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2019 Best Counties for Outdoor Activities in CaliforniaAbout this List

Explore the best counties for outdoor activities based on weather, air quality, and access to parks, forests, and recreational opportunities. Ranking based on data from the U.S. Census, NOAA, and other sources. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

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Outdoor Activities
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  1. Los Angeles County

    • County in California
    • 776 reviews
    #1 Best Counties for Outdoor Activities in California

    Current Resident: The Los Angeles County area is really cool place to be in. There's a lot of things you can do here such as going to the park where we have a lot of ice cream sellers and people who sell hot dogs. You can go to the Science Center and that is free. The Blue Line (the train) can get you to downtown where you can get connected to other trains that take you to different parts of Los Angeles which is really cool. You can go the Santa Monica Pier, Long Beach, East LA, Hollywood, or Universal Studios. There's so many places you can go to eat and watch movies or go to ice cream shops. There is a lot of places you can shop for clothes and products here. The Los Angeles County is definitely an area to visit!
    Read 776 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B-
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Outdoor Activities
    • 10,105,722 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  2. Orange County

    • County in California
    • 140 reviews
    #2 Best Counties for Outdoor Activities in California

    Current Resident: I appreciate the diversity of ideas and people. We have competitive schools, relatively low crime, and fun--Disneyland! Regarding the political spectrum, the traditionally conservative county has recently shifted left, as evidenced by the 2018 midterms. However, it is still a wealthy community and I think people are very materialistic, which may not be healthy. The cost of living is tremendously high (the cost of my house can buy a house 3x as large in Texas). Our problems with homelessness and other types of people in need are often overlooked by the vast amounts of wealth held by our residents.
    Read 140 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Outdoor Activities
    • 3,155,816 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  3. Santa Clara County

    • County in California
    • 93 reviews
    #3 Best Counties for Outdoor Activities in California

    Current Resident: I love the diversity along with the enormous array of food choices to eat. Living on the east coast was a complete 360 degree. People were mostly white or black, no diversity where I was living.
    In addition, restaurant choices were not abundant. I love California! When I came out here due to my father retiring from the army I was shocked at how different life was opposed to Virginia living. Furthermore the weather is fantastic. In Virginia summer meant humidity, very sticky and gross is what I remember. California weather is perfect, I love the sun beaming on my skin.
    Read 93 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Outdoor Activities
    • 1,911,226 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  4. Placer County

    • County in California
    • 7 reviews
    #4 Best Counties for Outdoor Activities in California

    Niche User: Low air pollution and temperate climate. The people are generally friendly and its a great small town to raise a family.
    Read 7 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Outdoor Activities
    • 374,985 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  5. Alameda County

    • County in California
    • 36 reviews
    #5 Best Counties for Outdoor Activities in California

    Current Resident: I have lived in Alameda County for 20 years! I have seen a lot of progress as far as diversity, local resources, and diverse options for eating. I really appreciate the beautiful places in Alameda County such as Redwood Regional Park, Lake Merritt, the various farmer's markets.
    Read 36 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A-
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Outdoor Activities
    • 1,629,615 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  6. Contra Costa County

    • County in California
    • 24 reviews
    #6 Best Counties for Outdoor Activities in California

    Former Resident: I love Contra Costa County. This is where I was born and have since moved, but I feel happy with the foundation I received here. It is a family-friendly environment with many enrichment programs, free parks and sports areas, hiking, trails, and various accessible pool. Unfortunately, the public school system sees success in only a elect few of the various elementary, middle, and high schools available. There is not much diversity in Contra Costa, the majority of the population being either white or hispanic families whose breadwinners commute to and from work, or retired individuals. People are relatively active in the city politics in this area, and students do rather well when compared to other counties in California. The property is expensive but incredibly located, with the closest major city being less than an hour away and accessible by public transportation. Overall, a great place to live.
    Read 24 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A-
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Outdoor Activities
    • 1,123,678 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  9. San Diego County

    • County in California
    • 895 reviews
    #7 Best Counties for Outdoor Activities in California

    Current Resident: I love San Diego! I am from the bay area and never thought that I would like to live anywhere else, but after moving down here for college, I have decided to live here for the foreseeable future. I love the diversity of food and culture that San Diego County offers its citizens. Not only is it an easily accessible city, it is an affordable one which is hard to find in times like today. I also believe that in the area of politics, the representatives have the needs of the people in mind rather than their own, which is why I see so many people happy to be here.
    Read 895 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A-
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Outdoor Activities
    • 3,283,665 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  10. Monterey County

    • County in California
    • 46 reviews
    #8 Best Counties for Outdoor Activities in California

    Current Resident: My experience with Monterey county has always be amazing growing up around here going to the wharf, walking along the beach, and s much more has always been a gift! I could never think about a place as beautiful as here. So much history with John Steinbeck, Cannery Row, and the well esteemed Luguna Seca raceway one of the most prestigious and iconic racetracks in all the world. such an amazing place to be as a family.
    Read 46 Reviews

    • C
      Overall Niche Grade
    • C-
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Outdoor Activities
    • 433,168 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  11. El Dorado County

