Long associated with the wine trails of the Napa and Sonoma valleys, California now charts adventure travel as its newest path to explore all that it has to offer. You can hike, bike, ski, and sail your way through the county’s hotspots (without it being a sufferfest!) and find new ways to replace more traditional avenues of discovery. Top it off with fresh snow like the finishing touch of a master chef, and throw in some classic luxuries, and California becomes a feast for the adventure-hungry traveller.
An increasingly popular way to explore the sights and geography of this undulating cityscape, e-biking through San Francisco allows you to navigate this classic destination without the strain of a regular bicycle. The electric assist allows riders to move smoothly with push-pedal assist buttons on the handlebars, helping you climb the city's famous steep streets easily. Increasingly popular, you can rent an e-bike or join a guided tour to explore neighbourhoods such as the Mission, North Beach, and the Marina while maintaining a consistent pace, all while checking out San Francisco’s iconic architecture and landmarks like the Golden Gate. Explore legendary neighbourhoods like Japantown, go through forest trails, or stop for photo-ops in places you’d otherwise have to think twice about parking—many routes include dedicated bike lanes and car-free paths, offering flexibility to stop frequently.
(Tours start at around USD 100 per person; visit sfbiketours.com for more information.)
It’s hard to pick and choose from all that ‘SFO’ has to offer, but chasing the sunset on a sailboat has got to be high on that list. After a safety briefing by the captain or team, boats take off on most clear days with consistent wind patterns and strong currents. Oftentimes, sailing here is not a passive experience; you are encouraged to observe the crew, ask questions, learn navigation, and be requested to volunteer for small tasks like helping hoist the mast. Routes commonly pass major landmarks such as Alcatraz and Angel Island, taking you close to the Golden Gate Bridge and giving you a perspective on the bay’s scale and shoreline infrastructure. If you look closely, you may spot dolphins cavorting in the water. As you leave the iconic San Francisco skyline behind, the sinking sun turns the bridge, true to its name, to gold.
(Starts around USD 90 per person; visit adventurecat.com for more information.)
Monterey Bay has one of the region’s most active marine environments, and sea kayaking is a great way to interact with it. It places paddlers as close as possible in a safe and wholesome way from launch points such as those near Cannery Row and Pacific Grove, and provides quick access to kelp forests and rocky coastline. The bay’s submarine canyon supports a variety of wildlife, and a high chance of sightings of wild otters, sea lions, and birds. Kayaking allows quiet movement through sensitive areas where motorised boats cannot operate, offering a slower, observation-focused way to understand the bay’s ecological importance. Since water conditions are generally calm in the morning, most guided tours start early, though they can also be done in the afternoon. If you are apprehensive about kayaking, your best chance of getting close to these aquatic animals is at the fabulous Monterey Bay Aquarium here.
(Tours start at USD 60 per person; visit montereybaykayaks.com for more information.)
Go one step ahead of kayaking, and go diving in the Monterey Bay to get up close and personal with its underwater realm of the kelp forest. This is one of the most established locations for kelp forest diving in the state, offering cold-water conditions with consistent marine activity. The area’s protected status supports dense fish and invertebrate populations and is home to frequent marine mammal sightings. Kelp grows thickly closer to the shore, creating vertical structures and limiting light, which affects navigation and buoyancy control. Water temperatures usually range from 10 to 15 degrees Celsius, with visibility commonly between 10 and 30 feet. Make sure you check which shore suits your diving skills; San Carlos Beach, Lovers Point, and Point Lobos support divers at different skill levels, but some locations, such as Monastery Beach, are better suited for advanced dives.
(Dives start at USD 299 per person; visit montereyexpeditions.com for more information.)
The coastal roads around Monterey call out to all driving enthusiasts, be it iconic routes like the 17-Mile Drive or Highway One through Big Sur, or past cliffs and forests, or through the quieter routes of Carmel Valley alongside charming seaside bungalows. Throw in a vintage car, and you have a recipe for a Hollywood fantasy. Monterey Touring Vehicles rents out all kinds of classics from ’50s Porches to ’60s Cadillacs and Chevys, which you can hire to drive these routes and live your vintage movie era dream. With your hand on the steering, convertible top down, and wind in your hair as you focus on the scene, not speed, these self-guided (or chauffeured in some cases) drives give you flexibility with stops and timing. Make sure you have a valid international driving license along with your passport to rent these cars.
(Starts at around USD 125, depending on the vehicle; visit montereytouringvehicles.com for more information.)
The Lake Tahoe alpine region offers access to varied terrain shaped by elevation, climate, and geology, along with a platter of trails to suit all fitness levels and interests, from lakeside walks to high-elevation routes above the tree line. Many of the hikes here provide endless vistas with the lake never leaving your line of vision, especially on the east and south shores. Trailheads are well distributed, whether at Van Sickle Bi-State Park or Emerald Bay, allowing hikers to choose routes based on their ability and available time. Even in winter, navigation is pretty straightforward here, since the routes are well-marked and easy to follow. Remember to factor in altitude, sun exposure, and temperature, as these can affect pacing and planning.
(Visit visitlaketahoe.com for more information.)
Snow transforms Tahoe into a winter wonderland, bringing in a host of snow sports and fun outdoor activities. Skiing on the slopes with the stunning Lake Tahoe in the backdrop is the cherry on the cake, and combined with some hot tub treatments and après-ski indulgence, it is an unmatched experience. The west side receives heavier snowfall, while those on the east side often get clearer weather with steeper runs. The elevation helps maintain enough snow coverage for most of the winter, and snow guns come to the rescue for the rest. Plenty of comfortable lodges and high-end resorts are located within relatively short driving distances of each other, allowing skiers to adjust their plans based on weather or crowd levels.
(Skiing starts at USD 135 per person; visit skiheavenly.com for more information.)
The ever-changing colours of Lake Tahoe and its nearly 75-mile shoreline may be difficult to admire or gauge from the ground or even vantage points on hikes, but a sure shot way of getting the best birds’ eye view is on a chopper ride. In barely ten-odd minutes, not only do you see the mesmerising shades of turquoise, teal and sapphire, but you also get a geographic overview near impossible to get otherwise. Flights typically trace the shoreline and cross Emerald Bay, or climb above surrounding ridge lines to show changes in elevation and terrain. The aerial view highlights everything from the depth, clarity, and shape of the lake to the contrast between forested slopes and granite rocks, and the fancy villas on some strips along the water going inland. Despite their short duration, helicopter rides cover significant ground efficiently. Weather conditions strongly affect scheduling, so check ahead.
(USD 120 for a 10-minute flight; visit tahoehelicopters.us for more information.)
1. What are the best outdoor activities to try in California?
Popular options include e-biking in San Francisco, sailing on the bay, sea kayaking and diving in Monterey, scenic drives along Highway One, and skiing or hiking around Lake Tahoe.
2. Which places in California are best for marine experiences?
Monterey Bay is known for sea kayaking and kelp forest diving, thanks to its rich marine ecosystem, submarine canyon, and frequent sightings of otters, sea lions, and seabirds.
3. Is Lake Tahoe suitable for both summer and winter outdoor activities?
Yes, Lake Tahoe offers hiking, boating, and scenic trails in summer, while winter brings skiing, snow sports, and alpine experiences across several resorts.
4. Can beginners try outdoor adventures in California?
Many activities, such as guided e-bike tours, beginner-friendly hikes, and sea kayaking tours, are suitable for first-timers with proper instruction and safety briefings.
5. What is the best time to plan outdoor travel in California?
Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather for hiking, cycling, and coastal activities, while winter is best for skiing in Lake Tahoe and summer suits marine and road-trip experiences.