Californians love nothing more than being active in the great outdoors, and they offer plenty of opportunities to join in with them. We've rounded up the best places to surf, swim, skate, ski and more - just like the locals do it. From surfing the waves in Santa Cruz and flyboarding on Big Bear Lake, to whitewater rafting on the American River and wild swimming on Lake Tahoe, here's how you can really make like a Californian.
Make Like A Californian And Surf (Skate, Swim Or Ski
Surfing(01 of10)
Dig out that wetsuit and wax up that board… what could be more Californian than riding the waves of the Pacific and learning about the art of surfing? Head to the quintessential surf town of Santa Cruz, home to the renowned big wave Mavericks surf break and world class athletes. It's also host to The O’Neil Coldwater Classics, which attracts some of the world’s finest surfing competitors. For those dudes who embrace the surfer lifestyle, head south to the sunny shores of La Jolla, just north of San Diego, and take a lesson with one of the many surf schools around, such as Surf Diva. Gnarly. (credit:Yew! Images via Getty Images)
Swimming(02 of10)
Never mind the pool, be at one with nature and go for a refreshing swim in one of the many stunning spots in California. Lake Tahoe is a gorgeous lake in the High Sierra that’s surrounded by mountains and a ski resort in the winter months. But come summer, it’s all beaches, SUP and swimming. Emerald Beach is particularly popular. Or head to Coronado Beach in San Diego – often named one the best beaches in America. If you’re early enough you’ll catch the US Navy Seals training on the beach. Goleta Beach in Santa Barbara is quieter than the main beach in the city and a great relaxed spot for families. If you’re looking for a typical SoCal beach, think 10 miles of uninterrupted sand, Huntington Beach is it. It’s one of the only spots in California that has firepits on the beach, and it’s a perfect place to learn to surf. Temescal regional recreation area is a great lake for swimming and rafting in the Bay Area – a top sunbathing and picnic spot. Over at Yosemite Creek, based in Yosemite National Park, you’ll find a great swimming hole with boulders, cascading falls and clear water. Dive in. (credit:Flickr CC-BY Rescue Diver)
Fly boarding(03 of10)
You may have heard of jet packs, but what about a flyboard? A cross between a jet ski and a jet pack, this new aquatic trend lets you surf the skies at heights of up to 40 feet and dive in and out of the water like a dolphin. The device, which looks like a mini snowboard, is powered by a water jet nozzle connected to a jet ski, which follows behind the rider’s trail and gives them the freedom to fly freestyle around the water. Head to Big Bear Lake or Dana Point Orange County and try it out with Action Fly Boarding. (credit:Action Fly Boarding)
Paddleboarding(04 of10)
If you're looking for something a little less challenging, cruise over to the calmer waves of Newport Beach or the stunning waters of Lake Tahoe and test your balance with stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). Add an extra dimension to the workout, and fuse your SUP skills with some traditional yoga poses for the latest craze: YogAqua classes. (credit:Yew! Images via Getty Images)
Whitewater rafting(05 of10)
Bit of a daredevil? Head north to Gold Country to experience whitewater rafting on the American River in El Dorado County, about 45 minutes east of the state capital, Sacramento. Great for both families and thrillseekers, Tributary Whitewater Tours has experienced guides who will teach you to ‘surf’ the rapids across different grades; from one (easy), up to six (unnavigable). Level two and three are normally a good starting point for beginners who want an adrenaline rush, but if you’re more wild than mild, hit grades four and five for big drops and powerful waves. April through to the end of September are the best time of year to tackle the guaranteed flow amidst this breathtaking scenery. (credit:Robert Ginn via Getty Images)
Skateboarding(06 of10)
Arguably the birthplace of action sports, the Golden State has plenty to offer by way of participant and spectator adventure sports and nothing says ‘quintessentially California’ quite like skateboarding. Check out VANS Off the Wall Skatepark and Garage Skate Shop in Huntington Beach, which includes 30,000 square foot of dedicated skating features for both beginners and professionals. Free to the public, visitors can try out their best Tony Hawk impression or work on their BMX 360 skills. Alternatively head to the iconic LA hangout of Venice Beach Skate Park. The park is situated right on the fringes of the infamous Venice Beach, meaning you’re skating to a backdrop of sea, sand and palm trees. (credit:Sam Farley via Getty Images)
Mountain biking(07 of10)
In the mountains you'll find a match made in action sports heaven; Mammoth Mountain Bike Park has fierce riding, steep drops, and jaw-dropping vistas. Adventure cyclists will find a mixture of amateurs and pros at this mountain biking mecca, so head on over for 80 miles of cross country terrain. Want a bit more adventure? You may have just found your challenge. The Death Ride is a gruelling tour of the ‘California Alps’, across 129 miles, with an elevation of 15,000 feet, through the five mountain passes of Alpine County in the Sierra Nevada – all in one day. (credit:GibsonPictures via Getty Images)
Running(08 of10)
If running is more your style, consider signing up for the Badwater Ultra Marathon. Known as the Challenge of the Champions, this 135 mile ultra marathon is one of the toughest and most demanding races in the world. The race starts at Badwater, the lowest point of elevation in the Western Hemisphere (280 feet below sea level), before taking runners through the extreme heat of Death Valley and up to the Mt Whitney Portals at nearly 8,300 feet, all in temperatures of up to 130F. The Portals of Mt Whitney lead to the summit, which is the highest point of the contiguous United States. (credit:David McNew via Getty Images)
Skiing and snowboarding(09 of10)
Where else can you ski, surf and skate in one day? California’s playground turns into a magnet for snow bunnies during the winter season, and with over 26 resorts scattered across the state, you’re never far from the piste. The state’s two main ski areas, Mammoth and Lake Tahoe, offer a range of slopes for all abilities - pipes and parks for the tricksters among you, and some quality off-piste action. Mammoth Mountain is up there with the big boys with its sheer size, elevation and quality of snow, whilst Lake Tahoe offers the chance to experience seven world-class resorts with stunning vistas, epic terrain variety and a legendary après-ski scene. Other popular resorts include Yosemite Badger Pass, Mt. Shasta Ski Park and Big Bear Ski Resort, which is just a two-hour drive from the palm tree-lined beaches of LA. Access to the slopes is easy, either by car or with daily flights from all three gateways cities. The Californian ski season typically extends into the summer months, meaning you can shred on your snowboard as late as July. (credit:Buyenlarge via Getty Images)
Professional league games(10 of10)
From American football and basketball to ice-hockey and baseball, California has more professional sports teams than any other state in the US and nothing is more ‘All American’ then going to a game. You can catch a game wherever they are, whether it’s cheering on a minor league team with the locals, or soaking up the college atmosphere at a university league final. (credit:Thearon W. Henderson via Getty Images)