All in Southern CA
Joshua Tree Art Hikes
Joshua Tree National Park is itself a work of natural art, so it’s no surprise that this gorgeous desert is a magnet for artsy individuals. Here are three hikes in the northern part of the park that are close to surprising art venues where music, movie sets, sculpture, and even crochet (!) are on display.
VIEWAncient Wanders
Hiking is a fantastic way to walk in the footsteps of Native Americans who thrived in Southern California long before the Spanish arrived. From Chumash villages in the Santa Monicas to Luiseño rock art in Perris, explore the vestiges of Native American culture on these three beautiful hikes.
VIEWWild & Weird Salton Sea
The strange, weirdly beautiful Salton Sea is the largest lake in California (sorry, Tahoe) and among the lowest in the world. Yes, a sea below sea level. It’s also the centerpiece of some of the state’s quirkiest scenery and most oddball attractions. You’ve got to see Salton at least once, and early spring is the best time to do it.
VIEW- Sponsored
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 Hot Soaks
Don't let the winter chill be a buzzkill. Sink into some warmth and soak yourself silly at hot springs. Here are a few to visit in SoCal and the Sierra.
VIEWHidden Valley
Vast ranchos, adobe mansions, a thriving mission—the San Fernando Valley that was, still is. You just need to know where to look. Here’s our take on three hidden treasures where the past springs to life in the sprawling 818.
VIEWWho Loves Ya!
Happy Valentine's Day! Whoever you love, gather them up and get outside once the rain subsides ... here's a few fun ways to get your heart pumping in more ways than one.
VIEWThree Versions of Winter in SoCal State Parks
What’s your winter pleasure? Snowshoeing in the crisp mountain air? Scanning for eagles by a mountain lake? Ogling whales from a dramatic shoreline trail? It's all doable, thanks to our nearby state parks!
VIEWSnowshoe Hikes
The simplicity of snowshoeing meets the epic snowfall in Lake Tahoe! Strap 'em on and head out in wintry Sierra bliss on any of these snowshoe hikes. Oh the places you’ll snow!
VIEWMission Bay Three Ways
Mission Bay is the hyperactive heart of San Diego where you can do almost anything next to or in the water, but it’s also the nexus of lesser-known wonders—a sweet little natural canyon, 250 years of history, a venerable brewery, and the old-fashioned delights of Old Town. Your mission: Explore!
VIEWSuper Blood Wolf Moon!
SoCal's real star power ... is up in the sky! This year is going to be a bonanza of celestial events, starting with the super blood wolf moon on January 20. Also coming: 4 more eclipses, 3 supermoons, 1 blue moon, multiple meteor showers and … you get it! So mark your calendar and make some plans: Here are three great ways to celebrate the wonders of space, stars, the moon, and planets.
VIEWOh Snow You Didn't!
Mother Nature has not been stingy with snow this new year! Indeed the ski slopes are calling, but there are plenty of other fun ways to enjoy winter destinations like Baldy, Mammoth, and Big Bear. From snowshoeing to tubing to cross-country gliding, here's some ways to get outdoors and explore. Oh the places you'll snow!
VIEWRoll In The New Year
Great air, awesome views, cool temps—conditions are perfect for jump-starting 2019 with bike rides. Choose from a scenic stretch along the San Gabriel River, an easy ramble in Riverside, or tackling the legendary PV Donut Loop. Roll call!
VIEW2018's Top 10 Adventures in SoCal
Who says LA's all about the stars? You reach for way more than the stars by heading outdoors. From mountain peaks and canyon scrambles, to soaking your bones in rivers and hot springs, these are the Top 10 Outdoor Adventures from 2018. Here's to more outdoors in 2019!
VIEW- Sponsored
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 Ho Ho Outside You'll Go!
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! After some cheers and beers, or in between both, head out on an adventure the whole gang can enjoy. From hot springs to a hellhole you'll actually love, here are a bunch of good ways to explore outdoors this season.
VIEWBright Lights and Holiday Hikes
Whatever the holiday season means to you, we’ve got you covered. Time to hike in the brisk and piney mountain air? Gotcha. Take a hayride and meet the Clauses? Why not? Ogle the amazingest holiday lights in the whole dang country? Read on, Prancer!
VIEWCraft Hikes and Mountain Brews
That recent chill in the air is sending us a message: Get out and hike! Get up high! Feel inspired by awesome, wintry-clear views. And then—be thirsty, friends! Hoist a tankard at some of LA’s best microbreweries, each just a short jaunt from your trailhead.
VIEWRain Or Shine LA
We're getting some much needed moisture! Rain or shine, you can still step outside and enjoy good scenery. Here are three ways to stretch your legs outdoors while sticking close to shelters. H2O what a relief!
VIEWThanksgiving Wanders
November hasn't been easy. But we are #CaliforniaStrong. Immense gratitude to the heroic firefighters, first responders, and volunteers who have been giving tirelessly and selflessly to those in need. Here are a few ideas for spending time with friends and family over Thanksgiving.
VIEWHikes to Clear Your Mind
Our thoughts are with everybody affected by wildfires across California. It's not easy right now. While these meditative hikes may not clear the air, they may help clear your mind. "The Love in the Air Is Thicker Than the Smoke."
VIEWDown by the River
We make the most of our rivers here in SoCal. Even if they’re not quite long and mighty, exploring their footpaths and bike trails leads to sights that may be artsy, gritty, or just plain pretty. Discoveries guaranteed!
VIEW
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).
Get the 2025 POST Hiking CalendarYour Inbox to the Outdoors
Stay up to date with our weekly recommendations on where to explore locally in California.