The best way to honor today's outdoor dad is to get wild. Throw caution to the wind and embrace your adventurous spirit! The great outdoors are calling, and luckily for us California offers a multitude of ways to get outside and explore. Whether you're are inspired by the sea or the craggy peaks of the Sierra Nevada, there is surely a way to enjoy an outdoor escapade that you both you and your dad will remember for a lifetime.

If you’re looking for an epic way to celebrate the outdoors our Epic Dad Adventure Guide will help you and your dad create stories worth telling.

1. Fly fishing in the Sierra’s

Fly fishing is an art and whether you are a lifelong fly fishing purist, or just really like A River Runs Through It, a fly fishing trip is a great way to build memories with dear old dad. Fly Fishing is a tranquil way to enjoy the beautiful nature that is abound in the Sierra’s and luckily there are plenty of trout to angle.

If you have never been fly fishing before there are a number of guide services that will provide all of the gear that you and your dad need, and can help you find the honey holes so you don’t spend your whole trip catching drift wood. 

 2. Getting Wild in Yosemite

Yosemite is truly one of California’s great natural wonders and there is a wide array of options for any outdoor adventurer. One of the planet’s most sought after outdoor destinations, the park is home to some of the most challenging big wall rock climbing in the world, it also host a number of awe inspiring hikes, world class bouldering and idyllic camping.

If you are really feeling inspired or have watched Valley Uprising too many times give Half Dome or El Cap a try (do not attempt without a guide or some serious trad climbing skills).

3. White Water Rafting Middle Forks of The American River

While most Hansen’s dads love the water, we usually reserve our bravery and skill for the ocean. However, if you want a hair raising thrill ride, than a day of whitewater rafting is a good way to get your water inspired adrenaline rush. The American River comes roaring out of the Sierras and offers two different options, the South Fork and the Middle Fork. If you have young kids and want to bring them along than a trip down the South Fork will offer a combo of fun rapids and mellower sections to enjoy the immense nature surrounding you. If you and dad are out for a thrill ride you can try and conquer the Middle Fork, which offers some of the only class 4 rapids available in California during the summer.

If you don’t have white water rafting experience you will definitely want to hire a rafting guide service, these usually include camping and meals for multiple day trips.

4. Rock Climbing in Joshua Tree

Being a San Diego surf shop means that we have Joshua Tree essentially in our backyard. Within two and half hours you can trade in the coast for some of the best rock climbing in the world. A world class camping, hiking and climbing destination, J-Tree should be on every outdoor enthusiast's bucket list.

Best known for its world renowned crack climbing, Joshua Tree also hosts a plethora of bouldering options, otherworldly stargazing and some pretty far out desert folks. Catch a show at Pappy and Harriets and then go see if the old man can climb a multi-pitch J-Tree splitter.

5. Sail The Coast

There’s probably a small part of your dad that thinks he is a character from a Hemingway novel, so throw him out into big blue and see if he has his sea legs. The California Coast is beyond beautiful and whether you stay local or have the skills to take it all the way up the coast a sea faring adventure with dad would be one for the ages. Plus being in a boat will mean you can access some under the radar surf spots and more than likely score some epic waves without the crowds.