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  1. Northern CA

    Trail Ends, Shoreline Begins

    Beach hike, anyone? These three hike-ins combine scenic trails, salty air, and the perfect excuse to kick off your shoes and linger by the shore.

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  2. Southern CA

    Kick it Outside

    Kick off your day outdoors, then settle in for the world's biggest game. From beaches and parks to small-town gathering spots, these adventures come with a bonus: nearby places to catch the FIFA World Cup.

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  3. Yosemite

    Yosemite Beyond the Valley

    Yep, Yosemite can get crowded! But here’s something not everyone knows: some of Yosemite’s most iconic experiences happen beyond the Valley floor. From waterfall hikes and panoramic granite climbs not named Half Dome to giant sequoia groves and a legendary sunset vista in a quieter corner of the park, here are a few ways to experience Yosemite beyond the Valley. Yo-go!

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  4. Sponsored
    2026-09-02

    Reno Mountain High

    Take your vacation to new heights with some of the season’s most original events, and plenty of outdoors to explore. Fall for it all in Reno Tahoe.

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  5. Northern CA

    Gems of the San Francisco Peninsula

    The San Francisco Peninsula is much more than the home of high tech. Some of the Bay Area’s most iconic outdoor experiences are found here—from dramatic coastline and sprawling beaches to ancient redwood groves and open space preserves with premier views. Add in a buzzworthy food and drink scene, and you've got one of Northern California's most appealing escapes. Here’s a great way to spend a full day!

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  6. Woman standing at the lookout tower of Tahquitz Peak in the San Jacinto Wilderness in Southern California
    Southern CA

    Lookout Above

    The views are reason enough to go. The history is what makes these hikes even more interesting. From a forested perch on Palomar Mountain to one of Southern California's highest fire lookouts, these historic towers have been helping people watch over the landscape for generations. Here are three lookouts that still reward the climb.

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  7. Southern CA

    World Cup Fever? Try FootGolf

    The World Cup is coming to LA! Didn't make the squad? We've got a backup plan. Kick like a soccer player, score like a golfer: it's FootGolf! Bend it, boot it, and celebrate after sinking a 30-foot putt with your feet at these three SoCal FootGolf courses. Gooooaaallll in one!

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  8. Northern CA

    Long Live Summer Nights

    Summer days get a lot of love, but some of the season’s best adventures happen after sunset. From guided walks beneath towering redwoods to beach bonfires and stargazing programs, here are three really good reasons to stay out late this summer.

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  9. Northern CA

    Waterside Picnic Gems

    From beaches to bays, the Bay Area is filled with scenic spots for a picnic or some nearby takeout. From shucking oysters at a recently reopened boat shack to a beachside barbecue and a coastal perch complete with cute farm animals, here are three relaxing ways to dine beside the water.

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  10. Southern CA

    Bu'tiful Days

    Ready for a Bu’tiful day? These three Malibu adventures deliver everything from coast-hugging trails to rugged Pacific panoramas and a quiet oasis escape. Have yourself a truly Mali-butiful day.

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  11. CA State Parks

    And the Best CA State Parks Are...

    The people have spoken: California State Park Foundation’s recent “Best of California’s State Parks” awards honored some of the Golden State’s most beloved outdoor places, chosen by thousands of voters. Several are parks we’ve happily explored ourselves, too. Here are a few adventures we recommend from this year’s winners.

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  12. Reno

    Rise in Reno Tahoe

    Reno Tahoe doesn’t fit neatly into a box—and that’s exactly why it’s such a fun place to visit. One moment your family is hiking to a roaring waterfall or strolling alongside the Truckee River, the next you’re eating chicken burgers and catching a baseball game at a ballpark beneath mountain-framed skies. Then it’s on to arty, mural-filled neighborhoods abuzz with cafes and patio dining. There’s plenty of room for spontaneity here. Rise in Reno Tahoe this spring!

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  13. Northern CA

    Second Wave of Spring

    Recent rains have refreshed these adventures and given spring a welcome extension. But it won’t last long so get out there and enjoy an encore of wildflowers like poppies and lupine, plus bold panoramas of the coast and urban icons. 

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  14. Southern CA

    Give Mom These Gardens

    This Mother’s Day weekend, go garden-variety! These five botanical gardens are worth a high five for Mom.

