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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Mariposa County, California
Upper Yosemite Falls
4.85.98 mi / 3786 ft gainYou can find the trailhead to Upper Yosemite Falls near Camp 4. There is plenty of free parking here and you can also take a shuttle to stop #7. Be sure to start this hike early in the day as it is strenuous and can get really hot as the day goes on. Bring plenty of water and snacks and take many...Read more -
Santa Monica, California
Santa Monica Wooden Stairs
4.00.09 mi / 79 ft gainThe wooden Santa Monica Stairs are a great way to get in some intense leg burning cardio. There are around 120 steps that are steeper then the Santa Monica Concrete Stairs, which can provide a deep burn on the intended muscles! This place has been a hot spot in the Santa Monica fitness scene for...Read more -
Half Moon Bay, California
Catch the Sunset at Maverick's Beach
5.01 miMaverick's beach is most well-known for the Maverick surf competition and the gnarly waves which surface here in the winter months. For the rest of the year, the beach is still a site to see. With huge waves crashing ¼ mile off shore and bluffs towering 100 feet above you, it’s a picturesque plac...Read more -
San Clemente, California
Beach Day at San Onofre
5.0This spot is no secret but it’s by far one of the best beaches California has to offer and has been regarded since the 1950s as a friendly surfing sanctuary. The beach is divided into three surf spots (named from North to South), known as “The Point,” “Old Man’s,” and “Dogpatch.” To access the be...Read more -
Sunol, California
Little Yosemite via Canyon View Trail
3.93.01 mi / 705 ft gainPlease note this is a fragile ecosystem and watershed. There is NO swimming allowed in Alameda Creek and trespassing is prohibited on Water Department lands that are not accessible to the public. You can learn more about the restrictions and the area at ebparks.org. After entering the kiosk you...Read more -
San Diego, California
Torrey Pines Beach Trail Loop
4.72.15 mi / 374 ft gainThe beach trail brings you from the parking lot across the lodge from the bluff down to the beach. You can choose to visit the Red Butte, the Razor Point, and the Yucca Point trails along the way. Of the other trails, this trail seems to provide a complete walkthrough of geological features; it a...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Vista Hermosa Natural Park
4.20.58 mi / 36 ft gainVista Hermosa Natural Park is part of the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy and the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority. Located in the western gateway to Downtown Los Angeles, it’s very easy to drive by this hidden gem if you’re not looking for it. This park is the perfect mix of ur...Read more -
Calipatria, California
Explore the Mud Volcanoes of the Salton Sea
5.04 miIt should be noted that extreme caution should be practiced when going to the mud volcanoes. While the photographs above appear close, they were taken on a zoom lens from a safe distance. The ground here is soft and misleading. Collapses can occur, where you could be fatally scalded by the boili...Read more -
San Francisco, California
Seward Street Slides
4.2Tucked away in a small neighborhood park in Eureka Valley is a set of really fun, slippery, and surprisingly steep concrete slides. They were originally designed by a 14 year old kid over 30 years ago, and we all owe him a big hat tip. People use a variety of sliding materials (saucers, food tray...Read more -
Boulder Creek, California
Berry Creek Falls Loop (Closed)
4.810 mi / 2310 ft gainUnfortunately, this trail is closed due to a past fire. See CA.Gov for updates on trails in Big Basin. Nestled in California's oldest state park, the popular Berry Creek Falls Loop hike begins at the Big Basin park headquarters. If you're up for 11 miles, a thousand feet of elevation gain throu...Read more -
Solana Beach, California
Annie’s Canyon via N Rios
4.71.34 mi / 92 ft gainIf you're looking for a super short hike, this 10 minute flat walk couldn't be more ideal. Start at 840 N Rios Avenue, Solana beach and walk east towards the FWY 5 where you will see Annie’s Canyon on your right. There is only one way to go up the canyons and it gets pretty tight in places, but y...Read more -
Ladera Ranch, California
Huntington Beach Pier
4.6The Huntington Beach Pier is a great spot for a multitude of activities. If you're looking to bodysurf, surf, swim, jog, or just chill, this is the spot for you. There's plenty of a restaurants nearby, making it the perfect weekday/weekend getaway. I frequent this location to shoot sunsets by t...Read more -
Inyo County, California
Photograph Dante's View of Death Valley
4.7In all of Death Valley National Park, Dante's View might just be the best spot to watch the light fade away after a long day. Unfortunately, it is one of the highly missed spots along the Highway 190 Death Valley route. This might be due to the fact that it is about 15 miles off of the highway, b...Read more -
DEATH VALLEY, California
Mosaic Canyon
4.33.53 mi / 1224 ft gainMosaic Canyon is located a quarter mile west of Stovepipe Wells Village. From the 190 Highway, take the 2 mile gravel road to the canyon parking lot. The road is very rough and bumpy, but a regular passenger car will be able to make the drive. A high clearance 4x4 vehicle will not have any proble...Read more -
Rancho Palos Verdes, California
Terranea Beach Sea Cave
4.31.63 mi / 210 ft gainHead to the Pelican Cove parking lot where there’s plenty of free parking right at the trailhead. From the parking lot, take the Terranea Beach Trail and you will see views of the Point Vicente Lighthouse down the coast to your right. Continue on the trail through the luxury Terranea Resort whic...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Secret Swing in Elysian Park
4.20.16 mi / 72 ft gainFor the most direct directions to the swing, plug in "Swing on top of Elysian Park" into google maps, which will take you directly to the trailhead. If you want to do it the more old fashion way, the swing is on top of a hill at the intersection of Angels Point Drive and Park Row Drive in Elysian...Read more
