Roadside Attractions

Some of the best scenery this time of year is found just off major thoroughfares where tranquil marshes and wetlands are traced by hiking and biking trails. The bonus: abundant birdlife is peaking right now. Here are three roadside attractions worth flocking to!

Week: 02.17.2015
Regions: Northern CA

Cog Wild

Cogswell Marsh in Hayward Regional Shoreline

Quickly escape the rush of car traffic to find tranquility on a 2.75-mile (round-trip) wander around Cogswell Marsh in the East Bay's Hayward Regional Shoreline .
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Vintage VIP

Wine Road 2015 Barrel Tasting

Backstage passes. VIP entrances. Behind-the-scenes access. So what's wine country's version of special treatment? The 37th Annual Barrel Tasting along Sonoma County's beautiful Wine Road (March 6 – 15)! This isn't your standard passport-tasting event—this is a ticket to go into t
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When the Levee Breaks

Cullinan Ranch Birdwatching Walk

If you drive on Highway 37 between Sears Point and Vallejo you’ll notice a dramatic change: there’s water, water, everywhere! On January 6, the levee breached, intentionally, as part of an ongoing restoration project at Cullinan Ranch in the Napa River delta. For the first time i
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Mill About by Foot or Bike

Mill Valley Sausalito Path

Birds love our fantastic bay, especially in the winter. And so do people! One of the Bay Area's most popular roadside attractions is Mill Valley's Bothin Marsh and Bayfront Park. The area makes for easy afternoon walking, biking, bird-watching, and bay-gawking. From Tennessee Val
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Trending Stories NorCal

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  1. Muir Woods Night Tour

    Thousands of people flock to Muir Woods every year, yet only a few see it at night, when this beloved park is experienced in a whole new light. The Muir Woods Night Tour happens on the last Friday of every month through October.

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  2. Slide Ranch Marin

    Slide On Over

    Marin's Slide Ranch has a popular neighbor in the Muir Beach Overlook. But don’t overlook Slide! This open-to-the-public nonprofit organization sits on 134 acres of coastline and is filled with animals, Pacific scenery, and an adjacent hiking trail.

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  3. Sponsored

    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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  4. Hello, Sur!

    Big Sur is home to numerous fantastic beaches and coves, so which one do you choose? Go for the beach that's quintessential Big Sur (and dog-friendly!). Pfeiffer Beach in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. Its signature lilac-colored sand is waiting for your feet!

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Trending Stories SoCal

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  1. Waterfall Hunter

    If you ask a local in Reno about one of the best hiking trails in town, odds are high they’ll point you to Hunter Creek Falls. It’s a year-round favorite, but it absolutely shines in spring, when desert peach wildflowers make a splash—and so does the marquee waterfall.

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  2. Wapama Wows

    Hetch Hetchy can be overlooked in Yosemite National Park because of its more remote location and limited facilities. But this is where you’ll also find one of the best day hikes in the park: Wapama Falls.

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  3. Bike the Coastal Trail to Pillar Point Harbor in Half Moon Bay

    Ride and Seek

    Oceanside breezes, beautiful beaches, a car-free pathway for biking, and beer at the end: You’re on a roll! The San Mateo Coast was made for beach hopping and beer tasting … and it all goes down smooth as part of an 8-mile out-and-back bike ride.

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  4. Tamtastic Sunset

    Sure, the East Peak of Mount Tam is absolutely spectacular at sunset, but some magic-hour enthusiasts are onto a fresh perspective in getting a little more personal space for their panoramic viewings.

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