Hollister, California
Hollister, California, is a must-visit for those seeking outdoor adventures. One of the top attractions is the Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area. It offers a variety of trails for off-highway motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles. For a scenic hike, the Fremont Peak State Park trail is a top choice, offering panoramic views of the Salinas Valley and Monterey Bay. Pinnacles National Park, located near Hollister, is another must-visit location. It offers challenging hikes, rock formations, and caves. The park is also home to the endangered California condor. For a relaxing day, visit the San Benito River, a perfect spot for fishing and picnicking. For a unique outdoor activity, try skydiving at the Hollister Municipal Airport. With these options, Hollister offers the best trails and outdoor activities for all ages.
Top Spots in and near Hollister
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Big Sur, California
Pfeiffer Falls
4.21.39 mi / 341 ft gainThis trail is a staff favorite at Big Sur. This family-friendly waterfall trail provides only a moderate challenge for young children and older family members. There are two starting points for this hike depending on where you stashed the car. If you’re parked near the gift shop, the head up the ...Read more -
Big Sur, California
Camp at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
5.0The campground at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park offers a spectacular variety of natural settings to enjoy. Each of the 189 tent and RV sites is located within the redwood groves, oak woodlands, grassy meadows and they even have riverside camping.Each site has a picnic table, fire ring, access to dr...Read more -
Big Sur, California
Big Sur River Gorge
4.00.36 mi / 56 ft gainIf you are in the Big Sur area during the summer, exploring the Big Sur River Gorge is a must! The gorge is located in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, and your closest parking will be day use parking lot 3. The trailhead to the gorge can be found at the northeast end of Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park C...Read more -
Big Sur, California
Sykes Hot Springs via Pine Ridge Trail
4.318.96 mi / 7339 ft gainThe trek to Sykes Hot Springs is about 10-miles one way along the Pine Ridge Trail. This is a great backpacking trip, but can be done as an out-and-back hike from the campgrounds at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park if you're really moving. The trail is moderately challenging, you'll cross the river t...Read more -
Big Sur, California
Pine Ridge, North Coast Ridge Loop
2.033.45 mi / 11388 ft gainIf you are looking to do some backpacking in the Big Sur area, you've come to the right place. This post shares a suggested 4-day backpacking loop in the Ventana Wilderness that will offer a bit of everything - challenging hiking with a healthy does of elevation, beautiful primitive camping amon...Read more -
Saratoga, California
Seven Springs Trail Loop
2.75 mi / 541 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
Pfeiffer Beach
4.10.81 mi / 75 ft gainPfeiffer Beach located in Big Sur may truly be one of the most awesome beaches in California...if you can find it. I lived within 40 miles of this beach for over 20 years and just discovered it recently. This beach is located on an unmarked road called Sycamore Canyon Road. On Highway 1, this roa...Read more -
Merced, California
Photograph the Merced National Wildlife Refuge
5.0Merced National Wildlife Refuge is one of the best places to go and take photos of birds as the refuge plays host to the largest wintering populations of Lesser Sandhill Cranes and Snow/ Ross geese along the Pacific Flyway. Each autumn more than 20,000 cranes and 60,000 arctic-nesting geese termi...Read more -
Big Sur, California
Timber Top and Boranda Trail
5.67 mi / 2690 ft gainTimber Top and Boranda Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see wildflowers located near Big Sur, California.Read more -
Big Sur, California
Big Sur's Tin House via Tanbark Trail
4.06.38 mi / 3166 ft gainWhen it comes to the beauty of Big Sur, a half day on Tanbark Trail to the Tin House captures it all. From the redwood forest along Partinton Creek, to the abandoned Tin House, to Highway 1 and coastal views, you can't ask for much more. The hike starts on the east side of Highway 1 - the northe...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 -
Big Sur, California
Explore The Hidden Rock Caves At Partington Cove
4.5Partington Cove which is located in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, is one of Big Sur's hidden gems. It's a very short hike with enough views to show why Big Sur earned the nickname " Little Yosemite." The whole hike can easily be completed in less than an hour, although there are definitely eno...Read more
