Lake Elsinore, California

Pearl Street Beach is a great spot to just chill and watch (and photograph) the sunset with friends and family. Parking for the beach can be found on S. Coast Hwy (the 1) and is meter parking. There is also free, but limited parking available along the smaller streets closer to Pearl Street Beach...

Located in Laguna Beach, California, Heisler Park is just past Main Beach, so it's the perfect place to avoid the typical tourist crowds. There's plenty of parking at Heisler Park, however you will have to pay, so come with a friend to split the cost! Luckily, if you plan on going to catch the su...

There a numerous trails in the Laguna Coast Wilderness that proceed up and along the ridges and down into the canyons (or the reverse), and most are excellent for trail running, hiking, and mountain biking. A classic out-and-back (with many options for loops) begins at the end of Dartmoor Street ...

Fisherman's Cove is a protected beach and cove in Laguna Beach at the bottom of Boat Canyon that is tucked away from the hustle, bustle, and crowds that are often found at other nearby beaches. Further, parking is easily (relatively speaking) found along Cliff Drive. The beach itself, especially ...

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...

There a numerous trails in the Laguna Coast Wilderness that proceed up and along the ridges and down into the canyons (or the reverse), and are quite popular for mountain biking, hiking, and trail running. A great mountain biking loop begins in Emerald Canyon at the end of Emerald Canyon Road an...

If you are in Southern California and want to find a good place to watch the sunset, this is the place. Laguna Beach, Orange County is loaded with awesome beaches to shoot photos of the famous California sunsets. This is one of my favorites because of so many options.When arriving to the beach, h...

To get to the trailhead, enter Crystal Cove State Park through the Crystal Cove El Moro Campground entrance immediately next to El Moro Elementary School. Follow the road behind the school which leads to the main gate where you will need to pay a day-use parking fee of $15. Drive past the Campgr...

The trail begins and ends at the El Moro Visitor Center. Parking requires either a $15 day use parking pass, which is available in the visitor center. This hike we are focusing on is called the Difficult Loop Trail and it is the third most difficult trail the canyon offers. You take Moro Canyon,...

Located off of Pacific Coast Highway in Laguna Beach is Crystal Cove State Park. There are three primitive sites located in Crystal Cove: Deer Canyon, Upper Moro, and Lower Moro. The site I stayed at was Lower Moro campground. All three of these sites require the backpacker to hike everything in...

The trail features a waterfall and is open year-round, but is best used in the spring. Remember to bring $15 cash for the parking fee. The Laguna Beach trail is shared by trail runners, mountain bikers, hikers, and the occasional horseback rider. Dogs are not allowed in Crystal Cove State Park. 

Little Corona del Mar Beach is a secluded beach located on Poppy Avenue across Ocean Boulevard in Corona del Mar. Known as one of the less crowded beaches in the area, this spot is the perfect place to chill for the day or photograph a sunset. You will find plenty of free street parking in the ne...

Sea kayaking from the Oceanside Harbor public kayak launch is one of the best ways to experience the Oceanside coast and the Pacific Ocean. There is ample parking along North Harbor Drive with the public kayak launch well-marked on the street. You can paddle around the harbor or you can go out pa...

The Oceanside Harbor is a great place to paddle board with easy parking and access to restaurants, and all protected from the wave and swells of the ocean. Often times there are sea lions, pelicans, and other marine life swimming among the hundreds of beautiful sailboats. Paddleboards are availab...

Balboa Island, located in Newport Bay, is a fun destination on its own, but add a relaxing SUP to the mix and you’ve got yourself an adventure. There are two ways to get onto island: cross the Marine Avenue Bridge, or take the Balboa Island Ferry (directly inland from Balboa Pier and south of New...

Lake Fulmor is a small lake in the San Jacinto Wilderness near Idyllwild, CA.  The trail loops around the lake offering spectacular views and is good for all skill levels.  There are picnic tables, grills, and a small dock where you can peer out over the lake or cast a line.  To fish in Lake Fulm...