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  1. Hiking Petaluma
    Northern CA

    Hidden Hikes in Wine Country

    What’s better than wine country hikes in autumn? Wine country hikes that aren’t as well known! From a new regional park south of Petaluma, to a tiny hidden gem in Napa.

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  2. Northern CA

    See the Blue Angels overhead, get up-close views of the Golden Gate Bridge, and bask in some San Francisco noir under a full moon weekend … here are three excellent ways to maximize your bay views this weekend.

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  3. Full Moon Hike in Southern California
    Southern CA

    Full Moon Hikes for Lunatics

    Bright lunar light makes some folks a little wiggy—hence the word “lunatic.” Our feeling: You’d have to be crazy NOT to get out and hike under a big full moon from time to time!

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  4. Sponsored

    Extra-Celestial Central Oregon

    Some trips promise you the moon and the stars. And this one delivers in a big way, plus throws in some extra planets for your viewing pleasure. From Bend, Sunriver, and Sisters to Antelope Basecamp in the remote high desert.

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  5. Encinitas Brewery Hike
    Southern CA

    Brewery Hikes

    In North San Diego County, all trails lead to beers! At least, if you take any of these three routes where four breweries are on standby, ready to quench your post-hike thirst.

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  6. Pearson-Arastradero Preserve hike
    Northern CA

    Easy Fall Hikes

    How do you ease into fall? With some easy fall hikes! Get the first glimpse of fall colors, along with beautiful views and tranquil lakes at these three parks.

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  7. Hike Pinnacles National Park California
    Southern CA & Northern CA

    Reach for the Pinnacles

    Rugged rock spires, deep caves, volcanic formations… Pinnacles National Park packs an adventurous punch, and—bonus—you might even get to see the famous, endangered California condor.

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  8. Southern CA

    Three Cool Canyons

    Not all canyons can be grand, but we think these three are pretty cool. Give you summer a proper sendoff and plunge into these!

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  9. Northern CA

    Summer's End Adventures

    Who says all good things must come to an end? This is California! But still, there's a few things better to do now than later ... so get soak in the last of the summer days on one or more of these outdoor escapes!

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  10. Northern CA

    Hike-in Picnics with Classic Ocean Views

    The benefit of hiking or biking in to your picnic spot? You can avoid the parking lot crowds. These three North Bay gems all have ocean views, too. All you need is a baguette and cheese and voila! Picnic magnifique!

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  11. Southern CA

    Urban Art Walks

    Get your art fix without stepping into a museum (not that there's anything wrong with that). These three urban walks have everything from colorful murals and creative installations to LA’s first World Heritage Site landmark, plus food and drink bonuses. Walk this way …

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  12. Northern CA

    Hike the Lakes

    Summer's winding down, but the lakes are still filled up. From a trifecta lake hike in Tahoe to a backyard Sierra-esque loop in Marin, here are three excellent hikes around the water. Drink it in.

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  13. Southern CA

    Ride a Little, Drink a Latte

    All great bike paths lead to coffee—well, at least these three do. Steer your two-wheeler to Riverside, Newport Beach, or Long Beach, and get the wind in your hair while happily caffeinated!

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  14. Northern CA

    Labor Day Sneak Away

    Who's ready to get sneaky? As in sneaking away this weekend for a quick outdoor escape. From camping to coastal hiking, bike rides with beers, and redwoods rambles, here are some ideas nearby and not too far. Sneak attack!

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  15. Sponsored

    Extra-Celestial Central Oregon

    Some trips promise you the moon and the stars. And this one delivers in a big way, plus throws in some extra planets for your viewing pleasure. From Bend, Sunriver, and Sisters to Antelope Basecamp in the remote high desert.

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  16. Southern CA

    Labor Day Outside

    The last thing we want for you to do is labor over plans to get outdoors this long weekend. So we've put together a short list of things to try, from a coastal hike to a sunset spot and a campground for stargazing, even an easygoing bike ride. And away you go ...

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  17. Northern CA

    New Trails & Parks

    Mmmm... that new park smell! From the Peninsula to the Sonoma Coast, these trails are primed and ready to be explored.

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  18. Southern CA

    True Ocean Adventures

    Who needs air-conditioning when we have an ocean to play in? Our height-of-summer stay-cool plan is to go full flippers-and-face-mask in Abalone Cove; kayak past sea lions into La Jolla’s sea caves; and blaze a SUP trail in beautiful Newport Bay.

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  19. Southern CA & Northern CA

    Yosemite Anew

    It’s easy to think you’ve seen Yosemite’s best stuff. But this national park just keeps giving us different ways to experience its wonders. From new cabins to an upgraded hike among giant sequoias, or taking a trail less-known, here’s a guide to keep exploring Yosemite’s adventurous side.

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  20. Northern CA

    Fun Dips!

    Sunscreen: check. Swim trunks: check. Plan of action: take a dip! Keep your cool and beat the heat from the Sierra Nevada to the Berkeley Hills and Point Reyes. Just don't be a rotten egg!

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  21. Southern CA

    Summer Sensations

    Whoa, summer—slow down already! Get outside to savor the best of the season with some peak hikes, cave explorations, canoe paddles, and ... don't forget some beer tasting!

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  22. Northern CA

    Summer Savoring

    Okay, summer, can you slow down already! Savor the sun's favorite season with some camping and hiking among redwoods, biking along the coast, paddling crystal waters, or relaxing in a garden ... a beer garden! Here are a few ideas.

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A Hiker looking over a mountain range

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

Trending Stories NorCal

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  1. Woman walking down the stairs overlooking the ocean on the Coastal Trail in San Francisco

    America's Best Urban Hike

    Long ago we dubbed it the “Grand Walk” and said it was one of the most scenic and stunning trails in the West. We were wrong. This is the most scenic urban hike in America!

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  2. Hike or Bike the Skyline

    A new section of the Bay Area Ridge Trail is open for biking, hiking, or horseback riding along the 12-mile (out-and-back) Skyline Watershed Ridge Trail.

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  3. Woman riding a bike on the the Vine Trail in Napa Valley

    Through the Grapevine

    Cycle California’s most famous wine valley on the car-free Vine Trail, an ambitious project going through the heart of Napa Valley. Park your car and ride 6 miles from Napa to Yountville for lunch.

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Trending Stories SoCal

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  1. Stars, Steaks, and Strange Brews

    Forget Michelin stars. Deep in Oregon's high desert, legendary Cowboy Dinner Tree is destination dining at its most deliciously down-to-earth, well worth the required reservation and desert drive to reach it.

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  2. Outback to the Future

    Some must-see destinations are written in the stars. Deep in Oregon's remote southern high desert lies the largest certified International Dark Sky Sanctuary on the planet. With 2.5 million acres of protected dark skies, you get the best of the celestial out here in what's known as the Oregon Outback, including geothermal soaks and an incredible playa that's a hidden gem.

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  3. Sponsored

    Extra-Celestial Central Oregon

    Some trips promise you the moon and the stars. And this one delivers in a big way, plus throws in some extra planets for your viewing pleasure. From Bend, Sunriver, and Sisters to Antelope Basecamp in the remote high desert.

    View