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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Napa, California
Westwood Hills Park Loop
4.02.12 mi / 476 ft gainThis park can get a little crowded on weekends, so best to go early if possible. In terms of parking, there's a lot at the trailhead, but also plenty of available street parking. The loop can be broken up in a various ways as there are several offshoots from the main trailhead/trail leaving fro...Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Stand Up Paddle Board Yoga at Lakeview Commons
Stand up paddle board yoga is some of the most difficult and rewarding yoga there is and you would be hard-pressed to find a more beautiful place to do so than on the south shore of Lake Tahoe. Lakeview Commons is a city park that provide direct lake access for the public, including boats, along...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
Backpack to Lower Ottoway Lake
32 mi / 2400 ft gainThe hike begins at Mono Meadows trailhead along Glacier Point Road, first descending 2.8 steep miles to Illilouette Creek. Above the Illilouette Junction, take in views of the Valley's granite domes before beginning the post-burn forested slog. The trail covers an additional 10 miles of relativel...Read more -
Pacific Grove, California
Exploring Asilomar's Ancient Sand Dunes
4.0Asilomar State Beach covers 107 acres of land. It is home to a delicate ecosystem that has been sustained through the years after it was almost destroyed. The intricate dunes at Asilomar are what have survived after the over-grazing back in the early 1900's that damaged about 480 acres of dunes. ...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
Hike to Union Point via Four Mile Trail
6.09 mi / 3002 ft gainFour Mile Trail is steep, but hikers efforts are more than rewarded. Union Point sits above Yosemite Valley at 6,332 feet - offering sweeping views of El Capitan and the valley entrance to the left, and North Dome / Half Dome & Clouds Rest to the right. You can also see Yosemite Falls straigh...Read more -
Mammoth Lakes, California
Backpack to Red Slate Mountain
22 mi / 5600 ft gainI would recommend you spend the night in the area to acclimatize, since the trailhead does start at ~8,000ft and you will be hiking up to ~10,500ft at the end of the first day and climbing up to 13,100ft on the second day. One option would be to reserve a spot at the nearby McGee Creek Campground...Read more -
Ventura, California
Bike the Ventura River and Ojai Bike Trails
32.6 mi / 1030 ft gainThe Ventura River and Ojai Valley Trail, effectively the same trail, is a gorgeous 32 mile trail that runs from Seaside Park in Ventura to downtown Ojai. It runs along and across the Ventura River and through the Ventura Canyon, with views up and down numerous side canyons and ravines. The trail ...Read more -
San Diego, California
Torrey Pines Gliderport
4.5Park at the Torrey Pines Gliderport and walk to the railing over the cliffs. From there you can see north to Black's Beach and the Torrey Pines golf course. To the south you can see La Jolla Shores and La Jolla cove. Walk the path down to Black's Beach if you want some exercise. There is food and...Read more -
Jenner, California
Stillwater Cove
4.0It's a short walk down to the beach and there is a nice trail that follows along the creek. Be sure to check the forecast when heading out to Stillwater Cove. If it's sunny a few miles inland, fog may still be on the coast, making it quite a bit cooler. Make sure you pack extra layers just in cas...Read more -
Rancho Palos Verdes, California
Sacred Cove View Trail
4.52.08 mi / 292 ft gainThis area is spectacular - the views of the cliffs, the channels of water entering the caves, and the marine life (sea lions, whales, dolphins, sea urchin and sea anemone) are huge draws. Bring anyone here that has a sense of adventure and be ready to get wet. Only attempt swimming across the cha...Read more -
Cantil, California
Hike Nightmare Gulch
10 mi / 1200 ft gainHeading north on highway 14, pass the turnoff for Ricardo campground on your left and take the second turn-off on the right, immediately past the large rock outcropping. Park and walk a few feet up the obvious trail and you should see a sign for Scenic Canyon to the right. Follow that trail acros...Read more -
San Diego, California
Razor Point, Beach Trail, & Broken Hill Trail Loop
5.03.21 mi / 440 ft gainThe parking area for all of Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is located right off North Torrey Pines Road (where the location is for this hike), about 20-30 minutes north of San Diego. It's $10 to park, and there was also a smaller parking lot at the top of the hill if you want to avoid the ini...Read more -
Tuolumne County, California
Photograph Dana Fork
Yosemite is filled with some amazing views but rarely do you get to experience these views by yourself. This hidden treasure is located off of Tioga Pass, is near some of Yosemite’s most popular hikes, and offers an outstanding sunrise and sunset views without the crowds. Located 2.5 miles Sout...Read more -
Lee Vining, California
Hike Panum Crater Trail
3.3 mi / 874 ft gainIf you are visiting Mono Lake, the Panum Crater Trail is not to be missed! From 395, take highway 120 east for about 2.5 miles. Look for a small wooden sign for Panum Crater and turn left onto a dirt road. If you reach the turn-off to the South Tufa Area, you have gone too far! After about a mile...Read more -
Shingletown, California
Hike the Chaos Crags Trail
3.8 mi / 915 ft gainManzanita Lake campground is located about 1/2 mile past the Northwest entrance of Lassen Volcanic National Park. The trailhead is located just before the campground sites about 0.1 mile off of the main road and marked with a sign (including a map) and a few parking spaces. The trail starts o...Read more -
San Juan Capistrano, California
Hike the Pinhead Peak Trail at Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park
4.02 mi / 220 ft gainRonald W. Caspers Wilderness Park is the perfect place to getaway from the hubbub of LA. Enjoy the scenic drive north on Ortega Highway before reaching the entrance gate to the park. Parking Fees are currently $3 on Weekdays and $5 on Weekends. Camping Fees vary depending on your group size. The...Read more
