All Stories from Southern CA

Camp Casitas
Just 20 minutes from downtown Ventura, Lake Casitas Recreation Area is like summer camp all over again. There’s a 5.75-mile shoreline hike, a rugged disc golf experience, and reservoir boating. There’s also nearly 450 campsites across its massive grounds.
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Sea You Soon!
After over a year of being closed, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is ready for some quality time with you! A visit to Monterey this time of year is a refreshing coastal escape of beaches and bike paths and beautiful blooms, with a big bonus: The region’s marquee attraction is at the heart of it all.
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Skip School for the Beach
Head to UCSD (University of California, San Diego) for a campus stroll followed by a hike down sandstone cliffs to Black’s Beach in La Jolla.
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Art of the Matter
Wander the school grounds of the most-applied-to university in the nation for an outdoors study in art, architecture, and gardening. The University of California, Los Angeles has a nice 3.5-mile route with historic buildings, unique sculptures, serene botanic gardens, and no final exams!
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Hike Reno Tahoe!
With its vibrant summer events and easy outdoor access, Reno Tahoe is a fantastic choice for adventure. From mountain peaks to premier views of Lake Tahoe, here are some of the best hikes in the region.
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Hodges and Hodgee Monster
Escondido’s Lake Hodges is one of the most beautiful lake settings in San Diego, with Kumeyaay history, phenomenal birdwatching, a world-record-holding bridge, and a resident lake monster! Do a 5.5-mile shoreline hike here ...
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Miramarvelous
Hike a 5-mile loop around Lake Miramar that never loses sight of the reservoir and features charming docks, dense chaparral forests, and plenty of local waterfowl.
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Go For Guajome
Head to Guajome County Park in Oceanside for a hidden lake twofer hike via a 4-mile loop trail traversing most of the 394-acre haven.
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From Colorado to Naples
Combine a loop around the serene Colorado Lagoon and the canals of Naples for a unique 4.5-mile adventure in Long Beach that will make you forget you’re in a bustling metropolis.
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Beach Walk + Cambodia Town
A trip to Long Beach is not complete without a … long walk on the beach. But add a little extra with a walk through Cambodia Town, featuring local murals and delicious food.
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Monterey Bay Aquarium Reopens!
The wildlife has been waiting patiently … and now, at long last, they’re ready for their close-ups! As California reopens make new memories at the reopened Monterey Bay Aquarium!
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El Dorado Has it All
El Dorado Regional Park in east Long Beach has so much outdoors it's hard to know where to start! There's a 2.25-mile stroll through the beautiful Nature Center, campsites, even a frontier theme park...
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Reno Recharger
Rediscover Reno Tahoe! As unique as it is diverse, Reno is where Burning Man creativity meets the Mount Rose Wilderness, neon lights meet the Truckee River, and craft beer meets axe throwing!
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Go Galena
Close to Reno yet truly in the wilderness: This long out-and-back epic hike goes up a ridge with huge views of the magnificent Washoe Valley and its marquee mountains.
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Truckee Riverwalk
A city that has nature running right through it? That’s Reno! The Truckee River flows through the heart of downtown, and the popular and well-maintained Reno Riverwalk makes for a delightful downtown stroll.
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Walk the Neon Line
Reno’s Neon Line, a new art installation downtown, celebrates two of Reno’s biggest draws: Burning Man and neon lights. Walk part of the dynamic streetscape spanning 20 city blocks and featuring rotating Burning Man art, other sculptures, and bright lights—including historic neon signs.
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Waterfall Chaser
Reno's Hunter Creek Falls is accessible year-round but especially fantastic in spring when the desert peach wildflowers paint the landscape, and the marquee waterfall has snowmelt mojo.
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Beer Best
It seems like every city in the West tries to claim best craft beer and spirits status, yet Reno’s quietly done the work behind the scenes to emerge as a true best in brew—from beer to spirits, and innovative mead!
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Axe on Tap!
Head to Reno Axe, where you can test your skills with the sport of axe throwing. Don’t axe it until you try it! This is not only fun; you may be surprised at how therapeutic it can be—burning off any angst in your work-week bones.
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Josephine Journey
Standing at 5,558 feet, Josephine Peak is no ordinary summit hike. The 8.5-mile (round-trip) trek goes to an old lookout with tremendous views of the San Gabriels, including Strawberry Peak.
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