California adventures slowed down

California's softer side of adventure pairs the outdoors with a more relaxed pace, from gentle trails and horseback rides to kayaking, wildlife encounters and scenic coastal walks. These experiences make it easy to connect with nature without the intensity.

North Coast

 

Ukiah makes the outdoors accessible

 

Ukiah offers an approachable way to get outside through the work of the Ukiah Valley Trail Group, a grassroots organization focused on making local recreation accessible to everyone. Five mapped city walks lead through Ukiah and its surrounding hills, giving visitors options for easy walks without extensive planning or equipment. 

 

Willits rides into a redwood circus

 

From Sept. 11-27, the historic Skunk Train will carry passengers from Willits through the Mendocino County Redwoods to a live Flynn Creek Circus performance in the forest. The outing combines scenic rail travel with acrobatics, comedy, and theatrical performance, offering an outdoor experience without a strenuous hike.

 

AutoCamp Sonoma slows down among redwoods

 

Set among towering redwoods, AutoCamp Sonoma combines Airstream accommodations with a 2,300 sq ft. Clubhouse, indoor-outdoor pavilion and communal fire pit. Guests can walk among thousand-year-old redwoods, taste local wine or kayak the Russian River with Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve and Johnson's Beach nearby. 

 

Mendocino pairs coastal adventure with downtime

 

The 44-room Hill House at Trailborn Mendocino overlooks Mendocino Village and the coastal bluffs, providing a base for low-key North Coast adventures. Walk the bluff trails at Mendocino Headlands State Park, horseback ride, visit wineries or forest bath beneath the redwoods. Hotel amenities include yoga, complimentary bikes and the “Murder, She Wrote”- inspired Cabot Cove Detective Library.

 

Healdsburg goes local at h2hotel

 

Steps from Healdsburg Plaza, eco-conscious h2hotel puts tasting rooms, restaurants and boutiques within walking distance while offering experiences centered on local agriculture and sustainability. Its Farmers' Market Taste + Tour includes a guided market walk, seasonal tastings and market credit. The “Living” Room package replaces cut flowers with locally grown plants displayed in the guestroom, with the option to take one home.

San Francisco Bay Area

 

Napa Valley trades adrenaline for wellness

 

The Meritage Resort & Spa takes a gentler approach with vineyard walking trails and a 1.5-mile Vineyard Yoga Hike ending in open-air yoga. Monthly Moonlight in the Vines gatherings add guided breathwork, sound meditation and restorative practices beneath the full moon. Guests can finish 40 ft. underground at the 22,000 sq ft. Spa Terra, located inside the resort's Estate Cave.

Costanoa brings a gentler coastal pace

 

Set between the Pacific Ocean and Santa Cruz Mountains, Costanoa surrounds guests with redwood groves, meadows and coastal scenery. Certified guides lead beginner-friendly Forest Therapy walks focused on slow movement, breathing and sensory connection. Don’t forget the property's hiking trails or to dine at Cascade Restaurant & Bar and the Pine Tent.

 

Timber Cove balances coast & recovery

 

Timber Cove Resort offers trails along the Sonoma Coast, beach access, and guided Coastal Foraging Excursions covering local plants, wildlife, geology and history. Slower options include stargazing, oceanside picnics, forest bathing, redwood hikes and fireside games in the Outdoor Living Room. Its Reset + Restore wellness experience adds an ocean-view suite with recovery equipment, a rock sauna and cold plunge.

 

Petaluma turns wetlands into a birding escape

 

Shollenberger Park is a free, 165-acre wetland preserve in Petaluma with a flat, accessible two-mile loop and habitat supporting more than 230 bird species. A one-mile connector links the park with Alman Marsh and Petaluma Marina, while free docent-led bird and nature walks are offered on select Saturdays from Oct. through June. Designated a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance, the park also supports threatened wildlife and long-running citizen-science bird surveys.

