Avoid the crowds this summer and instead of Yosemite Valley, head to Sequoia-King's Canyon. Why? About 200 miles southwest of its more famous High Sierra neighbor, Sequoia-King's Canyon is akin to Yosemite in scenery and topography. It doesn't boast landmarks as famous as Half Dome or El Capitan, but it does offer more hiking trails (about 800 miles total), higher mountain peaks (Mount Whitney is the tallest in the continental United States at 14,497 feet) and has 2.5 million fewer annual visitors. On the 16-mile High Sierra Trail, you can start out in a boulder-lined canyon with cascading waterfalls and finish in a grove of the park's giant namesake trees — thicker than those Yosemite buses, and way cooler.

GO, FISH

FILM YOUR REEF ADVENTURES WITH DIVER'S MASK CAM

Liquid Image's underwater video masks let even casual snorkelers shoot decent hands-free video and 5-megapixel stills. And serious recreational divers can get all the wide angles, filters, lights and high definition they can handle. Pack it for your trip to Pupukea, the Great Barrier Reef or your backyard pool. It makes a cool graduation present, too. $109. At dive shops around town and at www.liquidimageco.com.

IN THE SUN

PAMPER YOUR SKIN FOR THAT OUTDOOR POLISH AND GLOW

Want to look your best in the new swimsuit without spending hours in the sun? Jergens Natural Glow Firming Daily Moisturizer is a gentle self-tanner that also tightens skin. $10.59 at Longs Drugs.

Clarisonic Refining Skin Polish buffs away dry or rough skin. $25 at Nordstrom.

Lubriderm Advanced Therapy Moisturizing Lotion with SPF 30 will smooth rough skin and protect you from the sun. $8.99, Longs Drugs.

Body & Leg Shine instant bronzer to enhance a natural tan or add a subtle glow comes in two shades. $8 at The Body Shop.