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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Mill Valley, California
Rodeo Cove to Point Bonita Lighthouse
5.03.64 mi / 568 ft gainIf you're looking for a little hike and a lot of beach, you'll find your ideal combo at Rodeo Beach and Point Bonita Lighthouse. Park at the Marin Headlands Visitor Center at the head of the 0.8 mile trail to the beach. From the lighthouse to the beach, it will be another 1.5-2 miles there and ba...Read more -
Nevada City, California
Hike the Independence Trail
4.5Starting from the free easy access parking lot right off highway 49 you head left up the trail. You will notice two trails side by side, one wider path for wheelchair access and another slightly narrower path for hikers on foot.The trail is set on the cliff side overlooking the South Fork of the ...Read more -
Inverness, California
Kayak Camping in Point Reyes
4.9Like camping in remote locations? Love oysters? This is it! Tomales Bay offers boat-in only campgrounds along the east side of the peninsula. We departed from Chicken Ranch Beach, which is on the west side of Tomales Bay. We jumped in our kayaks and headed north in the bay for a quick breather at...Read more -
Berkeley, CaliforniaBouldering at Indian Rock
4.8Indian Rock is one of the most popular outdoor bouldering spots in Berkeley. With over 80 problems, there's plenty of routes for beginners to the most advanced climbers. After parking in the surrounding neighborhood, it's an easy walk into the park. Aside from enjoying the challenge of new routes...Read more -
Berkeley, California
Wildcat Peak via Nimitz Way
4.74.16 mi / 459 ft gainTilden Park is a beautiful recreational area with scenic hiking trails, a swimming lake, small animal farm, a steam train and botanical gardens. The versatility of this park makes it very family and kid friendly, and those who are looking for a moderate hike within the park have almost forty mile...Read more -
Coronado, California
Explore Bayview Park
5.0Even though I am quite familiar with this spot, I doubt that most San Diegans have sat in the benches at this little park to take in the sunset, sunrise, or spectacular views of downtown San Diego. I'm absolutely positive that most out-of-towners have no idea that this little gem exists. I want t...Read more -
Boulder Creek, California
Hike to Sempervirens Falls
4.02.1 mi / 100 ft gainThe hike to Sempervirens Falls is an easy 2.1 mile out-and-back hike on the Sequoia Trail. You'll travel through the redwood forest and some of the campgrounds located in Big Basin State Park. The hike is pleasant but on occasion, you'll be too close to the road to feel like you're deep in the wi...Read more -
Carmichael, California
Hike through the Effie Yeaw Nature Preserve
4.34.48 mi / 161 ft gainDetailsEffie Yeaw Nature Preserve is named after Effie Yeaw, a teacher, conservationist and environmental educator who frequented the area on educational nature walks. She was one of the leading forces behind preserving the land now known as The American River Parkway.Effie Yeaw Nature Preserve...Read more -
Mammoth Lakes, California
Hilltop Hot Springs
4.3Mammoth’s volcanic valley floor is peppered with these natural steamy tubs with panoramic views of the Eastern Sierra. It’s pretty damn whimsical. My personal favorite is the Hilltop Hot Tub, which is a man-made stone pool fed by a bubbling, steamy creek. According to some corner of the web, it...Read more -
Mono County, California
Explore Crowley Lake Columns
4.0Starting from Mammoth Lakes you head South on Highway 395 until you get to Benton Crossing Rd. (Green Church on the corner) and make a left.From Bishop you head North for about 30-40 miles until you hit Benton Crossing Rd. and make a right.From here, continue West and bending South for close to 2...Read more -
Riverside County, California
Photograph the Cholla Cactus Gardens
4.40.25 mi / 0 ft gainThe Cholla Cactus Garden is something everyone can appreciate and enjoy. The trail is in total about a 0.25 loop, but you are certainly free to wander around more. Plan on spending at least 30 minutes to an hour enjoying the scenery. If you are a photographer, you will be enthralled by the light...Read more -
Big Sur, California
Camp at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
5.0The campground at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park offers a spectacular variety of natural settings to enjoy. Each of the 189 tent and RV sites is located within the redwood groves, oak woodlands, grassy meadows and they even have riverside camping.Each site has a picnic table, fire ring, access to dr...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
Hike to Bridalveil Fall
3.81.2 mi / 200 ft gainSince most things you want to see in Yosemite require a hike, this place is a nice change to see something without having to walk for hours. From the parking lot it is just about a 10 minute walk to the falls.If you scramble up the rocks, you can get a nice view of the falls and the pond. It used...Read more -
Sequoia National Park, California
Hike Crescent Meadow
4.51.6 miCrescent Meadow is a collection of loops in the Giant Forest in Sequoia National Park. The trailhead is located just past the tunnel log east of General's Highway 198. The main loop is 1.6mi total. However you can take any of the loops to the General Sherman tree 3mi, Tharp's Log trail 0.5mi, or ...Read more -
Corona, California
Hike to Holy Jim Falls
3.02.9 mi / 570 ft gainTo start, directions on how to get to the trail there are two different ways, the most common , which I will explain, being through Rancho Santa Margarita you will head east on Santa Margarita Parkway, turn left at the dead end (into a parking lot for a shopping center) on Plano Trabuco Road, thi...Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, CaliforniaCliff Jumping Paradise
4.5If you choose to go cliff jumping, be safe and know your limits ahead of time. Don't feel like the big jump is your only option, there are lower jumps, especially across from the beach (only about 15ft. high). Angora Lake in Lake Tahoe is a easy 1mi hike up, but well worth it at the top. It's a b...Read more
