All in Northern CA
Midsummer Picks
It's the thick of summer, and the heat has dialed up. Stay refreshed with these popular outdoor hikes, bike rides, and kayaking adventures in Northern California (and a few points beyond).
VIEWCoasting in Santa Cruz
Summer heat is still on, so keep on coasting with a little help from Santa Cruz County. Here are some hikes, bike rides, and brewpubs to keep your cool.
VIEWCoastal Cabins
Feel like coasting and a cabin stay? We have some places in mind. Unplug and unwind (or stay a bit connected, but still in nature) and enjoy one of these cabin getaways with beaches, hikes, and beautiful views. Sweet dreams.
VIEW- Sponsored
A Very Bavarian Spring
Ready to change up your spring scenery? Pack your bags for this alpine adventure in Washington State’s Cascade Mountains. The Bavarian-style hamlet of Leavenworth could be a stand-in for a mountain village in Europe.
View Better Hit the Beach!
With soaring temperatures even San Francisco is having warm summer days. Keep your cool with some classic coastal hikes and beaches where the ocean breeze refreshes.
VIEWRoad Trip to Remember
Build the best road trip memories in Southern Oregon. Hike the famous Table Rocks, paddle in the serenity of the Cascades, glamp near Crater Lake, see the greatest waterfalls, and enjoy bucolic food + wine trails. Here’s a road trip itinerary from our recent adventure to help you map out your very own Southern Oregon vacation.
VIEWWheels of Fortune
What’s better than a beautiful Bay Area bike ride with grand scenery? Not much! But bonus in a tiki bar, a tasty spot for Mexican cuisine and margaritas, or an old-fashioned gastropub, and you’ve got a perfect summer spin.
VIEWGo Fourth for Summer Adventures
What’s new for summer? How about the recently re-opened guided canoe and kayak tours at one of the most mysterious lakes on earth? Or a tip on getting first-come, first-served camping at a stunning state park? Or check off that visit to the newest urban oasis with views of the golden state's Golden Gate. Go fourth!
VIEWHidden Gems of the East Bay
Life’s a hike-in beach, and a bayside wine-tasting with food + live music, and a bike ride with classic views of the Golden Gate. Head to the East Bay for a brilliant summer day!
VIEWCalifornia State Parks Week
California State Parks Week (June 14 - 18, 2023) encourages visits California state parks for new experiences, nourishing health and wellness, celebrating community and culture, and caring for our lands. Here are just a few suggestions of places to go.
VIEWReady to Rock
Rock stars: unique, expressive, and with individual flair. These three Northern California rock stars are no exception—featuring nature-sculpted formations you can admire on a hike or from a beach. Rock, on.
VIEWDown by the Water
This winter's epic rain and snow has rivers and creeks currently flowing like never before. Admire the flow, but do it on land, from a safe distance. Here are three unique places to bike, hike, or camp near the water.
VIEWHike-in to Beach Bliss
Know what feels good after a hike? Sticking your toes in the sand! Kick off the unofficial start to summer with some beach time ... but not just any beach time... these three beaches are hike-ins, for a bit of extra bliss.
VIEWRedwoods Right Now
Who’s throwing shade? These big ol’ beautiful redwoods across Northern California. Come for the hiking, stay for the camping. You’ll have it made in the shade.
VIEW- Sponsored
A Very Bavarian Spring
Ready to change up your spring scenery? Pack your bags for this alpine adventure in Washington State’s Cascade Mountains. The Bavarian-style hamlet of Leavenworth could be a stand-in for a mountain village in Europe.
View Small Parks, Big Views
These Bay Area parks are not super-sized yet bring super-size scenery including iconic views, barbecues, and beautiful scenery—from lush gardens to the Golden Gate, and an artfully designed mini-golf course!
VIEWGarden State
Guided rhododendron walks, farm-to-trail events, a lavender maze for World Labyrinth Day, things are coming up more than roses! These three botanical gardens have extra bling this spring. --
VIEWSuper Pedals + Petals
When the wind’s in your hair, a Bay Area spring is in more than the air...it's all over the hills and trails too! Here are some bike rides (or hikes) where the season is showing off its best stuff.
VIEWSpring for These Summits
The wildflowers are flowing, the green hills are rolling, and things are looking up! Way up. Head out and up to these three Bay Area summit hikes currently bringing some spring bling!
VIEWBloom Shakalaka
It's raining wildflowers! A benefit of big rains followed by warm weather is gorgeous scenery festooned by flowers. Here are some places currently blossoming with flora, fauna, and fabulous views.
VIEWPoppy Hikes in the San Francisco Bay Area
The Bay Area has some great pop ups in spring, specifically, the California poppy, popping up now. Here are some hikes and bike rides that can pop with poppies.
VIEWSpring Blooms
Rain may have dampened some things, but there's a bright spot on the horizon: Wildflower season is making a run for it, with blooms scattered up and over the mountains and green hills of the Bay Area. Here are three places for seeing spring’s early blossoms while also enjoying big views!
VIEW
A Very Bavarian Spring
Ready to change up your spring scenery? Pack your bags for this alpine adventure in Washington State’s Cascade Mountains. The Bavarian-style hamlet of Leavenworth could be a stand-in for a mountain village in Europe.
Discover the Best of LeavenworthYour Inbox to the Outdoors
Stay up to date with our weekly recommendations on where to explore locally in California.