Yearning to get out of traffic and into the great outdoors? REI's Southern California outposts now offer "Outdoor School" classes in everything from kayaking to outdoor cooking.

Thought REI was just a place to pick up tents and the athletes who love them? Think again! REI stores in the LA area now offer "Outdoor School," a series of nature-minded classes taught by seasoned professionals. Courses include kayaking lessons for people of all levels, hiking, rock-climbing basics and self-rescue; cycling educates bikers about pedaling over roads, mountains and even to work (Al Gore would be proud!). Navigation educates the befuddled on maps, compasses and GPS systems, as well as Geocaching, an up-and-coming activity where participants use GPS receivers to hide and seek containers (called geocaches) strategically placed around the world. And finally, the class on outdoor photography helps budding photogs release their inner Ansel Adams through courses in technique and composition. Depending on the course, participants either get educated at a local REI store or meet up at a designated location. But what if we haven't passed the navigation course yet? —Elisa Jacobs