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1. 
   Southern CA

   Wet and Semi-Wild

   More than 95 percent of our wetlands have been lost. We're lucky we can still visit remnants of them along the SoCal coast. They're home to a dazzling array of bird life, especially this time of year. Here are three easy walks to soothe the soul and see some of September's most active feathered friends.

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2. 
   Northern CA

   Walking SF

   While other people are Uber-ing to brunch in the city this weekend, lace up your shoes and go for an urban hike! We’ve scouted a few walks going through San Francisco's iconic parks and neighborhoods, with a little art along the way.

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3. 
   Northern CA

   Beach You to It

   Things getting a tad warm out there? Better head for the coast! Choose from a classic headlands hike, a cabin on the wild Mendocino coast, or cruising Half Moon Bay by kayak … here are three ways to have some cool NorCal adventures this Indian Summer!

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4. 
   Sponsored

   2025-12-31

   New Year, New Goal: IRONMAN 70.3 Northern California

   2026 is off and running! And swimming. And biking. Don't get left behind! Commit to one of the upcoming year’s most exciting endurance events—IRONMAN 70.3 Northern California in Redding.

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5. 
   Southern CA

   Practically Tropical

   Sure, Hawaii and Mexico have great snorkeling. But so do our local waters! Garibaldi! (Check.) Leopard sharks! (Harmless.) Even eels! (Ditto.) And with SoCal open water at its warmest during the first two weeks of September—typically in the low 70s—now's the best time to go. In other words: no wetsuit, no problem. Go float and ogle our treasures as if you were on vacay in some tropical paradise.

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6. 
   Southern CA

   Adventure Ready Weekend

   Winter is coming. Good thing summer's still going! Squeeze out every last drop this long weekend with some exciting outdoor adventures. Game on.

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7. 
   Northern CA

   Summer's Home Stretch

   Labor Day weekend signals the last days of summer: Get out there and make the most of it! Here are some adventures for giving summer one last squeeze.

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8. 
   Northern CA

   Bay Area's Best Indian Summer Beaches

   Don't give up on summer just yet. Hit any of these sandy sanctuaries to make the season last!

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9. 
   Southern CA

   Once and For Fall

   Who says SoCal doesn't get all the seasons? All it takes is a little perspective. From peak hikes to urban wanders, here are some hikes to fall for this season.

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10. 
    Northern CA

    Sierra Splash!

    Squeeze out the last drops of summer! Hike to a hidden lake with campsites, find a hidden swim hole, or visit a really tall waterfall: Eldorado National Forest has some refreshing adventures for a cool season finale!

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11. 
    Southern CA

    Paddle Tales

    Ignore those back-to-school sales—summer lives on! Want proof? Try any or all of these amazing river and lake journeys. Our own LA River is open for whitewater business through September. So is the mighty Kern, where the thrills are somewhat bigger. And up north, take a tip from two million savvy water birds—Mono Lake and its rococo tufa towers are amazing!

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12. 
    Northern CA

    Fall Hikes in Northern California

    Who says there are no fall colors in California? Here are few hikes for hue to do!

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13. 
    Southern CA

    The Lake Effect

    There’s something special about a freshwater lake—something that conjures memories while at the same time creating wonderful new ones. We can paddle, swim, hike, bike, explore, pitch a tent, and basically feel like we’re back in summer camp (minus certain hijinks). Best of all, we can cool off as the hottest days of summer approach. Here are three favorites, each tucked into a nearby mountain range within a couple of hours of the big city!

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14. 
    Northern CA

    Secrets of the Sonoma Coast

    Wild, rugged, ripe with Pacific scenery, and relaxing—going coastal doesn’t get more classic than a visit to the north Sonoma Coast. From quiet beaches to less-traveled trails, and a hidden canvas tent “glamp” stay, here’s how to adventure on this stretch of coast.

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15. 
    Sponsored

    2025-12-31

    New Year, New Goal: IRONMAN 70.3 Northern California

    2026 is off and running! And swimming. And biking. Don't get left behind! Commit to one of the upcoming year’s most exciting endurance events—IRONMAN 70.3 Northern California in Redding.

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16. 
    Northern CA

    Tahoe's Secluded Waters

    Keep Tahoe Blue. Keep Spooner Special. Keep Shealor Stunning. We'd like to add a couple of declarative bumper stickers to the mix. The Lake Tahoe area has some secrets to its namesake jewel, and other watery gems worth exploring.

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17. 
    Southern CA

    Meteor Shower Showtime!

    A single shooting star is a thrill. Imagine nearly one a minute! That’s typical of the annual Perseid meteor shower, which will be at its peak this weekend. We have just the places to go to be awed—dark skies and cool campgrounds within an hour or two of the SoCal metropolis. A waning gibbous moon rises Saturday night around 11:45 p.m., which will wash out some of the shooters. But you’ll see plenty before then, and the brightest ones don’t care about moonlight! Even if you can’t make the big show this weekend, these are wonderful spots for star trekking or walks in the moonlight any time of year.

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18. 
    Southern CA

    Summer's Coolest Adventures

    Some of summer's coolest adventures include lakes, reservoirs, and the ocean ... from kayaking to a hidden beach to easygoing coastal hikes with quiet sands, here are some cool ways to top off the season.

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19. 
    Northern CA

    Peak of Summer

    Summer's one of the best times to bag a peak. Whether you're looking to go long and high, or keep it short and mellow, here are some of the best ways to top off the season.

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20. 
    Southern CA

    Hikes to Holy Sites

    Nature itself is soothing and healing. Adding a visit to a beautifully situated spiritual shrine makes for a hike that will calm the most jangled nerves. Ring a peace bell. Admire the country’s largest Buddhist pagoda. Chant a quiet om in an oak-filled canyon. Here are three outings that are quiet counters to the prevailing noise. Namaste.

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21. 
    Northern CA

    Redwood Roamin'

    High, mighty, old: Redwoods are always in season, but there’s no time like in the height of summer heat to visit these towering beauties that are as cool as they are cooling. Take your pick: East Bay, South Bay, North Bay ... here are three places to get your redwoods fix.

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22. 
    Southern CA & Northern CA

    Road Trip to Spectacular!

    Is it the wide-open two-lane highways? The galloping mountain ranges? The wily local characters? We don’t know. But we do know that Nevada makes for a hell of a great road trip! From the bling of Vegas to perhaps the best hidden-gem national park in the country, with state parks and slot canyons in between, here’s your adventure itinerary for a Nevada road trip to remember.

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