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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Laguna Beach, California
Skimboard Table Rock Beach
Laguna Beach is both the birthplace *and* and the capital of skimboarding, and for good reason: it boasts an impressive array of beaches where (if you know where to look) you can find one where the conditions are right for one of the most difficult but rewarding of water sports. Table Rock is one...Read more -
Wawona, California
Dewey Point Trail
4.95 mi / 315 ft gainThis approximately 5-mile out-and-back trail is a great hike in Yosemite National Park. This trail starts off of Dewey Point's Meadow Trail, but you can also start from the Dewey Point Ridge trail, which you'll pass first when coming up Glacier Point Road. This trail is not dog friendly, but is a...Read more -
Lee Vining, California
Mono Lake Boardwalk
3.50.69 mi / 30 ft gainMono Lake Boardwalk is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Lee Vining, California.Read more -
San Francisco, California
Alamo Park Square Park
4.7If you’re ever in San Francisco, you’ll definitely want to spend a bit of time in Alamo Square gazing at these stellar examples of San Francisco history. This is a beautiful and popular green space, where you have uninterrupted views of the iconic Painted Ladies. The Painted Ladies are row of...Read more -
Groveland, California
Drive the Yosemite Valley Loop
4.3Upon entering Yosemite Valley National Park I made it a point to see Half Dome, El Capitan, and Washington Column and several other famous Yosemite formations. What I didn't realize was as soon as I entered The Village was that all could be seen within a 15 minute loop around the valley floor. Th...Read more -
Mount Baldy, California
Cedar Glen Camp
4.88 mi / 1650 ft gainCedar Glen Camp is a great beginner backpacking trip just outside of Los Angeles, California. Starting from the Icehouse Trailhead (also used for Cucamonga Peak), head out on the Icehouse Canyon Trail from the parking area. The trail will intersect with the Chapman Trail, at which point, you'll t...Read more -
Felton, California
Tree Climb Mount Hermon
5.0Climbing an aerial obstacle course through the redwoods of Mount Hermon is a great way to experience the thrill of climbing and being in the trees. See what it's like to scurry through the trees like a squirrel. This unique vantage point offers amazing views of the redwoods. There are many aeri...Read more -
San Francisco, California
Lake Merced Loop
4.74.53 mi / 180 ft gainLake Merced Loop is a loop trail in the southwestern part of San Francisco. This trail is used for running and walking. You'll see plenty of people getting exercise or taking their dog for a stroll. There are also benches and tables around the loop. The lake itself is fresh water and is used for...Read more -
Nevada City, California
South Yuba River: Edwards Crossing to Purdon Crossing
5.04.2 mi / 639 ft gainSouth Yuba River: Edwards Crossing to Purdon Crossing is a point-to-point trail that takes you by a river located near North San Juan, California.Read more -
Felton, California
Fall Creek Trail
5.07.21 mi / 1096 ft gainThis quiet 10 mile hike features a winding creek and tall redwoods throughout the trail. The parking at the Fall Creek Trailhead is limited, so it is best to get there before 10am. There are redwoods very close to the trail and a good portion is alongside the creek. Most of the trail is dirt, ...Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
D.L. Bliss State Park to Emerald Bay State Park via Rubicon Trail
5.07.21 mi / 1424 ft gainD.L. Bliss State Park to Emerald Bay State Park via Rubicon Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Tahoma, California.Read more -
Independence, California
Manzanar Japanese Relocation Site: Manzanar Trail
5.02.22 mi / 112 ft gainManzanar Japanese Relocation Site: Manzanar Trail is a loop trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Independence, California.Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Three Stooges Stairs
4.00.07 mi / 43 ft gainThe stairs are about 147 steps. Located at Fair Oak View Terrace and Edendale Place in the Silver Lake, a district of Los Angeles. They are famous for where the Three Stooges short "An Ache In Every Stake" was filmed in 1941. It is a classic scene of where they have to deliver a block of ice all ...Read more -
Stinson Beach, California
Dipsea Trail to Steep Ravine Trail Loop from Stinson
5.05.99 mi / 1568 ft gainDipsea Trail to Steep Ravine Trail Loop from Stinson is a loop trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Stinson Beach, California.Read more -
Galt, California
Hike the Cosumnes River Walk Trail
5.03.1 mi / 16 ft gainThis trail is a short, easy, accessible and beautiful trail for a nice afternoon walk (or photoshoot). I recommend the River Walk Trail (~3 miles). It is flat and easy to walk. There are multiple loops so you can turn back at any time. There are small bridges, access to the water, meadows, e...Read more -
Shasta County, California
Kings Creek Falls Trail
4.02.49 mi / 495 ft gainKings Creek Falls Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Old Station, California.Read more
