Santa Cruz and Microbrews

Coastal mountain biking, camping in the redwoods, paddling pristine waters, and washing it all down with a tasty beer ... Yes, Santa Cruz is always a good idea for a summer adventure.

Week: 07.14.2016
Regions: Northern CA

Sea Life

Kayak and standup paddleboard in Santa Cruz

Hundreds of dolphins and whales have been sighted in Monterey Bay since mid-June, and with huge populations of California sea lions, southern sea otters, and harbor seals frequenting the waters, this captivating shoreline is a wildlife paradise. Get up close to the scene on a sta
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The Original Mountain Town

Sun Valley Mountain Town

Thinking of trying something new for a summer vacation? Ever been to Sun Valley? It’s the Original Mountain Town! Yeah, it’s pretty much got everything for the perfect summer vacation—and it’s a quick non-stop flight from SFO or LAX. Reach jaw-dropping views on hikes in the Sawto
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Take a Ride on the Wilder Side

Mountain Bike Wilder Ranch in Santa Cruz

For those who demand diverse scenery on their mountain bike ride—old-growth redwood groves, coast-side cliffs and sandy coves, rolling and terraced cliffs—one park has it all! Wilder Ranch State Park on the coast west of Santa Cruz is accessible and filled with beginner-friendly
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Beerland

Santa Cruz Beer Trail

Looking for true hoppiness? The Santa Cruz Beer Trail has microbrews popping up all over town, and makes a great thirst-quencher post outdoor adventure. (For the best savings and deals on these microbrews, purchase a passport and beer map online and pick it up in person at Seven
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Trending Stories NorCal

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  1. Hike to New Lights

    For an enlightening late-day hike, catch the San Francisco skyline at sunset from high atop Ring Mountain in Tiburon. This 2-mile (round-trip) hike to Turtle Rock is a perfect late afternoon wander.

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  2. Three Cheers

    Good things come in threes when you visit Sonoma. Head out on a short hike right from town, sip and stroll the historic plaza, then take in the magical holiday lights.

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  3. Hikers stand atop Lassen Peak in Lassen Volcanic National Park

    Weekend Sherpa Podcast: Take It Outside

    Adventure for your earbuds. What's new in the world of the outdoors? Listen to Weekend Sherpa co-founders discuss local hikes, beaches, bike rides, camping spots and all kinds of travel and adventure in California and beyond!

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  4. Island Tree Topper

    The light display atop Angel Island State Park’s Mount Livermore has long been a cheerful twinkle visible from many cities throughout the Bay Area on holiday season nights. Get into the festive spirit by hiking the 2-mile (one-way) trail from Ayala Cove up to the "Angel Lights."

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Trending Stories SoCal

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  1. Field of Light at Sensorio in Paso Robles

    Light This Way

    Hidden in the bucolic hills of Paso Robles lies one of the greatest light shows on earth. The lighted art exhibition, Sensorio, is as if the rainbow magic of the aurora borealis was plucked from the sky and planted in the fields. DECEMBER BONUS: Enjoy a holiday market, see The Nutcracker, and visit Santa at Sensorio.

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  2. Woman swimming in Carson Hotsprings natural thermal pool

    Hot Springs, Naturally

    Thermal spring waters are famous for their curative, relaxing elements, and Reno Tahoe is filled with them! Sink into these amazing thermal respites for a wellness super soak.

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  3. O Enchanted Night!

    Prepare to be mesmerized! Holiday-season nights in Descanso Gardens are a magical interplay of lights and natural beauty that dazzle as you stroll through the Enchanted Forest of L

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  4. Hikers sitting on a large rock slab next to Three Sisters Falls in Cleveland National Forest Southern California near Julian

    Three Sisters

    Good things come in threes at this hike to a lovely trio-tiered waterfall in Cleveland National Forest. The 4.25-mile out-and-back hike rambles among rolling hills, with rocky mountain views as switchbacks take you down to a lush canyon and the falls.

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