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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Redwood City, California
Hike Whittemore Gulch at Purisima Creek Redwoods OSP
4.09.3 mi / 2109 ft gainThis trail starts out going downhill towards the ocean for the first half, which makes for a tough end to the hike as you trek back up the ridge. However, there are nice ocean and hilltop views that are worth the climb. On this trail, you'll pass 60+ banana slugs if conditions are right. They ar...Read more -
Douglas City, California
Camp at Douglas City Campground
The campground amenities include 20 tent/trailer campsites, group picnic area, picnic tables, telephone, beach, paved loop road, flush and vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings. MAX trailer length is 28 feet.Douglas City is located along the Trinity River. Follow State Highway 299 to Dougl...Read more -
Half Moon Bay, California
McNee Ranch to Planet of the Apes
4.88 mi / 1427 ft gainMcNee Ranch to Planet of the Apes is a 4.8 mile trail located near Montara State Beach that offers ocean views when it is not too cloudy. You can get amazing views when you hike up above the clouds. This hike follows one of the main trails up the mountain, but there are many smaller trails to e...Read more -
Muir Beach, California
Pirate's Cove
5.03.43 mi / 856 ft gainPirate's Cove is an out-and-back trail where you may see wildflowers located near Mill Valley, California.Read more -
Pacifica, California
Milagra Overlook Trail
5.02.51 mi / 558 ft gainFound this hike with some friends after spending some time googling in my car when we were in the area looking for a quick hike with a view! Dog friendly Free parking (but quite limited) Ocean views Known to have gorgeous wildflower blooms (we were not there during this)Porta-potty type toilet...Read more -
Mount Baldy, California
Ontario Peak and Cucamonga Peak via Icehouse Canyon Trailhead
16.22 mi / 5610 ft gainWe started out at 8am on a Sunday, usually parking at Ice House Saddle can be tricky, I would advise going earlier. We headed out on our journey hiking up to the saddle, when you reach the switchbacks there is a fresh water spring, it's the last place you can get water...so stock up! We pressed o...Read more -
Nevada City, California
Emerald Pools
4.00.68 mi / 49 ft gainEmerald Pools is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a river located near Emigrant Gap, California.Read more -
Half Moon Bay, California
Hike the Cowell-Purisma Trail
5.07 mi / 400 ft gainThis is a popular trail that has beach access to Cowell Ranch Beach. Along the trail, there is a steep staircase that goes down to the beach. The trail also features fields, a bridge, and beautiful views of California's rugged coastline. This trail is paved in some parts, and can also be biked...Read more -
Palmdale, California
Hike to Vetter Mountain and the Fire Lookout Tower
2.8 mi / 550 ft gainIf you're looking for an easy mountain to hike, and perhaps give the kids something interesting to learn about at the top, then Vetter Mountain may fit the bill. At 5,908', and with a trailhead at about 5,350', this 1.4 mile (one way) hike only climbs about 550' vertical. The trailhead is loca...Read more -
San Diego, California
Surf Scripps Pier
5.0Park on La Jolla Shores Drive and make the short walk down the boat ramp north of the pier. This spot often has some of the clearest waters in San Diego, making it a picturesque place to surf. During low tide, check out the tide pools just north of the surf spot to find some awesome sea life.Read more -
Leggett, California
Taber Nature Trail
0.81 mi / 217 ft gainSigns at the trail head for the Taber Trail state it is 1.1 miles long. That is much shorter than the actual 1.8 miles my GPS put it at. The trail sign also claims it is wheelchair accessible. I can see that for a little ways but as the trail begins to climb, I think this would be a tough go. Th...Read more -
San Jose, California
Catch a Sunset at Alviso Marina County Park
3.09 mi / 72 ft gainThis tranquil 20.6 acre park is open year round from 8am to sunset. It’s the gateway to the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge. It is filled with boardwalks, trails, and all kinds of wildlife. I went here with the sole intent of catching a pretty sunset after a long week. I g...Read more -
Stinson Beach, California
Relax at Stinson Beach
4.3Stinson beach is a popular destination for Bay Area residents and tourists alike. Located just 20 miles north of San Francisco, it is a 30-40 min drive away from the Golden Gate Bridge (it's a one-lane windy road once you're on HWY 1). It is also a popular stop when hiking the nearby Mount Tama...Read more -
Ventura, California
Stand Up Paddleboard the Ventura Harbor
The Ventura Harbor provides a protected entry/exit to the Pacific Ocean and is a great place to start a paddleboarding adventure. Marina Park, at the end of Pierpont Boulevard, has a ton of parking, a free public launch, and there are boards to rent along the harbor. From the launch you can head...Read more -
Coronado, California
Spend a Day at Silver Strand State Beach
5.0A day at the Silver Strand State Beach is a must, playing in the surf and searching for seashells. Parking can be challenging, as all beaches on Coronado Island are very busy. I recommend coming early in the morning and planning to stay all day. Lots of food options are close to every beach...Read more -
San Anselmo, California
Hiking the Alpi Pontine - Pizzo Diei and Mount Cistella
12 mi / 4517.7 ft gainDrive to the San Domenico ski resort, a lovely small Italian alpine town where you will start. There you can opt to ride the cable car and save yourself about 450 meters of hiking up through ski tracks that are beautiful but will not add much to the adventure and which will already be very energy...Read more
