All in Northern CA

1. 

   State of Bliss

   Take a trip to the high desert this fall … the high desert you might not know but truly should! Washington State’s sunny and arid eastern side—from Wenatchee through Lake Chelan to the Methow Valley, bordered by North Cascades National Park—is an absolute revelation. Relish the apple capital of the world, the mountainous landscapes, rolling vineyards, pristine lakes, rivers, and waterfalls, and spirited small towns brimming with cuisine, art, and culture. Just a few hours east of Seattle, here’s a road trip itinerary to see this hidden gem of Washington State.

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2. 

   Fall-filling Bike Rides in the Bay Area

   Rolling with the fall season is eye candy for those who like earthy neutrals and crisp air. From redwood grove picnic stops, to wineries, farmstands, and restaurants, these three bike rides in the Bay Area are absolutely fall-filling.

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3. 

   Quiet Hikes

   A quiet walk in nature is always a good idea. Clear your head and appreciate the beauty of the outdoors on any of these three hikes.

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4. 
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   Fall Is Made for Coasting

   Ready to coast? For extra autumn magic, head to the Olympic Peninsula and Washington State’s Pacific Coast for historic lodges, marquee waterfalls, lighthouses, beautiful beaches, and rainforests.

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5. 

   Nature's Stairways

   We're stair-ing at you! The San Francisco Bay Area has an abundance of beautiful hikes with natural stairways built into nature, to help us all step up to brilliant panoramas. Here are three that look out to the sea...

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6. 

   First Fall Hikes

   Summer has felt like a long goodbye and now autumn yields beautiful light and changing colors. Here are three suggestions on where to go for that first hike of the fall season.

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7. 

   Panoramas and SF's Great Artdoors

   Next time you want an art and culture fix, step outside. There are some beautiful parks in San Francisco with interesting, inspiring, and thoughtful works, from murals to sculptures (including at a new public park) well worth a visit to see. The great artdoors awaits.

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8. 

   To the Lighthouse!

   To the lighthouse! But not just any lighthouse. These three lighthouses have everything from unique histories and spectacular whale watching spots, to beautifully appointed overnight accommodations, live music concerts, and paranormal activity. Lights are on!

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9. 

   Sky Shows

   Look up! Starry nights bring a bright side to the days’ getting shorter. And these local hikes and prominent parks shine as places to celebrate the wonders of space, stars, the moon, and planets.

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10. 

    Long Live Summer!

    As we approach the final stretch of summer, savor the good stuff. These popular summer adventures made a lasting impression, and can help make your summer last just a little bit longer...

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11. 

    Whale What Do We Have Here?

    Usually it’s migrating gray whales that are the star sightings on the California coast, but recently humpback whales are appearing quite close to shore here in the Bay Area, as they feast on fish. Who knows how much longer the buffet will last, but there are some great hikes where you might get bonus humpback whale sightings in the next week or so… go big!

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12. 

    No Reservations Camping and Backpacking

    Some camping and backpacking spots hit their stride in later summer, and don't require a reservation, just good timing, planning, and a little luck. From a backpacking adventure to a shimmering lake in Tahoe National Forest, to walk-in gems on the Sonoma Coast and a few first-come, first-served sites under a canopy of redwoods in Anderson Valley, these camp spots are ready if you are. Campface!

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13. 

    Picnic With a View

    Room with a view, table with a view... picnic with a view! These three picnic (and BBQ) spots in the North Bay will elevate your charcuterie game.

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14. 

    Sunsets & Stargazing

    Look up! Summer nights are some of the best for lingering sunsets and stargazing glories. We've rounded up a backpacking beach trip, an observatory star party, and a prime city-to-sea vantage for observing sunsets and celestial events, including the Perseid meteor shower (peaking August 11).

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15. 
    Sponsored

    2024-10-16

    Fall Is Made for Coasting

    Ready to coast? For extra autumn magic, head to the Olympic Peninsula and Washington State’s Pacific Coast for historic lodges, marquee waterfalls, lighthouses, beautiful beaches, and rainforests.

    View
16. 

    Wild Wonders of California

    Desert, forest, city, coast—four of the Golden State’s most wild, dynamic, and resilient ecosystems—are featured in California: State of Nature, a new exhibition at the California Academy of Sciences. We’re sharing some of the best places for outdoor adventures in these ecosystems, and providing a peek inside the exhibition. Plus enter for a complimentary 2-Night Getaway on California’s “secret coast" and 4 tickets to the CA Academy of Sciences!

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17. 

    Redwoods to Wildflowers

    Mid-summer break: Stop and smell the flowers, see the forest for the trees. These three hikes feature some of the Bay Area’s most iconic flora—from redwoods to roses, even some summer wildflowers ... with beautiful vistas too!

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18. 

    Where to Camp in CA: Part 2

    It's not easy getting the good stuff for camping, but with some planning ahead, or some luck with first come, first serves, it can be a magical experience. Here's our recommendations on where to sleep under the stars, and near the water, in California.

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19. 

    4th Shore!

    Happy 4th! Mother Nature sure cranked the heat for this one. So your best bet might be to head for the shore … here are a few WS favorite coastal excursions.

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20. 

    Waterside Rides

    Waterside bike rides come in all types thanks to Northern California’s dynamic environments. From a bike-in beach to bike rides by beautiful Bair Island and iconic Golden Gate views, here are three ways to pedal down by the bay, the sea, or the slough!

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21. 

    Waterfall Summer Hikes

    Some waterfall hikes are still spectacles even in early summer, especially after a snow-packing winter. From less known waterworks in the far reaches of both Yosemite and Shasta County, to a stunner in a neighboring state, here are three ways to have a waterfall start to summer.

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22. 

    Wine Country Sleeps, Paddles, and Pedals

    There’s plenty to sip and swirl around these three wine regions in the Bay Area and Northern California, but the great outdoors here also pours on the charm. From a unique place to sleep among the sheep, to a truly cool (and cooling!) river paddle, and a bike ride through bountiful vineyards, uncork these fun and unique wine country adventures!

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