All "Water" Stories in Southern CA
Hike-in Swimming Hole
We had you at hike-in swimming hole? For a taste of the glacial and volcanic splendors of Desolation Wilderness without an all-day commitment, Grass Lake is the perfect hike. Pack
ViewChain of Alpine Lakes
There are six and a half good reasons to do this 6.5-mile (out-and-back) hike in the eastern Sierras’ Inyo National Forest. The Little Lakes Valley hike is an oasis-hopping, mounta
ViewRocky Alpine High
Set at 10,000 feet in the Inyo National Forest of the eastern Sierras, Rock Creek Lake is idyllic, with its sandy shores and the colorful rainbow trout easily spotted in the transp
ViewDesolation Drama
Oval-shaped Dicks Lake is one of the scenic gems of the Desolation Wilderness. Set in a dramatic glacial cirque with 9,974-foot Dicks Peak soaring behind it, the lake makes a perfe
ViewSleep Like a Rock
No crowds, no cell phone service—now that’s a wilderness getaway! The hugely underrated Rock Creek Lake in the Inyo National Forest of the eastern Sierra is known for its peaceful
ViewMesa's Magical
If the Pacific Ocean and Channel Islands views don’t take your breath away, these 242 steps will. Mesa Lane boasts Santa Barbara’s longest and most aesthetic staircase, descending
ViewThousand Steps Beach
Okay, the name is a bit of an exaggeration—it takes only 154 steps to reach Santa Barbara's Thousand Steps Beach (also known as Camino al Mar, Spanish for “the way to the sea”). Bu
ViewGive Me More Mesa
A typical beach routine: Drive to a parking lot, haul out your cooler, traipse across the asphalt to the sand. Want more out of the experience? Then head to More Mesa and its view-
ViewSimply Putah-ful
Immortalized in Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Green River,” Yolo County’s Putah Creek is proof that some legends never dry! Its snaking banks still teem with underrated bayou cha
ViewGaviota Wind Caves
Gaviota State Park is home to the 3-mile out-and-back Gaviota Wind Caves Trail, with over 600 feet in elevation gain, unique topography, seasonal wildflowers, and incredible ocean views.
ViewGaviota Hidden Hot Springs
Whether you need to relax after summiting Gaviota Peak in Gaviota State Park, or just prefer a quick, scenic destination hike, Gaviota Hot Springs is well worth the $2 parking fee.
ViewGaviota Peak
Some of the best coastal views in the Golden State don’t come easy, but the payoff makes up for the challenge! Head for Gaviota State Park’s headlining hike, Gaviota Peak. It’s a 6
ViewSunset's Up!
San Diego is famous for its coastal views. And it doesn’t get much better than the Sunset Cliffs in Point Loma. The vistas along this less-traveled stretch of coastline (Ocean Beach is more populated) are some of the most spectacular in the Golden State. Get on the scene via a 3-mile (round-trip) hike.
ViewLa Jolla Joy
On the San Diego bucket list: La Jolla Cove. The problem: It’s on everyone’s bucket list! And it leads to parking mayhem. The solution? Take the route that’s a good workout, with e
ViewShore Thing!
Beach hop from pier to jetty on a 6-mile (round-trip) journey infused with classic beach culture. The trip starts at Pacific Beach Pier (aka Crystal Pier, after the classic cottage
ViewSurfwood's Up!
MacKerricher State Park in Mendocino County delivers nine miles of diverse coastline and a seaside gem for spending the night: Surfwood Campground is a laid-back oasis with 45 lush coastal campsites—including 10 secluded walk-ins.
ViewOhh, Gualala
Coastal camping just got cozy in Sonoma County. Enjoy the sea breeze and take refuge from it too at Gualala Point Regional Park Campground, where 18 sites sit shaded beneath a rich
ViewJust Dune It!
Coastal wildflowers are still going strong at Manchester State Park in Mendocino County, where dune-top hiking trails colored in baby blue eyes and purple lupine dance across the n
ViewBell of a Beautiful Sunset
It’s always good to end a day in the right light, and this hike will help make that happen. It’s a double feature starting from Point Fermin Park at the south end of the Palos Verd
ViewSecret Redwoods + Camping by the River
Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park is a little-known gem where skyscraping reds (the tallest living trees in the world!) fly under the radar. Grizzly’s ironically small size and location off the beaten path provide near total seclusion, not to mention relaxing camping!
View
Spring Up to These Amazing Events
Shake it up, shake it all the way up to this sunniest city in the state for the most unique and fun-fueled events. Redding is true Northern California, surrounded by famous mountains, nearby national parks and recreation areas, and the sparkling Sacramento River.
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