All "Dog Friendly" Stories in Southern CA
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Outdoor Zen in Sonoma County
Sonoma County’s abundant natural beauty is good for your mind, body, and spirit. From redwoods and rhododendron walks, to yoga in a vineyard, here are five ways to soothe your soul in Sonoma County.
View Porter Ranch Wander and Ponder
Hidden Canyon? Yes! Rock Garden? You got it! Redwoods? Wait ... really? Yes! Head to Limekiln Canyon Park in Porter Ranch for a 3.75-mile out-and-back hike with super San Fernando surprises.
ViewLovers Loop
Peaks, canyons, streams, meadows, trees—Lovers Loop in Los Olivos is the hike of your dreams in the Santa Ynez Valley. Explore it on this 4-mile hike where beautiful vistas abound. Then, wine taste!
ViewDo it Yourself Walking Tour of Solvang
Solvang has long been described as a “little slice of Denmark in Southern California." Experience the historic village on a 3-mile walk that explores the architecture, food, wine, and green space.
ViewWater and Wine
Visit the largest water source on the Santa Ynez River— Lake Cachuma—on a 4.5-mile out-and-back hike along the shores of the reservoir. Follow it up with some Gruner Veltliner Sauvignon at a winery.
ViewMighty Among Giants
It’s not the tallest summit, but at 4,624 feet Stoddard Peak near Los Angeles is still mighty among nearby giants like Mount Baldy and the popular Potato Mountain. And the reward? Huge views!
ViewMarshall Mellow
The 3-mile (round-trip) Marshall Peak Trail might not be the most epic in the San Bernardino National Forest, but this lightly used trail is beautiful in spring when the wildflowers come out.
ViewSecret Stair Master!
Step up to a wonderful 2-mile, nearly 1000-step workout in peaceful Pasadena that is part leg labor, part suburban stroll, and all serene secret.
ViewStairstruck in Hollywood
Beachwood Canyon in Hollywoodland has an action-packed adventure with A-list workouts, big-budget views, and a stair-studded cast. Running time is 1.25 miles with five staircases.
ViewHidden Stairway in Silver Lake
Life in Los Angeles can be vibrant in so many ways, including stairways! This hidden stairway hike in Silver Lake features colorfully artistic and historic steps via 1.5 miles, four unique staircases, and countless local food options for a bite to eat.
ViewLA's Memorial to MLK
The 400-acre Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area is home to trails, lawns, picnic areas, and—at the park’s highest point, overlooking LA’s skyline—the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Tree Grove.
ViewBruce's Beach Belongs
Every community has heroes “really intent on making this a better place for all people,” as Maya Angelou put it. For Manhattan Beach, it was the Bruce family. Explore their namesake beach and learn about its history.
ViewSanta Year Round
Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area in Irwindale is an 836-acre county park with a namesake dam. Explore highlights on a 4-mile loop featuring a lake, a beach, and beautiful mountain vistas.
ViewHot Dams!
Hot dam! Head to Santiago Oaks Regional Park for the best dam hike in Orange County. This 3.5-mile loop goes through riparian and chaparral environments with mountain vistas and two impressive dams.
ViewOn A Mission
Feeling dammed up? Head for Mission Trails Regional Park in San Diego for a 3-mile out-and-back trail that features a historic dam, ancient oaks, and a fresh perspective on the value of green space.
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Ready When You Are: Reno Tahoe
With outdoors being essential for health and wellness, and new protocols in place, Reno Tahoe welcomes visitors! It's wide open with snowshoe trails, fire pits by the river, skating, and hot springs.
View La Mesa Secret Stairs
Step up to 2021 on a secret stairway hike in San Diego’s east county. Head to La Mesa for a 1.4-mile (lollipop loop) historical urban adventure with secret stairs, postcard panoramas, and bonus brews!
ViewTwice As Nice
The best hidden peak in San Diego is actually two peaks! Twin Peaks in Poway sit at 1,309 and 1,251 feet, respectively. Bag both on a 2-mile loop that rewards with classic views and solitude.
ViewKwaay Paay All the Way
Kwaay Paay peak seems modest as the fourth tallest of five in Mission Trails Regional Park, but don’t underrate this gem. Its panoramic views are among the best in San Diego on this 2.5-mile loop.
ViewLukens Good, LA!
A 5,074-foot mountain the city? It’s not part of a movie set—it’s Mount Lukens in LA! And you can conquer its peak on a 10-mile (round-trip) hike starting from the Deukmejian Wilderness Park.
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Sublime San Juan Islands
Well, well, this wellness action plan takes you to the San Juan Islands! Easily reached by ferry yet worlds away in tranquility and unique adventures, this Washington State jewel of the Salish Sea nurtures through nature.
Discover the San Juan IslandsYour Inbox to the Outdoors
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