All Stories from Northern CA

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  Purely Purisima

  Take a relaxing hike on the lower section of Purisiima Creek Trail in Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve.

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  Poplar Beach

  Take a stroll and catch the surf scene from the bluffs above popular beaches or get your feet in the sand (dogs welcome, too) at sublime spots like Poplar Beach in Half Moon Bay.

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  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.

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  Beers, Bites, and Buck’s

  Grab lunch and enjoy beer-garden bliss in the historic towns of Woodside and Portola Valley, just west of Silicon Valley.

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  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.

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  The Shack is Back!

  Point Reyes is full of hidden hideaways, including the unassuming boat shack at Nick’s Cove. Quietly perched at the end of a public pier overlooking Tomales Bay, the shack is a coastal landmark. It's well worth a visit!

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  Waterfall Hunter

  If you ask a local in Reno about one of the best hiking trails in town, odds are high they’ll point you to Hunter Creek Falls. It’s a year-round favorite, but it absolutely shines in spring, when desert peach wildflowers make a splash—and so does the marquee waterfall.

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  A (River)Walk in the Park

  Reno’s Riverwalk winds along the Truckee River through downtown and beyond, connecting some of the city’s best parks and public spaces. If you’re seeking a short, scenic walk where the small things add up to big wonders, head to Idlewild Park. It blends almost seamlessly into Reno’s Riverwalk, making it an idyllic and easy place to pair gardens, ponds, and public art with a short stroll along the Truckee River.

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  Coming Up Aces

  Reno is known for its bright lights and exciting casino resorts. But what if we told you one of the best bets in town for a family-friendly outing happens under stadium lights? Greater Nevada Field is home to the Reno Aces, the city’s popular Minor League Baseball team. The park itself is in the pro leagues, with the Truckee River coursing by and the Sierra Nevada mountains beaming like the fanbase.

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  Lively La Honda

  Spice up your hiking routine with three trails in La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve. This 11-mile out-and-back includes 6 miles of relatively new paths.

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  Garland in Bloom

  Carmel Valley is known for its quaint wineries and scenic hiking trails. Enjoy both on this 3.75-mile loop through Garland Ranch Regional Park.

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  Best Ghost Town in the West

  Located in the high desert of the Eastern Sierra, Bodie State Historic Park looks like a Hollywood set for a Western movie. But this isn't Hollywood magic—it's a gold-mining ghost town (with summer ghost tours!) that's as pure Wild West as it gets!

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  Eat, Explore, Repeat: Point Reyes Station

  It’s small and laid-back, but Point Reyes Station is a standout gateway to Point Reyes National Seashore. Fresh food, cool culture, and an unfussy vibe are part of the draw.

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  Cheers to Chimney

  If you’re looking for all that Point Reyes has to offer in spring, Chimney Rock is the place to be. The 1.75-mile (round-trip) hike to Chimney may be short, but it packs a visual punch, quadrupling the viewing thrills during spring.

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  Bright Point of View

  Here's a way to brighten your day: Head to Point Reyes Lighthouse. Originally constructed in 1870 to help warn mariners of the navigational hazard that we now call Point Reyes, the lighthouse was handed over to the National Park Service after serving for 105 years.

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  Bike to Aardvark Beach

  Two wheels, a fresh sea breeze, birds, and a beach stop: now that's a California bike ride. Pack a beach blanket and set out on this 16-mile out-and-back pedal along the San Francisco Bay to Aardvark Beach.

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  No Limits Family Trip: Reno Tahoe

  What if your next family getaway didn’t come with a set agenda—just the freedom to go where the day takes you? Find yourselves in Reno Tahoe, a land of no limits and plenty of outdoor bounty.

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  Redwoods Star Power

  Go on a 5-mile (round-trip) redwoods hike that starts from Chabot’s Moon Gate entrance and through Dr. Aurelia Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park, then visit the Chabot Space and Science Center for a rooftop telescope star viewing or a space

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  True Star Power

  Here's a truly enlightening way to spend an evening: head to Robert Ferguson Observatory in Sugarloaf Ridge State Park for a "star party." At dusk, the observatory opens, giving the public access to celestial viewing via three powerful telescopes.

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  Peak at the Flowers

  Terrific views and vibrant hues define this 4.8-mile out-and-back journey on Mount Diablo.

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