CA.SUMMER SPORTS
CLIMBING in Southern California, above; surfing a big wave in La Jolla, right.
bordering lakes and the ocean. Catalina Island and the kelp forests of Monterey Bay are popular diving spots, but be sure to wear a wetsuit in the chilly Pacific waters. Surf breaks range from 50-foot
Moving inland, gentle streams and scat-
A trip to the bubbling volcanic pools at
monster waves in Half Moon Bay to more
tered lakes provide fertile sport-fishing
Lassen Volcanic National Park or to the Dr.
gentle rollers around Manhattan Beach.
grounds, while melting mountain snow
Seuss-like trees of Joshua Tree can make
Marinas dot the coast from north to south,
can create raging rapids for kayaking and
visitors feel they’re on another planet,
where experienced sailors can rent power
rafting enthusiasts, but those looking for a
while sunset in Yosemite Valley with views
yachts for deep-sea fishing or sailboats to
gentle river float on an inner tube with a
of towering waterfalls can make you feel
ride the winds.
beer cooler can still find their spots.
like you’re in heaven.
»
FIND YOUR FUN
Boating is popular with waterskiers and
California’s many mountains mean
wakeboarders across the Sacramento Delta
climbing is a popular activity, be it a hike
and at a huge number of marinas on lakes
up 14,505-foot Mount Whitney (the highest
and reservoirs throughout the state.
point in the continental U.S.) or technical
Biking bikecal.com labikepaths.com sfbike.org
extreme in legendary areas such as
California boasts 32 national parks,
Yosemite, Joshua Tree and Pinnacles
seashores and monuments, 279 state parks
national parks.
and a plethora of wilderness areas, nature
California’s state flag features a bear,
Boating dbw.ca.gov
preserves and other outdoor playgrounds.
and you may see some among the wildlife
With landscapes ranging from the sheer
during your outdoor journeys. Black bears,
Climbing rockclimbing.com/routes/North_America /United_States/California rockclimbing.org
cliffs of Yosemite to the searing deserts of
mountain lions, rattlesnakes and coyotes
Death Valley and the scenic shorelines of
put the “wild” in California wildlife, but
the Channel Islands, California offers a
careful visitors should have no problem
lifetime of outdoor opportunities for the
with them. Abundant migratory and native
Disc Golf pdga.com
visitor. Exploration options range from
birdlife makes California a prime birding
multi-day backpacking trips for the hardy
destination, while at sea, whale watching
Horseback Riding horseandtravel.com /states/california
in remote areas such as Lake Tahoe’s Des-
is a perennial tourist favorite. Even
olation Wilderness to relaxed hour-long
without an organized tour, visitors can
walking tours through the gentle winding
walk to view sea lions on San Francisco
paths of Muir Woods, easily accessible
and Santa Cruz piers, and observe sea
from nearby San Francisco.
otters playing in the surf at Monterey.
Surfing surfline.com/travel surfingcalifornia.com
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T R AV E L G U I D E T O C A L I F O R N I A
JOSHUA RAINEY PHOTOGRAPHY/SHUTTERSTOCK; KAT CARNEY/SHUTTERSTOCK
rock climbing routes from the easy to the
The Great Outdoors