These iconic California hikes are only rivaled by the delicious farm-to-table meal waiting for you afterwards.
There’s a lot to love about California, but the Golden State’s natural beauty and bounty truly set it apart. Plenty of California’s iconic landmarks are visible from the comfort of your car, but if you’re feeling adventurous, why not hit the trails? Since fresh air and physical activity are the best way to work up an appetite, reward yourself with a meal that showcases the region’s local flavors, produce and products. We can’t think of a better way to see – and taste – all that California has to offer!
Yosemite: Mist Trail + Idle Hour Winery and Kitchen
Defined by dramatic cliffs and rushing waterfalls, Yosemite National Park offers miles of trails to explore, and the Mist Trail is one of the most unique California hikes — a short quarter mile trek to the footbridge rewards hikers with stunning views of Vernal Falls. However, the main attraction is a series of stone steps, snaking along the side of the falls until you reach the top. Yes, your thighs might burn, but any temporary discomfort pales in comparison to the sound of the water roaring through your ears, the feel of the cool mist on your skin, and the incredible natural beauty of your surroundings.
Afterwards, treat yourself to a farm-fresh meal at Idle Hour Winery and Kitchen. This Oakhurst establishment proudly sources produce from neighboring farms, like Worman Mill, using it to create stunning dishes that pair perfectly with their eponymous California wines.
Los Angeles: Mount Hollywood Trail + Highly Likely Café
To most of the world, the Hollywood sign is synonymous with California. The Griffith Observatory offers excellent views of the iconic sign, but locals skip the crowds and hit the trails. The Mount Hollywood trail is a three-mile loop that boasts Instagram-worthy views of the Hollywood Sign, along with a striking summit view overlooking downtown LA and out to the Pacific Ocean. Set out early, and grab lunch after at Highly Likely Café. Everything Chef Cat Turner concocts is incredible, but we’re big fans of the Good Turkey Sando, slathered with the most amazing prune mostarda!
Prunes aren’t just delicious, they boast some seriously impressive health benefits. Just four prunes a day can help improve bone health and gut health!
Mendocino: Headlands Trail + FLOW
Southern California’s sunny and (relatively) warm beaches stand in stark contrast to the rugged Mendocino shoreline. The Mendocino Headlands Trail meanders its way along the bluffs, offering unrivaled views of the untamed Northern California coastline – and even a blowhole!
The Headlands Trail begins (and ends) in charming downtown Mendocino. After your walk, grab a bite at Flow on Main Street. The name Flow is an acronym for “fresh, local, organic and wholesome”, and here, local produce and meats take center stage. The Apple Salad, featuring apples and walnuts grown in nearby orchards and studded with Point Reyes Blue Cheese, is a delicious way to taste some of the bounty that this region is known for. Be sure to pair your meal with a glass of Anderson Valley Roederer Brut.
Apples are grown in orchards throughout the state, but need cooler nighttime temperatures to thrive. For this reason, many of California’s apple orchards are located near the coast or at higher foothill elevations. Learn more about how apples are grown in California!
Lake Tahoe: Emerald Point Trail + Moody’s Bistro Bar and Beats
Lake Tahoe is known for its clear, calm waters, stretching as far as the eye can see. During the summer months, coves like Emerald Bay take on varying hues ranging from turquoise to deep emerald green. Experience the lake’s beauty first hand while exploring the Emerald Point Trail. This out-and-back trail melds a combination of bird’s eye views with shoreline vistas – each more stunning than the next.
Plan to set off early, as parking can be a challenge. But an early start leaves you the afternoon to explore downtown Truckee and grab a bite at Moody’s Bistro Bar and Beats. Specializing in fresh, seasonal fare, Moody’s menu items are matched only by the bistro’s charming ambiance. Word to the wise: don’t skip the drink menu. Moody’s offers an extensive wine list stacked with California gems, and an array of craft cocktails spiked with locally grown produce.
Humboldt: Fern Canyon + Larrupin’ Café
Located near the Oregon border, Fern Canyon isn’t the most easily accessible of California hikes, but it’s definitely worth the trip. After a mile and a half drive down a bumpy dirt road (and two potential stream crossings), visitors arrive at the trailhead. The hike itself is relatively short, just over a mile, but full of adventure. Visitors trek down a creekbed, crossing wood planks and winding through a stunning canyon. Ferns emerge from every crevice in the canyon walls, making it feel more like Jurassic Park than Redwoods State Park. After exploring the canyon, wander down to Gold Bluffs Beach – if you’re lucky, you might catch sight of the resident caribou herd!
Once you’ve worked up an appetite, head to Larrupin’ Café. This Humboldt favorite proudly supports local farmers, ranchers, and fishermen, and sources all ingredients locally or makes them in-house. Start with the Rosemary Roasted Garlic and then move on to the Angus Filet Mignon with brandied mushrooms.
Mt. Shasta: Heart Lake + Lily’s Restaurant
At over 14,000 feet, Mount Shasta dominates the surrounding landscape. The snow-covered peak is visible for miles in every direction, but one of the most unique views is from Heart Lake.
The lake alone, shaped like a heart and surrounded by wildflowers, is worth the trek, but the view of Castle Lake with Mount Shasta towering in the distance is nothing short of awe-inspiring.
Post-hike, head to Downtown Mount Shasta and grab a bite at Lily’s Restaurant. Set in a quaint cottage, surrounded by colorful flowers, Lily’s creates comforting farm-to-table meals using organic, locally grown produce. Try the herb-roasted trout with fresh vegetables and potatoes.
Did you know that potatoes are grown in Northern California? It’s true! CalOre in Tule Lake, California, processes and packages over 83 million pounds of potatoes each year!
Malibu: Solstice Canyon + Malibu Farm
With epic ocean views, trickling waterfalls and historic ruins, Malibu’s Solstice Canyon has it all. The 3-mile loop is mostly shaded but does include some rapid elevation gain, so you’re bound to work up an appetite. Once you’ve completed the loop, make your way to the pier for lunch at Malibu Farm. This beloved spot champions Southern California’s vibrant agricultural community, sourcing fresh produce from several local growers, including Malibu’s own Thorne Family Farm.
Big Sur: Big Sur River Gorge Trail + Nepenthe
If there’s one iconic image associated with Big Sur, it’s no doubt McWay Falls. During high tide, McWay Falls is one of California’s two tidefalls, cascading directly into an aquamarine cove. Usually, McWay Falls would be our hike of choice. However, the trail to the viewing platform is under construction through 2026. In the meantime, the Big Sur River Gorge Trail is one of our top picks. The trail itself is just a mile long, but extreme explorers can continue past the trail’s end, charting a path across logs and boulders to a gorgeous green pool for a secluded swim.
Once you’ve dried off, make your way to Nepenthe. On a clear day, this iconic, family-owned restaurant offers unrivaled views of the coast, but the food is equally impressive. Nepenthe’s proximity to Monterey County farms means that they have an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables at their fingertips, which they use to create unforgettable appetizers and entrees. If you’re a fan of California Wines, be sure to take a peek at their extensive selection of Pinot Noir, much of which is produced by friends and neighbors!
More to explore…
If you think California hikes + farm to table restaurants are a perfect pairing, we’ve got plenty more adventurous ideas to share. Check them out!
Article by Hilary Rance. Photography by Hilary Rance and James Collier.