By Nicole Kliest Entertainment 01.03.2024

The Best Outdoor Activities in California for a Wholesome Weekend

From hiking nature trails to must-visit flea markets, these activities are worth getting out of bed for.

With its 1,100-mile Pacific coastline, ancient forests, and staggering mountain ranges, California is a state of multitudes. It’s a well-known and much-recited fact that you could begin your day skiing in powdery snow and end it with a balmy dip in the ocean – it’s that diverse! (And accessible!) Because of this, finding an outdoor activity to soak in the state’s natural wonders is all too easy.

While some of the best outdoor activities might require a bit of athleticism (ever hiked the Pacific Crest Trail?), other outings are as leisurely as ever, from fishing and foraging to wine tasting and beyond.

Ahead, dive into our list of how to get the most out of The Golden State while basking in the great outdoors.

1. Catch some waves

From towering faces at Mavericks to legendary breaks in Malibu, California surf spots abound, ranging from swells that are well-suited for beginners and seasoned surfers alike. If you’re looking for a scenic destination to take lessons, head for iconic cities like Ventura, Santa Barbara, and Huntington Beach.

2. Visit a national park

Fun fact: California has the most national parks out of any other state in the country (nine, to be exact). If you’re looking for legendary trails and vistas, consider Yosemite or the Redwoods. In search of something truly unique? Joshua Tree is just the place. Or perhaps you’re hoping for a day by the sea? Take a ferry out to the Channel Islands, of course. When it comes to California national parks, there are no bad options.

3. Peruse a flea market

Is there anything more rewarding than hunting down a vintage or antique accent for your home? In California, opportunities to enjoy an outdoor ‘treasure hunt’ are all around, from Pasadena’s legendary Rose Bowl Flea Market to the Long Beach Antique Market. Remember: bring sunscreen, cash, and an open mind!

4. Go foraging in nature

There’s a certain kind of thrill that comes from venturing into nature and foraging edible florals and plants to craft into a meal at home. If you’re new to the activity, consider signing up for a class through your community or a hotel concierge service. Or, if you’re comfortable spotting blossoms and leaves that can be safely consumed, head out into nearby forests or woodlands where foraging is permitted to enjoy a meditative day outside.

5. Book a camping trip

Falling asleep to the gentle sounds of crickets and waking up surrounded by birdsong are two of countless reasons why camping is an outdoor activity everyone should take part in (at least once!). If you’re new to sleeping outside, keep it simple with a campground that allows cars to be parked near your tent. Feeling more adventurous? Pack your things up into a backpack and set off into the woods for a few days of backcountry camping.

6. Find a fishing spot

Whether you’re deep sea fishing or taking a small rowboat onto a pond, fishing is a peaceful outdoor activity that hits its stride in California. If you don’t intend to cook your fish, search for locations that are especially well-suited for catch and release, and brush up on the guidelines to help protect wildlife.

7. Shop the farmers market

Cheese! Flowers! Veggies! A day at the farmers market is always a fulfilling experience. And because California’s agricultural scene is so rich, there’s always plenty of fresh finds to choose from. The Marin County Farmers Market is one of the most beloved in the state, open year round rain or shine and with live music by local musicians. If you’re further south, the Santa Monica Farmers' Market is always a great spot for delicious fruits and veggies and people-watching.

8. Take a coastal hike

Hiking is one of the best ways to break a sweat and get outdoors in California, but what makes the nature trails in the state especially unique are those situated by the coastline. As mentioned, California runs over a thousand miles long, meaning there are countless hikes that wind visitors along its rugged cliffs and sandy stretches.

9. Enjoy a wine tasting

If you’re even remotely interested in wine then you’re already aware that California is one of the best regions in the states– nay – the world for wine. And while Napa Valley may be the most well-known, there are plenty of other wine regions scattered throughout the state for enjoying a day by the vineyards. Need a few ideas? There’s Temecula in the south, Paso Robles and Santa Barbara in Central California, and Sonoma, Napa, and Mendocino in the north – all great picks.

10. Adventure onto a cycling trail

Let the smell of salty ocean air whip by as you cycle down a rustic dirt path – it’s one of the most quintessential California feelings there is. Or perhaps you’d rather head inland and zip around Solvang’s beloved wine country bike path? Thanks to the state’s immense diversity, bicyclists can enjoy a wide range of landscapes to adventure upon.

11. Explore a ghost town

California’s Gold Rush in the mid-1800s led to rapid establishment of mining towns, which were swiftly abandoned once resources were depleted. The result? Ghost towns! From settlements along trade routes to railroad outposts, these well-preserved areas are as fascinating as they are eery. One of the best ghost towns to visit is Bodie, now a state historic park and located in Mono County about 75 miles southeast of Lake Tahoe.