All in Northern CA

Panoramas and SF's Great Artdoors
Next time you want an art and culture fix, step outside. There are some beautiful parks in San Francisco with interesting, inspiring, and thoughtful works, from murals to sculptures (including at a new public park) well worth a visit to see. The great artdoors awaits.
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To the Lighthouse!
To the lighthouse! But not just any lighthouse. These three lighthouses have everything from unique histories and spectacular whale watching spots, to beautifully appointed overnight accommodations, live music concerts, and paranormal activity. Lights are on!
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Sky Shows
Look up! Starry nights bring a bright side to the days’ getting shorter. And these local hikes and prominent parks shine as places to celebrate the wonders of space, stars, the moon, and planets.
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Sponsored
2026-08-18
Autumn Magic in Yosemite Mariposa County
Yosemite Mariposa County is where golden moments unfold all season long. Watch the sun's warm glow settle over El Capitan and Half Dome, then wander quietly in Mariposa Grove. Beyo
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Long Live Summer!
As we approach the final stretch of summer, savor the good stuff. These popular summer adventures made a lasting impression, and can help make your summer last just a little bit longer...
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Whale What Do We Have Here?
Usually it’s migrating gray whales that are the star sightings on the California coast, but recently humpback whales are appearing quite close to shore here in the Bay Area, as they feast on fish. Who knows how much longer the buffet will last, but there are some great hikes where you might get bonus humpback whale sightings in the next week or so… go big!
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No Reservations Camping and Backpacking
Some camping and backpacking spots hit their stride in later summer, and don't require a reservation, just good timing, planning, and a little luck. From a backpacking adventure to a shimmering lake in Tahoe National Forest, to walk-in gems on the Sonoma Coast and a few first-come, first-served sites under a canopy of redwoods in Anderson Valley, these camp spots are ready if you are. Campface!
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Picnic With a View
Room with a view, table with a view... picnic with a view! These three picnic (and BBQ) spots in the North Bay will elevate your charcuterie game.
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Sunsets & Stargazing
Look up! Summer nights are some of the best for lingering sunsets and stargazing glories. We've rounded up a backpacking beach trip, an observatory star party, and a prime city-to-sea vantage for observing sunsets and celestial events, including the Perseid meteor shower (peaking August 11).
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Wild Wonders of California
Desert, forest, city, coast—four of the Golden State’s most wild, dynamic, and resilient ecosystems—are featured in California: State of Nature, a new exhibition at the California Academy of Sciences. We’re sharing some of the best places for outdoor adventures in these ecosystems, and providing a peek inside the exhibition. Plus enter for a complimentary 2-Night Getaway on California’s “secret coast" and 4 tickets to the CA Academy of Sciences!
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Redwoods to Wildflowers
Mid-summer break: Stop and smell the flowers, see the forest for the trees. These three hikes feature some of the Bay Area’s most iconic flora—from redwoods to roses, even some summer wildflowers ... with beautiful vistas too!
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Where to Camp in CA: Part 2
It's not easy getting the good stuff for camping, but with some planning ahead, or some luck with first come, first serves, it can be a magical experience. Here's our recommendations on where to sleep under the stars, and near the water, in California.
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4th Shore!
Happy 4th! Mother Nature sure cranked the heat for this one. So your best bet might be to head for the shore … here are a few WS favorite coastal excursions.
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Waterside Rides
Waterside bike rides come in all types thanks to Northern California’s dynamic environments. From a bike-in beach to bike rides by beautiful Bair Island and iconic Golden Gate views, here are three ways to pedal down by the bay, the sea, or the slough!
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Sponsored
2026-08-18
Autumn Magic in Yosemite Mariposa County
Yosemite Mariposa County is where golden moments unfold all season long. Watch the sun's warm glow settle over El Capitan and Half Dome, then wander quietly in Mariposa Grove. Beyo
View
Waterfall Summer Hikes
Some waterfall hikes are still spectacles even in early summer, especially after a snow-packing winter. From less known waterworks in the far reaches of both Yosemite and Shasta County, to a stunner in a neighboring state, here are three ways to have a waterfall start to summer.
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Wine Country Sleeps, Paddles, and Pedals
There’s plenty to sip and swirl around these three wine regions in the Bay Area and Northern California, but the great outdoors here also pours on the charm. From a unique place to sleep among the sheep, to a truly cool (and cooling!) river paddle, and a bike ride through bountiful vineyards, uncork these fun and unique wine country adventures!
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Tree Glee
As the season heats up, find some shade amid the grandeur of redwoods in these three parks that make a big impression!
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Where to Camp and Glamp in CA: Part 1
We feel the camping vibes. Here's our first in a two-part roundup of beautiful destinations that also have camping, cabins, and glamping.
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Long May You Roam, Close to Home
A little late in planning for the upcoming weekend? We've got some ideas for you. From island biking and beach or picnic bliss, to ridge rambling and a classic SF adventure, here are some ways to stretch your outdoor adventures over the holiday weekend.
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Bay Area Blue Spaces
Getting outside into nature has many proven health benefits. And that includes Blue Spaces—lakes, oceans, rivers, lagoons.... the soothing sights and sounds of water are good for us. Here are three beautiful Bay Area places for beautiful blue adventures.
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Late Season Hikes for Spring Blooms
With summer right around the corner, be sure to do some hikes or bike rides through the Bay Area’s rolling green hills and fields of wildflowers. Here are three places in bloom: spring for them!
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