All in Southern CA

  1. Coastal View Hikes

    Folks pay a fortune for ocean views, but the best ones belong to all of us. And they’re free! Here are three hikes that reveal some of the best of our amazing coastline, ranging from dramatic perches to rocky shores.

    VIEW
  2. Keep Your Cool

    Play things cool on these adventures through redwoods, to a waterfall, along a coast-hugging trail of the Channel Islands, and to a hike-in cabin in a canyon. Oh yeah, wave the adventure flag!

    VIEW
  3. Fourth and Out!

    Need to clear your head this Independence Day? Liberate yourself with hikes to nice heights or easygoing strolls for wandering and pondering. Go fourth and get out!

    VIEW
  4. Lake Nacimiento
    Sponsored
    2025-06-25

    Savor Summer in Paso Robles

    Ready for the “Great California Road Trip”? Keep it real and rolling in bucolic and beautiful Paso Robles. This down- to-earth destination has everything you need to enjoy the coolest experiences.

    View
  5. Woodsy Digs

    A cozy cabin or lodge in the mountains right next to some of SoCal's most legendary hiking trails—sounds great, right? We’ve got three woodsy digs that put you right where you want to be: cool and high and ready for serious hiking … or stellar relaxing!

    VIEW
  6. Summer Refresher

    Know what's cool? These watery adventures! From hot springs to beach lounging, hitting the refresh button hasn't been easier.

    VIEW
  7. Can-Do Canyons

    The rugged topography of Southern California creates all sorts of magical folds that are enticing to explore, though sometimes “canyon” may be a bit of a misnomer. For these hikes, don’t think Grand; think beautiful—and close to home!

    VIEW
  8. You Wildin'!

    Beautiful views meet big birds, blubbery seals, breaching whales, and playful dolphins on these three Southern California day-outings. Amazing close encounters!

    VIEW
  9. Secrets of Pauma Valley

    Spread beneath the Palomar Mountains, the hills and vales of Pauma Valley harbor some of SoCal’s best-kept secrets. Explore hiking trails both rugged and lush, a historic river, and a couple of top-notch wineries where you can raise a glass to your new discoveries.

    VIEW
  10. Long May You Adventure

    Waterfalls, wildflowers, redwoods, Pacific coastline, mountains, and hidden hot springs ... yeah, it's good to be in California. See any of these natural wonders this long weekend on these SoCal hikes, bike rides, and explorations.

    VIEW
  11. California Time Travel

    Make like Marty McFly and go back in time. Although there is no Biff, you can visit an Oceanside mission, a Julian gold mine, and a Riverside state park devoted to citrus. Sweet!

    VIEW
  12. Forest Bathing

    The Japanese art of forest bathing is so simple: Find peace and inner calm by going to the woods and reconnecting with nature. We’ve scouted three of our favorite settings for therapeutic walks in some magnificent woods. Go slow. Breathe!

    VIEW
  13. Late Bloomers

    SoCal's wildflower season took a rain check in early spring, quite literally, due to late-season showers. But better late than never. Flower power is in action now, if you know where to go.

    VIEW
  14. Upstate Adventure

    Have you been to Northern California? We mean wayyy up north. The Redding area is surrounded by mountains, rivers, waterfalls, lakes, bald eagles, and trails galore. This spring, have an upstate of mind!

    VIEW
  15. Lake Nacimiento
    Sponsored
    2025-06-25

    Savor Summer in Paso Robles

    Ready for the “Great California Road Trip”? Keep it real and rolling in bucolic and beautiful Paso Robles. This down- to-earth destination has everything you need to enjoy the coolest experiences.

    View
  16. After-Work Hikes

    When the days get longer, the workdays get a bit shorter, don’t they? Boot down the computer, boot up your feet, and hit these trails for a quick workout hike.

    VIEW
  17. Sierra Hot Springs

    Maybe it's the water, maybe it's the views. Whatever it is, these natural hot springs in the Eastern Sierra will leave you feeling sumptuously soaked and refreshingly renewed. 100%!

    VIEW
  18. Spring for Wildflowers and Waterfalls

    With winter's rains and warm weather followed by splashes of more rain, SoCal's hiking trails are super-charged for spring. Here's a roundup of hikes with wildflowers, waterfalls, and wonderful views. Spring it on!

    VIEW
  19. What to Do Outdoors this Easter Weekend

    Ready to find more color than an easter egg hunt this weekend? From desert to sea to downtown LA, make a rainbow connection with adventure.

    VIEW
  20. The Magical Hikes of Mojave

    Soaring mountains, hidden canyons with water holes, and the world’s largest forest of Joshua trees are just a few of the treats in store on these less-traveled hikes in Mojave National Preserve. Spring is the perfect time for exploring the more hidden parts of this desert wonderland.

    VIEW
  21. We've Got a Winter!

    We’re just a week shy of “spring,” but winter is going strong around Mammoth, thanks to recent Sierra storms. Not a downhiller? Go shoeing, tubing, or XC skiing.

    VIEW
  22. Spirit Quests

    Looking for a different kind of spirit-ual awakening? Here are three new craft distilleries where you can tour, sip, and explore some very cool corners of our metropolis.

    VIEW

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Bear Hug

    This 5.5-mile loop through Coyote Lake-Harvey Bear Ranch County Park explores one of the newest segments of the acclaimed Bay Area Ridge Trail, one redolent with trees ranging from madrone and manzanita to buckeye and blue elderberry (with a bubbly post-hike bonus).

    View
  2. Field of Light at Sensorio in Paso Robles

    Light This Way

    Hidden in the bucolic hills of Paso Robles lies one of the greatest light shows on earth. The lighted art exhibition, Sensorio, is as if the rainbow magic of the aurora borealis was plucked from the sky and planted in the fields.

    View
  3. Bikers and walkers on the Bay Area Ridge Trail with the Golden Gate Bridge behind them

    National Park City Walk

    See San Francisco the way locals do by hiking the Presidio, a national park right in the city! Wooded trails, secluded beaches, and epic views of the Golden Gate Bridge feature on this 5.5-mile out-and-back on the Bay Area Ridge Trail. It’s a lovely slice of the City by the Bay.

    View
  4. Bucks Up!

    Come on in, the water is beautiful. Whether you like swimming, kayaking, stand-up paddling, or heading out on a bigger boat, Bucks Lake is a high mountain haven that’s easy to access, blissfully uncrowded, and surrounded by sandy beaches, picnic areas, pines, and aspens.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Sponsored

    Tram to Cool Treks

    Elevate your fun, getting whisked from palm trees to alpine wilderness on the world’s largest rotating tramcar. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway transports you up and away on a 2.5-mile scenic route from the desert floor to the refreshing wilderness of Mount San Jacinto State Park.

    View
  2. Coming Up Roses

    Looking to spice up your hiking life? Give your partner a rose—Mount Rose! The 10-mile out-and-back peak hike goes up to one of the grandest views in all of Lake Tahoe. Get ready f

    View
  3. A group of people clamored around the summit marker at Mission Peak in the Bay Area

    Your Mission Is Less Crowded

    Mission Peak is one of the Bay Area’s most popular mountains, with many hikers climbing every weekend. Skip the crowds with this 6-mile loop up the less-traveled southern route.

    View
  4. Vista Hermosa Park in Echo Park Los Angeles

    Vista Hermosa, Echo That!

    Tucked in Echo Park, the little-known gem of Vista Hermosa Natural Park feels worlds away thanks to its serene beauty and thoughtful design. At 11.5 acres there’s still plenty to explore. And it's got a premier view of the iconic Los Angeles skyline.

    View