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1. 
   Northern CA

   Last-Minute Romance!

   Roses are red, violets are blue, caught without a Valentine’s plan…we’ve got you! These three outings offer thrilling scenery, lovely greenery, early wildflowers, and bonus ideas for eats and drinks. Sweet!

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2. 
   Southern CA

   Romance Right Quick!

   Caught without a Valentine's plan? Oof. We don’t have all the answers, but we do have a few suggestions for a fun date in the great outdoors. Get sweet on them. 

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3. 
   Northern CA

   Big Love on the Coast

   This is the time of year when big things happen on our beautiful California coast. By big we mean elephant seals, currently in prime mating season but still willing to take a load off to just lounge around. Some are also in need of some rehab TLC. Here are three coastal excursions well worth the time for seeing why elephant seals are such a huge deal.

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4. 
   Sponsored

   2026-10-14

   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. 
   Southern CA

   Going for Gold in the Golden State

   The Winter Olympics don’t have to be a spectator sport. California has all the right stuff for chasing your own golden moments. From learning to curl to lacing up skates with Half Dome as your backdrop, these winter sports celebrate the spirit of the Golden State.

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6. 
   Northern CA

   Meet the Flockers

   We don't wanna ruffle feathers by declaring birding the new hiking, but we do have some great hikes and bike rides where the birdwatching is flocking amazing!

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7. 
   Southern CA

   Sealed with a Kiss

   You don’t need to head out on the water to see Southern California’s seals and sea lions. These three coastal spots invite you to bike, wander, and explore while catching close-up views of these big beauties, with plenty of nearby parks and places to stroll by the shore. Sea, yeah— see ya there!

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8. 
   Northern CA

   Zen Peak Hikes to Keep Your Calm

   Ready to rise and find your calm? Gain some fresh perspectives on these three outings that take you higher for quietude and contemplations, including the newly re-opened Dragon Mountain. Gorgeous panoramas absolutely included.

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9. 
   Southern CA

   Cozy Sunlight Hikes

   Go get your sun glow. Winter's combination of sunlight sifting through clouds or beaming in a crisp and cleansed sky makes for some inspiring scenery. Here are three places to go for a hike and to bask in the comfort of cinematic winter sunlight.

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10. 
    Northern CA & Southern CA

    Parks In Their Prime

    Snow, sun, seasonal temperatures … it’s all culminating in a winter of wide and wild adventure options—from sunrise desert hikes and snowy sequoias to waterfalls and dune-scapes, these four mystical wanders in national parks, preserves, and recreation areas are some of the best for the season.

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11. 
    Northern CA

    Waterfalls Now!

    When it rains, it waterfalls! Here are three short hikes to tucked away oases that are absolute power-falls after recent rains. Flow for it!    

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12. 
    Southern CA

    Post Rain Adventure Perks

    It's been wet and wild, so go be wet and wild. With skies scrubbed clean and the H2O flowing, discover the best place to witness a sunset viewing of a "now you see it, now you don't" desert lake, plus have a couple of waterfall experiences. Here are some ways to soak in the start of 2026.

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13. 
    Northern CA & Southern CA

    Hot Soaks to Start the New Year!

    Happy New Year! Warm up to 2026 with these great places to find hot soaks at natural springs both rugged and spa-some.

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14. 
    Northern CA & Southern CA

    Merry Wetness

    Merry Christmas! We're not sure who ordered the Pineapple Express but as we all try to go with the flow, there's a new podcast episode of "Take It Outside" and some ideas on things to do that let you be inside, too (in case of rain). Wishing you a safe and happy holiday season. See you in 2026!  

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15. 
    Sponsored

    2026-10-14

    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

    The Top 10 Outdoor Stories of the Year

    Less scroll time, more soul time...that's how it goes when you get out to explore our great Golden State. Jingle all the way to the end of the year by checking out our Top 10 stories of 2025.

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17. 
    Southern CA

    Top 10 Outdoor Stories of the Year

    Less scroll time, more soul time...that's how it goes when you get out to explore our great Golden State. Jingle all the way to the end of the year by checking out our Top 10 stories of 2025.

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18. 
    Northern CA

    Rise to the Occasion

    One of the many shining features of the SF Bay Area is how many Baymazing urban vistas are accessed via short hikes within city limits. Here are three scenic hikes that rise to the occasion for ideal group outings over the holidays.

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19. 
    Southern CA

    Boardwalks to Beautiful Things

    Bored over the holidays? Get board walking! These three boardwalks meander alongside lakes, lagoons, and a dam, with mountains and birds and beers as bonuses!

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20. 
    Northern CA

    'Twas the Lights Before Christmas

    Finding an illumination experience is a good reason to get outdoors and see the light... make that lots of light. These botanical gardens, strolls, hikes, and field exhibitions are fun and festive ways to enjoy the season. Light this way!

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21. 
    Southern CA

    Seeing the Lights

    All light, all light, all light. This season make your way to any of these places featuring botanical gardens glowing, food and drinks flowing, fields of illumination, and strolls and hikes to help you see the lights. 

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22. 
    Northern CA

    Turkey Time Out(side)

    Thanksgiving Thursday, Black Friday, Weekend Sherpa Saturday? We're sharing some ideas for exploring locally over the holiday. You can also check out our latest podcast episode, talking turkey and Türkiye. Learn about the relatively unknown world-class hiking adventure overlooking Türkiye's incredible Turquoise Coast and passing ancient ruins. 

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