All in Southern CA

  1. Secret Stairways of LA

    We always hear it: gotta get in those steps. A way to do it? Take the stairs! But not just any stairs. Do the ones that lead to nature, tranquility, and hidden gems. Here are three stairway hikes worth stepping up—and down—to!

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  2. Hike Elysian Park in Los Angeles

    Autumn Inspiration

    Let us be the first to wish you Happy Halloween. Too soon? We agree! Autumn’s barely touching down, so go gently into the season with these adventures offering inspiring views for a change-in-season perspective. Costume not included!

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  3. The Secluded Sierra

    Travel to the very northern part of the Sierra Nevada and discover a vast wilderness with only three traffic lights and more nature than people. Plumas County is a tranquil haven of high mountain recreation lakes, hiking and biking trails galore, plentiful small-town charms, and a national park that's still a hidden treasure.

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  4. woman hiking Mt Tam east peak
    Sponsored

    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. Now Open: These Camping Adventures

    Better late than never. Winter's historic precipitation meant delays in some backcountry and high Sierra camping adventures due to road repairs and too much snow! Here are a few places you can go now, some recently re-opened (and first-come, first-served!).

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  6. Tahoe Easy Rollers

    How do you escape the crowds at Tahoe? Try a bike ride along one of the region’s beautiful (car-free!) bike trails paralleling the Truckee River and Lake Tahoe. Here are some great rides (that can also be hikes or walks) for getting a little space.

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  7. 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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  8. 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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  9. 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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  10. 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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  11. 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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  12. 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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  13. 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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  14. 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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  15. woman hiking Mt Tam east peak
    Sponsored

    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. 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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  17. 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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  18. 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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  19. 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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  20. 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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  21. 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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  22. 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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A Hiker looking over a mountain range

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  1. Walk on the Wise Side

    A wise man once said, “Walk it off.” And San Francisco has just the place for a colorful walk via a 2.7-mile loop along Philosopher’s Way Trail in the 318-acre John McLaren Park (S

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  2. Hiker on the SCA trail in Marin Headlands with view of the Golden Gate Bridge

    Headlands Over Heels

    People come from all over the world to get a glimpse of the Golden Gate Bridge. Get a dramatic and novel view of the bridge without all the people on this moderate 6-mile hike in the Marin Headlands.

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  3. woman hiking Mt Tam east peak
    Sponsored

    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

Trending Stories SoCal

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  1. Woman hiking the San Onofre Bluffs Loop Trail to San Onofre State Beach in San Diego County

    Bluffing Good!

    Lovely coastline, beautiful beaches, unique geological history, and picturesque sandstone cliffs with limited foot traffic in San Diego County? Head to San Onofre State Beach and the 5-mile San Onofre Bluffs Loop Trail.

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  2. Can We Get a Whoop Whoop!

    City, mountain, and ocean views all in one hike? Whoop whoop! It’s no surprise the the Kenter Fire Road and Whoop-de-Doos Trail (a combo of fire road and singletrack) is a favorite among local mountain bikers and hikers alike.

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  3. The Big Chill

    In LA, finding a place to chill can be the ultimate flex. So flex, in Franklin Canyon! This unexpected oasis has plenty of shade, cool lake breezes, and ample picnicking spots. Enjoy it on an easy-going 1-mile stroll along its reservoir and duck pond.

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