San Francisco takes adventure to the Presidio

 

The Presidio offers accessible ways to enjoy San Francisco outdoors, including the level Golden Gate Promenade at Crissy Field, the one-mile Main Post History Loop and a short route through Presidio Tunnel Tops. Visitors can add beaches, birdwatching, picnic lawns, the Outpost nature playground and Andy Goldsworthy art installations. Lodge at the Presidio and Inn at the Presidio provide nearby accommodations with complimentary breakfast, evening wine and cheese and easy access to trails and Golden Gate views.

 

Gold Country 

Auburn rewards an easy trail day

 

Near Auburn, Hidden Falls Regional Park has 30 miles of multi-use trails through oak woodlands and seasonal waterfall landscapes for hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians. Interpretive panels cover the area's natural and Gold Rush history, while lookout points provide foothill views without requiring technical outdoor skills. Its location near Placer County's Wine and Ale Trails makes it easy to pair a morning outdoors with an afternoon tasting.

 

Ione coasts through Gold Country

 

Rail Explorers, just outside Iones, takes visitors through the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains aboard railbikes equipped with electric-assist motors. The route changes with the seasons, from spring wildflowers and grasses to summer's golden hills, before reaching the Sunnybrook Turnaround above the historic 1863 Newton Copper Mine. 

 

Rancho Cordova saddles up gently

 

Shadow Glen Riding Stables in Rancho Cordova offers guided horseback rides along the American River and near the historic Pony Express route. Gentle horses and instructors make the outings approachable for riders with a range of backgrounds, body types and experience levels.

 

High Sierra 

Lake Tahoe takes adventure at an easy pace

 

South Lake Tahoe offers more than 200 miles of trails and 22 miles of beaches, plus beginner-friendly kayaking, Taylor Creek walks and guided plant-foraging excursions. In North Lake Tahoe, Granlibakken Tahoe spans 74 forested acres with a nature walk, forest bathing, yoga and a treetop course. Together, they offer approachable ways to enjoy Lake Tahoe's mountains, forests and water at a relaxed pace.

 

Mammoth makes alpine adventure easy

 

Limelight Mammoth sits steps from the Village Gondola and offers seasonal paddleboarding, stargazing, a pool and hot tub, while Outbound Mammoth provides Oru Kayaks and YETI gear for lake outings alongside a pool, sauna and communal fire pits. Both properties are pet-friendly and offer plenty of ways to unwind after time outdoors.

 

Hope Valley turns dark skies into the main event

 

Desolation Hotel Hope Valley combines cabins, yurts and camping and RV accommodations in one of California's least-populated counties. Its high elevation and distance from major cities create low light pollution and strong conditions for stargazing, including views of major constellations and seasonal meteor showers.

 

AutoCamp brings Yosemite & Sequoia within reach

 

AutoCamp Yosemite sits 45 minutes from Yosemite Valley, while AutoCamp Sequoia is along the Kaweah River just 15 minutes from Sequoia National Park. Both offer Airstream and cabin accommodations, Clubhouses, fire pits and yoga, while Yosemite adds horseback riding, wine tasting and a heated pool. Sequoia offers river access, local beer and wine and on-site dining for a relaxed stay near the park.

Central Valley

 

Butte County keeps trails & lakes relaxed

 

Butte County offers low-intensity outdoor recreation through parks, lakes and shaded trails. Chico's Bidwell Park features miles of paved, relatively flat routes along Big Chico Creek, while the Lake Oroville Brad Freeman Trail provides scenic lake views. At the Forebay Aquatic Center, calm water kayak and paddleboard launches offer another easy way to get outside.

 

Knights Ferry moves at river speed

 

Near Modesto, Knights Ferry offers an easygoing outing along the Stanislaus River, including a walk across the longest covered bridge west of the Mississippi. Visitors can birdwatch, picnic or fly-fish with spring wildflowers and early-November salmon spawning adding seasonal interest.

Central Coast

 

Pismo beach makes coastal miles mellow

 

The Pismo Monarch Trail provides a flat, one-mile walk leading to the area's overwintering monarch butterflies, with route medallions marking the way. In the opposite direction, the Pismo-to-Shell Beach e-bike route follows dedicated bike lanes past clifftop parks and ocean views.

