All in Northern CA

  1. Hike San Francisco!

    No disrespect to our beautiful parks, but you can go on an amazing hike right in the city! San Francisco is one of the country's most walkable and beautiful cities—and a perfect place to take a hike (including one that's a historical treasure hunt).

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  2. No Reservations Backpacking and Camping

    No reservation? No problem! Well, at least if you have a few of these tips on camping and backpacking in California. From first-come, first-served camping, to no quotas on wilderness backpacking, here are three places to go for summer.

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  3. Hike-in to Marin's Black Sands Beach

    Beaches, Bike Rides, Campsites

    America’s birthday is this weekend. And, well, it’s been quite a year. Take a deep breath at a hike-in beach, pedal a car-free bike trail, or score a first-come first-served campsite.

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  4. Sponsored
    2026-02-02

    Warm Up to Winter in Reno Tahoe

    2026 is just getting started, but there’s one place already rising to the top as the best for adventure and relaxation: Reno Tahoe. The awe—and ahhhs—begin as soon as you arrive. G

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  5. Woman hiking towards Point Cabrillo Light Station on the Mendocino Coast

    Coastal Bliss in Mendocino

    Ready, set, take it easy! The Mendocino Coast is a great way to ease into summer. The dramatic coastline offers fantastic hiking, incredible sunsets, romantic lighthouses, a vibrant botanical garden, and plenty more.

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  6. Two women hikers looking out to the foggy coast from a hiking trail at Jenner Headlands on the Sonoma Coast

    Oh That's Cool

    Since you can't crank the air conditioning outdoors, we found some ways to beat the heat and cool down, courtesy of nature. From coastal bike rides to redwood hikes and picnics, here are some ways to chill outside.

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  7. Truly Baymazing Adventures

    The San Francisco Bay is the heartbeat of our region, and these ridge rambling hikes and adventures from the East Bay to right on the Bay have amazing iconic views, and some really cool surprises too.

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  8. Woman on a bike riding alongside the coast and ocean in Monterey

    Bike-In Beaches

    Summer, beaches, bike rides ... is there a better triple play? Grab summer by the handlebars and ride your bike to the beach. These three bike-in-beaches are ready to roll.

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  9. Official Hikes for the Unofficial Start of Summer

    The unofficial start of summer kicks off this weekend, so start it with a long sweet hike. Here are five to set your sights on.

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  10. Friends hiking Reno's Thomas Creek Trail in Galena Regional Park

    Bright Lights and the Great Outdoors

    Is there a city with easier access to the great outdoors than Reno? In 15 minutes you can be on hiking trails to waterfalls and big Sierra views. Or right in town you can enjoy walks and bike rides beside the Truckee River, which cuts right through downtown Reno.

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  11. Stairways to Heavenly Views

    To get really great views you’ve often gotta climb. Good thing there are some really cool stairs to help you step up to the scenery. These three Bay Area hikes feature stairways to heavenly views.

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  12. Woman jumping on the beach at Pescadero Marsh

    Wetland Wanders

    Enjoy a little mellow time: Wetland preserves are a nice way to be outdoors, wander waterside, and listen to birdsong while trying to spot a few feathered favorites. Here are three worth flocking to!

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

    Nature Therapy

    When was the last time your prescription read "explore a lavender labyrinth" or "hike to a summit for sunset." Indeed, Sonoma County is just the dose of wellness and outdoors the doctor ordered.

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  14. Man standing at small lake overlooking cool rock formations at Pinnacles National Park

    Super Spring Hikes

    Soaring vistas, wildlife sightings, wildflowers. Some hikes are super in spring! From Pinnacles National Park to a truly wild county park near San Jose, here are spots for soaking in spring’s bounty.

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  15. Sponsored
    2026-02-02

    Warm Up to Winter in Reno Tahoe

    2026 is just getting started, but there’s one place already rising to the top as the best for adventure and relaxation: Reno Tahoe. The awe—and ahhhs—begin as soon as you arrive. G

    View
  16. Napa Hikes for Spring

    Napa is famous for big Cabs but its hiking trails also offer something big: views! These hikes are spectacular for huge views, where spring uncorks an array of wildflowers too. Wine & food bonuses!

