All in Northern CA

  1. Long Live the Redwoods

    Massive and resilient, redwoods survived the Ice Age—and now they’re also having to endure the climate crisis, with a lot of help from heroic firefighters. In appreciation of redwoods, resiliency, and the heroics of first responders, here are three beautiful places to find respite in the redwoods.

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  2. Here Comes The Sun

    Inhale, exhale, and stay sunny this summer. Sun Valley, Idaho, is famous for its epic outdoors, but nature nurtures in so many different ways here: mountain yoga, summit hikes filled with flowing waters, wildflowers and vast alpine views, and car-free bike trails to botanical gardens plus fresh food stops. Oh, and those romantic dark sky starry nights...

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  3. Summer Wheeling

    Summer breeze feels better on two wheels. From a multi-use trail that hugs the coastal blufftops to an easy rolling ramble through wine country, these bike rides were meant for easy wheeling.

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  4. Sponsored

    Boo-tifall Reno Tahoe

    Fall goes fast. Good thing Reno Tahoe knows how to make the good times last, with some of the West’s best harvest fairs, haunted happenings, and only-in-Reno celebrations.

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  5. Fourth and Out!

    Beyond the BBQs and parades, find some time to relax and reflect in the great outdoors. From kayaking in wine country to walking beneath giant redwood trees, we have some ideas to get your summer swinging.

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  6. Hike to the Peak of Mount Elwell in the Lakes Basin

    Long On Summer!

    Longing for a long hike? Well, you've come to the right time of year! Summer lets you linger later on the trails, and these three longer hikes are worth the miles.

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  7. For Hank

    In celebration of Hank and all dogs (including the ones who now run free in our hearts), here are some of Hank's favorite dog-friendly things to do in Northern California.

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  8. Hike, Paddle, Repeat

    Start summer refreshed with these coastal hikes and paddle adventures from Point Reyes and San Francisco to a tiny island in the Santa Cruz Mountains.

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  9. Where to Camp

    Whether you like your camping adventure on an island, close to the sea, or at a reservoir with no motorized boats, these three places hit the spot … the sweet spot for pitching a tent and enjoying some hikes and kayak explorations.

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  10. Keep Your Cool

    It's the unofficial start to summer and things are heating up. So quench your thirst and keep your cool on some bike rides to brew pubs, hike-in beaches, and urban explorations.

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  11. Urban and Wild!

    Some of the best hikes happen right in city limits. These three outdoor escapes are in urban spaces yet bring a faraway feeling because of their natural wild wonders—from lush forest to wildlands with mountain views, and a peak offering iconic scenery.

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  12. All Ride Now!

    One thing we know for sure: Everything's going to be all ride! These three Bay Area bike trails have beautiful views and bonuses like beaches and picnic spots. All ride, all ride, all ride.

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  13. Game Plan for These Outdoor Adventures

    Whether it's booking wilderness permits, finding first-come, first-served options, or just setting a date for a trip, it's good to have a game plan for some top outdoor adventures. Here are several favorites to plan for this summer.

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  14. Go Long

    These three Bay Area hiking trails range from 5 to 8 miles, and with longer days you can savor the scenery, from wildflowers to mural art, beautiful peaks, and sweeping vistas.

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  15. Sponsored

    Boo-tifall Reno Tahoe

    Fall goes fast. Good thing Reno Tahoe knows how to make the good times last, with some of the West’s best harvest fairs, haunted happenings, and only-in-Reno celebrations.

    View
  16. Hiker walking into the Thurston Lava Tube in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

    Eight Great National Parks

    Happy National Park Week! Choosing some favorites is like putting together a Greatest Hits album: We think it's all good! Here's a compilation of 8 great national parks and some of our favorite adventures within them ...

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  17. Two women at the entrance of the Lavender Labyrinth at Bees N Blooms in Santa Rosa

    A Confetti of Colors

    From a lavender labyrinth on a bee farm, to wildflower walks, and hikes with blue ocean vistas and the Golden Gate, these five outdoor excursions are as colorful and fun as Easter Egg art.

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  18. Hiker walking amid lupine wildflowers in Healdsburg Ridge Open Space Preserve

    Short & Quiet Hikes in the Bay Area

    You don’t have to “go long” to have an outdoor adventure. These three quieter preserves and parks across the Bay Area offer small hikes with big scenery, lingering greenery, zen spots, seasonal flowers, and redwoods.

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  19. Hike Tomales Point Trail Point Reyes

    Spring Classics

    Rolling hills, colorful flowers, soothing oases, and wildlife ... some hikes bring extra bling this time of year. Spring for these three classics.

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  20. Woman hiking by some purple wildflowers at Sonoma Valley Regional Park

    Wine Country Wildflower Hikes

    These three Sonoma County Regional Parks are on the smaller side, but they're mighty with blooming wildflowers and big views. Hike or bike these routes and bring a picnic too!

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  21. Mountain biker on the trail at Fernandez Ranch in Martinez in the East Bay

    Rainbow Connection

    These three Bay Area preserves are all about the rainbow of color currently casting across their rolling hills, and they should only get better in the next few weeks. Enjoy some spring bling!

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  22. Picnic With a View!

    Who's hungry for a picnic with beautiful views? From the redwoods to the beach to the bay, here are three places in Marin to relax with a charcuterie or barbecue feast, along with bonus hikes and bike rides.

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A Hiker looking over a mountain range

Your Inbox to the Outdoors

Stay up to date with our weekly recommendations on where to explore locally in California.

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  1. Woman with her arms outstretched to the rolling hills scenery while on a rock outcrop at Barnabe Peak in Samuel P Taylor Sate Park in Marin

    Barnabe Bonanza

    Sure, there are higher mountains in Marin (Mount Tam) and easier ascents (Mount Burdell), but is there a more expansive North Bay view? Barnabe Peak in Samuel P. Taylor State Park offers a glorious panorama including Mount Tam, Mount Diablo, and Mount St. Helena.

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  2. Tamtastic Sunset

    Sure, the East Peak of Mount Tam is absolutely spectacular at sunset, but some magic-hour enthusiasts head to a nearby spot, Trojan Point, for a little more personal space in their panoramic viewings.

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  3. Hiker on the SCA trail in Marin Headlands with view of the Golden Gate Bridge

    Headlands Over Heels

    People come from all over the world to get a glimpse of the Golden Gate Bridge. Get a dramatic and novel view of the bridge without all the people on this moderate 6-mile hike in the Marin Headlands.

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  1. Woman hiking the San Onofre Bluffs Loop Trail to San Onofre State Beach in San Diego County

    Bluffing Good!

    Lovely coastline, beautiful beaches, unique geological history, and picturesque sandstone cliffs with limited foot traffic in San Diego County? Head to San Onofre State Beach and the 5-mile San Onofre Bluffs Loop Trail.

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  2. Can We Get a Whoop Whoop!

    City, mountain, and ocean views all in one hike? Whoop whoop! It’s no surprise the the Kenter Fire Road and Whoop-de-Doos Trail (a combo of fire road and singletrack) is a favorite among local mountain bikers and hikers alike.

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  3. The Big Chill

    In LA, finding a place to chill can be the ultimate flex. So flex, in Franklin Canyon! This unexpected oasis has plenty of shade, cool lake breezes, and ample picnicking spots. Enjoy it on an easy-going 1-mile stroll along its reservoir and duck pond.

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