Very Local Outdoors.

Our weekly email newsletter brings the outdoors to your inbox. Every Thursday we’ll send you fresh ideas and information on where to explore in California and the West.

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  1. A woman walks her dog on a path next to the wetlands at Las Gallinas in Marin County
    Northern CA

    Fall For These Short Birding Hikes

    When you think the weather's for the birds, go birding. These three premier preserves and wildlife ponds are short, idyllic strolls to enjoy tranquil views, redwood groves, dashes of fall color, and birds of all kinds of feathers. 

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  2. A woman walks along a path next to the beach as the sun sets at Palisades Park in Los Angeles County
    Southern CA

    Urban Parks, Hidden Stairways

    Getting away doesn’t have to mean going far. Go local by hiking and exploring urban parks and hidden stairways with classic skyline scenery, sunset vistas, picnic spots, and gorgeous gardens. 

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  3. Sponsored
    2025-10-29

    Redding Lights and Silent Nights

    Give your holiday events calendar a major glow up this winter in California’s sunniest city. Redding is a revelation: Surrounded by iconic scenery like Mount Shasta, Lassen Volcanic National Park, and Whiskeytown National Recreation area.

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  4. Northern CA

    Hairy Not Scary

    Spiders don't have to send a tingle down your spine. Tarantulas—generally harmless—come out and about in fall, as the males leave their burrows in search of mates. Here are three beautiful hikes where you might get lucky and see them this fall.

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Trending Stories NorCal

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  1. Gentle Giants

    Some people visit national parks to marvel at the iconic sights, while others come seeking solitude in nature. With visitation on the rise, it can be hard to find both. But in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, this pair of trails offers both....

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  2. Screaming Good Garden

    Combine a classic scary movie backdrop and life-size elephant garden sculptures in beautiful downtown Sonoma.

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  3. A Hike to the Past

    This 5.2-mile redwoods hike through El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space combines a relaxing stroll with unique geologic formations and historical artifacts.

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  4. Golden Mile

    Dubbed the Golden Mile, this car-free stretch of road in Golden Gate Park features rotating art installations of murals, sculptures, and abundant bright yellow Adirondack chairs for kicking back to relax. See Naga, the recent new addition here, an impressive sea serpent art installation at Golden Gate Park's Rainbow

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Trending Stories SoCal

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  1. The Undead Ghost Town

    Every Halloween, the worlds of the living and the dead blur together. In the “living ghost town” of Randsburg that condition is permanent. This strange gold-rush town near the El P

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  2. Montebello Mission

    Adorable animal feeding, peaceful bird watching, and delicious beer drinking? Hello, Montebello! This northeastern city has fantastic views of the hulking San Gabriels and a variety of green spaces, not to mention great spots for beer(s)!

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  3. Sponsored

    Redding Lights and Silent Nights

    Give your holiday events calendar a major glow up this winter in California’s sunniest city. Redding is a revelation: Surrounded by iconic scenery like Mount Shasta, Lassen Volcanic National Park, and Whiskeytown National Recreation area.

    View
  4. Mulholland's Most Majestic

    Take a leisurely drive along Mulholland Drive to discover beautiful urban scenery and unexpected wild beauty, right in the middle of the city. 

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