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  1. Northern CA

    Just Add Water!

    Who needs a pool to lounge by this summer when you have mother nature! Hike, bike, and just relax by these lakes, rivers, and coastal settings. Verified fresh!

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  2. Southern CA

    Fourth and Out!

    Need to clear your head this Independence Day? Liberate yourself with hikes to nice heights or easygoing strolls for wandering and pondering. Go fourth and get out!

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  3. Northern CA

    Mountain Hot Springs!

    Nature’s answer to happy hour: the mountain hot spring. We’ve scouted out a few to soothe your bones and soak in the views. Hey, hot stuff!

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  4. Sponsored
    2025-03-12

    From Alpine Wildflowers to Turquoise Coves

    North Lake Tahoe is where nature, culture, and authentic experiences let you connect to something deeper. Spring is an ode to the region’s harmonious dual nature, where you can mix

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  5. Southern CA

    Woodsy Digs

    A cozy cabin or lodge in the mountains right next to some of SoCal's most legendary hiking trails—sounds great, right? We’ve got three woodsy digs that put you right where you want to be: cool and high and ready for serious hiking … or stellar relaxing!

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  6. Southern CA

    Summer Refresher

    Know what's cool? These watery adventures! From hot springs to beach lounging, hitting the refresh button hasn't been easier.

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  7. Northern CA

    Summer Refresh

    Hit the refresh button, in more ways than one. These water-centric adventures will keep you cool through summer!

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  8. Northern CA

    Bay Area's Best Stairway Walks

    We all know we should take the stairs. And that's just about the best idea ever when it comes to the Bay Area's great urban hikes ... with stairways! From San Francisco to the South Bay, here are three stairway walks that are simply wander-ful.

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  9. Southern CA

    Can-Do Canyons

    The rugged topography of Southern California creates all sorts of magical folds that are enticing to explore, though sometimes “canyon” may be a bit of a misnomer. For these hikes, don’t think Grand; think beautiful—and close to home!

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  10. Northern CA

    Marquee Mendocino

    Whether you want to hit the trails, explore some caves, or just bunk down at your glamp-site, Mendocino has all the right stuff for a romantic getaway, outdoors-style!

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  11. Southern CA

    You Wildin'!

    Beautiful views meet big birds, blubbery seals, breaching whales, and playful dolphins on these three Southern California day-outings. Amazing close encounters!

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  12. Southern CA

    Secrets of Pauma Valley

    Spread beneath the Palomar Mountains, the hills and vales of Pauma Valley harbor some of SoCal’s best-kept secrets. Explore hiking trails both rugged and lush, a historic river, and a couple of top-notch wineries where you can raise a glass to your new discoveries.

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  13. Northern CA

    High Five Hikes!

    Sweeping bay views, stately second-growth redwoods, and poppies on parade: Soak up the last of spring days on any of these three county park hikes in the South Bay … all under 5 miles! Go short and sweet!

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  14. Southern CA

    Long May You Adventure

    Waterfalls, wildflowers, redwoods, Pacific coastline, mountains, and hidden hot springs ... yeah, it's good to be in California. See any of these natural wonders this long weekend on these SoCal hikes, bike rides, and explorations.

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  15. Sponsored
    2025-03-12

    From Alpine Wildflowers to Turquoise Coves

    North Lake Tahoe is where nature, culture, and authentic experiences let you connect to something deeper. Spring is an ode to the region’s harmonious dual nature, where you can mix

    View
  16. Northern CA

    Roll Out the Weekend

    Shorts, barbecues, bike rides: Give summer a high-five by hopping on any of these two-wheel adventures around the Bay Area and northern California. From country road rambles (and wine-tasting!) to car-free coastal cruising (and beers!), here are some smooth ways to ride into the long weekend.

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  17. Northern CA

    For Shore!

    It's time to shore up your weekend plans. Hike, bike, and beach hop along the San Mateo Coast, where wildflowers, huge Pacific views, and sandy havens will put the spring in your step!

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  18. Southern CA

    California Time Travel

    Make like Marty McFly and go back in time. Although there is no Biff, you can visit an Oceanside mission, a Julian gold mine, and a Riverside state park devoted to citrus. Sweet!

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  19. Southern CA

    Forest Bathing

    The Japanese art of forest bathing is so simple: Find peace and inner calm by going to the woods and reconnecting with nature. We’ve scouted three of our favorite settings for therapeutic walks in some magnificent woods. Go slow. Breathe!

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  20. Northern CA

    Wine Country Adventures

    Great weather, loads of outdoor adventures, amazing wines … and it’s all just 45 minutes from the Golden Gate Bridge. Sonoma Valley is spring loaded for a weekend away. Local la dolce vita!

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  21. Northern CA

    Wildflower Blockbusters

    Bursting onto the scene with more fanfare than the latest blockbuster, wildflowers are starring across the Bay Area and NorCal. Head out for these flower-powered action adventures this spring.

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  22. Southern CA

    Late Bloomers

    SoCal's wildflower season took a rain check in early spring, quite literally, due to late-season showers. But better late than never. Flower power is in action now, if you know where to go.

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Trending Stories NorCal

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  1. Mile-Long Cataract Club

    In winter after heavy rains, the north flank of Mount Tam glows with flows. The nearly mile-long series of waterfalls—Cataract Falls—transforms into a supercharged spectacle. Starting at Alpine Dam, a 1.6 mile (one-way) narrow trails threads through redwoods and ferns along Cataract Creek.

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  2. Sponsored

    Mini Guide to Reno Tahoe’s Lodging and Dining

    So, you’re going to Reno Tahoe for some time in nature, and some time in nurture? Excellent choice. The fun and wonder of Reno Tahoe is the easy part.

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  3. Hidden Long Ridge

    After heavy rains, the rolling headwaters of Peters Creek in Long Ridge Open Space Preserve pulsate along the forest floor via a series of small waterfalls that cut grooves in sandstone boulders. See it on a 4.5-mile loop hike starting from the Grizzly Flat parking lot.

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  4. Hike Artdoors

    Add a little color to your new year. This 3-mile loop through the Montalvo Arts Center mixes the beauty of the natural world with local artists’ creations.

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Trending Stories SoCal

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  1. Weekend Sherpa Podcast: Take It Outside

    Adventure for your earbuds. What's new in the world of the outdoors? Listen to Weekend Sherpa co-founders discuss local hikes, beaches, bike rides, camping spots and all kinds of travel and adventure in California and beyond!

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  2. 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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  3. People gathered around a tree at an LA Park as part of the Tree Tour led by Stephanie Carrie

    LA's Tree Tour

    Los Angeles is famous for its iconic palm trees but did you know that LA is home to one of the most diverse urban forests in the world? With over 1,000 different tree species lining its streets, LA offers a unique urban canopy waiting to be explored. One of the best ways to discover it is by joining a Tree Tour

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  4. White Tank Campground for Stargazing

    Heaven for star buffs: the best campground in Joshua Tree National Park for night-sky viewing, in a place named an International Dark Sky Park, with a full-on observatory just minutes away! White Tank Campground is at 3,800 feet in the eastern part of the park.

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