Hike, Bike, and Beer!

One of spring's best destinations is much closer than you might imagine. Set in the shadow of Mount Diablo, Concord and the surrounding area is home to colorful spring hikes, waterside bike trails, and plenty of craft brew pubs. Time to hit the trails, and the ales!

Week: 05.02.2019
Regions: Northern CA

Well Rounded

Hike the Grand Loop at Mount Diablo in the East Bay

Epic views, fields of flowers, and ridgeline thrills offering one of the biggest views in the West: Hiking the Grand Loop at Mount Diablo State Park in spring is eye-candy, with reams of poppies and more than 200 miles of California landscape rolling to the snowcapped Sierra.
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Devilishly Good Camping

Best Camping on Mount Diablo

High & Mighty Lofty at 3,000 feet, Juniper Campground—named for the surrounding juniper trees—is located very close to Diablo’s summit and is the largest camping area, with 36 sites. Set up camp, then set out on a 1-mile (round-trip) out-and-back hike to Diablo’s peak, featuring
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Bike to Beers (& Bites)

Bike the Contra Costa Canal Trail in the East Bay

Ride your bike on a car-free trail and take a break at an alehouse ... yes, please! Backed by looming Mount Diablo, the East Bay’s Contra Costa Canal Trail is an easygoing 23-mile (all-in) trail following its namesake canal, passing parks and open space.
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Post Hike Happy Hour(s)

Enjoy Food and Drinks in Downtown Concord

Where can you find Mount Diablo’s best post-hike Happy Hour? Todos Santos Plaza in the heart of downtown Concord has 2.5 acres of gorgeous green park with picnic tables, benches, and a medley of trees—along with surrounding restaurants offering al fresco dining, plus coffee shops
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    Longer days. Golden light. Wildflowers in bloom. It’s the perfect moment to plan your spring escape to Sonoma for the Sonoma International Film Festival, March 25–29. No fuss. No sprawl. Just films, friends, fresh air, and that unmistakable Sonoma glow.

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  2. Hike Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve

    Mellow in the Marsh

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  3. A man is looking through his binoculars at sunrise at the Bayland Nature Preserve in Palo Alto

    Baylands Bird & Art Loop

    Combine an outdoor art walk and wildlife sightings at the Baylands Nature Preserve in Palo Alto. This 5-mile loop through Byxbee Park and the Emily Renzel Wetlands features striking installations by artists Peter Richards and Michael Oppenheimer—where the landscape itself becomes part of the canvas.

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  4. Big Burdell!

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  1. Sponsored

    Warm Up to Winter in Reno Tahoe

    2026 is just getting started, but there’s one place already rising to the top as the best for adventure and relaxation: Reno Tahoe. The awe—and ahhhs—begin as soon as you arrive. G

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  2. Eat, Sleep, Beach, Repeat

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  3. This Skunk Doesn’t Stink!

    All aboard for a ride through history—and through air scented with redwood, dewy ferns, forest-fresh breeze, and a bonus snack and beverage bar, fire pit, and short hike. The World-Famous Skunk Train delivers in every category: scenery, greenery, and towering redwoods.

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  4. A woman standing at the pond's edge at Ernest B Debs Regional Park in Los Angeles. Trees are making reflections on the pond.

    Urban Oasis Loop

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