, and hopefully the wet weather won't dampen spirits for upcoming celebrations both this weekend and next. Check out these garden and urban park walks with on-site or nearby events for the Year of the Dragon!

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Trending Stories NorCal

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  1. Sequoia Re-opens Crystal Cave

    Step inside Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park's hidden world by visiting the newly re-opened Crystal Cave—the only cave in the parks open to the public. Closed for four years, this rare marble karst cavern is welcoming visitors once again, but only through the summer season!

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  2. Afternoon on the Island

    What is it about tiny islands in the middle of lakes? There’s something that just draws you in. It’s even more fun when getting there is half the adventure because you have to reach it by canoe, kayak, paddleboat, or a ranger-guided boat tour!

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  3. Easiest Best Hike in the World

    Choose the easiest and most view-rewarding hike in Yosemite. Okay, we’ll go first: the combination of hiking to Sentinel Dome and Taft Point. Both of these lookouts are within a couple miles of each other on Glacier Point Road

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  4. Hiker in the forest at Mount Sutro in San Francisco

    San Francisco's Middle Earth

    No need to travel to New Zealand to visit Middle Earth. San Francisco’s Mount Sutro Open Space is practically Hobbiton—a hidden “shire” in the middle of the city. Okay, maybe not quite as magical, but still an incredible place to take a hike in city limits.

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Trending Stories SoCal

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  1. Locals' Feature: Jim Litchfield, Owner of Reno Fly Shop

    If there's a river, you're likely to find Jim Litchfield there. As the owner of Reno Fly Shop, Nevada's premier fly fishing outfitter and shop, Jim's passion for rivers knows no bounds: he's fished in places near and far, including Alaska, Bolivia and Christmas Island. But home is beautiful Reno, where he has been running Reno Fly Shop and leading tailored river float and fly fishing adventures (including beginner-friendly options) for over a decade.

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  2. Can't Top This

    San Francisco’s Presidio was already a fantastic place to hang out for the afternoon, a beautiful site within the largest urban national park in the United States (the Golden Gate National Recreation Area). And Presidio Tunnel Tops is like a cherry on top. Make that two cherries on top, with the newly opened (July 2025) Outpost Meadow, a 1.5-acre green space located at Old Mason Street across from the Crissy Field Marsh in the Presidio.

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  3. Volcanic Activity

    Northern California is home to one of the most unique ecosystems in the country: Lassen Volcanic National Park. The region features geothermal areas, including the largest dome volcano in the world, Lassen Peak. Hike to the top of this active volcano on a 5-mile out-and-back.  

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  4. Oh Ryan

    Sure, it’s those whimsical trees that give Joshua Tree National Park its marquee billing; but this beautiful landscape also has surrounding mountains and its night sky—one of the darkest in Southern California and designated an International Dark Sky Park. Joshua Tree has four allowable stargazing parking lots, and a newly opened haven for spending the night nearby...

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