    • County in California
    • 4 reviews
    #9 Best Counties for Outdoor Activities in California

    Current Resident: I personally think El Dorado County as a whole is a great county. My major issue is with the Placerville area. I feel as though there are little job opportunities, and a high rate of drug addicts and alcoholics.
    Read 4 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Public Schools
    • A
      Outdoor Activities
    • 185,015 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  12. Ventura County

    • County in California
    • 46 reviews
    #10 Best Counties for Outdoor Activities in California

    Current Resident: I love Ventura County! There is such amazing food and experiences. The schools are all amazing, and offer great opportunities. The sports are always excellent and offer amazing games to watch. The views are all so so beautiful. You can see the beach from almost every place in Ventura, along with the beautiful hills. Downtown is such a fun shopping environments. Everything about Ventura is so amazing. I highly recommend living here. It is one of the most family friendly beautiful places I have ever seen. The beaches are amazing, and the people are so friendly. You will never look back once you come here. Bryant lives here too, which is more than enough incentive for any living creature to move here as he is the most amazing human being that I have ever had and will ever have the pleasure of knowing.
    Read 46 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B
      Public Schools
    • A
      Outdoor Activities
    • 847,834 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  13. Santa Cruz County

    • County in California
    • 82 reviews
    #11 Best Counties for Outdoor Activities in California

    Current Resident: Santa Cruz is full of life and is a great place to live or visit! Right on the beach, Santa Cruz is home to the famous attractions of the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and the Mystery Spots that serve as entertainment among other places in the county! Going form the mountains to the beach in less than ten minutes, residents and visitors find plenty to do and enjoy the coastal paradise!
    Read 82 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B-
      Public Schools
    • A
      Outdoor Activities
    • 273,263 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  14. San Mateo County

    • County in California
    • 56 reviews
    #12 Best Counties for Outdoor Activities in California

    Current Resident: San Mateo is a very safe and diverse community. The public/private schools and local community colleges have great and outstanding academic environments. Your neighbors in any neighborhood will surely be welcoming and friendly. The downtown area is everyone’s to go place, with plenty of of restaurants to try from Latin to Asian fusion and an abundance of Boba places to try. San Mateo couldn’t be any better with the city of San Francisco only being approximately 20 minutes away.
    Read 56 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Public Schools
    • A
      Outdoor Activities
    • 763,450 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  17. Santa Barbara County

    • County in California
    • 98 reviews
    #13 Best Counties for Outdoor Activities in California

    Current Resident: I like the area! I also think that the education is great depending on the school one chooses. Santa Barbara has an amazing night life that consists of shopping as well as delicious restaurants and bars. During the week days, stores close pretty early. People are generally really friendly and there is a lot less traffic compared to other places in CA. Something to consider about Santa Barbara is the cost of living, it is not a cheap area to live in. However, the beach and weather make it worthwhile.
    Read 98 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B
      Public Schools
    • A
      Outdoor Activities
    • 442,996 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  18. San Luis Obispo County

    • County in California
    • 45 reviews
    #14 Best Counties for Outdoor Activities in California

    Current Resident: I've lived in San Luis Obispo for 10 years. I love this small and charming town. The atmosphere is positive and truly friendly; the people are happy and committed to being healthy. Fresh produce is everywhere, and you can find a fun two-for-one deal just about any day of the week at the local eateries and bars. However, although reserved, this town lacks diversity through politics and ethnic backgrounds. It is near impossible to live decently as a student, or without already have achieved a bachelor's degree, and buying a house in this area is out of the question. I hope we see some changes in there areas in the future. Until then, I am committed and charmed by this town!
    Read 45 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A-
      Public Schools
    • A
      Outdoor Activities
    • 280,119 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  19. Nevada County

    • County in California
    • 3 reviews
    #15 Best Counties for Outdoor Activities in California

    Current Resident: I grew up in Nevada County, and my experience there shaped most of my life. I have been very happy here; the county is small and homey. The neighborhood is very safe, and the area has the benefit of being historically important. There are many historical districts in Nevada County and a thriving tourist industry.
    Read 3 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A-
      Public Schools
    • A
      Outdoor Activities
    • 98,838 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  20. Sonoma County

    • County in California
    • 35 reviews
    #16 Best Counties for Outdoor Activities in California

    Current Resident: I love Sonoma County we all come together when we most need it, especially when the Wildfires of 2017 happened. Everyone helped everyone rise back up, every where you went you saw signs saying that we would rise from the ashes. We are survivors and we want our stories to be heard we want to everyone to know that it will all be better, "The love in the air is thicker than the smoke." Foundations and organizations helping those who lost their homes, their jobs, and their schools. Sonoma County makes sure that everyone is supportive of everyone, the LGBTQ community is very supportive of each other and of everyone else. The schools here make sure that everyone goes to college and has a career outside of college. The clubs for Volleyball, Basketball, Cheerleading, Swimming, every team has the best parents who look out for each other. Sonoma county really is a place where you would like to visit or live in.
    Read 35 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B+
      Public Schools
    • A
      Outdoor Activities
    • 500,943 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  21. Marin County

