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  1. Southern CA

    Wellness Hikes and Bike Rides

    In tumultuous times taking a break in nature can be helpful ... among trees, birds, and trails less traveled. Here are some hiking and biking recommendations for taking a wellness break outdoors.

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  2. Northern CA

    Comfort Hikes and Bike Rides

    If you need a bit of a break to contemplate, or to find forms of comfort, sometimes it’s helpful to be in nature. These hiking and biking suggestions include a peace grove, quieter trails, early wildflowers, and some sweet farm animals.

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  3. Southern CA

    Secret Trails of Simi Valley

    Can you keep a secret? These less-traveled trails in Ventura County's heavenly slice of Simi Valley are short and sweet with stellar mountain and skyline scenery and bonuses like wildflowers and beer stops. Simi sensational!

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  4. Sponsored
    2026-09-02

    Reno Mountain High

    Take your vacation to new heights with some of the season’s most original events, and plenty of outdoors to explore. Fall for it all in Reno Tahoe.

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  5. woman biking bolinas ridge trail bay area
    Northern CA

    Ridgeline Trails With Hints of Spring

    Crisp skylines and the chance of early wildflowers festooning trails … yep, it’s a good time to do a ridge ramble in the Bay Area. Here are some hikes and bike rides featuring ridgelines for positive perspectives and hints of spring!

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  6. Northern CA

    Hill Yeah!

    The Bay Area hills are alive with winter greenery, stellar scenery, and seasonally favorable temperatures for conquering peaks. These hikes (some with bike options) feature vistas, peak bagging, and prime picnic spots. Head for the hills!

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  7. Southern CA

    The Great Artdoors

    Ready for the great artdoors? SoCal has some beautfiul places to wander and see interesting, inspiring, and educational works, from murals and sculptures to installations and tasty food and drink bonuses.

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  8. Northern CA

    Dates Outdoors

    In this season of love and romance, there's one companion who never disappoints: the outdoors! Grab your favorite person or people and head out on some hikes and bike rides that are oh so sweet right now.

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  9. Southern CA

    Sweet Hikes, Bike Rides, and Bakeries

    Whether your relationship is new, or you’ve been together a long time, the outdoors makes a terrific companion. Gather your loved one(s) and head outside for these sweet hikes and bike rides, along with some post-adventure bakery treats.

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  10. Northern CA

    Look on the Bright Side

    Winter sunsets get a glowing review in California, whether you're watching one from a sand dune surrounded by mountains or pedaling your bike down by the sea. Here are some of the best hikes, bike rides, and viewpoints for catching one of nature's best light shows.

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  11. Two hikers on the ridge hiking to San Gabriel Peak in Southern California
    Southern CA

    Glow for It

    Fun fact: finding your glow doesn't mean choosing the latest facial serum promising shiny cheeks. The natural beauty of a winter sunset can get you glowing from the inside out! Here are some of the best hikes and viewpoints for watching one of nature's greatest lightshows. Shine on!

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  12. woman hiking Channel Islands
    Ventura County Coast

    California's Most Sea-nic National Park

    Blissful beaches, panoramic hikes, craft beer, and one of California’s wildest national parks—Ventura County Coast has the Southern California climate with its own distinct laid-back vibe. Here are five ideas for your adventure getaway.

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  13. Northern CA

    Peak-a-View!

    Who's ready for a fresh perspective? There’s a peak hike for that. Make that three peak hikes. Test your mettle on the Bay Area’s toughest hike (any guesses?), enjoy a more moderate Diablo adventure, or relax with a sunset hike on Tam.

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  14. Southern CA

    Waterfall Way to Hike

    Wait for it, wait for it... now! Winter rains mean waterfall hikes are an actual thing to do this year, but get to them sooner than later while the flow is still good.

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  15. Sponsored
    2026-09-02

    Reno Mountain High

    Take your vacation to new heights with some of the season’s most original events, and plenty of outdoors to explore. Fall for it all in Reno Tahoe.

