All "Dog Friendly" Stories in Southern CA
Audio Adventure Walks
Starting from the magnificent Monterey Bay Aquarium, do a deep dive into the interesting history of Monterey Bay on an audio tour along the Monterey Coastal Recreation Trail. The Monterey History Walking Tour is a nice way to get an overview of the beautiful bay and its diverse history.
ViewGetting Salty
Long walks on the beach are great, but what about long walks to the beach? This 7.7-mile (round-trip) to the beautiful Salt Creek Beach in Dana Point is one of the best in Orange County.
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Whiskey You Were Here!
Whiskeytown National Recreation Area is surrounded by miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking, beaches for lounging, and waterfalls. It’s also home to some of the best mellow paddling in the state.
View Heavenly Elysian
Founded in 1886, Elysian Park is LA’s oldest park, and one of its biggest. Spanning 600 acres, this urban playground has multiple attractive features that will keep you coming back for more.
ViewSpoke and Wheel
It’s Saturday morning—don’t just roll out of bed … roll out to the LA River Bikeway. Also known as the paved Los Angeles River Trail or the Los Angeles River Greenway Trail, whatever you call it, it makes for a nice morning ride with park stops along the way.
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The Trail Less Traveled
Sometimes it’s the trails less traveled that bring memories most cherished. Sun Valley, Idaho, offers a change of pace and scenery that inspires a sense of wonder and a feeling of rejuvenation.
View Little Mountain, Flat Top
The rolling hills of East Los Angeles possess many hidden gems, one of which is Montecito Heights Open Space. It’s a bit off the beaten path, and your goal is to reach the “Flat Top.”
ViewStoried Trail
If ever there was a fairy trail, this 6.8-mile lollipop loop on Sun Valley’s Proctor Mountain is it. The Proctor Mountain Trail is a storied route in more ways than one, starting with its tranquil oasis memorial for a famous writer, Ernest Hemingway.
ViewBald Statement
If you’re going to have a rite of passage hiking in Sun Valley, the hike to the summit of Bald Mountain is one to check off your list. This 5-mile (one-way) trek requires some stamina, yet richly rewards with a variety of views and vantages, abundant wildflowers, and the chance to combine a free chairlift and gondola ride back down.
ViewTwo Wheels to Zen
The family-friendly Wood River Trail goes over an historic bridge, past art sculptures and ranch-roaming horses, all amid sprawling green valley and a mountainous backdrop. Roll out from the Farmers Market at River Run Lodge and pedal the 8-mile (round-trip) ride to Sun Valley’s Sawtooth Botanical Garden.
ViewSunsets and Starry Nights in Sun Valley
Sun Valley has the distinction of being part of Central Idaho’s Dark Sky Reserve—the first of its kind in the country. The sky here has a signature clarity thanks to dedicated efforts at limiting light pollution. Here are some top spots for viewing and photography.
ViewDaley Dose of Zen
Trees, views, and solitude—that’s a top-tier trifecta when it comes to hiking. Get it at Escondido’s Daley Ranch via the 5-mile Engelmann Oak loop, featuring stunning north county vistas and rare sightings of its namesake oaks.
ViewMalibu-tiful
Malibu is the quintessential California beach town: 27 miles of coastal beauty and thousands of acres of neighboring parkland. See many of its natural highlights on this 3.75-mile out-and-back hike to Escondido Falls.
ViewGoing, Going, Gonzales!
Find the secret geographical gem that is Gonzales Canyon Open Space and explore its surprisingly large network of trails through two hidden canyons on a 3-mile loop.
ViewTurf's Up!
Crest Canyon Open Space Park is a small and beautiful green space that can be explored on a 2.2-mile loop that features famous flora, lagoon views, and sandstone cliffs.
ViewMasterpiece Marshland + Beers
San Dieguito Lagoon is one of the biggest wetland habitats in America. Uncover the magical marshland masterpiece on a gentle 3-mile out-and-back urban hike with a pit stop at a brewery.
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Simply Sun Valley, Idaho
A change of scenery is like a breath of fresh air, and you benefit from both when you experience the Sun Valley, Idaho, very few people know. Nature nurtures here in the original mountain town.
View The Great Wall of Los Angeles
The Great Wall of Los Angeles is one of the most impressive and beautiful works of art in the entire city. See the storytelling of this half-mile-long mural via a 1-mile out-and-back through the Tujunga Greenbelt in North Hollywood.
ViewA River Runs Through It
Even the most avid LA hikers don’t know there's a riverside hike at the base of the beloved San Gabriels in Azusa River Wilderness Park.
ViewTriumphant in Triunfo
Go on a hike with a peaceful reservoir, charming meadows, and beautiful spring blooms at Triunfo Creek Park near Thousand Oaks.
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Yes, Seattle!
Ready to try something new this winter? Seattle’s ready for you! Beautiful by nature with its Puget Sound setting, surrounding mountains, and nearby national parks, winter in Seattle can be a magical and festive time. Ever been in a hot tub boat?...
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