All "Relaxing" Stories in Northern CA
Victoria Lap
Known as North America's most English city, Victoria is so much more than high tea and crumpets. This energetic and stylish seaside city on Vancouver Island is home to the globally
ViewGo Ghostbust!
Located in the high desert of the Eastern Sierra, Bodie State Historic Park looks like a Hollywood set for a Western movie. But this isn't Hollywood magic—it's a gold-mining ghost
ViewCrown Jewel
Glendale is known as the Jewel City, and why not? Its Deukmejian Wilderness Park—nestled in the San Gabriel foothills—is a gem. During the 2009 Station Fire, a back burn was starte
ViewSimply Tasty!
Remember when wine tasting at all the good spots was free or only a few bucks? (Okay, that was quite awhile ago.) Anderson Valley never forgot! Who knows how long it will last, as
ViewGarden by the Sea
As one of the most spectacular botanical gardens in the country, Fort Bragg's Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens makes a splash in more ways than its fabulous flora. Its 47 acres in
ViewBlooms A-brewin'
Got anything for Mom, yet? Go botanical. Nestled between idyllic meadows and woodlands, Botanic Garden in Tilden Regional Park is anything but garden variety—with a collection that
ViewMom's the Word
Tucked on the western slope of Sonoma Valley's Mayacamas Mountains, Quarryhill Botanical Garden flies under the radar as people zip right past it on their way to wineries. They're
ViewBest Ghost Town in the West
Located in the high desert of the Eastern Sierra, Bodie State Historic Park looks like a Hollywood set for a Western movie. But this isn't Hollywood magic—it's a gold-mining ghost
ViewTo the Fort!
It's found along one of the most scenic coastal routes in the world and surrounded by some of California's most iconic beauty—panoramic coves, redwoods, beach after glorious beach.
ViewStill Milling After All These Years
It's hard to imagine anything other than wine grapes being grown in the Napa Valley. But thanks to the State Parks' historic preservation of the Bale Grist Mill, we get to peek bac
ViewSan Francisco A-Go-GoCar
You've seen them: those wily low-riders in small bright yellow cars, zipping right past you, sightseeing San Francisco, just … gleeful. Don't knock it till you've driven it: On you
ViewHill's Angels
Admit it, you've always wanted to try a Segway. They're fun and goofy … kinda like the Hall & Oates of outdoor recreation. And the best place to give it a try? Where no cars go and
ViewNo Ordinary Beach
Want a beach that will really get you away from it all? Fort Ord Dunes State Park is just the ticket. This relative newcomer to the state park system gives an impressive perspectiv
ViewHello, 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
ViewSurprise Factor
Some people don't like surprises, but we're guessing even those people will like the surprise hidden beach at Russian Gulch. While you can drive by and see multiple beach options i
ViewGo the Extra Mile
You can drive right up to a lot of incredible vista points in California and they make great excuses for getting out of the car to stretch the legs. But the Sonoma Coast State Beac
ViewArt in the Vines
There's something big and bold happening in Napa, and it isn't a cabernet. It's the more than 200 acres of vineyard, lake, gardens, and off-the-beaten path landscape that makes up
ViewAye Aye Capitan
It's the world's largest granite monolith: gray and hulking and a spectacle for visitors who marvel at its massiveness (3,000 vertical feet of sheer rock!) and at the pro climbers
ViewVantage Point
What's the secret for spying gray whales during winter's migration season? Location, location, location! And location doesn't get any better than from the top of the tallest lighth
ViewTI Surprise
It's no secret that Treasure Island has one of the best views of San Francisco. The former Naval base was used in World War II primarily as a communications training school and a p
View
Spring Up to These Amazing Events
Shake it up, shake it all the way up to this sunniest city in the state for the most unique and fun-fueled events. Redding is true Northern California, surrounded by famous mountains, nearby national parks and recreation areas, and the sparkling Sacramento River.
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