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  1. Northern CA

    The Top 10 Outdoor Stories of the Year

    Less scroll time, more soul time...that's how it goes when you get out to explore our great Golden State. Jingle all the way to the end of the year by checking out our Top 10 stories of 2025.

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  2. Southern CA

    Top 10 Outdoor Stories of the Year

    Less scroll time, more soul time...that's how it goes when you get out to explore our great Golden State. Jingle all the way to the end of the year by checking out our Top 10 stories of 2025.

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  3. A group of friends hangs out at the top of Bernal Heights Park in San Francisco, looking out at the sunset
    Northern CA

    Rise to the Occasion

    One of the many shining features of the SF Bay Area is how many Baymazing urban vistas are accessed via short hikes within city limits. Here are three scenic hikes that rise to the occasion for ideal group outings over the holidays.

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  4. 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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  5. A woman walks along the boardwalk next to San Dieguito Lagoon in Del Mar San Diego
    Southern CA

    Boardwalks to Beautiful Things

    Bored over the holidays? Get board walking! These three boardwalks meander alongside lakes, lagoons, and a dam, with mountains and birds and beers as bonuses!

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  6. Northern CA

    'Twas the Lights Before Christmas

    Finding an illumination experience is a good reason to get outdoors and see the light... make that lots of light. These botanical gardens, strolls, hikes, and field exhibitions are fun and festive ways to enjoy the season. Light this way!

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  7. Lots of people walking around the Mission Inn in Riverside California looking at all the red and white and purple holiday lights.
    Southern CA

    Seeing the Lights

    All light, all light, all light. This season make your way to any of these places featuring botanical gardens glowing, food and drinks flowing, fields of illumination, and strolls and hikes to help you see the lights. 

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  8. Two people sit and look out to the ocean at Mount Tam
    Northern CA

    Turkey Time Out(side)

    Thanksgiving Thursday, Black Friday, Weekend Sherpa Saturday? We're sharing some ideas for exploring locally over the holiday. You can also check out our latest podcast episode, talking turkey and Türkiye. Learn about the relatively unknown world-class hiking adventure overlooking Türkiye's incredible Turquoise Coast and passing ancient ruins. 

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  9. A woman hiker in a light blue shirt points out at the mountains on a hike called Lawson Peak in Southern California
    Southern CA

    Fresh Air Saturday

    Thanksgiving Thursday, Black Friday, Weekend Sherpa Saturday? We're sharing some ideas for exploring locally over the holiday. You can also check out our latest podcast episode, talking turkey and Türkiye. Learn about the relatively unknown world-class hiking adventure overlooking Türkiye's incredible Turquoise Coast and passing ancient ruins. 

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  10. Northern CA

    Spectacular Sands

    California's filled with beautiful beaches, but some less-known sands simply dazzle. From elephant seal sightings and premier whale watching perches, to a secret stairway connecting a coastal hamlet to a sublime seaside setting, and a less-known dunescape that's nothing short of sunset-sational, here are three sandy havens that are prime to see this season.

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  11. A woman on a horse looks out to the mountainous scenery that a man on another horse is pointing towards in Paso Robles at the historic Santa Margarita Ranch with Central Coast Trail Rides
    Southern CA

    Change of Scenery

    Whether you've got a full day or can spend a night or three, venturing out for a change of scenery is good for the spirit. Here are some ideas for taking time to enjoy new experiences that are a road trip (or short flight) away!

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  12. Southern CA

    Spelunking Good Time

    Caving doesn’t have to be dark and dramatic; some SoCal caves give just enough adventure for a thrill, without going too deep. When the weather clears and conditions are drier, these three hikes to caves offer everything from unique features to photogenic slips of light.

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  13. Northern CA

    Autumn Hikes and Bike Rides

    When the weather clears, opt for an autumn power hike. These three options are peak-of-autumn beauties that range from moderate to challenging, and reward with rich vistas. Beauti-fall!

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  14. 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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  15. 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.

    View
  16. 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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  17. 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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  18. Southern CA

    Let the Spirits Move You

    Happy Halloween weekend. Head out on these spirited adventures, including a visit to one of the coolest living ghost towns around and some boo-tiful places to picnic or hike.

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  19. Hike Olompali State Historic Park
    Northern CA

    Find Fall on These Short Hikes

    While we may not have New England's fall color bonanza, the California-cool hues of amber and yellow are autumn-amazing, if you know where to look. Find fall colors close to home on these three hikes.

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  20. Southern CA

    Oh So Comfort-Fall

    Pumpkin spice lattes are great but if you're ready to dial up your seasonal comforts, add some easygoing outdoors to the mix. Here are three ways to combine sweet treats with sweet hikes.

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  21. Northern CA

    Relaxing Redwood Rambles

    Getting out into nature is a good way to relax, and our Bay Area and Northern California redwoods bring that extra bit of magic with their resiliency and awe-inspiring beauty. From the South Bay to the North Bay, to a far north destination, here are some less-known redwood hikes and bike rides that can bring some tranquility to your day.

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  22. Southern CA

    Animal Therapy

    The thing about animals is that they're amazing. And they bring both comfort and delight when you get to visit them at local farms and sanctuaries in Los Angeles County. From gardens and adobes filled with farm animals, to a sanctuary rescue offering a guided tour, here are three amazing places to get your share of adorable animals.

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Trending Stories NorCal

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  1. Three Cheers

    Good things come in threes when you visit Sonoma. Head out on a short hike right from town, sip and stroll the historic plaza, then take in the magical holiday lights.

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  2. Island Tree Topper

    The light display atop Angel Island State Park’s Mount Livermore has long been a cheerful twinkle visible from many cities throughout the Bay Area on holiday season nights. Get into the festive spirit by hiking the 2-mile (one-way) trail from Ayala Cove up to the "Angel Lights."

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  3. Go, Tell It on the Mountain

    {NOTE: Due to atmospheric rivers that can come this time of year, always be sure to check ahead for trail closures and hazards. And of course, wait for better weather and drier con

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  4. Serene Las Gallinas

    A serene stroll alongside marshland, passing ponds and grasses frilled in seasonal wildflowers, with Mount Tam a beacon in the background … how nice. As part of the esteemed Bay Trail, San Rafael’s Las Gallinas Valley Birding Loop and Wildlife Ponds comprises about 3.5 miles of wide-open trail.

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Trending Stories SoCal

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  1. Woman swimming in Carson Hotsprings natural thermal pool

    Hot Springs, Naturally

    Thermal spring waters are famous for their curative, relaxing elements, and Reno Tahoe is filled with them! Sink into these amazing thermal respites for a wellness super soak.

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  2. Dune It Right

    Want a beach that will really get you away from it all? Monterey's Fort Ord Dunes State Park is just the ticket. And it often glows golden toward sunset.

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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. Hikers sitting on a large rock slab next to Three Sisters Falls in Cleveland National Forest Southern California near Julian

    Three Sisters

    Good things come in threes at this hike to a lovely trio-tiered waterfall in Cleveland National Forest. The 4.25-mile out-and-back hike rambles among rolling hills, with rocky mountain views as switchbacks take you down to a lush canyon and the falls.

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