All in Northern CA

  1. Beaches & Hikes for the Weekend

    After all that turkey, pie, and political discussion, it’s time to take a break outside. We have just the ticket—from a dog-friendly beach in Marin to a hidden bench overlooking the San Mateo Coast, be thankful for the great outdoors.

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  2. Wonder-Fall Hikes & Bike Rides

    Autumn’s hues are beginning to deepen. And we’d like to help put the wonder in your fall, from redwoods to rolling golden hills and leaves crisp for foot-crunching. Here are some hikes and bike rides that make for a wonder-fall afternoon.

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  3. Limantour Beach

    Autumn Beaches

    Think summer’s the only time to hit the beach? Fog-etaboutit! Autumn is when beaches in Marin can really shine—sunny, warm(ish) and—fingers crossed—with only a tad of the misty stuff.

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  4. Sponsored

    Extra-Celestial Central Oregon

    Some trips promise you the moon and the stars. And this one delivers in a big way, plus throws in some extra planets for your viewing pleasure. From Bend, Sunriver, and Sisters to Antelope Basecamp in the remote high desert.

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  5. Hikes in the Meantime

    It’s been a challenging week. We’re thinking about everyone affected by the wildfires, evacuations, and power outages. California is resilient and the smoke will clear. If you’re hankering for some nature this weekend, we’ve got a few suggestions. #californiastrong

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  6. Wilburs Watch Trail San Mateo Coast

    Short Coastal Hikes

    San Mateo may just be the coast with the most this time of year. Sunny afternoons can clear the skies, sweeping ocean vistas beckon, and autumn charms like pumpkin patches abound.

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  7. Hiking Petaluma

    Hidden Hikes in Wine Country

    What’s better than wine country hikes in autumn? Wine country hikes that aren’t as well known! From a new regional park south of Petaluma, to a tiny hidden gem in Napa.

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  8. See the Blue Angels overhead, get up-close views of the Golden Gate Bridge, and bask in some San Francisco noir under a full moon weekend … here are three excellent ways to maximize your bay views this weekend.

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  9. Pearson-Arastradero Preserve hike

    Easy Fall Hikes

    How do you ease into fall? With some easy fall hikes! Get the first glimpse of fall colors, along with beautiful views and tranquil lakes at these three parks.

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  10. Hike Pinnacles National Park California

    Reach for the Pinnacles

    Rugged rock spires, deep caves, volcanic formations… Pinnacles National Park packs an adventurous punch, and—bonus—you might even get to see the famous, endangered California condor.

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  11. Summer's End Adventures

    Who says all good things must come to an end? This is California! But still, there's a few things better to do now than later ... so get soak in the last of the summer days on one or more of these outdoor escapes!

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  12. Hike-in Picnics with Classic Ocean Views

    The benefit of hiking or biking in to your picnic spot? You can avoid the parking lot crowds. These three North Bay gems all have ocean views, too. All you need is a baguette and cheese and voila! Picnic magnifique!

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  13. Hike the Lakes

    Summer's winding down, but the lakes are still filled up. From a trifecta lake hike in Tahoe to a backyard Sierra-esque loop in Marin, here are three excellent hikes around the water. Drink it in.

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  14. Labor Day Sneak Away

    Who's ready to get sneaky? As in sneaking away this weekend for a quick outdoor escape. From camping to coastal hiking, bike rides with beers, and redwoods rambles, here are some ideas nearby and not too far. Sneak attack!

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  15. Sponsored

    Extra-Celestial Central Oregon

    Some trips promise you the moon and the stars. And this one delivers in a big way, plus throws in some extra planets for your viewing pleasure. From Bend, Sunriver, and Sisters to Antelope Basecamp in the remote high desert.

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  16. New Trails & Parks

    Mmmm... that new park smell! From the Peninsula to the Sonoma Coast, these trails are primed and ready to be explored.

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  17. Yosemite Anew

    It’s easy to think you’ve seen Yosemite’s best stuff. But this national park just keeps giving us different ways to experience its wonders. From new cabins to an upgraded hike among giant sequoias, or taking a trail less-known, here’s a guide to keep exploring Yosemite’s adventurous side.

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  18. Fun Dips!

    Sunscreen: check. Swim trunks: check. Plan of action: take a dip! Keep your cool and beat the heat from the Sierra Nevada to the Berkeley Hills and Point Reyes. Just don't be a rotten egg!

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  19. Summer Savoring

    Okay, summer, can you slow down already! Savor the sun's favorite season with some camping and hiking among redwoods, biking along the coast, paddling crystal waters, or relaxing in a garden ... a beer garden! Here are a few ideas.

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  20. Park Pleasures

    Who's up for an easy summer adventure? Our local parks have trails to be explored and shows to be enjoyed! From a newly opened hike in the redwoods and a classic coastal headlands wander, to Broadway Under the Stars in a state park, here's a trio of ideas for soaking in the season.

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  21. Summer Camping Spots

    Sweet dreams are made of sweet places to pitch a tent. From the wilds of Tahoe to redwood seclusion on the Sonoma Coast, even in San Francisco, here are three ways to get your summer camp on.

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  22. Summer's Best Bike Rides

    Roll call! Bike to a beach and get coastal views almost the entire way, enjoy some fat tire fun at China Camp State Park, or make it an easygoing lake loop in Santa Rosa … here are three of the best bike rides to do this summer in the North Bay. Ready, set, pedal!

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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.

Trending Stories NorCal

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  1. Woman walking down the stairs overlooking the ocean on the Coastal Trail in San Francisco

    America's Best Urban Hike

    Long ago we dubbed it the “Grand Walk” and said it was one of the most scenic and stunning trails in the West. We were wrong. This is the most scenic urban hike in America!

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  2. Hike or Bike the Skyline

    A new section of the Bay Area Ridge Trail is open for biking, hiking, or horseback riding along the 12-mile (out-and-back) Skyline Watershed Ridge Trail.

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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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Trending Stories SoCal

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  1. Lagoon Swoon

    We all love an underdog story, especially in the shadow of the greats. Enter a truly SoCal coastal version: Malibu Lagoon State Beach. Though situated next to Surfrider Beach, a fa

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  2. Sponsored

    Extra-Celestial Central Oregon

    Some trips promise you the moon and the stars. And this one delivers in a big way, plus throws in some extra planets for your viewing pleasure. From Bend, Sunriver, and Sisters to Antelope Basecamp in the remote high desert.

    View
  3. Tree Town

    Home to an estimated 21,000 trees and 100 acres of parkland, South Pasadena has earned its nickname: the City of Trees. This 2.5-mile neighborhood walk lets you experience its leafy canopy up close, winding through charming streets and three of the city’s beloved parks.

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