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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Encinitas, California
Photograph Surfers at Beacons Beach
5.0Pack for a day of fun, and don’t forget your camera! Getting there is easy. You can plug “beacons beach” or Leucadia State Beach right into your gps. You’ll find it right off of Neptune Street, where you can park in the parking lot on top of the sea bluff. Walk down the windy beach trail and you ...Read more -
Sierra City, California
Sardine Lakes
1.32 mi / 253 ft gainSardine Lakes is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Sierra City, California.Read more -
Marina del Rey, California
Ballona Lagoon
5.01.8 mi / 95 ft gainSuch a relaxing and beautiful stroll in the Marina Del Rey/Venice area! Park in Marina Del Rey #13 lot (4601 Vía Marina, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292). Don't forget to pay the meter! The rate as of 2021 is $0.50/15mins, or $6 for 24hrs on weekdays, and $8 for 24hrs on weekends. Once parked, walk ...Read more -
Guinda, California
Hike Pierce Canyon
6.2 mi / 1079 ft gainThis hike follows a fire road through some farms, up into the woods and up the ridge. It's an accessible and easy trail, with some decent incline starting about halfway through (thus the "moderate" rating instead of easy). Park at the end of the road before the gate. (There is a sign that say...Read more -
Laguna Beach, California
Bodysurf at Aliso Beach
5.0This wave is super fun to bodysurf and shoot photos of when there is a swell. It is a shorebreak so be careful of shallow water and little rocks. It usually isn't too crowded especially on weekdays. Bring your fins and a smile and you have a good time.Read more -
Carnelian Bay, California
Carnelian Bay
5.0Located on the northwest side of Lake Tahoe, Carnelian Bay is a fun place to spend the afternoon. However, there is no sand at Carnelian Bay as the ground is all large rocks. It's a great place to go swimming or SUPing in the summer, and it has a pier that you can jump off. It is usually less cr...Read more -
San Diego, California
Surf at Sunset Cliffs
4.5This is a fun, soft, A-frame point break with a reef bottom and kelp beds a little deeper than the lineup to keep the waves clean. Breaks right and a left. Works even when there's a little bit of wind, but not a lot. It's best on a 4-6 foot swell and only go on a mid to low tide. This is th...Read more -
Avalon, California
Camp at Hermit Gulch on Catalina Island
3.9 mi / 1206 ft gainThe Avalon port in Catalina is most easily accessed through the Catalina Express leaving from Dana Point, Newport Beach or Long Beach. The Hermit Gulch campsite is only a 20 min walk from the boat and is well run with restrooms, showers... etc. They also sell anything you might have forgotten for...Read more -
Pacifica, California
Montara Mountain Trail
5.06.77 mi / 1900 ft gainMontara Mountain Trail is a loop trail that takes you through a forest out to ocean views at the top of Montara Mountain. This hike located near Pacifica, California. and can be accessed from Highway 1 as well. If you're looking to do a similar loop hike from the coast, consider Montara Mountain ...Read more -
Mill Valley, California
Coyote Ridge Loop
5.06.15 mi / 1001 ft gainStarting just before the Tennessee Valley parking lot, head out from the Miwok Trailhead. This Mill Valley hike offers incredible views of the San Francisco Bay, the Pacific Ocean (fog permitting of course!), and on occasion, wildlife. Unfortunately, this trail is not dog-friendly. Keep in mind...Read more -
Nipton, California
Explore Nipton
Driving from Searchlight, NV on the Joshua Tree Highway, you'll come across the interesting town of Nipton, CA. The old town is small, but charming. This is a great stop off to explore the sights and grab a quick bite at the Whistlestop Cafe.Read more -
Santa Cruz, California
Hike Natural Bridges to Lighthouse Field
3.54.8 mi / 121 ft gainThis is a paved trail that can be used for hiking, jogging, or walking. It offers over 2 miles of beautiful California coast. Walk through flowers, see the jagged cliffs, and of course the lighthouse at the end! This walk can be done from either direction. Start at Natural Bridges and head We...Read more -
Klamath, California
Hike to the Klamath River Outlook
3.01 mi / 500 ft gainFun drive on Requa Road off 101 takes you to a great little outlook. Take the trail descent down to the beach or connect with the CA Coastal trails for a three or four mile jaunt to either Hidden Beach or Lagoon Creek Beach. This spot is a local gem with minimal visitors. It also offers a likely ...Read more -
Foster City, California
Paddle the Foster City Lagoon
The Foster City Lagoon is one of the most calm waters to paddle on. This is a great spot for beginners to learn how to paddleboard for the first time. The lagoon gets very still and makes it the perfect spot for reflection photos. On sunny days, there are many kayakers, SUP, small boats, and ev...Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Paddle from Baldwin Beach to Emerald Bay
4.0Explore Lake Tahoe's southern shores by paddling from Baldwin Beach to Emerald Bay. There are many places to stop along the way for photographs, snorkelling, or swimming. The more popular ways to paddle from Baldwin Beach to Emerald Bay are by SUP or kayaks. But paddling a foamie can be extra f...Read more -
Novato, California
Mount Burdell Open Space Loop
4.87 mi / 1234 ft gainStart at the wide gravel parking lot. You will find the start of the San Andreas Fire Road on the south side leading up the mountain. The San Andreas Fire Road heads up the southern slope before joining the Middle Burdell Fire Road and then very quickly the Deer Camp Fire Road. Keep your eyes p...Read more
