Outdoor Adventures in California
It may be a cliché, but California is truly an outdoor playground. From the sun-kissed beaches of Southern California to the inland deserts and mountain slopes, and to the rivers and Redwoods up north, there is no shortage of ways to escape the Golden State’s big cities, stretch your legs, and experience jaw-dropping scenery.
Planning Your Outdoor Adventure
Because California is so expansive – more than 840 miles of coastline – a road trip is an excellent way to sample outdoor experiences in different parts of the state. To help you craft the ultimate outdoor adventure in Northern California, we consulted Michael Washington, a Los Angeles-based creator and entrepreneur. He provides insights into camping spots and hiking trails to explore along the Pacific Coast.
Escape the Urban Jungle
Setting out from San Francisco, you’ll cross the Golden Gate Bridge to begin your road trip. The scenery will immediately impress as you make your way to the Pacific Coast along CA-1 (the Pacific Coast Highway). If you have time for an early detour, Muir Woods National Monument is one of the closest groves of Coastal Redwoods along the route – though there will be plenty of other opportunities to see these towering trees further north.
Hiking Adventures
Following the coast northward, there are numerous photo opportunities and spots to stretch your legs. If hiking gets your heart pumping, spend a few hours at Point Reyes National Seashore. This peninsula juts into the Pacific, where the San Andreas fault runs into the North American plate, providing an otherworldly appearance and dozens of miles of trails to explore.
Scenic Picnics
In addition to feeding your soul with natural beauty, stop for a nice meal: Washington suggests a personal favorite, Tomales Bay Oyster Co. “Once you order from their variety of oysters, you take your goodies to a nearby beach for a gorgeous oceanside picnic where you can shuck your own oysters.”
Stunning Landscapes
Mendocino Headlands State Park offers more great opportunities to stretch your legs; take time to see the jagged coastline and towering trees that punctuate the coast from here to the Oregon border. On the nearby Big River, you can rent and paddle an outrigger canoe up the estuary, observing otters, birds, and even harbor seals fishing in the waterway.
Your first overnight stop might be Humboldt Redwoods State Park, where you can camp at Burlington Campground, perfectly situated between many amazing Redwood groves. The area is known as Avenue of the Giants, and Founder’s Grove is one of the best hikes, easily accessible from the 101.
Forest Bathing Among Giants
After fully exploring Humboldt Redwoods State Park, hit the road again. There are numerous groves to stop at while heading north to Crescent City, particularly in the Redwoods National and State Parks. The scenery is magnificent, and choosing how many stops to make as you hike among the centuries-old giants is part of the adventure.
Exploring a Volcanic Landscape
As you travel down I-5, head for Mount Shasta, a prominent volcano in the Cascade Range. The small town nestled on its western slopes serves as a great overnight stop and base for outdoor adventures in the area. Here, you can camp or stay at local hotels, depending on your preference for rest.
After days along the coast and among towering trees, the outdoor activities near Mount Shasta provide a refreshing change. Explore lava tubes at Pluto’s Cave, try chasing waterfalls along the three-tiered McCloud Falls trail, or gain perspective by hiking to Heart Lake along the Pacific Crest Trail. Moreover, winter visitors can also partake in snow sports on Mount Shasta.
Returning to the City
From Mount Shasta, the drive back to San Francisco is straightforward as you follow I-5 down the Central Valley and then a series of interstates back to the city. Although there are fewer outdoor adventures along this route compared to others, you can still find unique experiences. A short detour to the Sacramento area offers opportunities for white water rafting on the American River, or you might opt to rent bikes for cycling between Napa and Sonoma Counties. Hiking in the Berkeley Hills or Sibley Volcanic Nature Preserve near Oakland provides excellent urban adventure options before returning to the urban jungle.
Explore More California Outdoors Experiences
There is no shortage of outdoor experiences in California. If your travel plans don’t take you to Northern California this time, consider these other regions:
Sierra Nevada
This mountain range is a paradise for nature lovers. Lake Tahoe serves as a great base for summer hikes and boating or snow sports in the cooler months. Yosemite National Park is a must-visit; it’s one of the crown jewels of the National Park system.
Deserts
California’s southern desert region offers a unique array of experiences. Death Valley National Park features incredible hikes and natural stone and salt formations, while Joshua Tree National Park provides stunning plants and trees along with fantastic stargazing opportunities.
Central Coast
The Central Coast deserves exploration if you want to appreciate California’s outdoor wonders. A camping road trip along the coast can lead to enjoyable activities like tidepooling, hiking, and beachcombing at spots like Montana de Oro State Park, Spooner’s Cove, and Ragged Point.
