California
California offers a diverse range of outdoor activities. The state boasts pristine coastlines, granite mountains, and expansive redwood forests. Travelers can explore the Alamere Falls, which empties directly into the Pacific Ocean, or visit McWay Falls in Big Sur, a prominent waterfall visible from Highway 1. For those interested in hiking, the Sunrise Lakes to Clouds Rest trail is a notable choice, while the Lands End Trail in San Francisco provides a scenic coastal walk. Whether you're looking to hike, camp, or simply enjoy the outdoors, California has something for everyone.
Top Spots in and near California
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Angels Camp, California
Upper Natural Bridge Trail
1.9 mi / 410 ft gainUpper Natural Bridge Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a river located near Columbia, California.Read more -
Hume, California
Big Stump Loop Trail
5.01.71 mi / 305 ft gainBig Stump Loop Trail is a loop trail where you may see wildflowers located near Dunlap, California.Read more -
Baywood-Los Osos, California
Baywood Park & Pier
5.0A quiet little beach front, with a raised boardwalk and beautiful views all around. A great place to walk the dog or take small children. Amazing sunsets and A+ for bird watching. Excellent spot to launch a kayak, canoe, or SUP. But watch the tides before you do. The water is usually glassy when ...Read more -
Pacific Grove, California
Paddle Lover's Point
Lover's Point is great place to SUP or kayak. There are tons of jellyfish in the water (so be careful). This beach is also popular for scuba diving and snorkeling. There are rocks surround a small sandy beach and a place to rent kayaks and sups on the beach. There is a small parking lot as well a...Read more -
San Francisco, California
Presidio Ecology Trail
5.01.82 mi / 427 ft gainPresidio Ecology Trail is a loop trail through the Presidio located near San Francisco, California. This loop can be started at the Upper Ecology Trail off of Arguello Blvd near Pacific or down at the Lower Ecology Trail near the Inn at the Presidio. This trail is dog friendly on-leash.Read more -
Carmichael, California
Levee Path/American River Bike Trail: Williams Pond Rec Area to Watt Ave
5.93 mi / 112 ft gainLevee Path/American River Bike Trail: Williams Pond Rec Area to Watt Ave is a loop trail that is good for all skill levels located near Carmichael, California.Read more -
Angelus Oaks, California
San Bernardino Peak
3.015.82 mi / 4911 ft gainThe San Bernadino Peak Trail out of Angelus Oaks is a very challenging hike, which can either be done as a day hike or an overnight trip. Free permits are required for day hiking and overnights in the San Gorgonio Wilderness. These permits can be accessed via Sgwa.org/permits. If you choose to ...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Mount Hollywood Trail
5.02.49 mi / 505 ft gainMount Hollywood Trail is a loop with scenic views of Griffith Park located in Los Angeles, California. There are multiple ways to reach the summit of Mount Hollywood, including via Mount Hollywood via Fern Canyon Trail (5-mile loop) starting near the merry-go-round. This route is one of the most ...Read more -
Crescent City, California
Fern Falls via Boy Scout Tree Trail
4.93 mi / 1050 ft gainFern Falls via Boy Scout Tree Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Crescent City, California.Read more -
Santa Maria, California
Bike Foxen Canyon Road
29 mi / 2400 ft gainFoxen Canyon Road from Santa Maria to Los Olivos runs through some of the most beautiful wine country in Santa Barbara county so much so that it was centerpiece of the film Sideways. The road itself begins at the intersection of Betteravia and Philbric roads just east of Santa Maria and proceeds ...Read more -
Mammoth Lakes, California
Inyo Craters Trail
4.01.51 mi / 253 ft gainInyo Craters Trail is a loop trail that is good for all skill levels located near Mammoth Lakes, California.Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Three Stooges Stairs
4.00.07 mi / 43 ft gainThe stairs are about 147 steps. Located at Fair Oak View Terrace and Edendale Place in the Silver Lake, a district of Los Angeles. They are famous for where the Three Stooges short "An Ache In Every Stake" was filmed in 1941. It is a classic scene of where they have to deliver a block of ice all ...Read more -
Trinidad, California
Patrick's Point Trail
5.00.21 mi / 92 ft gainPatrick's Point Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see wildflowers located near Trinidad, California.Read more -
Walnut Creek, California
Southern Lime Ridge Loop
4.05.57 mi / 1089 ft gainThe Southern Lime Ridge Loop is a trail system located near Walnut Creek, CA. There is a parking lot at the trailhead located across the street from the Boundary Oak Golf Course. The trail is fairly exposed with limited shade, so bring appropriate sun protection especially on the warmer days. D...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
Porcupine Creek Trail to Indian Ridge Natural Arch to North Dome
10.04 mi / 1985 ft gainPorcupine Creek Trail to Indian Ridge Natural Arch to North Dome is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Yosemite Valley, California.Read more -
Walnut Creek, California
Sugarloaf Open Space Loop
1.91 mi / 243 ft gainSugarloaf Open Space Loop is an almost 2-mile loop for hiking, running and walking. This trail is relatively easy and takes under one hour to hike. This loop is dog friendly.Read more
