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  1. A woman hiker in a light blue shirt points out at the mountains on a hike called Lawson Peak in Southern California
    Southern CA

    Fresh Air Saturday

    Thanksgiving Thursday, Black Friday, Weekend Sherpa Saturday? We're sharing some ideas for exploring locally over the holiday. You can also check out our latest podcast episode, talking turkey and Türkiye. Learn about the relatively unknown world-class hiking adventure overlooking Türkiye's incredible Turquoise Coast and passing ancient ruins. 

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  2. Northern CA

    Spectacular Sands

    California's filled with beautiful beaches, but some less-known sands simply dazzle. From elephant seal sightings and premier whale watching perches, to a secret stairway connecting a coastal hamlet to a sublime seaside setting, and a less-known dunescape that's nothing short of sunset-sational, here are three sandy havens that are prime to see this season.

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  3. A woman on a horse looks out to the mountainous scenery that a man on another horse is pointing towards in Paso Robles at the historic Santa Margarita Ranch with Central Coast Trail Rides
    Southern CA

    Change of Scenery

    Whether you've got a full day or can spend a night or three, venturing out for a change of scenery is good for the spirit. Here are some ideas for taking time to enjoy new experiences that are a road trip (or short flight) away!

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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

    Spelunking Good Time

    Caving doesn’t have to be dark and dramatic; some SoCal caves give just enough adventure for a thrill, without going too deep. When the weather clears and conditions are drier, these three hikes to caves offer everything from unique features to photogenic slips of light.

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  6. Northern CA

    Autumn Hikes and Bike Rides

    When the weather clears, opt for an autumn power hike. These three options are peak-of-autumn beauties that range from moderate to challenging, and reward with rich vistas. Beauti-fall!

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  7. A woman walks her dog on a path next to the wetlands at Las Gallinas in Marin County
    Northern CA

    Fall For These Short Birding Hikes

    When you think the weather's for the birds, go birding. These three premier preserves and wildlife ponds are short, idyllic strolls to enjoy tranquil views, redwood groves, dashes of fall color, and birds of all kinds of feathers. 

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  8. A woman walks along a path next to the beach as the sun sets at Palisades Park in Los Angeles County
    Southern CA

    Urban Parks, Hidden Stairways

    Getting away doesn’t have to mean going far. Go local by hiking and exploring urban parks and hidden stairways with classic skyline scenery, sunset vistas, picnic spots, and gorgeous gardens. 

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  9. Northern CA

    Hairy Not Scary

    Spiders don't have to send a tingle down your spine. Tarantulas—generally harmless—come out and about in fall, as the males leave their burrows in search of mates. Here are three beautiful hikes where you might get lucky and see them this fall.

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  10. Southern CA

    Let the Spirits Move You

    Happy Halloween weekend. Head out on these spirited adventures, including a visit to one of the coolest living ghost towns around and some boo-tiful places to picnic or hike.

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  11. Hike Olompali State Historic Park
    Northern CA

    Find Fall on These Short Hikes

    While we may not have New England's fall color bonanza, the California-cool hues of amber and yellow are autumn-amazing, if you know where to look. Find fall colors close to home on these three hikes.

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  12. Southern CA

    Oh So Comfort-Fall

    Pumpkin spice lattes are great but if you're ready to dial up your seasonal comforts, add some easygoing outdoors to the mix. Here are three ways to combine sweet treats with sweet hikes.

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  13. Northern CA

    Relaxing Redwood Rambles

    Getting out into nature is a good way to relax, and our Bay Area and Northern California redwoods bring that extra bit of magic with their resiliency and awe-inspiring beauty. From the South Bay to the North Bay, to a far north destination, here are some less-known redwood hikes and bike rides that can bring some tranquility to your day.

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  14. Southern CA

    Animal Therapy

    The thing about animals is that they're amazing. And they bring both comfort and delight when you get to visit them at local farms and sanctuaries in Los Angeles County. From gardens and adobes filled with farm animals, to a sanctuary rescue offering a guided tour, here are three amazing places to get your share of adorable animals.

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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 & Beautiful in the Great Artdoors

    The Bay Area outdoors always shows off big beauty in its parks and gardens, with creative and colorful art exhibits and installations in rotations or permanently in place for people to visit and enjoy. Right now, there are three big deals in the great artdoors here! From giant good trolls in the South Bay to a major sea serpent in the City and two big new additions in the hamlet of Sonoma, here are three to see this fall!

