From north to the south, California holds countless locations for your next outdoor trip — whether you’re camping, hiking or luxuriating by the beach. Here’s an overview of some of my favorite spots to check out all around the state, with some added info on where to stay and eat while you’re there.
Photos by Jordan Reid.
Lake Tahoe is the largest freshwater lake in California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains, and it also holds the title of the largest alpine lake in North America. Those are some impressive stats!
Whatever season you’re looking to visit this popular destination, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Favorite Hikes
There’s so much to do in Lake Tahoe. Emerald Bay, Eagle Falls Trail and Sand Harbor Beach are a few must-sees. Looking for more? Check out these locally curated hikes.
Where to Stay
During our last trip to Lake Tahoe, we stayed at Gondola Vista. These beautiful luxury villas are perfect for large groups. The editors at LocalGetaways have also put together a comprehensive list for the entire area.
Located about an hour North of San Francisco, Point Reyes National Seashore has some of the most stunning vistas you’ll ever see along the California coast.
Did you know one of only two tide waterfalls in California can be found in Point Reyes? That’s just one of many features that make Point Reyes so special.
Favorite Hikes
The cypress tree tunnel, chimney rock trail and the hike to Alamere Falls (The famous tide fall we mentioned above). Each of these adventures is stunning!
Be prepared if you want to tackle Alamere Falls, though. It’s generally considered a tough, out-and-back hike.
Where to Stay
Limantour Lodge is the only lodging available within the park’s boundaries. Check them out, or stay in one of the many options in Inverness or Point Reyes Station.
Humboldt County is home to the world-famous Avenue of the Giants. Here you will find staggering concentrations of old-growth Redwood Trees. Many of them are thousands of years old and hundreds of feet tall.
Favorite Hikes
There are so many stunning hikes in Humboldt County. It’s hard to pick just a few!
Must-sees include Rockefeller Forest and the Founders Grove. However, you can’t go wrong with any hikes along the Ave of the Giants.
Where to Eat
The Lost Frenchman in Redway has delicious pizza.
Where to Stay
The Front Porch Inn in Arcata or Scotia Lodge. Both offer excellent accommodations.
Shelter Cove is another stop within Humboldt County, but its offerings warrant the cove its own spot on the list. With scenic beaches and ample hiking opportunities, Shelter Cove is your gateway to Northern California.
Favorite Hikes
Shelter Cove is the south end of the storied Lost Coast trail. You can spend some time casually hiking the beautiful black sands beach. Or you can get a permit and backpack the epic 25-mile Lost Coast trail.
Where to Eat
The Fish Tank offers quick bites and stunning ocean views. Mi Mochima offers delicious Venezuelan food.
Where to Stay
Look no further than the Lost Coast Inn or Black Sands Inn.
Big Sur is often referred to as the most dramatic meeting of land and sea. And it has earned that description many times over.
Just south of Carmel, Big Sur should be on everyone’s California travel list.
Favorite Hikes
Don’t miss McWay Falls or Pfeiffer Beach, which has beautiful purple sand. For good reason, these are some of the most iconic spots in Big Sur.
Where to Eat
Nepenthe. Please do yourself a favor and stop for lunch or dinner at Nepenthe.
Where to Stay
There are a range of accommodations available in Big Sur, which you can learn about on Local Getaways’ Big Sur page. If looking for more inexpensive options, consider staying in nearby Carmel or Monterey, then driving into Big Sur in the morning.
Point Lobos offers some of the best hiking near the Monterey Bay. With hikes that hug the coastline then dip into the forest, the trails are sure to please every type of hiker.
Favorite Hikes
We recommend doing the entire 6.4-mile Point Lobos Loop. It’ll take you through diverse terrain, past beautiful cloves, and you may even see adorable sea otters.
Where to Eat
After your hike, stop at the Carmel Bakery for a nice treat.
Where to Stay
Vendange Carmel Inn and Suites.
The desert landscapes of Joshua Tree may be drastically different from the lush forests of NorCal, but they are still just as breathtaking.
The Joshua Trees, which give the park its name, are everywhere. And we promise they will leave you in awe.
Favorite Hikes
Skull Rock, Hall of Horrors and Cholla Cactus Garden are all beautiful hikes in Joshua Tree. They are relatively easy, which is nice if you’re not a big hiker.
Joshua Tree is a desert, and it gets HOT in the summer! We recommend visiting in either the fall or the spring for moderate temperatures.
Where to Eat
Try having a nice breakfast at the Crossroads cafe before starting your day in Joshua Tree.
Where to Stay
Stargate Retreat in Yucca Valley is a beautiful Airbnb with floor-to-ceiling windows, a great view of the mountains and a unique pool.
Did you know Kings Canyon is one of the deepest canyons in the United States? Often looked over by visitors in favor of neighboring Sequoia National Park, Kings Canyon is not to be missed!
Favorite Hikes
Make sure to check out Zumwalt Meadows, along with the General Grant Grove. Trust us, you won’t be disappointed.
Where to Eat
Check out the Grant Grove Restaurant to recharge after a long day of exploring.
Where to Stay
The John Muir Lodge isn’t super fancy, but it’s conveniently located close to the visitors center.
Looking for more things to do in the area?
Visit our Explore the Bay Area page!
