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1. 
   Northern CA

   Five Stars for Angel Island State Park

   Angel Island State Park may fly under the radar compared to other San Francisco Bay icons, yet it more than holds its own as a stellar standout, with panoramic views at every turn, picnic-perfect spots, scenic trails, hidden beaches, museums, and historic sites. Catch a ferry and make a fulfilling day of it.

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2. 
   Southern CA

   Beach Time!

   When the heat’s cranked, these beach-based outdoor adventures deliver coastal chill, camping, and beautiful scenery.

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3. 
   Northern CA

   Cruz Control

   When the weather heats up, the Santa Cruz coast delivers the perfect cool-down: beachcombing, biking along a bountiful shoreline with an iconic lighthouse, and sweet strolls to the sand. Time to shift into Cruz control.

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4. 
   Sponsored

   2026-02-02

   Warm Up to Winter in Reno Tahoe

   2026 is just getting started, but there’s one place already rising to the top as the best for adventure and relaxation: Reno Tahoe. The awe—and ahhhs—begin as soon as you arrive. G

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5. 
   Southern CA

   Getting Figgy With It

   Tree’s company on these three urban walks in L.A.—each featuring an impressive Moreton Bay fig tree, historic and cultural perks, and refreshing extras like a waterfall, ice cream, and beer. Fig yeah!

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6. 
   Southern CA

   LA’s Urban High Ground

   L.A.’s urban hikes are showing off right now—green hillsides, sweeping views, and trails just high enough to deliver a fresh perspective. Here are three that deliver higher-ground views.

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7. 
   Northern CA

   Marsh Madness

   The Bay Area’s wetlands are prime in winter and early spring, and with so much preserved habitat to explore, it’s hard to settle on just one spot. So consider this your wetland bracket: three places we recommend right now.

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8. 
   Northern CA

   Savor These Peak Hikes

   When the clocks spring forward, so should you—on these classic peak hikes. Chase the longer light and savor these summit views.

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9. 
   Southern CA

   Longer Days for Classic Peaks

   The clocks are about to spring forward. You go up. Chase the longer light on these classic peak hikes.

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10. 
    Northern CA

    Peak Green

    Rainy, dry, rainy, dry, rainy … dry?! Mother Nature’s been toggling the settings, but the skies are scrubbed, the hills are shamrock green, and everything’s sparkling. These hikes and bike rides have that fresh-from-the-rain glow. Clarity mode, activated!

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11. 
    Southern CA

    That Green Glow

    Okay, rain did its thing. The hills are glowing. Now’s your window for vivid greens, sweeping views, and maybe even a few early wildflowers. Hit these urban and wild hikes and bike rides while the shamrock shine lasts.

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12. 
    Northern CA & Southern CA

    All Aboard the Mendocino Coast

    Where dramatic—and secret—headlands meet a rollicking sea and a historic train winds through fragrant forest, Mendocino invites you to slow down, stay awhile. Ride the rails to a redwood grove with a beverage bar and bonus hike, wander wild bluffs and windswept beaches, then toast the day in a postcard-perfect village with a thriving culinary scene. This is Mendo-time.

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13. 
    Northern CA

    Last-Minute Romance!

    Roses are red, violets are blue, caught without a Valentine’s plan…we’ve got you! These three outings offer thrilling scenery, lovely greenery, early wildflowers, and bonus ideas for eats and drinks. Sweet!

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14. 
    Southern CA

    Romance Right Quick!

    Caught without a Valentine's plan? Oof. We don’t have all the answers, but we do have a few suggestions for a fun date in the great outdoors. Get sweet on them. 

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15. 
    Sponsored

    2026-02-02

    Warm Up to Winter in Reno Tahoe

    2026 is just getting started, but there’s one place already rising to the top as the best for adventure and relaxation: Reno Tahoe. The awe—and ahhhs—begin as soon as you arrive. G

    View
16. 
    Northern CA

    Big Love on the Coast

    This is the time of year when big things happen on our beautiful California coast. By big we mean elephant seals, currently in prime mating season but still willing to take a load off to just lounge around. Some are also in need of some rehab TLC. Here are three coastal excursions well worth the time for seeing why elephant seals are such a huge deal.

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17. 
    Southern CA

    Going for Gold in the Golden State

    The Winter Olympics don’t have to be a spectator sport. California has all the right stuff for chasing your own golden moments. From learning to curl to lacing up skates with Half Dome as your backdrop, these winter sports celebrate the spirit of the Golden State.

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18. 
    Northern CA

    Meet the Flockers

    We don't wanna ruffle feathers by declaring birding the new hiking, but we do have some great hikes and bike rides where the birdwatching is flocking amazing!

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19. 
    Southern CA

    Sealed with a Kiss

    You don’t need to head out on the water to see Southern California’s seals and sea lions. These three coastal spots invite you to bike, wander, and explore while catching close-up views of these big beauties, with plenty of nearby parks and places to stroll by the shore. Sea, yeah— see ya there!

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20. 
    Northern CA

    Zen Peak Hikes to Keep Your Calm

    Ready to rise and find your calm? Gain some fresh perspectives on these three outings that take you higher for quietude and contemplations, including the newly re-opened Dragon Mountain. Gorgeous panoramas absolutely included.

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21. 
    Southern CA

    Cozy Sunlight Hikes

    Go get your sun glow. Winter's combination of sunlight sifting through clouds or beaming in a crisp and cleansed sky makes for some inspiring scenery. Here are three places to go for a hike and to bask in the comfort of cinematic winter sunlight.

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22. 
    Northern CA & Southern CA

    Parks In Their Prime

    Snow, sun, seasonal temperatures … it’s all culminating in a winter of wide and wild adventure options—from sunrise desert hikes and snowy sequoias to waterfalls and dune-scapes, these four mystical wanders in national parks, preserves, and recreation areas are some of the best for the season.

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