    View
  16. Woman sitting at the picnic table at Lawson picnic area in Hood Mountain Regional Park
    Northern CA

    Panoramic Picnic Spots

    Ready to raise your picnic game? These hike-in spots offer incredible vistas to go along with your PB&J. From a brand-new trail to a less-traveled classic, here are three hike-in picnics where you’ll ascend to deliriously good views.

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  17. Southern CA

    Surprise Views

    Surprise! These three hikes in North San Diego County are not only less traveled, they're filled with outdoor gems like Torrey pines, sandstone formations, wildlife, and vantage points with huge views.

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  18. Woman at Cascade Falls in Mill Valley
    Northern CA

    Waterfall Start to the New Year

    Want a waterfall way to kick off the new year? These three flows are all set within residential areas, making for easy access and nice strolls to oases buttressed by recent rains and other splashy features.

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  19. Southern CA

    Find Fresh Views in Malibu

    Happy New Year. Ready for some bu-tiful outdoors? Malibu still has a few secrets to explore and we’ve got three less traveled beach and lake hikes for you to try something new for 2022.

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  20. Southern CA

    Top 10 Outdoor Adventures for 2021

    Backcountry explorations, riverwalks, secret beaches, and adventurous day hikes in national parks ... here's our list of the top 10 adventures of 2021. See you on the trails next year!

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  21. Northern CA

    Top 10 Outdoor Adventures of 2021

    Waterfalls, epic national park hikes, camping, and hidden backcountry are just a few of the adventures we loved this year! Here's our list of the year's 10 best outdoor adventures in California and the West. See you on the trails in 2022!

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  22. Woman snowshoe hiking at Castle Pass overlooking the mountains in Tahoe National Forest
    Northern CA

    Outdoors After Rain and Snow

    Wishing you a safe and healthy holiday. While the weather outside has at times been a bit frightful, the outdoors is still delightful, so if you're wondering where to go, here are some adventures that are good after rain or snow.

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Trending Stories NorCal

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  1. Roaring Redwoods

    Tucked next to brilliant Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park in Santa Cruz, the folks at Roaring Camp Railroads had a bright idea: When the sun goes down, the rainbow lights come up. Sequoias at Night brings big magic to some of the tallest trees in the world.

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  2. Barbary Coast Trail medallion hike in San Francisco

    Medallion Walk SF

    The Barbary Coast Trail is a 3.8-mile historical walk and treasure hunt through San Francisco. Be on the lookout for hubcap-sized bronze medallions placed on the city sidewalks with arrows pointing you in the right direction.

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  3. Greater by the Dozen

    This hike is anything but a dime a dozen. The all-new "Golden Gate Dozen Trail" links 12 National Park sites on a spectacular 13-mile journey across San Francisco's coastline.

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  4. Inn-spiration Point!

    For more than a century, people have been hiking or mountain biking to West Point Inn for good reason. Perched at 1,785 feet on the southern slope of Mount Tamalpais, the historic inn has sweeping views from the Marin Headlands to the San Francisco skyline.

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Trending Stories SoCal

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  1. There's Always To Moro!

    Looking for a rock-solid itinerary in Sequoia National Park? Pair the park's most famous viewpoint with one that's often overlooked.

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  2. Rancho Style

    Vicente Bluffs Reserve dazzles anytime, but during the golden hour it’s an absolute knockout. Majestic rocky bluffs, dreamy ocean views, and a picturesque lighthouse are just a few of the reasons.

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  3. A Thousand Steps to Paradise

    A picture is worth a thousand words, but is a gorgeous beach in Laguna worth a thousand steps? The answer is yes, though the question is moot, because it’s only 223 steep steps down to the 400-yard stretch of sand known as 1000 Steps Beach.

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  4. Hike to the Sierra Buttes Fire Lookout in the Lakes Basin

    Lookout for This View!

    Sierra Buttes Lookout, at a lofty 8,591 feet, is a memory maker for its pucker-worthy stairway to the tower’s balcony. It's a 5-mile (round-trip) hike to reach it. And the reward? Epic!

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