All in Northern CA

1. 

   Small Parks, Big Views

   These Bay Area parks are not super-sized yet bring super-size scenery including iconic views, barbecues, and beautiful scenery—from lush gardens to the Golden Gate, and an artfully designed mini-golf course!

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2. 

   Garden State

   Guided rhododendron walks, farm-to-trail events, a lavender maze for World Labyrinth Day, things are coming up more than roses! These three botanical gardens have extra bling this spring. --

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3. 

   Super Pedals + Petals

   When the wind’s in your hair, a Bay Area spring is in more than the air...it's all over the hills and trails too! Here are some bike rides (or hikes) where the season is showing off its best stuff.

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4. 
   Sponsored

   2023-09-27

   The Unexpected Wonders of Monterey

   One of the world’s best teachers? Mother Nature. And one of the best destinations to learn from her? The Monterey Bay Aquarium. Spend a few hours at the Aquarium, then take your pick of self-guided walks...

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5. 

   Spring for These Summits

   The wildflowers are flowing, the green hills are rolling, and things are looking up! Way up. Head out and up to these three Bay Area summit hikes currently bringing some spring bling!

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6. 

   Bloom Shakalaka

   It's raining wildflowers! A benefit of big rains followed by warm weather is gorgeous scenery festooned by flowers. Here are some places currently blossoming with flora, fauna, and fabulous views.

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7. 

   Poppy Hikes in the San Francisco Bay Area

   The Bay Area has some great pop ups in spring, specifically, the California poppy, popping up now. Here are some hikes and bike rides that can pop with poppies.

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8. 

   Spring Blooms

   Rain may have dampened some things, but there's a bright spot on the horizon: Wildflower season is making a run for it, with blooms scattered up and over the mountains and green hills of the Bay Area. Here are three places for seeing spring’s early blossoms while also enjoying big views!

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9. 

   Spring In Your Steps

   With a break in the rains, the scenery is starting to pop with flowers, greenery, and big time scenery. From waterfalls and wildlife to flower power and stairways to heavenly views, celebrate the season with these spring bling adventures.

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10. 

    Irish Spring

    You're gonna have to wait a bit for trails to dry, but there'll be plenty of green on the scene at these East Bay parks that are part of the John Muir Land Trust. When the skies clear, spring for some hikes, bike rides, and guided walks.

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11. 

    Gray's Anatomy

    We understand if you’re hiding under the covers until the wild weather subsides, but when you’re ready here are three places to go gray-whale watching, with bonuses like food, wine, beer, even a hot tub!

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12. 

    Snow Daze

    Now that all of California is a snow-globe, give it time, and when it's safe to venture out, try some of these snowy adventures that will take us into spring.

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13. 

    Pitch Perfect Hikes

    Hike. Camp. How about hike + camp? Whether you just want to go on a fabulously scenic day hike or bike ride, or would prefer to pitch a tent and add camping to your adventure, these three Bay Area spots have got options! Take your pick, and be ready to pitch!

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14. 

    Presidential Sweet!

    In honor of Presidents Day we've rounded up eight great adventures to enjoy in national monuments, parks, and public lands created by US Presidents.

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15. 
    Sponsored

    2023-09-27

    The Unexpected Wonders of Monterey

    One of the world’s best teachers? Mother Nature. And one of the best destinations to learn from her? The Monterey Bay Aquarium. Spend a few hours at the Aquarium, then take your pick of self-guided walks...

    View
16. 

    Hill Yeah!

    Not all hill hikes are created equal. Some may seem small, yet surprise and delight with big views! Here are three to discover in the South Bay, East Bay, and Wine Country. Hill Yeah!

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17. 

    Coasting Along

    Cooler temps, crisp days mixed in with warming sunshine—it’s time to coast. Here’s your cabin getaway with beaches and bluff hikes to round out the fun and relaxation.

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18. 

    Keep It Flowing

    With water still flowing, we’re going to keep the theme going, with more waterfall hikes in their prime right now. Here are three to see!

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19. 

    Wet, Wild, Waterfalls

    Well, this is a wet and wild start to 2023! Stay safe, and when the storms pass, head out on any of these three hikes where the water will be flowing big. Wishing you a waterfall new year!

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20. 

    Put it On the Calendar!

    With all the uncertainty surrounding California's back to back to back (to back!) atmospheric rivers, travel and trail conditions are unpredictable. So we're thinking of bigger trips for later in the year. Here are three national park adventures to get booked for 2023! 

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21. 

    Top 10 Outdoor Adventures of 2022

    For this year’s Top 10 adventures we used an old school algorithm. What did we like? Actually, these are what you liked too! Some are near, others are a bit further afield, and all are excellent ways to explore our natural environment. So as we bid adieu to 2022, here’s to you and the great outdoors.

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22. 

    Freedom of Beach

    Wishing you a very happy holiday season. Deck the halls and the trails with these three winter wanders that have beautiful beach bonuses. Stay tuned next week for our annual Top 10 adventures of the year. Merry and bright!

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