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  15. Sponsored
    2026-09-02

    Reno Mountain High

    Take your vacation to new heights with some of the season’s most original events, and plenty of outdoors to explore. Fall for it all in Reno Tahoe.

    View
  16. Northern CA

    Ranch Trails, Open Skies

    Ready to ranch out on some new adventures? These ranchlands from the Bay Area to Monterey offer hiking and biking trails in full bloom. From wildflowers to wild scenery, here are three top places to explore.

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  17. Southern CA

    Enchanting Hikes, Right Now

    Forest, trees, wildflowers, and wondrous rock formations—what’s not to love about these three spring-primed hikes? Get enchanted.

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  18. Northern CA & Southern CA

    Worth the Trip: Point Reyes National Seashore

    Point Reyes National Seashore’s 71,000 acres are a marvel of diverse wildlands. With limited cell service (off-grid-lite), a day here means fewer notifications, more noticing: miles of undeveloped coastline, vibrant wildflowers, dramatic sea cliffs, hidden coves with elephant seals, and more. Here's a marquee way to spend a day in Point Reyes.

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  19. Northern CA

    Shore Thing: Bike to Beaches

    Grab spring by the handlebars! These three Bay Area bike rides to beaches are primetime, with beautiful scenery, birds, brewpub breaks, and plenty more to keep you rolling. Ride on.

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  20. Southern CA

    Whoop De Doo Hikes!

    Can we get a whoop whoop? Inspired by a trail that’s having a moment in SoCal, these fabulous hikes deliver whoop-de-doos, big views, and wildflowers too.

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  21. Northern CA

    Celebrate Space—Right Here on Earth!

    With Artemis lighting the way, it’s a good time to look up—and get outside after dark. From observatory star parties to ranger-led night walks under some of the darkest skies around, here are a few stellar ways to celebrate space, right here on Earth.

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  22. Southern CA

    Starry Adventures You'll Moon Over

    With Artemis in the headlines, now’s the time to head out and look up. From star parties to moonlight hikes and ranger-led night programs, here are a few ways to celebrate all things cosmic.

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Trending Stories NorCal

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  1. Roaring Redwoods

    Tucked next to brilliant Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park in Santa Cruz, the folks at Roaring Camp Railroads had a bright idea: When the sun goes down, the rainbow lights come up. Sequoias at Night brings big magic to some of the tallest trees in the world.

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  2. Barbary Coast Trail medallion hike in San Francisco

    Medallion Walk SF

    The Barbary Coast Trail is a 3.8-mile historical walk and treasure hunt through San Francisco. Be on the lookout for hubcap-sized bronze medallions placed on the city sidewalks with arrows pointing you in the right direction.

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  3. Sponsored

    Autumn Magic in Yosemite Mariposa County

    Yosemite Mariposa County is where golden moments unfold all season long. Watch the sun's warm glow settle over El Capitan and Half Dome, then wander quietly in Mariposa Grove. Beyo

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  4. Greater by the Dozen

    This hike is anything but a dime a dozen. The all-new "Golden Gate Dozen Trail" links 12 National Park sites on a spectacular 13-mile journey across San Francisco's coastline.

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Trending Stories SoCal

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  1. Inn-spiration Point!

    For more than a century, people have been hiking or mountain biking to West Point Inn for good reason. Perched at 1,785 feet on the southern slope of Mount Tamalpais, the historic inn has sweeping views from the Marin Headlands to the San Francisco skyline.

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  2. Shimmering Paddle

    Uniquely situated where the Russian River meets the rugged Pacific coast, Jenner is a shining star of kayaking destinations. It’s even better on a guided paddle at sunset, under a full moon, or during peak bioluminescent season.

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  3. Rancho Style

    Vicente Bluffs Reserve dazzles anytime, but during the golden hour it’s an absolute knockout. Majestic rocky bluffs, dreamy ocean views, and a picturesque lighthouse are just a few of the reasons.

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  4. A Thousand Steps to Paradise

    A picture is worth a thousand words, but is a gorgeous beach in Laguna worth a thousand steps? The answer is yes, though the question is moot, because it’s only 223 steep steps down to the 400-yard stretch of sand known as 1000 Steps Beach.

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