All Stories from Northern CA
SponsoredFrom Alpine Wildflowers to Turquoise Coves
North Lake Tahoe is where nature, culture, and authentic experiences let you connect to something deeper. Spring is an ode to the region’s harmonious dual nature, where you can mix
View![Jesse James Ziegler and his wife, Amanda McHenry at Shim's Tavern in Reno]()
Locals' Feature: Jesse James Ziegler, Reno's Poet Laureate
Meet Jesse James Ziegler, Reno's Poet Laureate. Jesse is also the Creative Director of Reno’s Monday Night Poetry (at Shim's Tavern) and True Colors Poetry.
View![Woman on her mountain bike overlooking the scenery of the Santa Cruz mountains at San Jose's Santa Teresa County Park]()
This Coyote
Combine a workout with rewarding vistas by hiking or biking Coyote Peak in San Jose’s Santa Teresa County Park. The 4.1-mile loop up Coyote Peak is spring green with rewarding vistas of both the Diablo Range and the Santa Cruz Mountains.
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SponsoredMini Guide to Reno Tahoe’s Lodging and Dining
So, you’re going to Reno Tahoe for some time in nature, and some time in nurture? Excellent choice. The fun and wonder of Reno Tahoe is the easy part.
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Mile-Long Cataract Club
In winter after heavy rains, the north flank of Mount Tam glows with flows. The nearly mile-long series of waterfalls—Cataract Falls—transforms into a supercharged spectacle. Starting at Alpine Dam, a 1.6 mile (one-way) narrow trails threads through redwoods and ferns along Cataract Creek.
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SponsoredLive the SLO Life
This year, live the SLO life. San Luis Obispo charms with its friendly vibe, Mediterranean climate, and fun adventures both in town and along the Central Coast.
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SponsoredMajestic Paso Robles
Midway between San Francisco and Los Angeles lies a lush landscape of emerald hills, fruitful vineyards, quiet country roads, and plenty of trails for hiking and biking.
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Golden Mile
Dubbed the Golden Mile, this car-free stretch of road in Golden Gate Park features rotating art installations of murals, sculptures, and abundant bright yellow Adirondack chairs for kicking back to relax. See Naga, the recent new addition here, an impressive sea serpent art installation at Golden Gate Park's Rainbow
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Napa's Art of the Matter
Downtown Napa uncorks more than just excellent wine. Art has firmly established itself along the walkways and parkways in the area, punctuated by an annual ArtWalk (year-round) and a temporary Lighted Art Festival.
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Golden Oldie Has New News
If at any point in 2025 you find yourself wanting to head for the hills, make a break for Tiburon’s Old St. Hilary’s Open Space Preserve. Recently expanded with the newly announced protection of Tiburon Ridge, the trails here gift great views to re-inspire you!
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Tamtastic Sunset
Sure, the East Peak of Mount Tam is absolutely spectacular at sunset, but some magic-hour enthusiasts are onto a fresh perspective in getting a little more personal space for their panoramic viewings.
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Beloved Burney (Re-opened!)
One of most beautiful waterfalls in the country is located 50 miles east of Redding in McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park. The 129-foot Burney Falls is a spectacle sure to leave you misty cheeked and mystified. Gushing 100 million gallons of water daily over a beautiful basalt cliff face, the oasis so spectacular that President Theodore Roosevelt called it one of the wonders of the world.
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Mural Roll
Redding’s bikeshare program encourages biking in and around the city, including downtown. It’s a fun way to see some of the city’s mural art while also stopping for lunch at one of the newest restaurants, Pipeline Craft Taps and Kitchen.
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Animal Encounters
Located where Redding’s famous Sundial Bridge overlooks the Sacramento River, Turtle Bay Exploration Park is 300 acres of gardens, a museum and playground, aquarium, and unforgettable up-close animal encounters!
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Sundialed
Redding is home to one of the world’s most famous pedestrian-only bridges—the Sundial Bridge was created by the Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava (its sister bridges are in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Seville, Spain). The glass-deck bridge across the Sacramento River is a true sundial....
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Line Up for This!
Have you gone country yet? Give it a whirl! Or more like, get in line … with country line dancing lessons (and some refreshing craft beer and seltzers) at Redding’s Fall River Brewing. The popular brewery is housed in a spacious modern warehouse filled with picnic tables for seating, corn hole for playing, big screens for sports watching, and all the equipment for brewing famously good beers. Food trucks also come by.
View![Person riding bike on wide dirt trail next to a lake at Calero County Park]()
Wheels Down Calero
New to mountain biking and searching for beginner-friendly trails? Head to Calero County Park! This 9.5-mile loop is a gentle, scenic ride through rolling hills.
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Locals' Feature: Max Smith of Moment Skis
Meet Max Smith, VP of Moment Skis in Reno, Nevada. Moment is the largest ski manufacturer in the US and you can see how their innovative and artistic skis are made by visiting Moment Skis headquarters in Reno. The Factory is where the magic happens, so drop in for a visit and say hi to the team, including employee dogs who are on quality control.
View![Two people walking along the bluff trail at Sea Ranch on the Sonoma Coast overlooking the Pacific Ocean]()
Sweet as the Sea
Rough-and-tumble coastline, twisting Highway 1, open grasslands, hidden beaches, bluff trails, and a rustic lodge for storm watching from indoors—we’re not talking about Big Sur. We’re talking Sea Ranch and its namesake lodge on the Sonoma Coast. Walk its famous bluff-top trail, a cliff-hugging sensation with soaring Pacific scenery.
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SponsoredThe 2025 Hiking Calendar Is Here!
Ready to make hiking part of your New Year’s wellness plan? Get the all-new 2025 Hiking Calendar courtesy of Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST).
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Warm Up to Winter in Reno Tahoe
Winter's Best Activities in Reno Tahoe
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