Swimming Hole Gold

While Michael Phelps goes for gold at the upcoming Rio Olympics, you can keep your goals more modest: Aim for bronze in belly-flopping! From Placerville to Santa Cruz, here are three swimming holes that top the podium for summer fun.

Week: 08.04.2016
Regions: Northern CA

Simply Putah-ful

Putah Creek Swimming Hole in Winters

Immortalized in Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Green River,” Yolo County’s Putah Creek is proof that some legends never dry! Its snaking banks still teem with underrated bayou charm nearly 50 years later, and offer a lazing retreat to beat the valley heat! This swimhole in the t
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Cool Pool Party

Garden of Eden Swimming Hole in Santa Cruz

Spending the day at the Garden of Eden in Santa Cruz is accepting an invitation to nature’s most popular pool party. Bring a picnic and pool floats, and swim and lounge in the sun—just be prepared to share the space with others! (Go early in the day to avoid the crowds.) It’s cal
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  1. Gentle Giants

    Some people visit national parks to marvel at the iconic sights, while others come seeking solitude in nature. With visitation on the rise, it can be hard to find both. But in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, this pair of trails offers both....

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  2. A Hike to the Past

    This 5.2-mile redwoods hike through El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space combines a relaxing stroll with unique geologic formations and historical artifacts.

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  3. Golden Mile

    Dubbed the Golden Mile, this car-free stretch of road in Golden Gate Park features rotating art installations of murals, sculptures, and abundant bright yellow Adirondack chairs for kicking back to relax. See Naga, the recent new addition here, an impressive sea serpent art installation at Golden Gate Park's Rainbow

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  4. Devilishly Hairy

    Mount Diablo is a devilish name but it’s home to some hairy spiders that don’t need to send a chill down your spine. Tarantulas come out and about in fall, as the males leave their burrows in search of mates. One of the best places to see them is on the northern slopes of Mount Diablo.

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  1. Montebello Mission

    Adorable animal feeding, peaceful bird watching, and delicious beer drinking? Hello, Montebello! This northeastern city has fantastic views of the hulking San Gabriels and a variety of green spaces, not to mention great spots for beer(s)!

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  2. Welcome to the Ice Age

    Only in LA can you stumble upon a lake of bubbling black goo right in the middle of the city—complete with a life-size family of mammoths frozen in time. Take a whiff and you’ll catch the unmistakable scent of asphalt: Yep, you’ve made it to the La Brea Tar Pits & Museum.

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  3. Griffith's Golden

    With over 4,200 acres and hundreds of trails, Griffith Park is the gold standard. Opt for the lesser-hiked northwestern end of the park and visit the 2.25-mile Skyline and Oak Canyon loop from Travel Town.

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  4. Mulholland's Most Majestic

    Take a leisurely drive along Mulholland Drive to discover beautiful urban scenery and unexpected wild beauty, right in the middle of the city. 

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