Rock Climbing, California

Nicolette and I decided we needed a weekend away. We decided one of our days was going to be spent at Big Basin State Park. I had seen a friend's Instagram story and decided I had to make my way out to the forest. We knew the hike was long, but we read in a few different places that it was prett...

A drive “over the hill” takes you from the hustle and bustle of Silicon Valley to the lively coastal city of Santa Cruz, lined with forested mountains and surf-ready beaches. With my Gerber Gear ComplEAT Camp Cook Collection in tow, I headed through the windy Highway 17 for an overnight trip. Da...

There's nothing like a great meal after a day of exploration, am I right? Something about being out in nature makes the food taste richer, the beers more refreshing, and calling for seconds on dessert less embarrassing. Or maybe it's just me on that last one. Santa Cruz, on California's Central C...

We can’t get enough of Santa Cruz — this mellow beach town has everything you need to make for a jam-packed weekend of outdoor adventure. There’s killer surf — for beginners and experts alike — memorable hikes, mountain bike trails, and oh yeah, a glut of microbreweries where you can reward your ...

From coastal campgrounds to elegant digs surrounded by towering redwoods, this laid-back central California city has it all. Dreaming of life on the coast? This spring, Visit Santa Cruz County is giving away a two night, three day stay in Santa Cruz. The winner will receive a stay in a two-bedroo...

Sunny beaches, trails winding through old-growth forests, refreshing rivers, and picturesque coastline — Santa Cruz has it all. Whether you’re into adventures on land or on the sea, this hip city on California’s central coast delivers. Travel Tips Best Time to Visit: Year-round Weather: Average t...

1. Sea Lions at the Santa Cruz Wharf The California sea lion population has tripled in the past 40 years, and the Santa Cruz Wharf, built in 1914, is a common resting spot for these gorgeous pinnipeds. Park anywhere on the wharf (first 30 minutes are free, then there's a small fee) then walk out...

Stay Fresh The upside to modern adventuring is that almost everything can be found in preserved form. The downside of modern adventuring is the same. Grocery stores and outdoor retailers abound in assortments of dehydrated meals and quick foods that can be carried nearly everywhere without refrig...

Ah, San Francisco. What a beautiful place to live, right? The Bay Area is the perfect combination of thriving city life and immediate access to world-class outdoor adventures. Of course, the whole thriving urban thing means that once in awhile, you need to escape the hustle and bustle, get the he...

If you live near the San Francisco Bay Area, you may have noticed just a little bit of rain recently. And by a little bit, we mean a whole lot. While rainy days aren't the most inspiring for lacing up your hiking boots, the good news is that all these rainy days mean when you do finally get out a...

The Bay Area is home to some of the best food, drink, and adventure on the West Coast and while it'd be hard not to find a great trail to tavern combo on your adventure in the Bay, we've made it easy on you. These are some of the best places to play and refuel across the whole area. Explore the ...

Between the sunny weather, sweeping coastal views, and distinguished national monuments, finding a perfect camping location in the San Francisco Bay Area is effortless. Enjoy some foggy coastal campgrounds with barking seals, wake up surrounded by Redwoods, or drive inland for spectacular landsca...

In our current situation, outdoor adventures have taken a backseat as we work together to flatten the curve of COVID-19. If you are like me, you’re longing to get back out there. With that I was thinking of what else I can do during this time indoors to keep my creativity and outdoor passions eng...

1. Big Sur - 3 hrs The crown jewel of the California coast, Big Sur's dramatic coastlines hold a bevy of adventures. Popular spots include the Bixby Canyon Bridge (I'm sure you've seen photos) and Pfieffer Big Sur State Park. Even if you don't have a ton of time for side-hikes, it's one of the mo...

It’s hard to beat warm, tasty, authentic steak tacos after a day crushing some climbs in a national park. As a typical “weekend warrior” I try to maximize my time doing the things I love to make full use of my days outside. This often means coming back to camp dirty, exhausted and starving, and t...

Like John Muir said, "Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul alike.” From rock climbing and beach chillin' on the Pacific Coast, to hiking in redwood groves and trail running through the Marin Headlands, Sa...