All in Northern CA
Just Add Water!
Who needs a pool to lounge by this summer when you have mother nature! Hike, bike, and just relax by these lakes, rivers, and coastal settings. Verified fresh!
VIEWMountain Hot Springs!
Nature’s answer to happy hour: the mountain hot spring. We’ve scouted out a few to soothe your bones and soak in the views. Hey, hot stuff!
VIEWSummer Refresh
Hit the refresh button, in more ways than one. These water-centric adventures will keep you cool through summer!
VIEW![]()
SponsoredTake the Exit to the Best of the San Francisco Peninsula
The San Francisco Peninsula is proof that some of Northern California’s greatest surprises are hiding just off Highway 101. All you have to do is take the exit.
ViewBay Area's Best Stairway Walks
We all know we should take the stairs. And that's just about the best idea ever when it comes to the Bay Area's great urban hikes ... with stairways! From San Francisco to the South Bay, here are three stairway walks that are simply wander-ful.
VIEWMarquee Mendocino
Whether you want to hit the trails, explore some caves, or just bunk down at your glamp-site, Mendocino has all the right stuff for a romantic getaway, outdoors-style!
VIEWHigh Five Hikes!
Sweeping bay views, stately second-growth redwoods, and poppies on parade: Soak up the last of spring days on any of these three county park hikes in the South Bay … all under 5 miles! Go short and sweet!
VIEWRoll Out the Weekend
Shorts, barbecues, bike rides: Give summer a high-five by hopping on any of these two-wheel adventures around the Bay Area and northern California. From country road rambles (and wine-tasting!) to car-free coastal cruising (and beers!), here are some smooth ways to ride into the long weekend.
VIEWFor Shore!
It's time to shore up your weekend plans. Hike, bike, and beach hop along the San Mateo Coast, where wildflowers, huge Pacific views, and sandy havens will put the spring in your step!
VIEWWine Country Adventures
Great weather, loads of outdoor adventures, amazing wines … and it’s all just 45 minutes from the Golden Gate Bridge. Sonoma Valley is spring loaded for a weekend away. Local la dolce vita!
VIEWWildflower Blockbusters
Bursting onto the scene with more fanfare than the latest blockbuster, wildflowers are starring across the Bay Area and NorCal. Head out for these flower-powered action adventures this spring.
VIEWUpstate Adventure
Have you been to Northern California? We mean wayyy up north. The Redding area is surrounded by mountains, rivers, waterfalls, lakes, bald eagles, and trails galore. This spring, have an upstate of mind!
VIEWGoldplay
Golden Gate Park's meadows, lakes, and lawns make it one of the best place to get your fresh-air fix within urban limits. From lawn bowling to finding the secret Fairy Door, here are some fun ways to explore San Francisco's natural treasure.
VIEWEpic Spring Hikes
Electric green hills, wildflowers and wowing views, reservoirs and babbling brooks: Savor spring’s greatest hits by going long and strong on any of these three East Bay loop hikes, ranging from 6 to 13.5 miles!
VIEW![]()
SponsoredTake the Exit to the Best of the San Francisco Peninsula
The San Francisco Peninsula is proof that some of Northern California’s greatest surprises are hiding just off Highway 101. All you have to do is take the exit.
ViewWildflowers and Waterfalls
Rain plus warm weather is a recipe for wildflowers and waterfalls! Get out there and explore spring's bounty of bright colors and big flows!
VIEWHike, Bike, Beer!
Thirsty for adventure? Sacramento’s rivers and lakes are spring ready, and so are the nearby craft breweries! Go on a hike, bike ride, or get out on the water, then sample some suds! Sacramento's craft brew scene is quickly emerging as one of the best in the nation.
VIEWHikes to Weather the Storm
Atmospheric river, Nor' Easter ... it's okay to hide under the covers, but you can also play misty. Here are three hikes to help you weather the storm.
VIEWBeach Waterfalls!
Beaches, waterfalls, and coastal views: It's a classic combination for a spring weekend in Northern California. H2-OMG!
VIEWLocal Lighthouses
Where can you enjoy some of the most dramatically beautiful coastal views? Light this way! From overnight stays to full moon displays, here are five lighthouses worth a wander.
VIEWSF Stairway Walks
Secret pathways, ocean views, hilltop perspectives, mural and mosaic art—oh yeah—step up to these San Francisco stairways for a change of pace, and scenery!
VIEWBay Area's Best Winter Sunsets
As we head towards daylight savings how do you say goodbye to winter? With a sunset! Here are three Bay Area spots with beautiful views for watching the sun go down on the season.
VIEW
Take the Exit to the Best of the San Francisco Peninsula
The San Francisco Peninsula is proof that some of Northern California’s greatest surprises are hiding just off Highway 101. All you have to do is take the exit.
Find Your San Francisco Peninsula Adventure
Your Inbox to the Outdoors
Stay up to date with our weekly recommendations on where to explore locally in California.
Trending Stories NorCal
View all Stories![Napa Valley Paddle kayaker and paddle boarder on the Napa Valley river]()
Napa's Wild Side
It’s wine country’s Amazon. The gentle Napa River is an ecological—and recreational—delight. And Napa Valley Paddle sets you up for maximum enjoyment of this experience.
View![]()
Been There, Dome That
Surrounded by granite domes, craggy peaks, and miles of hiking trails, the High Sierra landscape of Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite National Park is famous for good reason. For a truly grand view, take a short hike to bold—and bald (except for snow at times)—Lembert Dome.
View![]()
Wapama Wows
Hetch Hetchy can be overlooked in Yosemite National Park because of its more remote location and limited facilities. But this is where you’ll also find one of the best day hikes in the park: Wapama Falls.
ViewMuir Woods Through the Backdoor
A backdoor entrance into Muir Woods? Hike a tranquil trail that starts in Mount Tamalpais State Park and quietly leads into Muir Woods, letting you avoid the busyness of the main parking area.
View
Trending Stories SoCal
View all Stories![]()
Inn-spiration Point!
For more than a century, people have been hiking or mountain biking to West Point Inn for good reason. Perched at 1,785 feet on the southern slope of Mount Tamalpais, the historic inn has sweeping views from the Marin Headlands to the San Francisco skyline.
ViewA Thousand Steps to Paradise
A picture is worth a thousand words, but is a gorgeous beach in Laguna worth a thousand steps? The answer is yes, though the question is moot, because it’s only 223 steep steps down to the 400-yard stretch of sand known as 1000 Steps Beach.
View![]()
SponsoredTake the Exit to the Best of the San Francisco Peninsula
The San Francisco Peninsula is proof that some of Northern California’s greatest surprises are hiding just off Highway 101. All you have to do is take the exit.
ViewLookout for This View!
Sierra Buttes Lookout, at a lofty 8,591 feet, is a memory maker for its pucker-worthy stairway to the tower’s balcony. It's a 5-mile (round-trip) hike to reach it. And the reward? Epic!
View
