All in Northern CA

  1. Coasting in Mendocino: Stay, Eat, Beach

    Autumn on the coast of Mendocino County is spectacular, and sublime, thanks in large part to the beautiful and dramatic coastline with beaches all along the way. From where to stay, camp, eat, and beach, here are some ideas to get you inspired.

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  2. Secret Spots of Monterey

    Monterey has a few sea-crets, both on land and within its world-famous national marine sanctuary. All you have to do is know where to go! From a phenomenal new exhibit at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, to new hikes and secret viewpoints, here's your guide for a wondrous getaway.

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  3. Bikers taking in the view on the Bay Area Ridge Trail in El Sereno Open Space Preserve in the South Bay Peninsula

    Favorite Ridge Trail Hikes & Bike Rides

    The Bay Area Ridge Trail (aka Ridge Trail) comprises over 400 miles of trails encircling the bay. That's a lot of hiking and biking and multi-use adventures! We've rounded up three of the best sections to do in San Francisco and the East and South Bay.

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  4. Sponsored
    2025-10-01

    Fall Coastal Hikes Guide

    Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) is ready to fill your fall with bluffside trails, tranquil beaches, whale watching, a haunted distillery, and seasonal sweet treats.

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  5. Summer Cool Down

    The heat is on! So get to nature's best air conditioning by heading out to these Bay Area beaches. Time to chill out...

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  6. Waterside Wanders

    Whether it's a lake, a reservoir, or a quiet bay, here are three trails to savor the season and take in some reflection time.

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  7. Stairways to Heavenly Views

    Quiet pathways, iconic ocean views, incredible hilltop perspectives, art—oh yeah! Step up to these Bay Area stairway hikes for heavenly views.

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  8. Summer Nights

    Summer nights and the living is easy. From a picnic at sea to a lighthouse hike and a place to see a perfect starry night, here are three great bets to savor the season.

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  9. CA Backpacking and Wilderness Hikes

    California’s Sierra Nevada is a boon of wilderness wonders, from waterfalls and lakes to quiet and secluded backcountry camping amid forest and jagged peaks. Here are three amazing backpacking adventures, including a few that can be done as long day hikes.

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  10. Coastal Camping and Hikes

    As the summer keeps coasting, get coasting! These three camping spots are blissfully brought to you by beautiful coastal locations that are prime time for pitching your tent by the water.

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  11. Long Live the Redwoods

    Massive and resilient, redwoods survived the Ice Age—and now they’re also having to endure the climate crisis, with a lot of help from heroic firefighters. In appreciation of redwoods, resiliency, and the heroics of first responders, here are three beautiful places to find respite in the redwoods.

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  12. Here Comes The Sun

    Inhale, exhale, and stay sunny this summer. Sun Valley, Idaho, is famous for its epic outdoors, but nature nurtures in so many different ways here: mountain yoga, summit hikes filled with flowing waters, wildflowers and vast alpine views, and car-free bike trails to botanical gardens plus fresh food stops. Oh, and those romantic dark sky starry nights...

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  13. Summer Wheeling

    Summer breeze feels better on two wheels. From a multi-use trail that hugs the coastal blufftops to an easy rolling ramble through wine country, these bike rides were meant for easy wheeling.

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  14. Fourth and Out!

    Beyond the BBQs and parades, find some time to relax and reflect in the great outdoors. From kayaking in wine country to walking beneath giant redwood trees, we have some ideas to get your summer swinging.

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  15. Sponsored
    2025-10-01

    Fall Coastal Hikes Guide

    Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) is ready to fill your fall with bluffside trails, tranquil beaches, whale watching, a haunted distillery, and seasonal sweet treats.

    View
  16. Hike to the Peak of Mount Elwell in the Lakes Basin

    Long On Summer!

    Longing for a long hike? Well, you've come to the right time of year! Summer lets you linger later on the trails, and these three longer hikes are worth the miles.

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  17. For Hank

    In celebration of Hank and all dogs (including the ones who now run free in our hearts), here are some of Hank's favorite dog-friendly things to do in Northern California.

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  18. Hike, Paddle, Repeat

    Start summer refreshed with these coastal hikes and paddle adventures from Point Reyes and San Francisco to a tiny island in the Santa Cruz Mountains.

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  19. Where to Camp

    Whether you like your camping adventure on an island, close to the sea, or at a reservoir with no motorized boats, these three places hit the spot … the sweet spot for pitching a tent and enjoying some hikes and kayak explorations.

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  20. Keep Your Cool

    It's the unofficial start to summer and things are heating up. So quench your thirst and keep your cool on some bike rides to brew pubs, hike-in beaches, and urban explorations.

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  21. Urban and Wild!

    Some of the best hikes happen right in city limits. These three outdoor escapes are in urban spaces yet bring a faraway feeling because of their natural wild wonders—from lush forest to wildlands with mountain views, and a peak offering iconic scenery.

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  22. All Ride Now!

    One thing we know for sure: Everything's going to be all ride! These three Bay Area bike trails have beautiful views and bonuses like beaches and picnic spots. All ride, all ride, all ride.

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  1. Afternoon on the Island

    What is it about tiny islands in the middle of lakes? There’s something that just draws you in. It’s even more fun when getting there is half the adventure because you have to reach it by canoe, kayak, paddleboat, or a ranger-guided boat tour!

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  2. Gentle Giants

    Some people visit national parks to marvel at the iconic sights, while others come seeking solitude in nature. With visitation on the rise, it can be hard to find both. But in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, this pair of trails offers both....

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  3. Rio Del Mar-velous

    Rio Del Mar State Beach in Aptos might be one of the best places for a treasure hunt. Its location between two other beaches makes for a good stroll featuring a spectacle of wildlife as you search the sand for sea glass and seashells.

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  4. Hiker taking a photo of sunset at Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve

    Sunshine and Skyline

    Head to Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve for a 4-mile out-and-back hike on the Bay Area Ridge Trail that offers a front-row seat to spectacular sunsets.

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  1. Walking the Los Angeles River Trail Through Frogtown

    Frogtown Strutter’s Stroll

    Don’t go dismissing the Los Angeles River as merely a 51-mile concrete channel. It’s a genuine urban artery that links real neighborhoods, and its riverside bike/ped paths endear i

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  2. Sponsored

    Chase Fall Colors & Family Fun in Reno Tahoe

    Ready to Reno? We’re so with you! Reno Tahoe is the ultimate urban basecamp for gathering family and friends for all kinds of fall fun and festivities.

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  3. Griffith's Golden

    With over 4,200 acres and hundreds of trails, Griffith Park is the gold standard. Opt for the lesser-hiked northwestern end of the park and visit the 2.25-mile Skyline and Oak Canyon loop from Travel Town.

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  4. Ernie's Walk

    Stretching 51 miles from Canoga Park to Long Beach, the Los Angeles River has no shortage of walkways to enjoy. One segment that is particularly special is Ernie’s Walk in Sherman Oaks, a 0.3-mile stretch that is a delight to visit, and pay respect to its inspiration.

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