All Stories from Southern CA

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  Constant Condor

  Condor Peak is one of the less traveled hikes in the San Gabriel Mountains, probably because it’s 16 miles (round-trip)! Get an early start for this challenging adventure, best done during the cooler months.

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  Do Denk

  Denk Mountain is the highest point in Carlsbad, reached via a 3.5-mile figure eight loop that nets 800 feet of elevation and delivers the best views in town.

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  Bobcat to Box Canyon

  Sometimes it’s good to focus on the little joys in life instead of the big picture. At Rancho La Costa Preserve, that means hiking the hidden 2-mile Bobcat loop amid its 500 acres. This petite escape combines small wonders and big views.

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  Copper Creek Serenity

  The journey to Copper Creek Falls in Carlsbad’s Rancho La Costa Preserve is a serene 3.25-mile hike following a peaceful creek with a bit of local history and beautiful canyon scenery.

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  Wine Country's Walkable Film Festival

  Food, wine, films, backlot parties, and culinary events with celebrity chefs … yep, it’s good to be 25! The Sonoma International Film Festival (SIFF) is celebrating its 25th year in signature style this March 23 to 27.

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  Holy Wow!

  Ready for a heavenly hike? Simi Valley’s Mount McCoy, managed by the Rancho Simi Recreation and Parks District is a 2.5-mile (out-and-back) rambler that climbs 525 feet in 1.25 miles and features non-stop panoramic views and a giant white cross at the hill’s summit.

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  Simi's Secret Loop

  The secluded 2.8-mile Woodridge Loop at Long Canyon in Simi Valley rewards with rolling hills, grassy meadows, unique rock formations, and some of the most magical valley views in Ventura County.

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  Big Sky SoCal

  When does hiking through a neighborhood feel like you’re worlds away from civilization? When you’re in SoCal's Big Sky territory! Big Sky Trail is a 4-mile loop over rolling hills, all with incredible vistas of the surrounding valley and, of course, that big blue beautiful sky.

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  Perris Is Always a Good Idea

  Beaches and oases in the Inland Empire? Just say Perris! Bike around the Lake Perris State Recreational Area and make beach stops along the way. Then enjoy some Casey's Cupcakes.

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  Franklin It's About the Beignet

  Head to Franklin Canyon’s Upper Reservoir for a 2-mile loop in a fairytale setting, then visit Beignet Box in Studio City for some sweet treats.

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  Channel Islands for a Change

  There’s no better time to visit California’s Channel Islands National Park. Located 25 miles off Ventura County Coast, this series of five distinct and spectacular islands is reached by a fun ferry ride often filled with wildlife sightings.

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  Rise and Shine in Camarillo

  Camarillo shines in more ways than one—including nearly year-round sun. Bathed in a Mediterranean climate and surrounded by agricultural “charmland”—especially wineries and vineyards—Camarillo is the perfect blend of outdoor bliss and urban comforts.

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  Purely Wild

  Channel Islands National Park lives up to its nickname as “North America’s Galapagos.” This less-traveled national park is an undeveloped and isolated series of five dramatic and distinct islands reached by boat. Hike the largest of the islands, Santa Cruz.

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  Sea-splunking

  If exploring a cave is spelunking, then exploring a cave by kayak is … spelayaking?! This unique cave-kayaking adventure at Channel Islands National Park is a wonderful way to get an in-depth perspective of the marvelous caves here.

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  The Camarillo Beer Trail

  Some trails are more refreshing than others! And while the Camarillo Beer Trail isn’t a hiking trail, it is most certainly worth exploring. Make it a day of brews or do a “brews and views” tour by combining a scenic hike followed by some tasty beers.

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  Bike the Harbor, Catch Sunset at Hollywood Beach

  Sailboats, barking sea lions, wide-open golden beach—Channel Islands Harbor and Hollywood Beach are marquee attractions, and renting a fat-tire E-bike is a fun way to explore this classic Southern California setting in Oxnard.

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  That's Just Wildwood!

  The farm-to-table agricultural landscape around Camarillo delights with vineyards, lush canyons, and craggy mountains. For a hike combining a trifecta of these views, head to Wildwood Canyon Overlook Trail.

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  Your Winter Wellness Retreat: La Quinta

  La Quinta is one of SoCal’s best-kept secrets, a land of wild open spaces, deep history, beautiful art, and all kinds of ways to relax and soak in the healing power of nature.

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  Daley Inspiration

  Phenomenal views? Check. Impressive geology? Check again. Secret ponds? Yep! Sprinkle in a historic home and you’ve got a 5-mile highlight hike at Daley Ranch in Escondido.

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  Encinitas Ranch

  Beautiful Torrey pines, striking sandstone bluffs, mountain and ocean vistas ... find these trademark San Diego features on an unassuming suburban hike at Encinitas Ranch in North San Diego County.

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