13 Outdoor Adventures To Try In California

Californians are lucky to have access to some of the best outdoor adventures in the country. From hiking and camping to surfing and kayaking, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re a resident looking for a new adventure or a visitor looking to explore the unbeaten paths, visit hidden gems, or even try out some extreme sports in the Golden State, there’s something for everyone, no matter your age or skill level.

Here are the top thirteen outdoor adventures to try in California:

Photo by Lorenzo Castellino

Table of contents: (Hide)

• 1. Hiking in the Sierra Nevada
• 2. Camping at Yosemite National Park
• 3. Crossbow Hunting at Lake Sonoma
• 4. Surfing at Huntington Beach
• 5. Rock Climbing in Joshua Tree National Park
• 6. Bird Watching at the Salton Sea
• 7. Fishing at Lake Tahoe
• 8. Horseback Riding at Griffith Park
• 9. Mountain Biking at Big Bear Lake
• 10. Canoeing at Lake Shasta
• 11. Wildlife Watching at Point Reyes National Seashore
• 12. Outdoor Family Adventures
• 13. Target Shooting at the Angeles National Forest
• Enjoy California’s Best Outdoor Adventures

1. Hiking in the Sierra Nevada

The Sierra Nevada is one of California’s most popular hiking destinations, and for a good reason. With its stunning scenery, diverse wildlife, and challenging trails, it’s no wonder that hikers worldwide flock to this beautiful mountain range. There are plenty of trails to choose from, so whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hiker, you’ll find a hike that’s perfect for you. With over 800 miles of trails, the Sierra Nevada has something for everyone.

• The most popular trail is the John Muir Trail, which runs from Yosemite Valley to Mount Whitney. With its stunning views of alpine lakes and meadows, the John Muir Trail is a must-do for any hiker visiting the Sierra Nevada.
• If you’re looking for a shorter hike, try the Cascade Falls Trail near Mill Valley, an easy two-mile trail leading to a beautiful waterfall.
• For a more challenging hike, try the Mt. Whitney Trail, the tallest peak in the contiguous United States.

No matter what trail you choose, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience hiking in the Sierra Nevada. Just make sure to keep these hiking safety tips in mind.

2. Camping at Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park offers one of the best camping experiences around. With its towering waterfalls, lush meadows, and granite cliffs, many campers love pitching tents in this beautiful park. There are plenty of campsites to choose from, so whether you’re a beginner or an experienced camper, you’ll find a campsite that’s perfect for you. There are two main types of campsites in Yosemite: developed campgrounds and backcountry campsites.

Developed campgrounds have flush toilets, drinking water, and picnic tables, while backcountry campsites are more rustic and usually require a hike to reach. Most campsites can be reserved in advance, but there are also first-come, first-serve sites available.

• One of the most popular campgrounds in the park is the Upper Pines Campground, which offers stunning views of Yosemite Valley.
• If you’re looking for a more secluded camping experience, try Tuolumne Meadows Campground, located in the high country. It offers beautiful views of the Sierra Nevada.
• You can also try backpacking and camping in the wilderness, which requires a permit.

3. Crossbow Hunting at Lake Sonoma

Lake Sonoma is one of the best places in California to go crossbow hunting. With its clear waters and wildlife, many avid hunters love spending time at this beautiful lake. With guided hunts, it’s easy to set up and take down your prey–feral pigs and deer. There are plenty of crossbow hunting guides available and help from local pros or crossbow hunting clubs, so whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hunter, you can get the help you need.

Of course, if you’re into hunting, you’ll need to get a quality crossbow first and learn how to use it to ensure safe crossbow handling at all times.

4. Surfing at Huntington Beach

Huntington Beach is one of the most popular surfing destinations in California. With its cool water and long waves, any surfer will enjoy spending a day at this beach. While surfing is meant for the pros, plenty of surf schools and instructors are available, so it’s easy to explore this water sport whether you’re a beginner or an experienced surfer. You’ll love riding the waves and soaking up the sun at Huntington Beach.

• If you’re looking for a more challenging surf, try Trestles, which is known for its big waves.
• For a less crowded beach, try The Wedge, where you can find some of the best bodyboarding in California.
• If you want something simple, try stand-up paddleboarding, which is a great way to explore the coastline.

5. Rock Climbing in Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is one of the best places in California for rock climbing. With its towering cliffs and beautiful scenery, many climbers love spending time in this park. While Joshua Tree is a great place for experienced climbers, it’s also great for beginners. There are plenty of routes to choose from, so you can find a climb that’s perfect for your skill level. You can also take classes or join guided tours to learn the ropes and improve your skills.

• One of the most popular climbing areas in Joshua Tree is Hidden Valley, which offers over 100 routes to choose from.
• If you’re looking for a more challenging climb, try Barker Dam, which has some of the most difficult climbs in the park.
• For a more scenic climb, try Quail Springs, which offers beautiful views of the desert.

No matter what your skill level is, you’re sure to find a route that’s perfect for you. Just be sure to follow all safety guidelines and take proper precautions when climbing.

6. Bird Watching at the Salton Sea

The Salton Sea is one of the best places in California for bird watching. With its large population of birds, it’s a great place to see a variety of species. You can also find many different types of birds in this area, so whether you’re seeking songbirds or waterfowl, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for. There are many different ways to watch birds at the Salton Sea.

• You can go on a guided tour, join a birding club, or go on your own.
• If you want to get up close and personal with the birds, try kayaking or canoeing. This is a great way to get close to the birds and see them in their natural habitat.
• You can also try birding by bicycle, which is a great way to explore the area and see a variety of birds. Carry a pair of binoculars and a camera so you can get a good look at the birds and take some pictures.

