Calling all Southern California “Weekend Sherpas”: Are you ready for the 2014 Weekend Sherpa Adventure Challenge? Here’s a little inspiration to get you outdoors and exploring!
That Dam Hike: It’s an adventurous 4-mile (round-trip) hike to reach Rindge Dam in Malibu Creek State Park, and the payoff is great—a clear green pool and outstanding views of jagged peaks and sheer cliffs.
We’ll Never Be Royals? Wrong! Not all regal oceanfront-dining spots are reserved for Hollywood’s A-list. The Royal Palms County Beach in San Pedro is an uncrowded, double-crescent beach where you’ll find a sublime picnic spot just a few feet from the pounding waves.
Flash Mob: It’s the flashiest show this side of the Oscars and it’s on a limited run this summer. Meet the Grunion this Saturday night (June 14), when hundreds of silvery fish make a sparkling nighttime lunge onto Cabrillo Beach.
Seaside Cycle: Stretching along Ventura’s oceanfront, the Omer Rains Trail packs plenty of coastal scenery, starting at San Buenaventura State Beach and featuring one of the oldest and longest piers on the West Coast.
Been There, Dome That: You need a permit to hike Yosemite’s Half Dome, not to mention plenty of time to make the trek. There's no permit required to tackle the park’s shorter yet still challenging Lembert Dome.
BONUS: Do the 2014 Weekend Sherpa Adventure Challenge and get a cool T-shirt, a limited-edition sticker, and a chance to win a trip to Mexico via Alaska Airlines!
Your Next Great(est) Escape
There’s a reason it’s called Super, Natural British Columbia. Outdoor adventures in B.C. are purely awesome, with some of the last great wilderness in the world for hiking, biking, water activities, and rare wildlife viewing. Whether you go for a long weekend, or opt for longer (recommended!), this could be your next great(est) vacation.
Hiking: Do like the locals and hike the legendary Grouse Grind (just minutes from Vancouver)—a thigh-burning climb to breathtaking vistas of the city and surrounding peaks. Or head east to the Kootenays and hike Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park, a remote wilderness backpacker’s dream, with its soaring glacier-clad peaks, turquoise lakes, and alpine meadows.
Biking: British Columbia is consistently ranked by magazines as one of the top mountain biking destinations on the planet. Thrill-seekers will relish the Seven Summit Trail in the heart of Rossland, BC.
Water Adventures: Golden islands and teal colored coves … British Columbia is an oasis haven. To really get remote and wild, break for Tofino on Vancouver Island—one of the world’s best surfing destinations. Grab a wetsuit, a board, and catch the next swell!
Wild Things: Whale watching tours practically guarantee magical moments. Embark on one from May to October and marvel at orcas, Pacific grays, minke whales, and humpbacks. Always wanted to see a bear in its natural habitat? Whistler and Blackcomb mountains are home to 50 black bears and cubs.
TIP: Find more ideas, information, and inspiration (including travel deals!) for your British Columbia vacation at HelloBC.com.