Looking for a new destination for you and your most outdoorsy friends or family to enjoy this weekend? We’ve got the perfect places for you to go and appreciate all that Southern California nature has to offer. There is so much to love about our gorgeous area, and it’s all right outside our door. Enjoy these natural wonders!
- Eaton Canyon Falls- Altadena
Person-with-no-name/Flickr Eaton Canyon is a classic Los Angeles hike. All the locals will know about this famous waterfall and wading pool, and when you experience it for yourself, you’ll see why it’s so well-known! It’s a beautiful location that’s often filled with people, so it makes for a fun, social afternoon hike. The walk is not too difficult, so it will be appropriate for most hikers. Eaton Canyon’s natural beauty is lovely, so make sure you check it out.
Learn more about Eaton Canyon. Eaton Canyon Falls Trail, Altadena, CA, USA
- Paradise Falls- Thousand Oaks
Alex Mladenovic/Flickr Paradise Falls is so beautiful you won’t even believe it’s real! The area in Thousand Oaks is scenic and wonderful. You’ll be entranced the whole time you’re on this hike, especially once you reach the waterfall and pool. This is one natural wonder you’ll remember for years to come.
Read more about Paradise Falls. Paradise Falls, 928 West Avenida De Los Arboles, Wildwood Regional Park, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360, USA
- Mount San Antonio/Mt. Baldy- San Gabriel
Jinxi Caddel/Flickr Known to those who frequent the area as Mt. Baldy, Mount San Antonio has a challenging 11-mile loop that is for experienced hikers only. It’s an incredible experience, but make sure everyone in your group is prepared. When you’re ready, it’s a really special experience. If you find yourself getting tired, you can take the ski lift to adjust your altitude lower and continue on the trail. Mount Baldy has gorgeous scenery to admire the whole way, and if you make it to the breathtaking summit, you’ll feel a special sense of pride.
Check out more about hiking Mt. Baldy. Mount Baldy, Mt Baldy, CA 91759, USA
- Big Bear Lake- San Bernardino National Forest
Karon Elliott Edleson/Flickr Big Bear Lake is an extraordinary spot in Southern California. Not only is a gorgeous spot in the summertime, but it’s a place to experience snow! You can have a winter wonderland trip in the colder months and go right back to the temperate cities. Be sure to take some peaceful moments to enjoy the placid water while the sun goes down.
Learn more about Big Bear Lake. Big Bear Lake, CA, USA
- Joshua Tree National Park
Pedro Szekely/Flickr Joshua Tree is famous for its unique protected trees, for which the national park is named, and its giant boulders. If you love climbing up onto rocks and being able to see for miles around you, you will have a great time here. Joshua Tree has excellent hiking, and you can learn a lot about the delicate ecosystem. It’s the perfect place to teach kids about the wonders of nature!
Find out more about Joshua Tree National Park. Joshua Tree National Park, California, USA
- Angeles National Forest
Tsoleau/Flickr Angeles National Forest is the best place to go if you need a break from the hustle and bustle of LA life. Take a nice, long hike and enjoy being surrounded by trees and greenery! You’ll see stunning vistas at numerous points. Two of the best hikes from which to appreciate the view are Switzer Falls Trail and The Blue Ridge Trail.
Learn more about the Blue Ridge Trail in Angeles National Forest. Angeles National Forest, California 91042, USA
- Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Photos by Clark/Flickr Anza Borrego Desert State Park is a classic destination for those who love the outdoors in Southern California. Its arid atmosphere is host to an incredible array of flora and fauna, and it’s all found within about a 2 hour drive from San Diego. You can also check out the town of Borrego Springs for some unique art, including giant sculptures that you’ll be glad you went to see.
See more about Anza Borrego Desert State Park. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, 200 Palm Canyon Dr, Borrego Springs, CA 92004, USA
Whether you’re a fan of the desert, water features, or anything in between, you will find amazing natural wonders that you’ll want to keep coming back to visit. Take a hike, go camping, or just gaze in awe of Mother Nature. What’s your favorite place on this list?
Person-with-no-name/Flickr
Eaton Canyon is a classic Los Angeles hike. All the locals will know about this famous waterfall and wading pool, and when you experience it for yourself, you’ll see why it’s so well-known! It’s a beautiful location that’s often filled with people, so it makes for a fun, social afternoon hike. The walk is not too difficult, so it will be appropriate for most hikers. Eaton Canyon’s natural beauty is lovely, so make sure you check it out.
Learn more about Eaton Canyon.
Eaton Canyon Falls Trail, Altadena, CA, USA
Alex Mladenovic/Flickr
Paradise Falls is so beautiful you won’t even believe it’s real! The area in Thousand Oaks is scenic and wonderful. You’ll be entranced the whole time you’re on this hike, especially once you reach the waterfall and pool. This is one natural wonder you’ll remember for years to come.
Read more about Paradise Falls.
Paradise Falls, 928 West Avenida De Los Arboles, Wildwood Regional Park, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360, USA
Jinxi Caddel/Flickr
Known to those who frequent the area as Mt. Baldy, Mount San Antonio has a challenging 11-mile loop that is for experienced hikers only. It’s an incredible experience, but make sure everyone in your group is prepared. When you’re ready, it’s a really special experience. If you find yourself getting tired, you can take the ski lift to adjust your altitude lower and continue on the trail. Mount Baldy has gorgeous scenery to admire the whole way, and if you make it to the breathtaking summit, you’ll feel a special sense of pride.
Check out more about hiking Mt. Baldy.
Mount Baldy, Mt Baldy, CA 91759, USA
Karon Elliott Edleson/Flickr
Big Bear Lake is an extraordinary spot in Southern California. Not only is a gorgeous spot in the summertime, but it’s a place to experience snow! You can have a winter wonderland trip in the colder months and go right back to the temperate cities. Be sure to take some peaceful moments to enjoy the placid water while the sun goes down.
Learn more about Big Bear Lake.
Big Bear Lake, CA, USA
Pedro Szekely/Flickr
Joshua Tree is famous for its unique protected trees, for which the national park is named, and its giant boulders. If you love climbing up onto rocks and being able to see for miles around you, you will have a great time here. Joshua Tree has excellent hiking, and you can learn a lot about the delicate ecosystem. It’s the perfect place to teach kids about the wonders of nature!
Find out more about Joshua Tree National Park.
Joshua Tree National Park, California, USA
Tsoleau/Flickr
Angeles National Forest is the best place to go if you need a break from the hustle and bustle of LA life. Take a nice, long hike and enjoy being surrounded by trees and greenery! You’ll see stunning vistas at numerous points. Two of the best hikes from which to appreciate the view are Switzer Falls Trail and The Blue Ridge Trail.
Learn more about the Blue Ridge Trail in Angeles National Forest.
Angeles National Forest, California 91042, USA
Photos by Clark/Flickr
Anza Borrego Desert State Park is a classic destination for those who love the outdoors in Southern California. Its arid atmosphere is host to an incredible array of flora and fauna, and it’s all found within about a 2 hour drive from San Diego. You can also check out the town of Borrego Springs for some unique art, including giant sculptures that you’ll be glad you went to see.
See more about Anza Borrego Desert State Park.
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, 200 Palm Canyon Dr, Borrego Springs, CA 92004, USA
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