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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Tahoma, California
Meeks Bay
4.7Nestled along the southwest shore of Lake Tahoe, Meeks Bay is a great destination offering a blend of outdoor adventure and relaxation. With its crystal-clear waters and sandy beaches, Meeks Bay is great for swimming especially on hot summer days or after hitting the trails. Whether you're see...Read more -
Guerneville, California
East Ridge - Pool Ridge Loop
4.73.37 mi / 810 ft gainThis park most resembles Muir Woods, and if you're looking to get out of the tourist trap, head to Armstrong Redwoods and make a day of it. This 3-mile hike takes off from the sign pointing to East Ridge Trail. As you begin a slight climb up the trail, you'll be under the cover of the redwoods, s...Read more -
Pearblossom, California
Mt. Waterman
5.05.87 mi / 1499 ft gainMt. Waterman is accessed along Highway 2 in the Angeles National Forest. Heading east from La Canada look for mileage marker 58.0 (34 miles from La Canada) just past the closed ski resort. Park at one of the large paved turnouts on your left. Display an Adventure Pass ($5 at Ranger Station or Big...Read more -
Whitethorn, California
Usal Beach
5.0Getting to Usal beach can be a little tricky, but it is well worth the effort. Usal Road (Mendocino Country Rd 431) is found 13 miles north of Westport or 14.5 miles southwest of Legget on Highway 1. The turn off is extremely easy to miss so it is recommended to use your odometer to gauge how clo...Read more -
Boulder Creek, California
Sempervirens Falls (Temporarily Closed)
4.03.29 mi / 305 ft gainSempervirens Falls in Big Basin State Park is Temporarily Closed due to fires. More updates can be found at Parks.CA.Gov. The hike to Sempervirens Falls is an easy 3.3 mile out-and-back hike on the Sequoia Trail. You'll travel through the redwood forest and some of the campgrounds located in Big...Read more -
Berkeley, California
Wildcat Peak via Nimitz Way
4.74.16 mi / 459 ft gainTilden Park is a beautiful recreational area with scenic hiking trails, a swimming lake, small animal farm, a steam train and botanical gardens. The versatility of this park makes it very family and kid friendly, and those who are looking for a moderate hike within the park have almost forty mile...Read more -
San Francisco, California
Sutro Baths Ruins
4.50.46 mi / 115 ft gainWhether you simply look down on the ruins from the [conveniently located] parking lot above, or choose to walk down the stairs and explore, you will be greeted with stunning views of the Baths, and the Pacific Ocean stretching infinitely beyond. The highlight of any trip to the Sutro Baths is ...Read more -
Ramona, California
Explore the Sutherland Dam
2.01 miOnce your on Sutherland Dam Rd, follow it until your right next to the dam. Park on the side of the road where you see a small turn-out. Walk down to the side of the dam and drop down onto the concrete flooring of the dam. Walk on-top where allowed, and check out the views of the lake and the mo...Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Paddle from Meeks Bay to D.L. Bliss
The water at Meeks Bay is perfectly crystal clear, a mix of different blues and greens – you can see the bottom floor in most places. Hug the buoy line to have a clear view to the lake's bottom, or cruise the dark blue waters where the lake falls off from 20ft deep to some of its deepest levels o...Read more -
Orick, California
Drive Bald Hills Road in Redwood National and State Parks
3.0Driving the Bald Hills Road was a totally unexpected treat when I visited Redwood National and State Parks. We only had a day to spend there on a week long California road trip but I was so glad that we made the decision to drive the road while visiting.While I came expecting, and was glad to exp...Read more -
Winters, California
Homestead & Blue Ridge Loop
5.04.46 mi / 1299 ft gainAt the bend in the road on Highway 128, you will pass two silver gates. The gate with the UC Davis logo is the entrance to the trailhead. Past the entrance there is a large dirt pullout off the road with plenty of parking. Starting at the trailhead, go left in the fork to start the loop trail. T...Read more -
Malibu, California
Balanced Rock via Sandstone Trailhead
5.04.36 mi / 1125 ft gain...From the PCH, make a left turn on Yerba Buena road (turn right if you're coming South) for about 6 miles until you get to the dirt parking area. If the lot is full, there's extra parking on the side of the road. FYI, Balanced Rock can also be accessed by starting at the Mishe Mokwa trailhead,...Read more -
Roseville, California
Explore The Solo Tree
3.0Disclaimer: This tree is on private property. If you choose to proceed, please check in with the property owner and proceed respectfully.The Solo Tree (often referred to as #thatrosevillesolotree on Instagram) has become a very popular photography spot in the Roseville area.Drive as far west as y...Read more -
Palomar Mountain, California
Lower Doane and French Valley
5.03.03 mi / 344 ft gainWhen it comes to Palomar Mountain State Park, most people stick to Doane Lake and Upper Doane Valley. Yet on the far right of the parking lot at Doane Pond, there is actually a trailhead that will guide you to a completely different section of the park. The Lower Doane Valley trail is, in my opti...Read more -
Jenner, CaliforniaAbalone Diving at Salt Point State Park
5.0Jenner is a great spot to head out in calm water with your abalone gear. The dives will be in depths of 10 to 15 ft. of water, with visibility usually in the 5-20 ft. range. Spend a little time doing your homework before entering the water and you'll be able to find easier entry areas.When you he...Read more -
Clayton, California
Hike the Waterfalls of Mount Diablo Loop Trail
5.06 mi / 1627 ft gainWinter and spring rains create scenic waterfalls in this hike at Mount Diablo, the East Bay's signature peak. Be careful hiking immediately post-rain, watch for slippery sections of mud. The trail is moderately difficult and is used by hikers, walking groups, trail runners, and for nature trips. ...Read more
