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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Mill Valley, California
Miwok, Marincello and Bobcat Trail
8.17 mi / 1391 ft gainMiwok, Marincello and Bobcat Trail is a scenic 8.2-mile loop trail in the Marin Headlands offering panoramic Bay Area views Trail Overview Distance: 8.2 miles Elevation Gain: 1,177 feet Difficulty: Moderate Type: Loop Location: Marin Headlands, Golden Gate National Recreation Area Best...Read more -
Lancaster, California
Little Butte Trail
4.02.09 mi / 213 ft gainLittle Butte Trail is an out-and-back trail that is moderately difficult located near Llano, California.Read more -
Mount Laguna, California
Big Laguna Trail to Noble Canyon
5.019.31 mi / 1473 ft gainBig Laguna Trail to Noble Canyon is a point-to-point trail that takes you through a nice forest located near Mount Laguna, California.Read more -
Jenner, CaliforniaTimber Cove Coastal Trails & Bufano Peace Obelisk
0.53 mi / 112.5 ft gainHiking at Timber Cove: Sonoma Coast's Hidden Coastal Trail Network Timber Cove offers over two miles of private hiking trails right in front of the resort, providing guests and visitors an intimate connection with California's rugged Sonoma coastline. These accessible oceanfront trails wind thro...Read more -
Mountain Center, California
Cactus Spring Trail
31.73 mi / 6407 ft gainCactus Spring Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see wildflowers located near Mountain Center, California.Read more -
Santa Cruz, California
Natural Bridges to Lighthouse Field
3.53.92 mi / 174 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 -
Los Angeles, California
Baxter Steps
4.50.16 mi / 108 ft gainThis set of stairs near Dodger Stadium is Los Angeles is a great way to get a workout and stretch your legs. Unfortunately it is not dog-friendly. Keep in mind the best time to go here is during the week, so you can avoid crowds. Be sure to bring extra water with you as it can get very hot!Read more -
Hesperia, California
Cleghorn Beach and Day Use Area
Nestled at the southwestern edge of Silverwood Lake lies Cleghorn Beach and Day Use Area, a perfect spot for a leisurely afternoon. This family-friendly beach boasts lifeguards on duty during the summer months and offers reservable picnic shelters for your convenience. Unlike other parts of the l...Read more -
Tuolumne Meadows, California
Sierra Point via Happy Isle
5.01.44 mi / 1007 ft gainThe unmaintained trail is initially hard to find if you’re not familiar with its location. Here are the instructions: From Happy Isle, start on the JMT trail heading towards Vernal Falls. Shortly after passing a sign indicating the start of the John Muir Trail, you'll come to another sign o...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Cabrillo Beach
Cabrillo Beach located in San Pedro, California is a great spot to bring the whole family. There are tide pools at the beach as well as the Cabrillo Marin Aquarium where the kiddos can get tours and more information about the sea life they're seeing. There is a parking lot at the Cabrillo Beach...Read more -
Whitewater, California
Rainbow Rock Canyon
6.3 mi / 1112 ft gainRainbow Rock Canyon is an out and back trail that takes you by a lake located near Whitewater, CaliforniaRead more -
Cayucos, California
Cayucos Pier Trail
5.00.35 mi / 30 ft gainCayucos Pier Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Cayucos, California.Read more -
Walnut Creek, California
Southern Lime Ridge Loop
4.05.57 mi / 1089 ft gainThe Southern Lime Ridge Loop is a trail system located near Walnut Creek, CA. There is a parking lot at the trailhead located across the street from the Boundary Oak Golf Course. The trail is fairly exposed with limited shade, so bring appropriate sun protection especially on the warmer days. D...Read more -
Pauma Valley, California
Boucher Trail and Palomar Mountain Loop
5.0estled within Palomar Mountain State Park in Pauma Valley, California, the Boucher Trail and Palomar Mountain Loop offers hikers a challenging yet rewarding experience. This 9-mile loop trail is renowned for its lush forests, panoramic vistas, and the historic Boucher Hill Fire Lookout. On aver...Read more -
Long Beach, California
Red Car Greenbelt
5.00.63 mi / 0 ft gainThe Greenbelt used to be the right-of-way for the long lost Pacific Electric Red Car, an amazing system of public transportation that connected Long Beach, LA, Orange Coutny, and even San Bernardino. The pathways are landscaped with plants typical of the area and plenty of native flowers for the...Read more -
Pacifica, CaliforniaBrooks Falls Loop
4.02.26 mi / 781 ft gainBrooks Falls Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Pacifica, California.Read more
