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1. 
   Northern CA & Southern CA

   How to Lose the Crowds in National Parks

   A magical thing happens when you hike just a mile or two from trailheads in popular national parks: Crowds begin to disappear. Even better, go backpacking to really have solitude. These trips in Yosemite, Zion, Point Reyes, and Channel Islands are out-of-office adventure havens.

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2. 
   Northern CA

   Beaches Less Known

   Beaches are calling, but a few sandy secrets simply whisper among the waves or shorelines across the Bay Area and North Coast. This summer, hike-in to these beaches less traveled.

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3. 
   Southern CA

   Trails Less Traveled

   Hooray, outside is awesome and everyone now seems to know it. The challenge? Trails are a little crowded this summer. Where can you get a little space? These five hiking spots in LA County are often overlooked or under-traveled in favor of more popular nearby options.

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4. 
   Sponsored

   2025-02-19

   Live the SLO Life

   This year, live the SLO life. San Luis Obispo charms with its friendly vibe, Mediterranean climate, and fun adventures both in town and along the Central Coast.

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5. 
   Northern CA

   Waterside Rides

   The wind in your hair, the scent of the sea, the thirst-quenching beers … who’s ready for a waterside bike ride? These beginner-friendly pedals range from a national park seashore to an island in the sea, with a riverside cruiser to beers in between. Roll call for summer!

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6. 
   Southern CA

   Beer Hikes

   Hike, then beer? We’ve brewed up some summer adventures where all trails lead to beer(s)! These three routes have plenty of great vistas, beaches, and forest features, followed by nearby brewpubs for refreshing your spirits, and quenching your post-hike thirst.

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7. 
   Northern CA

   Hike San Francisco!

   No disrespect to our beautiful parks, but you can go on an amazing hike right in the city! San Francisco is one of the country's most walkable and beautiful cities—and a perfect place to take a hike (including one that's a historical treasure hunt).

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8. 
   Southern CA

   Water Hikes

   Summer in SoCal—hot, and dry right now, due to drought. Fortunately, LA’s still got some treasured and less-known waterworks for chilling out. Here are three to visit and appreciate.

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9. 
   Sierra Nevada

   No Reservations Backpacking and Camping

   No reservation? No problem! Well, at least if you have a few of these tips on camping and backpacking in California. From first-come, first-served camping, to no quotas on wilderness backpacking, here are three places to go for summer.

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10. 
    Southern CA

    From Sea to Summit

    America's birthday is coming in hot. These summer classic adventures go from the sea to summits: Hike-in beaches, mellow redwood wanders (in SoCal), and panoramic peak hikes await. Go fourth the great outdoors!

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11. 
    Northern CA

    Beaches, Bike Rides, Campsites

    America’s birthday is this weekend. And, well, it’s been quite a year. Take a deep breath at a hike-in beach, pedal a car-free bike trail, or score a first-come first-served campsite.

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12. 
    Northern CA

    Coastal Bliss in Mendocino

    Ready, set, take it easy! The Mendocino Coast is a great way to ease into summer. The dramatic coastline offers fantastic hiking, incredible sunsets, romantic lighthouses, a vibrant botanical garden, and plenty more.

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13. 
    Southern CA

    AdVentura Time!

    Kick off the official start of the season with a big adVentura. Ventura pops with summer delights like a riverside bike trail to Ojai, plus lakeside hiking, camping, boating, and epic disc golf too.

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14. 
    Southern CA

    Outdoor Education

    Among the best places to enjoy art, sculptures, and botanical gardens? College campuses during summer are lovely places to stroll, observe natural beauty and creative art outdoors, plus find surprises like a nearby beach. Here are a few to see.

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15. 
    Sponsored

    2025-02-19

    Live the SLO Life

    This year, live the SLO life. San Luis Obispo charms with its friendly vibe, Mediterranean climate, and fun adventures both in town and along the Central Coast.

    View
16. 
    Northern CA

    Oh That's Cool

    Since you can't crank the air conditioning outdoors, we found some ways to beat the heat and cool down, courtesy of nature. From coastal bike rides to redwood hikes and picnics, here are some ways to chill outside.

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17. 
    Northern CA

    Truly Baymazing Adventures

    The San Francisco Bay is the heartbeat of our region, and these ridge rambling hikes and adventures from the East Bay to right on the Bay have amazing iconic views, and some really cool surprises too.

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18. 
    Southern CA

    Lake Hikes

    Water is a scarce resource these days. Pay homage to it and enjoy the precious view hiking beside these lovely lakes and reservoirs in North San Diego County.

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19. 
    Northern CA

    Bike-In Beaches

    Summer, beaches, bike rides ... is there a better triple play? Grab summer by the handlebars and ride your bike to the beach. These three bike-in-beaches are ready to roll.

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20. 
    Southern CA

    Hidden Long Beach

    Think you know Long Beach? We’ve got some twists for you! Visit its less-known regional park, take a mural art walk beyond the beach, and double up on water attractions combining two urban lagoons on a local hike. Go Long!

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21. 
    Northern CA

    Official Hikes for the Unofficial Start of Summer

    The unofficial start of summer kicks off this weekend, so start it with a long sweet hike. Here are five to set your sights on.

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22. 
    Southern CA

    Summer Kick-Off Hikes

    The unofficial start of summer means just one thing: official summer hikes! Blaze your trails from Nevada to LA.

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