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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Laguna Beach, California
Scuba Dive Shaw’s Cove, Laguna Beach
Shaw’s Cove is located just 3 minutes North of Laguna Beach’s Main Beach Park and one beach south of Crescent Bay. There’s a dive shop placed conveniently above the cove so if you need to rent equipment, it’s right there. The shop is close enough to walk to the cove, but with 60 pounds of gear, t...Read more -
Felton, California
Tree Climb Mount Hermon
5.0Climbing an aerial obstacle course through the redwoods of Mount Hermon is a great way to experience the thrill of climbing and being in the trees. See what it's like to scurry through the trees like a squirrel. This unique vantage point offers amazing views of the redwoods. There are many aeri...Read more -
Jenner, California
Bolete Mushroom Hunting
Salt Point State Park is a state park in Sonoma County, California, United States. The park covers 6,000 acres (2,400 ha) on the coast of Northern California, with 20 miles (32 km) of hiking trails and over 6 miles (9.7 km) of a rough rocky coast line including Salt Point which protrudes into the...Read more -
Jenner, California
Bouldering at Sunset Boulders
5.00.6 miYou can see the boulders off the left side of the road. Couple of different pullouts you can park at to start your approach. It’s about half a mile from the road all downhill. It’s easy going when you’re on your way, but kind of a pain after you’re whooped from climbing. Bouldering, high balls, ...Read more -
San Diego, California
Guy Fleming Trail
5.00.76 mi / 95 ft gainThis trail is located in Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, a beautiful area about 20-30 minutes north of San Diego. To access the reserve, park in the lot off of North Torrey Pines Road (pay $10 to park). If you don't want to walk up the huge hill at the beginning (it is steep and long), I beli...Read more -
Lee Vining, California
Climb North Peak via the NW Ridge
DirectionsAlthough North Peak lies right on the border of Yosemite, the hike starts just outside the park at the Saddle Bag Lake trail-head. There are also some campsites here if you wish to spend the night, but I think they are usually in high demand and hard to come by. To get to Saddlebag Lak...Read more -
Trinity Center, California
Camp at Hayward Flat on Trinity Lake
We drove all around Trinity Lake and this was the best campground we found! Located right on Trinity Lake you will find Hayward Flat Campground. From Weaverville California you will follow highway 3 north about 20 miles. Then take a right on Hayward Flat road two miles. Boom, you are there. The...Read more -
Shasta County, California
Lake Helen in Lassen Volcanic NP
5.0Lake Helen is a glacial lake in Lassen Volcanic NP. The park's winter season starts in October and runs through June. Lake Helen can be found thawing mid-June. The turquoise blue of the water comes from the minerals in it, and is mesmerizingly beautiful when thawing in pools over a snowy Lake ...Read more -
Lakeshore, California
Hike to White Bark VIsta
2.3 mi / 462 ft gainA short 1 mile hike in from Kaiser Pass will lead you to the top of a ridge line with incredible views toward the east. There are two pit toilets located at the top of Kaiser Pass. If you have a high clearance, 4x4/AWD vehicle you can probably drive to this location. (I made it up here in a stock...Read more -
Marina, California
Explore Fort Ord Dunes State Park
5.0One of the best parts of Monterey is the beaches – but their popularity is also their weakness, so if you want seclusion head to the lesser-known Fort Ord Dunes for solitude and beautiful views of Monterey Bay and the Pacific Coast. Historically, this location was chosen as the location for Fort ...Read more -
San Francisco, California
Alamo Park Square Park
4.6If you’re ever in San Francisco, you’ll definitely want to spend a bit of time in Alamo Square gazing at these stellar examples of San Francisco history. This is a beautiful and popular green space, where you have uninterrupted views of the iconic Painted Ladies. The Painted Ladies are row of...Read more -
Trinity Center, California
Stoddard Lake
5.07.01 mi / 1325 ft gainThe trail is a bit rocky, so wear sturdy hiking boots or trail runners. While your elevation gain is only 800 total, you will travel upwards of 1,982ft in elevation given the ups and downs of the trail. At mile 1.75, there is a spring that feeds into a large meadow. At mile 3, there is another sp...Read more -
Laguna Beach, California
Hike the West Ridge Trail
5.01.5 mi / 150 ft gainBeginning at Alta Laguna Park at Top of the World, the West Ridge Trail is a popular starting (and ending) point for adventures into the Laguna Coast Wilderness, leading to trails and areas like Car Wreck, Big Bend, and Willow Canyon. You can also do it in reverse from the north. The ridge itself...Read more -
San Bernardino County, California
Teutonia Peak Trail
5.03.15 mi / 623 ft gainTeutonia Peak is a rocky 5,755-foot mountain on the edge of Cima Dome in the north east section of Mojave National Preserve. The dome is 1,500 feet tall is the most symmetrical dome of its type in the United States. The hike starts with a gradual trail through an impressive forest of Joshua Tr...Read more -
Oceano, California
Catch a sunset at the Oceano Dunes
Driving on the beach is fun, and there are few places in California where you can legally do it. Just south of Pismo Beach you'll find Oceano Dunes. Pay the $4.00 entrance fee and drive your car right onto the beach. Keep an eye on tides and watch out for deep sand and sneaker waves! You won't be...Read more -
Fawnskin, California
Grays Peak Trail
1.06.95 mi / 1293 ft gainThis is a fairly easy mountain peak to climb. The trailhead is easily accessible right off of Hwy 38 by the town of Fawnskin. There is a large National Forest sign noting the parking area to Grays Peak Trail. Note that parking in this lot requires either a day pass or a California Adventure pa...Read more