    • County in California
    • 20 reviews
    #17 Best Counties for Outdoor Activities in California

    Current Resident: Marin County is so beautiful and diverse in it's environment. There truly isn't anywhere else like it on earth. You can be at the Marin Headlands or Stinson beach, and within an hour of driving, you're up in wine country. This means that a lot of the population of Marin County is very active and outdoorsy. Marin County is the perfect distance to San Francisco, close but not too close. Additionally, the schools all throughout Marin County are amazing. In retrospect, it was very nice to grow up here in Marin County.
    Read 20 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • A
      Outdoor Activities
    • 260,814 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  24. Napa County

    • County in California
    • 24 reviews
    #18 Best Counties for Outdoor Activities in California

    Current Resident: Overall safe community! Good place to settle down. There is a rarely any traffic. Napa is known for wine and the annual music festival, Bottlerock. Public schools are not the best.
    Read 24 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A-
      Public Schools
    • A
      Outdoor Activities
    • 141,005 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  25. San Joaquin County

    • County in California
    • 23 reviews
    #19 Best Counties for Outdoor Activities in California

    Current Resident: I have lived in San Joaquin County my whole life, and over the years I have seen it change, at times it’s good change and then not so good. But I love it here because the area is beautiful.
    Read 23 Reviews

    • C
      Overall Niche Grade
    • C+
      Public Schools
    • A
      Outdoor Activities
    • 724,153 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  26. Solano County

    • County in California
    • 18 reviews
    #20 Best Counties for Outdoor Activities in California

    Current Resident: Nice place, most cities are good expect for some, beautiful landscapes and good eateries and close proximities near two major cities which are San Fransisco and Sacramento. Good shopping areas and you have plenty of places to go to.
    Read 18 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B-
      Public Schools
    • A
      Outdoor Activities
    • 434,981 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  27. Stanislaus County

    • County in California
    • 41 reviews
    #21 Best Counties for Outdoor Activities in California

    Current Resident: I was born and raised in Modesto, Ca. I love living here. There is hardly anything that happens in my neighborhood. Our neighbors are friendly and we look out for one another. If I could change something about Stanislaus county it would be larger diversity of restaurants and entertainment.
    Read 41 Reviews

    • C
      Overall Niche Grade
    • C+
      Public Schools
    • A
      Outdoor Activities
    • 535,684 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  28. Sacramento County

    • County in California
    • 466 reviews
    #22 Best Counties for Outdoor Activities in California

    Current Resident: In Sacramento you are located in the perfect spot. In a hour you could be at the beach or in the mountains. Our American River Trail is an in city get away that provides a place to walk,run.jog,bike,and just hang by the river. Downtown Sacramento isnt huge but it does have its hot spots and very lively events. Old Sacramento is great spot to enjoy a Saturday afternoon. Saturday night J st and K st are the place to be! The bars and clubs all are so different,unique and youll have a good time no matter which one you go to. This is also a great place to raise a family. Wonderful neighborhoods,schools,parks and things to do with your kids such as the Sacramento Zoo, Funderland and Fairytale town. The only thing lacking in this city is more art museums,more festivals, and more resources to get the homeless population down.
    Read 466 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B
      Public Schools
    • A
      Outdoor Activities
    • 1,495,400 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  29. Humboldt County

    • County in California
    • 4 reviews
    #23 Best Counties for Outdoor Activities in California

    Current Resident: Humboldt has unsurpassed beauty in its environment. Everywhere you look there are so many things to do if you are a lover of the great outdoors. I have lived all over California and this is my favorite place to enjoy the great out doors and get closer to nature.

    The homes are mostly older Victorian homes which do add to the charm.The night life is not much but on the other hand, there are a variety of Out door festivals and other happening that more than make up for lack of night life
    Read 4 Reviews

    • C+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B
      Public Schools
    • A
      Outdoor Activities
    • 135,490 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  30. Mendocino County

    • County in California
    • 1 review
    #24 Best Counties for Outdoor Activities in California

    Current Resident: Mendocino County is one of the most beautiful areas of Northern California. The South Coast has a very high cost of living, but this is mitigated by its beauty, quiet living, and myriad artists and artisans.
    Read 1 Review

    • C
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B-
      Public Schools
    • A
      Outdoor Activities
    • 87,497 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  31. Amador County

    • County in California
    • 4 reviews
    #25 Best Counties for Outdoor Activities in California

    Current Resident: I have lived in Amador County for most of my life! It has been such a great county to grow up in. Amador County if filled with quaint little towns, where one can find antique stores, wine tasting, and nice restaurants. Amador County is also growing, so different types of grocery stores and shopping centers are becoming more accessible. Since it is not a huge county, it is also easier to get to know people at the local shops. Amador County is the perfect spot because it is not far from either the mountains or the beach. So one can easily go spend time playing in the snow or playing in the sand at the beach.
    Read 4 Reviews

    • C+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B-
      Public Schools
    • A
      Outdoor Activities
    • 37,306 Population
    View Nearby Homes
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