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  1. Northern CA

    Bike Rides to Fall Bounties

    Seasonal farmstands and wineries in the prime of harvest, beautiful fall colors along idyllic paths, park stops and a new brewpub ... get rolling (or strolling) on any of these three Bay Area bike trails leading to a bounty of scenery, seasonal delights, and stops for food and drinks.

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  2. Southern CA

    This Hidden Beach ...

    The term "secret beach" is a bit of a relative one for SoCal. Still, there are a few you can escape to and find a bit of serenity. From a hidden gem to secret strands and pocket sands, don't let others beach you to it!

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  3. Northern CA

    Harvest Moon Hikes

    The full moon is this weekend. Here are some prime adventures to watch the sun set and the Harvest moon rise, even sticking around to sip wine and see the stars. Bring a headlamp for good measure and get glowing.

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  4. Sponsored

    Chasing Dark Skies: Southern Oregon

    Hot springs, hiking, lodging, antelope, and one of the world’s best places for looking up at night.

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  5. Hi Cherry Canyon Park to the Ultimate Destination in LA County
    Southern CA

    On This Harvest Moon

    It's glow time! Here are some amazing places to watch the sun set and enjoy the Harvest moon rising as you make your way back. Bring a flashlight or headlamp for extra measure ... and shine on.

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  6. Woman hiking Hawk Hill in the Marin Headlands at Sunset
    Northern CA

    As the Sun Sets on Summer

    As the sun sets on summer, here are some sunset spots (and sails!) to savor before we leap into outdoor adventures worth falling for.

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  7. Southern CA

    Sunsets and Night Hikes

    Sundown on summer is here ... so say goodbye to the season as it sinks below the horizon on these classic outings ideal for sunsets and night hikes. Fall's morning glory is up next!

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  8. Northern CA

    Let There Be Light(houses)

    As summer simmers down and days darken faster, we’ve got a few ways to keep the light going. Just add lighthouses! From overnight stays, to guided tours, here are three unique lighthouse adventures.

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  9. Southern CA

    Secret Stairways of LA

    We always hear it: gotta get in those steps. A way to do it? Take the stairs! But not just any stairs. Do the ones that lead to nature, tranquility, and hidden gems. Here are three stairway hikes worth stepping up—and down—to!

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  10. Hike Elysian Park in Los Angeles
    Southern CA

    Autumn Inspiration

    Let us be the first to wish you Happy Halloween. Too soon? We agree! Autumn’s barely touching down, so go gently into the season with these adventures offering inspiring views for a change-in-season perspective. Costume not included!

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  11. Woman jumping on the beach at Pescadero Marsh
    Northern CA

    Autumn Taking Flight

    Autumn brings new light. Ease into the season with these mellow hike and bike adventures at wetlands and beaches across the Bay Area. Savor peaceful trails, see birdlife, and relax waterside.

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  12. Plumas County

    The Secluded Sierra

    Travel to the very northern part of the Sierra Nevada and discover a vast wilderness with only three traffic lights and more nature than people. Plumas County is a tranquil haven of high mountain recreation lakes, hiking and biking trails galore, plentiful small-town charms, and a national park that's still a hidden treasure.

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  13. Northern CA & Southern CA

    Now Open: These Camping Adventures

    Better late than never. Winter's historic precipitation meant delays in some backcountry and high Sierra camping adventures due to road repairs and too much snow! Here are a few places you can go now, some recently re-opened (and first-come, first-served!).

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  14. Northern CA & Southern CA

    Tahoe Easy Rollers

    How do you escape the crowds at Tahoe? Try a bike ride along one of the region’s beautiful (car-free!) bike trails paralleling the Truckee River and Lake Tahoe. Here are some great rides (that can also be hikes or walks) for getting a little space.

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  15. Sponsored

    Chasing Dark Skies: Southern Oregon

    Hot springs, hiking, lodging, antelope, and one of the world’s best places for looking up at night.

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  16. 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).

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  17. Urban Hike to Spruce Street Suspension Bridge in San Diego
    Southern CA

    Lovin' Summer

    Back to school may be coming soon, but summer's not over. Here are a few places in SoCal (and some points a bit beyond) for getting in some last minute beach hikes, camping, kayaking adventures, and cool urban walks.

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  18. Northern CA

    Coasting 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.

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  19. Southern CA

    Canyon Cooldowns

    SoCal may be one of the coolest places to live, but keeping your cool in summer isn’t always easy. Here are three canyon adventures that offer a little refreshment.

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  20. Northern CA

    Coastal 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.

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  21. Southern CA

    Alpining

    Set in the Cuyamaca Mountains of San Diego County, Alpine is famous for its government-designated “best climate in the US” status. Here are some great ways to explore Alpine—from summit hikes to lakes and beers!

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  22. Northern CA

    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.

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A Hiker looking over a mountain range

Your Inbox to the Outdoors

Stay up to date with our weekly recommendations on where to explore locally in California.

Trending Stories NorCal

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  1. 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

    Barnabe Bonanza

    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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  2. Tamtastic Sunset

    Sure, the East Peak of Mount Tam is absolutely spectacular at sunset, but some magic-hour enthusiasts head to a nearby spot, Trojan Point, for a little more personal space in their panoramic viewings.

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  3. Hiker on the SCA trail in Marin Headlands with view of the Golden Gate Bridge

    Headlands Over Heels

    People come from all over the world to get a glimpse of the Golden Gate Bridge. Get a dramatic and novel view of the bridge without all the people on this moderate 6-mile hike in the Marin Headlands.

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Trending Stories SoCal

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  1. Lagoon Swoon

    We all love an underdog story, especially in the shadow of the greats. Enter a truly SoCal coastal version: Malibu Lagoon State Beach. Though situated next to Surfrider Beach, a fa

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  2. Woman hiking the San Onofre Bluffs Loop Trail to San Onofre State Beach in San Diego County

    Bluffing Good!

    Lovely coastline, beautiful beaches, unique geological history, and picturesque sandstone cliffs with limited foot traffic in San Diego County? Head to San Onofre State Beach and the 5-mile San Onofre Bluffs Loop Trail.

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  3. Can We Get a Whoop Whoop!

    City, mountain, and ocean views all in one hike? Whoop whoop! It’s no surprise the the Kenter Fire Road and Whoop-de-Doos Trail (a combo of fire road and singletrack) is a favorite among local mountain bikers and hikers alike.

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