Outdoor Activities in California
California packs nine national parks, 840 miles of coastline and the Sierra Nevada into one state, which is why its outdoor calendar runs all year. Coastal events in San Diego and Santa Monica stay comfortable through winter, while the high country around Yosemite and Tahoe peaks between June and September.
- Nine national parks including Yosemite, Joshua Tree, Sequoia and Death Valley
- Year-round beach, surf and coastal festival season from San Diego to Santa Cruz
- Sierra Nevada hiking and Lake Tahoe paddling from late June once the snow clears
- Major outdoor stadium and amphitheatre circuit in LA, the Bay Area and San Diego
Outdoor events in California
10,000 events found. Showing page 1 of 417.
TodayCountry
TodayOther
TodayOther
TodayRock
TodayMetal
TodayPop
TodayFamily
TodayComedy
TodayVolleyball
TodayTodayOtherToday
TodayOtherTodayOtherTodayThis weekend
Nationwide weekendCalifornia outdoor events this weekend
Friday evening through Sunday night in California.
Sun, Sep 27Football
Sat, Sep 26HockeyBest activities in California
National Parks in California
The National Park Service runs 63 national parks plus more than 400 monuments, seashores and historic sites. Entry is by vehicle fee or annual pass, ranger programs inside the parks are free, and several of the busiest parks now require a timed entry reservation booked well in advance.
See national parks eventsBeaches in California
The United States has roughly 95,000 miles of shoreline, and almost all public beach access is free. What varies is the season, the lifeguard cover and the hazards — rip currents cause the large majority of surf rescues, so the flag system below is worth knowing before you go.
See beaches eventsHiking in California
Hiking is the cheapest way into the outdoors and the easiest to start: most trails ask for nothing more than water, layers and shoes with grip. Almost every US trail is free and needs no booking, which is why this page leads with planning advice and the official sources for permits and conditions.
See hiking eventsOutdoor Sports in California
Outdoor sport is the largest category on this site by volume — every ballpark, speedway, golf course and stadium fixture in the country. Use the state and city filters to narrow it to what is actually within driving distance.
See outdoor sports eventsCalifornia guides
All articles
DestinationsBest Beginner Hikes in California: A Season-by-Season Guide
California has nine national parks and 840 miles of coast. Here is how to pick a first hike that matches the season and your fitness.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best outdoor activities in California?
Nine national parks including Yosemite, Joshua Tree, Sequoia and Death Valley. Year-round beach, surf and coastal festival season from San Diego to Santa Cruz. Beyond those, national parks, beaches, hiking, outdoor sports all have active event calendars in California — every listing on this page shows the date, venue and ticket link.
When is the best time to visit California for outdoor activities?
Coastal events in San Diego and Santa Monica stay comfortable through winter, while the high country around Yosemite and Tahoe peaks between June and September.
How many outdoor events are on in California?
10,000 events are currently listed in California over the next twelve months. That figure updates automatically as promoters add dates.
Are there free outdoor activities in California?
Yes. Public trails, beaches and park ranger programs cost nothing beyond any park entrance fee, and many street festivals and community events are free to attend. The ticketed listings on this page are the events that require admission.