All "Relaxing" Stories in Northern CA

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  Truckee Riverwalk

  A city that has nature running right through it? That’s Reno! The Truckee River flows through the heart of downtown, and the popular and well-maintained Reno Riverwalk makes for a delightful downtown stroll.

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  Walk the Neon Line

  Reno’s Neon Line, a new art installation downtown, celebrates two of Reno’s biggest draws: Burning Man and neon lights. Walk part of the dynamic streetscape spanning 20 city blocks and featuring rotating Burning Man art, other sculptures, and bright lights—including historic neon signs.

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  Beer Best

  It seems like every city in the West tries to claim best craft beer and spirits status, yet Reno’s quietly done the work behind the scenes to emerge as a true best in brew—from beer to spirits, and innovative mead!

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  Axe on Tap!

  Head to Reno Axe, where you can test your skills with the sport of axe throwing. Don’t axe it until you try it! This is not only fun; you may be surprised at how therapeutic it can be—burning off any angst in your work-week bones.

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  Pedal, Poppies, Picnic

  Helen Putnam Regional Park punches above her weight. The compact yet bountiful park near Petaluma explodes with wildflowers every spring, in particular the state’s signature California poppy.

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  Lavender Labyrinth

  Labyrinths are meditative meanders. Add fragrant organic lavender and you're at Bees N Blooms at the foot of Taylor Mountain near Santa Rosa, experiencing their “ancient pathway of peace” and more.

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  Soothing North Sonoma

  Hike among wildflowers and soaring views at North Sonoma Mountain Regional Park, then wine taste at Matanzas Creek where the serene, laid-back outdoor setting is one of the best in wine country.

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  Vineyard Bathing

  We know forest bathing, but how about vineyard bathing? Combine forest and vineyard for blissful hiking at Bartholomew Park in Sonoma. The park has a good 3-mile trail and beautiful winery grounds.

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  Outdoor Zen in Sonoma County

  Sonoma County’s abundant natural beauty is good for your mind, body, and spirit. From redwoods and rhododendron walks, to yoga in a vineyard, here are five ways to soothe your soul in Sonoma County.

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  Valentine Vista Loop

  Hike the 4.3-mile Valentine Vista Trail at Moore Creek Park. It's spectacular for views and poppies blooming in spring.

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  Dune Swoon

  Of all the places to catch a sunset in Death Valley, we still think there’s none better than the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, inspiring many things, including log rolls, cartwheels, and sundown selfies.

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  Ready When You Are: Reno Tahoe

  With outdoors being essential for health and wellness, and new protocols in place, Reno Tahoe welcomes visitors! It's wide open with snowshoe trails, fire pits by the river, skating, and hot springs.

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  Hawk-Eyed Sunset

  It's one of the best sunset spots in the Bay Area. Hawk Hill in the Marin Headlands is magical, with a sweeping panorama 923 feet above the Pacific.

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  Sweet Roll El Dorado

  Step out of the car and onto a biking trail that resembles fall in Vermont. Just 40 miles from Sacramento, the El Dorado Trail in Placerville is a multi-use trail through with 12.5 paved miles.

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  Oh Hill Yes!

  California's closest thing to fall in New England is 40 miles from Sacramento. Apple Hill near Placerville is a collection of over 50 local farms, ranches, trails, and wineries. Tasty times ahead!

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  Refreshingly Different

  Reno Tahoe is where America’s largest alpine lake meets the Biggest Little City in the World. Easily access the best ski resorts (and hot springs!) and have urban adventures at your fingertips.

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  Who's Chicken?

  Chicken Ranch Beach isn’t just for the birds. It’s for folks who want to spend a mellow afternoon at a totally swimmable beach on the shore of Tomales Bay in Point Reyes.

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  Two Wheels to Wine in Healdsburg

  Bike and wine taste among the vineyards of Sonoma County's Dry Creek Valley in Healdsburg. The mostly flat backroads make for easygoing riding, with food and wine explorations too.

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  GOAT Coastal Hike + Sunset

  GOAT (greatest of all time) Sonoma Coast experience? Hike the Kortum Trail, wine taste on a patio overlooking the Russian River, and catch a sensational sunset at, yep, Goat Rock Beach.

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  Wolf House in the Woods

  Take a short, forested walk to Jack London State Park's mysterious ruins of the famous adventure author’s dream home, Wolf House. Then try wine-based organic vodka, paired with woodfired pizza.

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