Where to surf, hike and ski all in one day
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Photo Illustration: Allie Carl
Some people want to do it all - surf, hike and ski all in one day - and for those adventurers, there's the California Challenge.
The big picture: The Golden State is one of the few places in the nation where you can do all three activities a few miles apart.
Zoom in: We identified locations in Northern and Southern California that are perfect challenge spots.
Northern California
Mavericks Beach
Start with at dawn with a surf at this beach, known for some of the world's biggest waves, in Half Moon Bay.
- Less-experienced surfers are encouraged to try Surfers' Beach, just south of Pillar Point Harbor on Highway 1.
Address: Pillar Point, Princeton-by-the-Sea, Calif.
Lands End Trail
Your hike will be only 24 miles north on this 3.4-mile loop trail near the Legion of Honor museum.
- The trail is well-populated and takes 90 minutes to complete on average, according to AllTrails.
Address: 1200-1298 El Camino Del Mar
Dodge Ridge
The longest part of the trip will be the 3.5-hour drive to this mountain resort.
- The fine print: Dodge Ridge is only open on the weekends for mountain biking, hiking, chair rides and disc golf during the summer months.
Address: 1 Dodge Ridge Rd.
Southern California
Windansea Beach
Get up early and head to one of La Jolla's most popular surf spots where waves are created by the reef underwater.
- Less-experienced surfers can find gentler waves at La Jolla Shores, just 3 miles north.
Address: 6800 Neptune Pl.
Joshua Tree
After grabbing a quick breakfast, you'll have a three-hour drive to this well-known national park.
- We recommend Hi-View in the park's Black Rock area. It's a 1.4-mile loop with scenic views and several benches for breaks. More trails
- The fine print: Pets are not permitted on any trails.
Address: 74485 National Park Dr.
Bear Mountain
About 70 miles northwest of Joshua Tree, Big Bear is popular because of the close proximity of the town, lake and mountain.
- Activities at the mountain resort include a 9-hole golf course, mountain biking, zipline, hiking, sky chair rides and skiing and snowboarding in the winter.
