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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Lake Elsinore, California
Sitton Peak
9.36 mi / 2011 ft gainIt's amazing what you can find in your own backyard if you really do you research. In Orange County there are so many awesome hiking options that are often overlooked. The Bear Canyon to Sitton Peak Trail in the San Mateo Wilderness is one of those. Sitton tops out at 3,273 feet and it's a 5 mil...Read more -
Ventura, California
Surf Ventura Point
4.0Surfer’s Point, off Figueroa Street, includes one of California’s premier surfing and windsurfing spots. A landscaped promenade and the Omer Rains Bike Trail connect this sandy beach to the Ventura Pier. Promenade Park, next to the beach commemorates the site of an ancient Chumash village. Beach ...Read more -
Crescent City, California
Drive Walker Road
5.0Walker Road is one of the places where parts of Star Wars IV: A New Hope were filmed! It's a beautiful site in the Redwoods with an extra amount of huge, leafy ferns. Once you turn onto Walker Road, it's a quick drive through the redwood trees and ferns to the Smith River at the end. There are a ...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
Four Mile Trail to Panorama Trail Loop
5.016.03 mi / 5177 ft gainFour Mile Trail to Panorama Trail Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Yosemite Valley, California.Read more -
Laguna Niguel, California
Kick Back at Laguna Niguel Regional Park
This is an awesome tucked away little adventure that will have you occupied all day! With plenty of picnic tables you can be sure to have your own privacy tucked into a corner free from other people. Grab a lake side picnic table or even the numerous ones around the grass fields, they are all won...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Ferndell to the West Observatory Loop Trail to Griffith Observatory
4.52.63 mi / 587 ft gainThe Ferndell to Griffith Observatory trail in Los Angeles, California is a moderate difficulty, 2.63-mile loop trail. The trail starts at Ferndell Nature Museum, a small museum with a garden and picnic area. The trail then ascends through a shaded canyon, with a small stream running alongside. ...Read more -
Hermosa Beach, California
Surf at El Porto
4.0The South Bay of LA has plenty of good surf. Sand bars are back and its fun...watch out for the sharks.Read more -
Platina, California
Hike to Massacre Natural Bridge
5.01 miNatural Bridge is a historic/geologic site located near Hayfork, CA off Wildwood Road near Chanchelulla Peak in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. To get there take Hwy 36 or 299 to Hwy 3/Hayfork, then take Wildwood Road to Forest Service Road 31N19 (unpaved)- Natural Bridge is a mile or two off...Read more -
San Bernardino County, California
Hike around the Dumont Dunes
5.0Dumont Dunes is an Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) area administered by the Bureau of Land Management as a recreational area for off-road vehicle sports, hiking, camping, rock climbing, and rock collecting. While most people come here to ride ATVs across the dunes, we opted to take a hike up the dunes ...Read more -
Tahoe City, California
Purple Trail and Burton Creek Loop
3.76 mi / 492 ft gainBurton Creek State Park is a moderate hike. It is a secluded peaceful hike that offers amazing views of the lake. This is a popular spot for mountain bikers, but is also ideal for hiking. Much of the trail is through the forest and there are many maps and signs pointing out the trails. The hike ...Read more -
Sausalito, California
Catch the Sunset at Swedes Beach
This is a small tucked away beach in Sausalito, CA. Being in the bay, it has very calm waters and is easy to swim in, though the water will be very cold. There are pilings in the water that are remnants of the old piers. It is a great beach to watch the sunset at. There is very limited street...Read more -
Saratoga, California
Hike the Seven Springs Trail Loop
2.8 mi / 500 ft gainThe Seven Springs loop is only one great option of several in the preserve. Starting from the Prospect Rd parking lot the loop is 2.8 miles of rolling hills in and out of the shade. Most of the trail is at least 2 person width so easy to walk with a friend or furry companion. There have been larg...Read more -
Big Sur, California
Partington Cove Trail
5.01.09 mi / 262 ft gainPartington Cove Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Big Sur, California.Read more -
Blythe, California
The Blythe Intaglios or Geoglyphs (Giant Ancient Figures in the desert)
1 miBlythe Intaglios or Geoglyphs - Giant Figures on the Desert Floor of California - - - - These human-made figures were placed on the floor of the Colorado Desert an estimated 1,000 years ago. Their meaning is conjecture. Many believe they represent people, Gods, mountain lions, or horses, dependin...Read more -
Fairfax, California
Lake Lagunitas
4.01.68 mi / 0 ft gainLocated near Fairfax, California, this trail is relatively flat and provides peaceful views of the lake as you pass over small creeks and groves of redwoods. It's good for all skill levels and is accessible year-round. It's a great trail for families and beginner mountain bikers.It can be a littl...Read more -
San Rafael, California
Terra Linda Sleepy Hollow Ridge Trail
5.05.85 mi / 1089 ft gainThis San Rafael neighborhood trail is quite popular, but there is plenty of room for everyone and the parking is easy. After you park at the trailhead, you walk (or bike) up a relatively short and steep path that takes you to the beginning of the trail. This hike takes you along a scenic ridge ...Read more