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  17. Two hikers stand on top of Mount Diablo

    Kaleidoscope Hikes

    With dashes of spring color and wide-open views, these Bay Area hikes are like a kaleidoscope brought to life!

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  18. Wildflower Hikes in the Bay Area

    Nature’s flower shop is opening up for the season! These Bay Area wildflower hikes are looking fresh and green with sprinkles of colorful wildflowers. Put ’em on your spring bucket list.

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  19. Woman hiking the South Kaibab Trail in the Grand Canyon

    West's Best National Parks in Spring

    Welcome spring by exploring some of the West’s best national parks. From Yosemite to the Grand Canyon and a few spots in between, here’s a bucket list for your vernal vacations.

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  20. Woman at overlook watching Cataract Falls on Mount Tam in Marin

    Wilderness, Wildflowers, Waterfalls

    Better than spring cleaning? Spring hiking! As we approach longer days, plan to set out for some adventures filled with green hills, budding blooms, and a few waterfalls.

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  21. Spring It On

    Warmer days and green hills. Spring is coming like a friend you haven’t seen in a year. And these Bay Area hikes are a great way to celebrate. From a trail-less-traveled to stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge, to a big regional park with equally big views, and a small preserve with mighty wildflowers … put some spring in your step!

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  22. Woman looking out over the San Francisco National Cemetery

    Mindful Hikes

    Short hikes are a delight when they've got redwoods, early wildflowers, big Bay Area views, and places to pay homage to history. Here are three to do.

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  1. Hidden Botanical Garden

    Forget a dozen roses. Give your love a botanical garden. Hidden on the western slope of Sonoma Valley’s Mayacamas Mountains, Sonoma Botanical Garden has one of the Bay Area’s best displays of Asian flora—and it’s a brilliant place for a quiet picnic and some calming contemplations.

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  2. Sunnyvale and Salty

    For up-close bird watching, it’s hard to beat a walk along the San Francisco Bay. This 5-mile loop on the Sunnyvale coast is a favorite of local wildlife photographers.

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  3. A man takes a break at a temple spot on a hike at Dragon Mountain in Milptas

    Dragon Quest

    The newly reopened, 4-mile out-and-back hike at Dragon Mountain in Milpitas mixes the physical with the spiritual for a serene hiking experience.

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  4. woman hiking Buck Gulch Falls Novato

    Buck Wild!

    Tucked back beyond the residential ranch-style homes and golf courses of Novato in the North Bay is a wild and wondrous 30-foot waterfall that springs to life in the rainy season. Buck Gulch Falls in Novato’s Ignacio Valley Preserve is in peak flow right now, and it’s a short and Middle-earthy hike to reach it.

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  1. Sponsored

    Warm Up to Winter in Reno Tahoe

    2026 is just getting started, but there’s one place already rising to the top as the best for adventure and relaxation: Reno Tahoe. The awe—and ahhhs—begin as soon as you arrive. G

    View
  2. A woman stands at Dante's View in Death Valley, looking out to Telescope Peak and Manly Lake, Badwater Basin below.

    Sunset Hike at Dante's View

    It’s one of the world’s best places to watch a sunset. Dante’s View is a 5,476-foot vantage of the whole southern basin of Death Valley from the top of the Black Mountains. Right now there's a banner and bonus view of a rare lake formation that appears only after big rains.

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  3. It's a Waterfall Life

    Tahquitz Canyon’s crystalline stream and lush stands of desert lavender, honey mesquite, and leafy sycamores is home to an easy day hike with a big bonus: a 60-foot waterfall that runs with remarkable gusto after winter rains.

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  4. Oh Snow Nice

    Live in California long enough, and you’ll come to know the rite of passage called “going to the snow”–when we ditch our fair-weather cities and towns in search of winter weather. Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks deliver a winter wonderland worth a visit if there’s been a good dose of snow.

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