7. Fishing at Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is known for its beautiful scenery, clear waters, and abundant fish. It’s one of the best places to relax and enjoy the outdoors in California. You can find a variety of fish in Lake Tahoe, including trout, salmon, and bass. Apart from offering one of the best inshore fishing experiences, Lake Tahoe offers all-year-round fishing. And the good thing is that there are many different ways to fish at Lake Tahoe. You can go on a guided tour, join a fishing club, or go on your own.

Lake Tahoe features a variety of fishing hotspots, including:

• The West Shore for its abundant trout.
• The North Shore for its trophy-sized trout.
• The East Shore for its large bass.
• The South Shore for its rainbow trout.

Before heading out fishing, determine what type of fish you’re allowed to catch and what the limit is. You should also get a fishing license if you plan on doing any fishing in Lake Tahoe. Have some fun with friends or family, and enjoy the beautiful scenery while you’re at it.

8. Horseback Riding at Griffith Park

If you’re looking for a unique but relaxed adventure, try horseback riding. This is a great way to explore the area and take in the stunning views of Southern California. Go across 6.5 miles through the mountains and woods that even take you to see the iconic Hollywood sign.

You don’t need any experience to go on a horseback riding tour, as you’ll be given instructions before the ride. This is a great activity for all ages, so you’re sure to enjoy it whether you’re young or old. Just be sure to dress comfortably and wear closed-toe shoes.

9. Mountain Biking at Big Bear Lake

For the adrenaline junkies out there, mountain biking is the perfect outdoor adventure. And what better place to try it than at Big Bear Lake? With its many trails and scenic views, Big Bear Lake is a must-visit for mountain bikers. You can find trails perfect for all skill levels, so you’re sure to find one that suits you. Additionally, lots of biking events are held throughout the year, so you can join in on the fun and meet other mountain bikers.

Some of the mountain biking trails at Big Bear Lake include:

• Towne Trail – This is a great trail for beginners and takes you through the woods along the lake. Seeing it in the fall is even more spectacular!
• Cabin 89 – For a little bit more of a challenge, try out this trail that has rocky sections up steep routes.

Before you go on your adventure, be sure to check the weather conditions and dress appropriately. You should also wear a helmet and protective gear to keep you safe while you’re biking. And don’t forget to bring plenty of water so you can stay hydrated throughout your ride.

10. Canoeing at Lake Shasta

If you’re looking for a peaceful outdoor adventure, canoeing is the perfect activity. With its crystal-clear waters and stunning views, Lake Shasta offers a unique and relaxing experience. You can find many different companies that offer canoe rentals. Most tours last around two hours, and they’ll take you through the lake at your own pace. If you’ve never tried canoeing before, don’t worry – it’s easy to learn, and there’s no experience necessary.

Before you go on your canoe adventure, make sure to dress appropriately. You should wear sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable clothes. And don’t forget to bring plenty of water so you can stay hydrated throughout your ride. Group tours are also available if you want to explore the lake with friends or family.

11. Wildlife Watching at Point Reyes National Seashore

If you’re looking for an adventure that’s a little bit different, try wildlife watching at Point Reyes National Seashore. This is a great way to see some of the area’s unique wildlife. Across this seashore, you’re more likely to see coyotes, elk, bobcats, owls, elephant seals, badgers, whales, and much more. Located just 30 miles north of San Francisco, Point Reyes National Seashore provides a diverse and exciting wildlife viewing experience.

Some of the popular spots you don’t want to miss include:

• The Tule Elk Reserve – This is a great place to see the area’s elk population.
• Tomales Point – This is a popular spot for whale watching.
• The Cypress Tree Tunnel – This is a beautiful and unique spot that’s perfect for photography enthusiasts.
• The Lighthouse Trail – This is a popular spot for bird watching.

12. Outdoor Family Adventures

When you want to have family fun without spending a lot of money, there are plenty of kid-friendly places to explore in California. Whether you want some cultural inspiration, historical education, or just some good old-fashioned fun, these outdoor family adventures are perfect for your next day trip or adventure weekend. Here are some of our favorites:

• The California State Railroad Museum – This museum is perfect for train enthusiasts of all ages. It features historic locomotives and trains, as well as interactive exhibits.
• The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk – This is a classic California beach town that’s perfect for families. With its rides, games, and arcades, there’s something for everyone at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.
• The San Diego Zoo Safari Park – This is a great place to see animals from all over the world. The safari park also offers rides, shows, and educational opportunities.
• The Aquarium of the Pacific – This is a great place to learn about ocean life. The aquarium has over 11,000 animals, as well as interactive exhibits and educational programs.

13. Target Shooting at the Angeles National Forest

If you love shooting, the Angeles National Forest is the perfect place for you. This forest offers a variety of target-shooting opportunities. You can shoot at paper targets, clay pigeons, and even moving targets. This is a great way to learn about gun safety and practice your shooting skills. There are also many different gun ranges for any skill level.

Before you go to the Angeles National Forest, make sure you have a valid California ID and a gun permit. For enthusiasts, adding some accessories and build kits for guns will make your experience even better.

Air guns are another great method for target shooting, perfect for plinking in the outdoors. Other popular target-shooting spots in California include:

• The Chino Hills State Park – This is a great place for beginner shooters.
• The Prado Olympic Shooting Park – This is a popular spot for competitive shooters.
• The Burro Canyon Shooting Range – This is a great place for both novice and experienced shooters.

Enjoy California’s Best Outdoor Adventures

So there you have it – thirteen outdoor adventures to try in California. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful experience or an adrenaline-pumping adventure, there’s something on this list for you. So, get out there and explore all that California has to offer.