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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San Luis Obispo County, California
Montaña de Oro Bluff Trail
5.04.02 mi / 302 ft gainThe Bluff Trail is a simple walk that takes you along the coast in Montaña de Oro. The trailhead is located just past Spooner's Cove and has parking on both sides of the road. The path is paved, making it easily accessible for anyone who wants to enjoy these incredible views. If you're feeling a...Read more -
Orick, California
Cal Barrel Road
5.03.93 mi / 883 ft gainCal-Barrel Road is a gravel logging road approximately 3.5 miles long, offering a quieter, lesser-used pathway under towering old-growth redwoods adjacent to the Prairie Creek Visitor Center. The road climbs roughly 700 feet, with tight corners and a canopy of fallen needles that makes it resem...Read more -
San Simeon, California
Elephant Seal Vista Point
5.0Elephant Seal Vista Point is a favorite place to see the elephant seals. If you’re in the area and have the opportunity, it's a must see. During the Spring, the adult elephant seals and the baby seals are out. Nearby are easy, clearly marked, walking paths, along the cliffs edge. Dogs are not all...Read more -
Douglas City, California
Camp at Douglas City Campground
The campground amenities include 20 tent/trailer campsites, group picnic area, picnic tables, telephone, beach, paved loop road, flush and vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings. MAX trailer length is 28 feet.Douglas City is located along the Trinity River. Follow State Highway 299 to Dougl...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Inspiration Point Loop Trail
4.02.36 mi / 486 ft gainThe Inspiration Point 2.3 mile loop hike in Will Rogers State Park is a family-friendly hike or after-work run near Los Angeles, California. It’s a great dirt trail for all skill levels and features scenic views and beautifully budding wildflowers. You’ll get to escape the city and take in the br...Read more -
Larkfield-Wikiup, California
Creekside Trail to Canyon Trail to Ridge Trail Loop
4.54.46 mi / 850 ft gainThe Creekside Trail to Canyon Trail to Ridge Trail Loop offers an immersive 5.1-mile adventure through the heart of Annadel State Park (now part of Trione-Annadel State Park) in Santa Rosa, California. This moderately challenging loop showcases the park's diverse landscapes, from shaded creek c...Read more -
Novato, California
Mount Burdell Open Space Loop
5.04.87 mi / 1234 ft gainStart at the wide gravel parking lot. You will find the start of the San Andreas Fire Road on the south side leading up the mountain. The San Andreas Fire Road heads up the southern slope before joining the Middle Burdell Fire Road and then very quickly the Deer Camp Fire Road. Keep your eyes p...Read more -
Santa Ysabel, California
West Vista Loop
5.04.21 mi / 886 ft gainThe West Vista Loop in Santa Ysabel, CA, is a moderately challenging trail known for its panoramic views of surrounding hills and valleys. Reviewers appreciate the well-maintained paths and gentle elevation gains, making it suitable for hikers of varying skill levels. The trail is dog-friendly ...Read more -
San Diego, California
La Jolla Coast Walk Trail
5.02.32 mi / 295 ft gainLa Jolla Coast Walk is a beautiful coastline trail, but is a bit of a heavily trafficked tourist trail. The hike can be started and ended at 3 separate locations. The trail is easily accessible with a small parking lot and tons of restaurants nearby. The trail begins near another popular touris...Read more -
Santa Maria, California
Bike Foxen Canyon Road
29 mi / 2400 ft gainFoxen Canyon Road from Santa Maria to Los Olivos runs through some of the most beautiful wine country in Santa Barbara county so much so that it was centerpiece of the film Sideways. The road itself begins at the intersection of Betteravia and Philbric roads just east of Santa Maria and proceeds ...Read more -
Llano, California
Table Mountain Campground
Table Mountain Campground is a hilly campground that offers ADA-accessible sites, pit toilets, fire rings, picnic tables, BB! grill, water, and parking spaces for a two-car limit. Rules are strictly enforced, which is great, so we can enjoy nature and not someone’s party/music. Book your campgro...Read more -
Los Angeles County, California
Idlehour Trail
4.014.89 mi / 4665 ft gainIdlehour Trail located near Mount Wilson, California, is an out-and-back trail that is strenuous and can take 8-10 hours if done all at once. There are opportunities to camp off the trail, making this a backpacking trail in the Angeles National Forest as well. To access the Idlehour Campground ...Read more -
Shasta County, California
Devastated Area Interpretive Trail
2.00.5 mi / 16 ft gainDevastated Area Interpretive Trail is a loop trail that is good for all skill levels located near Old Station, California.Read more -
Angelus Oaks, California
San Bernardino Peak
3.015.82 mi / 4911 ft gainThe San Bernadino Peak Trail out of Angelus Oaks is a very challenging hike, which can either be done as a day hike or an overnight trip. Free permits are required for day hiking and overnights in the San Gorgonio Wilderness. These permits can be accessed via Sgwa.org/permits. If you choose to ...Read more -
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Carmel Beach
4.71.22 mi / 98 ft gainIt’s a dream of mine to live in Carmel-by-the-Sea. You might recognize Carmel because Clint Eastwood was the mayor from 1986 to 1988. An idiosyncrasy you may not know about Carmel is the fact that there are no street addresses on any house in Carmel. Everyone gets their mail at the post office, ...Read more -
Mammoth Lakes, California
Devils Postpile Loop
5.01.28 mi / 243 ft gainDevils Postpile Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Mammoth Lakes, California.Read more
