All Stories from Southern CA

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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Hastain for a Change
Los Angeles is famous for its canyon hikes, but you don’t have join the crowds on those ones! The 2.5-mile Hastain Loop, tucked into the southern end of Franklin Canyon, is every bit as scenic as some of the city’s more famous trails, only with less people.
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Franklin High
Visiting Franklin Canyon’s peaceful reservoir is a no brainer. But once you’ve covered that, then what?Our answer: Blinderman. This lesser-known trail is the perfect add-on for exploring the wild beauty of upper Franklin Canyon.
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Autumn Magic in Yosemite Mariposa County
Yosemite Mariposa County is where golden moments unfold all season long. Watch the sun's warm glow settle over El Capitan and Half Dome, then wander quietly in Mariposa Grove. Beyo
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Roaring Redwoods
Tucked next to brilliant Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park in Santa Cruz, the folks at Roaring Camp Railroads had a bright idea: When the sun goes down, the rainbow lights come up. Sequoias at Night brings big magic to some of the tallest trees in the world.
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There's Always To Moro!
Looking for a rock-solid itinerary in Sequoia National Park? Pair the park's most famous viewpoint with one that's often overlooked.
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Duck Yeah!
Duck Pass is everything you want in a High Sierra day hike. The 11-mile round trip from Mammoth Lakes Basin passes a string of sparkling alpine lakes before climbing to nearly 11,000-foot Duck Pass, where panoramic views of jagged peaks and sapphire waters reward the effort.
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A Moveable Feast
Forget the yachts and sailboats. A picnic on the water is best enjoyed aboard a Duffy. Don your captain's hat and cruise Newport Harbor in a quiet electric boat that seats up to 12—perfect for a family outing or an afternoon with friends.
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Been There, Dome That
Surrounded by granite domes, craggy peaks, and miles of hiking trails, the High Sierra landscape of Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite National Park is famous for good reason. For a truly grand view, take a short hike to bold—and bald (except for snow at times)—Lembert Dome.
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Take the Exit to the Best of the San Francisco Peninsula
The San Francisco Peninsula is proof that some of Northern California’s greatest surprises are hiding just off Highway 101. All you have to do is take the exit.
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Zoom Up Zuma
Some hikes just rise above the rest. The Zuma Ridge Trail is a 5.2-mile out-and-back hike that begins in a posh Malibu neighborhood before climbing to a stunning ridgeline with sweeping mountain and ocean views.
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Waterfall Hunter
If you ask a local in Reno about one of the best hiking trails in town, odds are high they’ll point you to Hunter Creek Falls. It’s a year-round favorite, but it absolutely shines in spring, when desert peach wildflowers make a splash—and so does the marquee waterfall.
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A (River)Walk in the Park
Reno’s Riverwalk winds along the Truckee River through downtown and beyond, connecting some of the city’s best parks and public spaces. If you’re seeking a short, scenic walk where the small things add up to big wonders, head to Idlewild Park. It blends almost seamlessly into Reno’s Riverwalk, making it an idyllic and easy place to pair gardens, ponds, and public art with a short stroll along the Truckee River.
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Coming Up Aces
Reno is known for its bright lights and exciting casino resorts. But what if we told you one of the best bets in town for a family-friendly outing happens under stadium lights? Greater Nevada Field is home to the Reno Aces, the city’s popular Minor League Baseball team. The park itself is in the pro leagues, with the Truckee River coursing by and the Sierra Nevada mountains beaming like the fanbase.
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Best Ghost Town in the West
Located in the high desert of the Eastern Sierra, Bodie State Historic Park looks like a Hollywood set for a Western movie. But this isn't Hollywood magic—it's a gold-mining ghost town (with summer ghost tours!) that's as pure Wild West as it gets!
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No Limits Family Trip: Reno Tahoe
What if your next family getaway didn’t come with a set agenda—just the freedom to go where the day takes you? Find yourselves in Reno Tahoe, a land of no limits and plenty of outdoor bounty.
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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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Tree Town
Home to an estimated 21,000 trees and 100 acres of parkland, South Pasadena has earned its nickname: the City of Trees. This 2.5-mile neighborhood walk lets you experience its leafy canopy up close, winding through charming streets and three of the city’s beloved parks.
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A Better Way to Baldwin
The Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook in Culver City is one of West L.A.’s most popular hiking spots, but most visitors miss the bigger picture. This 3.5-mile out-and-back along a section of the Park to Playa Trail offers a fuller experience of this gorgeous nature park with sweeping urban views and a few artistic surprises along the way.
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Cinematic Sonoma
Longer days. Golden light. Wildflowers in bloom. It’s the perfect moment to plan your spring escape to Sonoma for the Sonoma International Film Festival, March 25–29. No fuss. No sprawl. Just films, friends, fresh air, and that unmistakable Sonoma glow.
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