Happy Holiday Adventures

However you do your holidays, the outdoors is always in season. So whether you're seeking solo time, or time with that special someone, want to bring the dog, or plan to go full Griswold, here are five good options.

Week: 11.15.2023
Regions: Northern CA

Plateau Perfection

Hike a loop of the Bay Area Ridge Trail at Vargas Plateau in the East Bay

Vargas Plateau withe cows in the background in the East Bay
Hiker on a trail at Vargas Plateau in the East Bay
Bay Area Ridge Trail sign pointing the way in Vargas Plateau East Bay
Set deep in the East Bay hills, Vargas Plateau Regional Park is a secluded grassland that’s home to several endangered and threatened species. Hike a 4-mile loop of the Bay Area Ridge Trail here.
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Opt for Oursan

Hike Along the Shores of Briones Reservoir in the East Bay

Hike the Oursan Trail alongside Briones Reservoir in the East Bay
Hike the trail less traveled in the East Bay's Briones Regional Park. The Oursan Trail is pure serenity on a wide hiking path skirting the northern shores of Briones Reservoir.
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Light of Los Trancos

Hike Los Trancos Open Space Preserve in the Santa Cruz Mountains

Hike Los Trancos Open Space Preserve in the Santa Cruz Mountains
In autumn, Los Trancos Open Space Preserve lights up with orange-red maples, yellow hazelnut, and deciduous oaks, making this 2.5-mile hike in the Santa Cruz mountains a wonder-fall destination.
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Barnabe Bonanza

Hike to the Panoramic Summit of Barnabe Peak in Samuel P Taylor State Park

Woman with her arms outstretched to the rolling hills scenery while on a rock outcrop at Barnabe Peak in Samuel P Taylor Sate Park in Marin
Woman crossing a bridge over Devils Gulch Creek in Samuel P Taylor State Park
Woman hiking up Barnabe Fire Road in Samuel P Taylor State Park in Marin
Woman standing at the top of Barnabe Peak, looking out to Tomales Point and Bodega Bay
Sure, there are higher mountains in Marin (Mount Tam) and easier ascents (Mount Burdell), but is there a more expansive North Bay view? Barnabe Peak in Samuel P. Taylor State Park offers a glorious panorama including Mount Tam, Mount Diablo, and Mount St. Helena.
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London Calling

Dog-friendly hike at Jack London State Historic Park in Sonoma Valley

The writer Jack London was known for his adventure stories, and an autumn hike at his namesake state park in Sonoma Valley illuminates more than his career. Eucalyptus, oaks, sprawling vineyards, and brilliant redwoods are part of the autumn magic amid the rich history of the park.
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  1. The Beauty of Bainbridge Island

    You know a place is special when locals head to it for their in-state vacations. Follow the lead of Seattleites and venture to beautiful Bainbridge Island in the heart of Puget Sound on the Kitsap Peninsula. Hike the Grand Forest here, meet Pia the Peacekeeper, and enjoy tasty food and drinks.

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  2. Woman on a bicycle passing a park lake with a fountain spraying water

    East Bay Bike With Blossoms

    Spring wildflowers are in full bloom on this 15.5-mile bicycle loop through the East Bay that begins at charming Heather Farm Park and features plenty of scenic highlights.

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  3. Hiker overlooking Bear Gulch Reservoir at Pinnacles National Park near Monterey

    Pinnacles of Spring

    Why hike at Pinnacles National Park? Spring's a beautiful time of year here. And you might spy the magnificent California condor soaring while you gain soaring views from the High Peaks Trail.

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  4. old church on Monterey Path of History

    Path of History Walk (+ Food Bonuses)

    Monterey’s 2-mile yellow tiled, multilingual Path of History is a do-it-yourself stroll among some of the area’s most interesting, beautiful, and culturally significant sites, including through the Old Town, past Mexican-era adobes, and to the beautiful Royal Presidio Chapel.

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  1. Be Dune-spired!

    There’s only one urban park on the planet that helped inspire a major theme in Frank Herbert’s 1965 sci-fi book, Dune. Herbert was born and raised in Tacoma, and Dune Peninsula at Point Defiance Park is named in honor of his famous novel—a tribute to one of the book’s main ideas ...

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  2. Little Norway

    There aren’t many small towns in America that look and feel like Europe, but Washington State sure seems to have a few! Lesser known among them is Poulsbo on the Kitsap Peninsula. Dubbed “Little Norway,” this hamlet on the waterfront of Liberty Bay is charmed with Scandinavian influence.  

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  3. Caves in Mojave

    No one expects to see caves when they visit the desert, and that’s part of what makes Mitchell Caverns in the Mojave Desert such an interesting place. Go on a two-hour guided adventure tour through Mitchell Caverns in Providence Mountains State Recreation Area.

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  4. Dume in Bloom

    During wildflower season, nature puts on a spectacular show, and one the best places to see it is at Point Dume Natural Preserve in Malibu. 

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