All Stories from Southern CA
Sester-Centennial Peregrination
This year, 2019, marks 250 years since the founding of San Diego—an anniversary some call a sestercentennial. By any name, it’s a great excuse for exploring the history, culture, a
ViewA Lot o’ Tecolote
“Tecolote” is the Spanish word for owl, perhaps suggesting that you would be wise to visit Tecolote Canyon, a secluded nature preserve near Mission Bay. The best way to enjoy it is
ViewHike to Hidden Falls
Rain, sun, rain, wind, partial sun, rain … what’s a hiker to do? Go with the flow! Or rather, go to the flow. Hidden Falls Regional Park in the Sierra foothills near Auburn has 30
ViewBaywalk!
A sunset stroll, a beachside bike ride, a frolic with Fido, or a picnic in the park—whatever mission you choose to accept is waiting for you at Mission Bay. The bay per se is the l
ViewHowl of a Good Hike
Dedicated to urban forestation and conservation in LA, the nonprofit organization TreePeople brings people and trees together, and that includes occasional moonlight hikes through the ridgetop woodlands in the mountains straddling Beverly Hills and Century City.
ViewPicnic Paramour
Some hardcore enthusiasts snowshoe the entire Tahoe Rim Trail—all 165 miles of it! Looking for just a good morsel of it? Get a taste of this famous terrain on a 3.6-mile (round-tri
ViewSwitchbacks and Sweeping Views
A fierce workout and killer coastal views—that’s the fabled Rancho Palos Verdes Donut Loop. One of the best road rides in SoCal, this 24-miler is named for its shape—a loop—and not
ViewRolling on the River
The San Gabriel River Trail is just as varied as the amazing metropolis it passes through in the course of 35 traffic-free miles between Seal Beach and Azusa, following the path of
ViewWheeling the Queen's Avenue
It’s easy to picture bicyclists on the Victoria Avenue bike path in Riverside riding high-wheelers and sporting knickers or bustle skirts. After all, the path follows a scenic park
ViewEmpire of Light
Riverside’s Mission Inn has one of the most stunning displays of holiday lights in the US, but first things first: To really get in the mood—and earn your holiday treats, calorically speaking—take a quick-escape hike on nearby Two Trees Trail.
ViewThe Champion, My Friends!
If visiting one of the tallest Christmas trees in the world doesn’t put you in the holiday spirit, nothing will! We’re actually talking about Big Bear’s Champion Lodgepole Pine—a w
ViewArboretum Season
All is not always calm this time of year, but peace reigns at Fullerton Arboretum, a quiet 26-acre oasis in the middle of urban Orange County. It’s on the campus of Cal State Fulle
ViewVerdugos on Draft
Test your vitality and revive your energy via a 3-mile (round-trip) out-and-back trek in the Verdugo Mountains and a hoppy reward at nearby Brewyard Beer Company or at a tasty
ViewDowntown’s Views and Brews
Take a sizable public park and a craft brewery, put them near one another, and what do you have? Well, in this case, a walk through LA’s back pages at Los Angeles State Historic Park and a refreshing beverage afterward at the Highland Park Brewery.
ViewMount Lowe, Meet Mt. Lowe!
Mount Lowe? Sure, it’s a magnificent summit in the San Gabriels. Mt. Lowe? Sure, it’s a brilliant brewery in the San Gabriel Valley. Both are true, and that’s something to celebrate with a hike and a hoisting of a beer at Arcadia’s Mt. Lowe Brewing. Company.
ViewSipping Through the Valley
Anderson Valley is best known for its pinots, but you'll find almost every kind of wine here ... so take your time. It's hard to go wrong in these parts, but here are a few winerie
ViewWhere to Sheep
Located in the hills of Anderson Valley, with Adirondacks and hammocks perched perfectly for relaxation, and plenty of room to roam, Sheep Dung Properties is no ordinary name—becau
ViewFrom Redwoods to Sea Stacks
In the heart of Anderson Valley, Hendy Woods State Park is rarely crowded, especially in winter, and has a star attraction: ancient redwoods. There’s an easy 2-mile (round-trip) hi
ViewSan Diego's Rio Camino
America’s finest city—and America’s finest hikers—have a mighty fine river to be proud of! The 52-mile San Diego River serves the city by supplying its reservoirs, and its hikers,
ViewFrogtown Strutter’s Stroll
Don’t go dismissing the Los Angeles River as merely a 51-mile concrete channel. It’s a genuine urban artery that links real neighborhoods, and its riverside bike/ped paths endear i
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The 2025 Hiking Calendar Is Here!
Ready to make hiking part of your New Year’s wellness plan? Get the all-new 2025 Hiking Calendar courtesy of Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST).
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