 

Hotel Pacific opens up Monterey's coast

 

Located in downtown Monterey near Fisherman's Wharf, Hotel Pacific puts guests steps from the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail, an 18-mile paved route connecting beaches, parks, Cannery Row and the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Guests can walk or bike the waterfront while taking in Pacific views and spotting sea lions and sea otters, then explore Monterey's historic adobe district, local wine and seafood without relying on a car.

 

Santa Maria takes the scenic route

 

Presqu'ile Winery leads beginner-friendly rides across its estate followed by a seasonal tasting menu from Estate Chef Julie Simon paired with Presqu'ile wines. Los Flores Ranch Park offers hiking, biking and horseback trails with vineyard, valley, and occasional ocean views. Free guided nature walks, docent tours and self-guided routes give families and beginners additional ways to enjoy the landscape.

 

Oso Flaco leads straight to the pacific

 

The Oso Flaco Lake Trail is a flat, 2.1-mile route through the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes complex and alongside a 75-acre freshwater lake. More than 200 bird species use the surrounding habitat, and the trail is wheelchair accessible to the lake overlook. 

  

Gilroy Gardens lets nature lead the day

 

Gilroy Gardens centers its attractions around six themed gardens and more than 10,000 trees, including its well-known Circus Trees. Visitors can wander Claudia's Garden, step inside the 60-ft. tall Monarch Garden greenhouse, paddle Coyote Lake or walk through Bonfante Falls. The nonprofit park combines family attractions with its mission of teaching children and families about trees and the natural world.

Los Angeles County

 

West Hollywood takes art into the streets

 

On Oct. 3, the free West Hollywood Design District ArtWalk will turn parts of the city into a self-guided route through galleries, boutiques, ateliers and design showrooms. From 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., visitors will see new exhibits and fashion installations alongside live DJs, light bites and specialty cocktails.
 

Santa Monica lets the coast set the pace

 

Santa Monica offers easygoing outdoor time through the Santa Monica Pier and the 22-mile Marvin Braude Bike Trail. Visitors can stroll the pier, take in Pacific views and visit Pacific Park, or walk and cycle sections of the coastal trail at their own pace. 

  

San Pedro builds a new waterfront playground

 

West Harbor is redeveloping the former Ports O' Call Village into a 42-acre waterfront destination along San Pedro's harbor. Plans and attractions include a waterfront promenade, a 175-foot Sky Wheel, a 6,200-seat amphitheater, tall-ship outings, bike rentals, cruises and an expanding mix of restaurants and immersive art. The project brings entertainment, dining and maritime experiences together in one walkable coastal district.

 

Pasadena finds calm in The Huntington

 

The Huntington in Pasadena offers 16 themed gardens filled with winding paths, shaded retreats, lawns and diverse plant collections. Visitors can walk at their own pace, relax on benches or spend time outdoors with friends and family.

Orange County

 

Monarch Beach makes the coast easy to navigate

 

Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach connects guests directly to coastal trails and offers complimentary bikes for exploring at an easy pace. Through RunGo, visitors can also follow audio-guided walking, running and biking routes around Monarch Beach and Dana Point. The Beach Club and Duffy boat rides provide even slower ways to spend time by the water.

 

The Ranch at Laguna Beach balances wilderness with ease

 

The Ranch at Laguna Beach provides a convenient base with nearby hiking access, a nine-hole golf course, outdoor yoga, and a half-acre farm. Guests can move between trails, tide pools, golf and farm activities without building the day around strenuous adventure.

 

Dana Point brings the coast within reach

 

Dana Point combines easy Headlands trails, six beaches and bike-friendly routes with seasonal kayak tours and tide-pool hikes from the Ocean Institute. Its Whale and Marine Life Tour offers naturalist-led opportunities to spot marine life and seabirds while learning about the local ecosystem, with Ocean Institute admission included. Dana Wharf adds sportfishing and whale-watching excursions for more ways to experience the coast and marine life.

