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1. 
   Northern CA

   Redwoods All To Yourself

   In case you didn't hear, October was just declared California Redwoods Month, celebrating our iconic trees from the coast to the Sierra Nevada. Go on the hunt for redwood October! Here are 10 of the best places to escape the crowds and explore these behemoth beauties.

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2. 
   Northern CA

   Fall for These Views

   The weather’s still good, the leaves are just starting to turn, and daylight still lingers until after 6pm … Autumn hikes are awesome. From a peak-bagging hike in Napa, to a short trek to one of Lake Tahoe’s best lookouts, and an East Bay ridge with a reservoir vista, here are three hikes with views to fall for.

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3. 
   Southern CA

   Welcome Back, Idyllwild!

   One of our favorite mountain hamlets, Idyllwild, is in full swing again, now that last summer’s Cranston Fire is a receding memory. Camp, hike, relax at a lake ... here's how to go Idyllwild!

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4. 
   Sponsored

   2026-06-03

   Take the Exit to the Best of the San Francisco Peninsula

   The San Francisco Peninsula is proof that some of Northern California’s greatest surprises are hiding just off Highway 101. All you have to do is take the exit.

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5. 
   Southern CA

   Outdoors, Amigos!

   We just celebrated Mexican Independence Day (September 16, 1810), but the ¡Viva México! sentiment can go on year round in SoCal with these outdoor adventures, followed by some authentic comida de México!

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6. 
   Northern CA

   Lake Wanders

   Give summer a peaceful sendoff with a simple wander where trails are quieter and lakes take center stage.

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7. 
   Southern CA & Northern CA

   Reno Tahoe Trifecta

   Ready for the Reno Tahoe Trifecta? If you can knock out all three, you'll bag one of Tahoe's tallest peaks, paddle the lake in a clear kayak, and sample craft beers by way of a human-powered bike trolley. Ready, set, Reno Tahoe!

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8. 
   Southern CA

   Sea Caves, Beaches!

   Feeling fried by the late-summer sun? Find refuge in a sea cave! We have a few in mind that are suitably cool, plus they add a dash of adventure to your beach outing. Just keep an eye on the tides!

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9. 
   Northern CA

   Bike Rides & Breweries

   Celebrate the start of autumn and the season of Oktoberfest with some bike rides with brew pub bonuses. Here are five pedals where you can go for a spin and enjoy some craft brews. The flavors of fall are flowing.

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10. 
    Northern CA

    Hikes Outside the Box

    Getting outside this long weekend? As in, outside the Bay Area? From a swim hole in Tahoe and a hike-in campsite in Mendocino to a calming coastal trail in Carmel, here are some top hikes outside the Bay Area but still within our great golden state!

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11. 
    Southern CA

    Wild Wanders

    Looking to go wild before summer runs out? Take a hike! From coastal peaks to Sierra hot springs and foggy redwoods, you'll be wildin' all right!

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12. 
    Northern CA

    Hidden Beaches

    Looking for some off-the-radar beach time? We’ve rounded up three hidden favorites across the North Bay. Bonus: Two are dog-friendly. Beach you to it!

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13. 
    Southern CA

    Easy Summer Outings

    Getting outdoors doesn't have to be epic or challenging. Sometimes the easiest adventures are the most fun! From hitting the beach to hitting the trails, here are a few ways to take it easy this summer.

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14. 
    Southern CA

    Tidal Ways

    Don’t let the heat wave drive you indoors! Tide pools are the cool place to be right now, where you can ogle colorful creatures and refresh yourself in sea breezes. Good tidings to you!

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15. 
    Sponsored

    2026-06-03

    Take the Exit to the Best of the San Francisco Peninsula

    The San Francisco Peninsula is proof that some of Northern California’s greatest surprises are hiding just off Highway 101. All you have to do is take the exit.

    View
16. 
    Northern CA

    Peninsula Pleasures

    Hike under the redwoods, bike ride by the sea, lounge in the soft sands of a hidden beach … the pleasures just keep on keeping on when you fill your weekend with the beauty of the San Mateo Coast.

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17. 
    Northern CA

    Sleeping Under the Stars

    Slept under the stars lately? It’s a summer rite of passage! And backpacking makes it all the more fun. From beginner-friendly short and sweet overnights to a multi-day epic trek that’s a classic, here are three ways to see the stars before summer says goodbye.

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18. 
    Southern CA

    Camp on the Beach, Baby!

    If fun in the sun is a blast, making the beach your home for a few days is a dream come true. Catch a Pacific sunset, nod off to the sound of crashing waves, sip your coffee by the sea—at these campgrounds, you own a little slice of California paradise.

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19. 
    Northern CA

    Find Your Quiet Hike

    Summer's a bustling time in the Bay Area, but you can still find trails with a quieter vibe. From redwood groves to sunset views, lakes, and panoramas, here are some hikes that see fewer folks and abundant beauty.

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20. 
    Southern CA

    Secret Lakes

    Nothing against powerboats or jet skis, but there’s much to be said for lakes where we can go for tranquility. Maybe a little paddling, a little fishing. See some cool birds. Definitely relax. We’ve got three in mind, each distinct, each ideal for a quiet summer day … sans water skis.

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21. 
    Northern CA

    Beer Adventures

    Bottoms up, beer drinkers! Napa, Berkeley, and San Francisco are on a roll with new craft breweries located close to car-free bike trails offering pure pedaling pleasure.

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22. 
    Southern CA

    Midsummer Classics

    Swimsuit for water holes, shoes for coastal hikes, a fleece for overnighting in a mountain cabin ... what's on your summer checklist? Here are some classic ways to soak in and soak up the rest of summer.

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