All Stories from Northern CA

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  Pulgas Party

  If your idea of a good summer party is hitting the trails, then Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve makes a very festive venue. Bursting with colorful wildflowers and exuberant wildli

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  Tram Good Hiking!

  There’s one way to hit the hiking “high note” this summer: Take the scenic route—the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway! The world’s largest rotating tramcar whisks you from the desert fl

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  Del Valle Daytrippin'

  Livermore is popular for its tasty wines, but it has another liquid asset for a triple-play summer day. Head to the East Bay’s Del Valle Regional Park for a reservoir-to-ridge hike

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  Waterfall Loop!

  We have a waterfall idea—make that five waterfall ideas, when you do the Waterfall Loop. Visit five waterfalls located in the Redding Shasta Cascade region. Redding is centrally lo

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  Midtown Magnificent

  Stunning murals, outstanding craft beer, a lively industrial district, and farmers markets filled with tasty fare and artisan flair ... it's all happening in Sacramento! Take a str

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  Oakland Beat & Beer Garden

  Oakland walks to the beat of its own drum with a super vibrant arts scene. One of the easiest places to check some of it out is in the Northgate neighborhood—home of the “Art Murmu

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  Believe It!

  A hidden speakeasy, loads of extraordinary murals and sculptures, and fabulous outdoor beer gardens … where? Reno! We’ve said it before; we’ll say it again: The biggest little city

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  Hidden Lodge

  When you’re the only property in California that’s a National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World, you’re doing something special. Dubbed the Yosemite of Orange County, The Ranch

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  Hike Napa's Skyline!

  Bottles of wine aren't the only things popping in Napa. Right now the wildflowers are popping, too! Get in a 4-mile (round-trip) hike packed with wildflowers and wonderful views. S

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  Meditative Woodlands Hike

  Relaxation apps and calming soundtracks are nice, but stepping outdoors for this meditation hike in the redwoods is better! This 2-mile (round-trip) hike on the Dean Trail at Hudda

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  From Neon to Nature: Discover Reno Tahoe

  Bike the Arts Scene & Craft Brew Pubs Reno’s known for its artistic edge and creativity (hello, Burning Man), so hop on two wheels and pedal around downtown. Roll past vibrant mura

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  It's Flowing, So Get Going!

  Adventure Rafting! A rollicking rafting trip on the Merced River goes only in spring and early summer—and this is a year not to be missed! Combine a rafting adventure with visiting

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  Big Burdell!

  If you’re gonna go big on a hike, make it at Marin County’s biggest open space preserve, Mount Burdell. And go to the summit. You’ll be sharing the trail with grazing cows, seasonal poppies, and beautiful birds on this 5-mile (round-trip) adventure.

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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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  Six Picks for Sonoma

  1) Explore New (dog-friendly) Hiking Trails Bow-WOW! Only a mile from Sonoma’s Plaza, beautiful Bartholomew Park has reopened with a new backcountry trail system behind its (news!)

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  Well Rounded

  Epic views, fields of flowers, and ridgeline thrills offering one of the biggest views in the West: Hiking the Grand Loop at Mount Diablo State Park in spring is eye-candy, with reams of poppies and more than 200 miles of California landscape rolling to the snowcapped Sierra.

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  Bike to Beers (& Bites)

  Ride your bike on a car-free trail and take a break at an alehouse ... yes, please! Backed by looming Mount Diablo, the East Bay’s Contra Costa Canal Trail is an easygoing 23-mile (all-in) trail following its namesake canal, passing parks and open space.

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  Post Hike Happy Hour(s)

  Where can you find Mount Diablo’s best post-hike Happy Hour? Todos Santos Plaza in the heart of downtown Concord has 2.5 acres of gorgeous green park with picnic tables, benches, a

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  Devilishly Good Camping

  High & Mighty Lofty at 3,000 feet, Juniper Campground—named for the surrounding juniper trees—is located very close to Diablo’s summit and is the largest camping area, with 36 site

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  Valley Rock 'n' Roll

  Imagine if there was a bike-friendly paved trail that circled Yosemite Valley’s floor, hitting all the highlights … including the tallest waterfall in North America. Well, in fact, there is! Rent your wheels and grab a map from the Yosemite Valley Lodge or Half Dome Village and forget about the buses.

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