 

Balboa Bay Resort takes Newport onto the water

 

Balboa Bay Resort offers several ways to experience Newport Harbor by boat, from private Duffy electric boats to the resort's 42-foot Sea Ray, “Host of the Coast.” Through Newport Star Cruises, larger groups can also charter the 100-ft “Royal Princess” or 128-ft “Ambassador.” Cruises can be customized with food and beverage service from the resort's culinary team.

 

Irvine keeps outdoor time light & varied

 

Irvine offers several ways to enjoy nature without a demanding itinerary, from trails and rolling hills within the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks to open space at the Great Park. Visitors can ride the Great Park Balloon for OC views or head to Tanaka Farms for wagon rides, seasonal picking and farm-based activities.

Inland Empire

 

Big Bear lets the mountain set the pace

 

In Big Bear, visitors can ride the Scenic Sky Chair to 8,200 ft., walk or bike the paved Alpine Pedal Path along the lake, paddle beneath pine-covered peaks or take a scenic lake cruise. Starlight Equestrian Ranch adds horseback trail rides for an easygoing way to experience the mountain landscape.

 

Murrieta pairs outdoors with hot springs

 

Murrieta combines gentle outdoor recreation with built-in opportunities to recharge. Visitors can hike the Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve, golf, ride horseback through nearby Temecula Valley or head to Lake Elsinore for kayaking and paddleboarding. Back in Murrieta, Murrieta Hot Springs Resort offers geothermal soaking and wellness experiences to wind down after a day outside.

Deserts

 

Palm Springs takes desert adventure higher

 

Triada Palm Springs provides a base for easy desert recreation, from nearby Indian Canyons trails to the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. The world's largest rotating tramcar climbs more than 6,000 ft to Mt. San Jacinto State Park, where visitors can follow trails, see more than 100 bird species or enjoy winter snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

 

San Diego County

 

Encinitas finds nature & calm

 

Encinitas pairs the San Diego Botanic Garden with trails, 29 themed gardens and more than 5,000 plant varieties with the Self-Realization Fellowship Meditation Gardens. Established by Paramahansa Yogananda in the 1920s, the free gardens feature landscaped paths, koi ponds and Pacific views.

 

Oceanside takes adventure at an easy pace

 

Oceanside combines naturalist-led whale-watching with low-key recreation including golf at Goat Hill Park, Duffy boat rentals and birdwatching at Guajome Regional Park. Visitors can also walk or bike the Strand and San Luis Rey Bike Trail, while Visit San Diego makes whale watching exciting for families with its Kids Cruise Free promotion with San Diego Whale Watch from Oct.1 to Nov. 15, 2026.

 

Imperial Beach keeps the coast uncomplicated

 

Steps from Imperial Beach Pier, Pier South Resort provides easy access to beach walks, boardwalk bike rides and Pacific views from its rooftop pool and lounge. Nearby, guests can birdwatch at the Tijuana River Estuary or paddleboard along the coast, with downtown San Diego and Coronado also within easy reach.

 

Estancia La Jolla turns gardens Into the adventure

 

Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa offers a self-guided botanical tour across 10 acres of landscaped gardens using maps and QR codes. Paths wind among native plants, colorful blooms, locally commissioned murals and the resort's signature Wishing Tree for an easy outdoor experience without leaving the property.

 

San Diego resorts slow down by the water

 

Kona Kai San Diego pairs bikes, a private beach, bonfires and coastal picnics with Shelter Island views, while San Diego Mission Bay Resort offers beach access, a car-free promenade, garden tours and bayside s'mores. L'Auberge Del Mar adds a private path to 15th Street Beach, beach gear, e-bikes and seaside yoga. Fairmont Grand Del Mar combines Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve, horseback riding, golf and nearby beaches with fall 2026 wine dinners featuring Chateau Montelena regional growers and Opus One.

 

Bike the Coast rolls through San Diego

 

Bike the Coast offers routes from seven to 100 miles, allowing cyclists of varying abilities to ride through San Diego County's beach communities at their own pace. Family routes follow the San Luis Rey River Trail, while longer courses connect Oceanside, Carlsbad, Encinitas, Solana Beach and Del Mar, with support stops provided along the way.