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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Nipton, California
Explore Nipton
Driving from Searchlight, NV on the Joshua Tree Highway, you'll come across the interesting town of Nipton, CA. The old town is small, but charming. This is a great stop off to explore the sights and grab a quick bite at the Whistlestop Cafe.Read more -
Shasta County, California
Lake Helen in Lassen Volcanic NP
5.0Lake Helen is a glacial lake in Lassen Volcanic NP. The park's winter season starts in October and runs through June. Lake Helen can be found thawing mid-June. The turquoise blue of the water comes from the minerals in it, and is mesmerizingly beautiful when thawing in pools over a snowy Lake ...Read more -
Fort Bragg, California
Laguna Point
0.58 mi / 33.46 ft gainArrive an hour or so before sunset and have plenty of time to explore a ton of different things. Walk along the beach, we had it to ourselves mind you. Not another footprint in the sand. Stroll around the boardwalks out to the point. Walk down to the tide pools, and stayed for one of the most spe...Read more -
Malibu, California
The Malibu Lagoon State Beach
5.02.11 mi / 118 ft gainThe Malibu Lagoon State Beach is a loop trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Malibu, California.Read more -
Larkspur, California
Baltimore Canyon Via Dawn Falls Trail Loop
5.93 mi / 1309 ft gainBaltimore Canyon via Dawn Falls Trail Loop is a loop trail that takes you through a forested setting at the start, up switchbacks to Dawn Falls, and then to views of King Mountain Open Space Preserve as you loop back along Southern Marin Line Road. This is a dog friendly (on-leash) trail located ...Read more -
San Simeon, California
Elephant Seal Vista Point Trail
5.05.27 mi / 184 ft gainElephant Seal Vista Point Trail is an out-and-back trail that provides a good opportunity to view wildlife located near San Simeon, California.Read more -
Santa Cruz, California
Surf Pleasure Point
4.0Pleasure Point is located on the east side of Santa Cruz, California. It is a right hand point break that breaks year round. It is a popular surf spot for many people that live in the San Francisco Bay Area. There are 3 different peaks that break at Pleasure Point. Sewers, which is the furthest ...Read more -
Half Moon Bay, California
Paddle Half Moon Bay Jetty
5.0The Half Moon Bay Jetty is a calm place to paddle as it is covered on all sides. There is an opening into the ocean on the far side, but is mostly calm with plenty of beach area to launch. Keep in mind, there are boats in the harbor so keep an eye out. There is also a scenic hike nearby the West ...Read more -
Susanville, California
Camp at Rocky Point Primitive Camping Area
Rocky Point has a bulletin board and toilet but no developed campsites. At Rocky Point visitors must pack in and pack out all trash and waste water. A vault toilet is on site. Campers like the opportunity to "circle the wagons" and set up where they want on a large open natural gravel flat nea...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Elysian Park
4.01.88 mi / 282 ft gainThe trail at Elysian Park in Los Angeles, California, is a moderate difficulty hike that spans approximately 1.88 miles. The trail is well-marked and offers a variety of terrain, including dirt paths and paved roads. The trail is known for its panoramic views of the city, including the iconic Dod...Read more -
Crescent City, California
Drive Walker Road
5.03.74 mi / 702 ft gainWalker Road is one of the places where parts of Star Wars IV: A New Hope were filmed! It's a beautiful site in the Redwoods with an extra amount of huge, leafy ferns. Once you turn onto Walker Road, it's a quick drive through the redwood trees and ferns to the Smith River at the end. There are a...Read more -
Point Arena, California
Explore the Point Arena Lighthouse
Go into the museum and gift shop first and have a look around at all the cool stuff they have from the lighthouse. Once you're done checking everything out in there, go make your way up the spiral staircase to the tippy top. You can stop just before the peak and go for a walk on the landing that ...Read more -
San Bernardino County, California
Rock Spring Loop Trail
1.42 mi / 188.54 ft gainThe Rock Spring Loop trail is an easy to follow 1.5-mile hike in the Mojave National Preserve. The hike starts in the parking lot, where you walk through a gate, past a sign welcoming visitors to "come on up", to the historic Rock House. The Rock House is about a tenth of a mile up the trail fr...Read more -
Bishop, California
Baboon Lakes via Sabrina Basin
8.52 mi / 2205 ft gainGorgeous and sizable alpine lakes beyond Blue Lake via Sabrina Basin trail. There are some very confusing descriptions on the internet for this so hopefully this can help. Hike for 3 miles to get to Blue Lake, which is huge and a popular camping spot for backpackers. Continue past the lake (it ...Read more -
Susanville, California
Camp at North Eagle Lake Campground
North Eagle Lake has 20 sites in a pine and juniper forest. Vault toilets and drinking water are available. Some campsites can accommodate RV's up to 35 feet long. A campground host is available. The campground is located 30 miles north of Susanville on Highway 139 and a half-mile west on Lassen ...Read more -
Mendocino, California
Big River Beach
Make your way around the back of the Chevron on Main st. in town and just keep following the stairs down to the little trail that leads to the beach. The beach is beautiful with soft sand. Dogs are allowed but please note they are supposed to be on leash. Obviously our group wasn't too upset by...Read more
