All in Southern CA

  1. Summer Sensations

    Whoa, summer—slow down already! Get outside to savor the best of the season with some peak hikes, cave explorations, canoe paddles, and ... don't forget some beer tasting!

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  2. Orange Is the New Adventure

    There’s a lot more than sand and surf in Orange County. Discover the diverse landscape of LA’s close neighbor with these scenic hikes and a do-it-yourself SUP Seven Bridges Tour challenge in Newport.

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  3. Canyon Hikes, Beach Dips

    Who cares how sweaty you get hiking up that beautiful coastal canyon? When you get back, the beach is just across the road. Dive in!

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  4. Sponsored
    2024-12-18

    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.

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  5. Hole Up for a While!

    Relax, sometimes it's okay to cave in! These three hikes have caves to explore that don't require tight squeezes.

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  6. Bag an Eighter!

    You know about fourteeners, but let’s talk about “eighters”—peaks over 8,000 feet high where you don’t have to battle oxygen deprivation to savor a satisfying summit view. You’ll get a challenging hike, of course, on any of these three favorites. You just won’t need supplemental O2!

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  7. The Fourth is With You: Outside

    How do you go fourth? Maybe a bike ride with a beer break, or some great local hikes. Paddling a canoe on one of SoCal's most famous lakes is pretty relaxing. So are trails where you can take your dog! Here are a few suggestions to get the outdoors inspiration going for the fourth-coming weekend!

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  8. Stargazing Campgrounds

    Falling stars, full moons, and a bevy of celestial events this year ... summer camping is full on fantastic when you 'set your sites' on these cool campgrounds featuring dark skies and famous observatories. Bonus: There's first-come, first-served options, too.

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  9. Like Summer Camp—Only Better!

    Does the start of summer conjure memories of camp? Indulge a bit of nostalgia adult-style, with archery, hiking, canoeing, and a not-just-for-kids waterpark!

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  10. Take Dad Outdoors!

    What's your Father's day plan? How about a peak hike and some beers? Or teaming up to snag a first-come, first-served campsite? There's always a bike ride and some brunch! Here are three great way to celebrate your dad with a little help from nature.

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  11. Hurray for Long Days!

    Cure for the common cubicle? Get outdoors! Whether you get out on one of these hikes this weekend or after work, right now is a great time to savor longer sunny SoCal days.

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  12. Get 'Er Done in Huntington

    Huntington Beach may be better known as Surf City USA, but the outdoors fun here happens in more ways than hitting the waves. Spend a day exploring this stretch of Orange County coastline by way of an electric bike, an estuary hike, a firepit delight … and some nano brew IPAs.

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  13. Summer Starter Plan

    This long weekend marks the unofficial start of summer, but spring bling still sparkles thanks to recent cool weather. Hike to a secret waterfall, kayak in to a campsite, or say "Hi-View" on a hike in Joshua Tree. Spring on summer!

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  14. Spring Rush!

    Ready for your outdoors rush? Whether you like getting your thrills ziplining Yosemite-style or hiking to waterfalls that benefitted from winter's rains, here are some great ways to get outdoors and spring on the adventures.

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  15. Sponsored
    2024-12-18

    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.

    View
  16. Momma Said Get You Out!

    We Weekend Sherpas love and respect our moms, which is why we let them choose our adventures for this Mother’s Day week. They came up with a pedal-boat picnic frolic, a flowery canyon hike, and a Carlsbad beach stroll followed by sweet treats. Nothing’s too good for Mom!

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  17. Hydrated Hikes

    Warming weather after a wet winter: what a great combo! Streams are flowing, lakes are filled...everything is primed for water(ish) adventuring. Check out a cool streamside hike, a secret little fishing lake, and a lush desert oasis. H2O to go!

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  18. Yosemite Waterfalls Galore!

    The waterfalls are raging, the wildflowers are popping, and the snow-capped granite scenery is epic! This spring, make your way to Yosemite by way of charming Mariposa. Hit the trails to see supercharged waterfalls, or bike around the valley floor, stopping at highlights along the way. Just get to Yosemite!

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  19. Technicolor Hikes

    Spring for an Easter hike this weekend: From waterfalls to wildflowers and an adventure on Catalina Island, here are some hikes to get you hopping!

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  20. Flower Power

    Wildflower superblooms have gotten super publicity—and super mobbed. But there are ways to enjoy our flower displays a bit more quietly. Here’s a bouquet of three super sites for flower power where you can go on a quiet hike without big crowds. Have a bloomiful time!

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  21. Parade of Cascades

    We've had a lot of rain, and now it’s time to cash in! Old streams have new life, and waterfalls that were once a trickle are roaring down our mountain canyons. Here are a few you may not have heard of (in fact, one doesn’t even have a name). Go to the flows!

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  22. Waterside Hikes for Spring

    Thirsty for some outdoors? We've got some water for that! From strolling the shoreline of an ethereal desert lake to hiking seaside to spy some whales, here are some amazing waterside wanders perfect for spring. H2-Omg!

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Trending Stories NorCal

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  1. Two people walking along the bluff trail at Sea Ranch on the Sonoma Coast overlooking the Pacific Ocean

    Sweet as the Sea

    Rough-and-tumble coastline, twisting Highway 1, open grasslands, hidden beaches, bluff trails, and a rustic lodge for storm watching from indoors—we’re not talking about Big Sur. We’re talking Sea Ranch and its namesake lodge on the Sonoma Coast. Walk its famous bluff-top trail, a cliff-hugging sensation with soaring Pacific scenery.

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  2. Sponsored

    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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  3. Most Peaceful Hike of All

    Is this the most peaceful one-hour hike in the Bay Area? It's got our vote! Lake Lagunitas is the smallest lake in a series of five found on the north side of Mount Tam, so it’s got that tiny but mighty charm. Do a 1.5-mile loop around the lake's shore-hugging trail.

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  4. Woman swimming in Carson Hotsprings natural thermal pool

    Hot Springs, Naturally

    Thermal spring waters are famous for their curative, relaxing elements, and Reno Tahoe is filled with them! Sink into these amazing thermal respites for a wellness super soak.

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Trending Stories SoCal

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  1. Animal Encounters

    Located where Redding’s famous Sundial Bridge overlooks the Sacramento River, Turtle Bay Exploration Park is 300 acres of gardens, a museum and playground, aquarium, and unforgettable up-close animal encounters!

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  2. Weekend Sherpa Podcast
    Sponsored

    Weekend Sherpa Podcast: Take It Outside

    Adventure for your earbuds. What's new in the world of the outdoors? Listen to Weekend Sherpa co-founders discuss local hikes, beaches, bike rides, camping spots and all kinds of travel and adventure in California and beyond!

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  3. Enchanted in Chantry

    Chantry Flat is one of the most popular hiking areas in LA, but the 5.3-mile (round-trip) Hoegees Campground via Upper and Lower Winter Creek Loop Trail proves you can find peace and quiet anywhere, even in busy Los Angeles.

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  4. Locals' Feature: Max Smith of Moment Skis

    Meet Max Smith, VP of Moment Skis in Reno, Nevada. Moment is the largest ski manufacturer in the US and you can see how their innovative and artistic skis are made by visiting Moment Skis headquarters in Reno. The Factory is where the magic happens, so drop in for a visit and say hi to the team, including employee dogs who are on quality control.

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