Miles and Hikes — YouTube Playlist

I love being outdoors, but I’m not a hardcore hiker — and Miles & Hikes isn’t a hiking channel.

These videos are about something much simpler: finding a way to connect with nature even when everyday work life only gives you the weekend.

This playlist brings together day hikes from around California, with most of the current videos focused on the Los Angeles and San Fernando Valley areas as well as the Eastern Sierra. The hikes range from easy to moderate, with nothing particularly strenuous.

You’ll find beautiful trails, waterfalls, wildflowers, creeks, changing landscapes, and plenty of opportunities to step away from the city even if just for a few hours. Some destinations are well known, while others are simply places I’ve discovered and wanted to explore.

I also have separate playlists dedicated specifically to waterfalls and wildflower hikes, but those experiences naturally overlap with this broader collection of California hiking adventures.

For me, hiking isn’t about pushing limits or collecting difficult trails. It’s about making time for nature when a 9-to-5 schedule doesn’t allow for long adventures during the week.

If you’re looking for easy to moderate day hikes in California, hiking near Los Angeles, weekend nature escapes, or simply some inspiration to get outside without making a major trip out of it, this playlist is a good place to start.

A Glimpse Into Early Life in California from the 1800s

Los Angeles has its own hidden historic treasures — adobe houses you might not expect in the middle of a bustling city! Today we explore the history of Los Encinos ...State Historic Park in the heart of the San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles, California. In this video, we step inside the historic De La Ossa Adobe House, explore original 19th-century furnishings, and learn about the natural spring that sustained the Tongva people and later Rancho El Encino.

From a simple yet elegant dining table set with crystal and silverware, to black-and-white family photographs, a historic wedding dress worn by Juanita Amestoy, and ranching artifacts that tell the story of early California life — this park is a true time capsule.

We also check out the spring-fed pond that continues to support wildlife today, including the many geese that gather here.

If you love California history, local travel in Los Angeles, and discovering hidden gems in the city, this is a must-visit spot in the Valley.Show More