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  17. Southern CA

    Don't Overlook These Amazing Overlooks

    Good perspectives are nice to find, and Southern California is good at providing them! Cue these three outdoor experiences where you can step outside and over or up to some premier overlooks with scenery from shimmering skylines to inspiring wild lands.

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  18. Northern CA

    Field Trips For All

    This fall, take a fun field trip for all. The Bay Area has all kinds of ways to combine the outdoors with seeing beautiful art and learning some less known history. From an outstanding museum and ice skate rink that's all about Charlie Brown and the Peanuts crew, to taking an old-fashioned steam train in the redwoods, and getting your heart pumping with beautiful murals and famous San Francisco vistas, here are three amazing ways to learn in (and from!) nature.

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  19. Southern CA

    Jamul in Fall

    Oak trees, tranquil meadows, huge vistas, and wonderful wineries make this San Diego County destination an unexpected hiker's haven. With crisper air coming (we think!) now's a good time to explore this region of canyons, peaks, and wildlife areas. Pair your hike with visits to laid- back wineries. You autumn know about Jamul!

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  20. Sequoia National Park

    Splendor in Sequoia's Redwoods

    California’s first national park positively beams with beauty, in large part because of its famous big trees. The forest here is filled with Sequoia trees, big red beauties rising toward the sky like ancient columns. From the otherworldly Stump Trail to a twofer of trails where you can find tranquility, plus where to sleep under the majesty, take this giant leap in early autumn! 

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  21. sunset at salt point
    Northern CA

    Sublime at Sunset

    There's a bright side to autumn's dwindling daylight. Sunsets churn some of their finest golden hues across horizons. From an open space of small summits to a campground on the coast, and one of the finest urban walks in the world, here are three ways to enjoy the gold rush of autumn in the Bay Area.

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  22. Southern CA

    Field These Trips

    It's a field trip for all this fall. Los Angeles County has all kinds of ways to be outside and explore some art and history. Discover the Ice Age in LA's downtown; go on a hike and check out historic train cars in Griffith Park; or do a commemorative walk combining an outdoor classroom of art. Here are three ways to learn from nature.

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Trending Stories NorCal

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  1. Hidden Botanical Garden

    Forget a dozen roses. Give your love a botanical garden. Hidden on the western slope of Sonoma Valley’s Mayacamas Mountains, Sonoma Botanical Garden has one of the Bay Area’s best displays of Asian flora—and it’s a brilliant place for a quiet picnic and some calming contemplations.

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  2. Sunnyvale and Salty

    For up-close bird watching, it’s hard to beat a walk along the San Francisco Bay. This 5-mile loop on the Sunnyvale coast is a favorite of local wildlife photographers.

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  3. A man takes a break at a temple spot on a hike at Dragon Mountain in Milptas

    Dragon Quest

    The newly reopened, 4-mile out-and-back hike at Dragon Mountain in Milpitas mixes the physical with the spiritual for a serene hiking experience.

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  4. woman hiking Buck Gulch Falls Novato

    Buck Wild!

    Tucked back beyond the residential ranch-style homes and golf courses of Novato in the North Bay is a wild and wondrous 30-foot waterfall that springs to life in the rainy season. Buck Gulch Falls in Novato’s Ignacio Valley Preserve is in peak flow right now, and it’s a short and Middle-earthy hike to reach it.

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Trending Stories SoCal

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  1. A woman stands at Dante's View in Death Valley, looking out to Telescope Peak and Manly Lake, Badwater Basin below.

    Sunset Hike at Dante's View

    It’s one of the world’s best places to watch a sunset. Dante’s View is a 5,476-foot vantage of the whole southern basin of Death Valley from the top of the Black Mountains. Right now there's a banner and bonus view of a rare lake formation that appears only after big rains.

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  2. Keough's Hot Springs

    Soaking Up History

    When you slide into the soothing water of Keough’s Hot Springs, you’re bathing in a piece of Owens Valley history.

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  3. It's a Waterfall Life

    Tahquitz Canyon’s crystalline stream and lush stands of desert lavender, honey mesquite, and leafy sycamores is home to an easy day hike with a big bonus: a 60-foot waterfall that runs with remarkable gusto after winter rains.

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  4. Grover Hot Springs

    State Park Soaker

    Set in an alpine meadow at 6,000 feet and surrounded by the 10,000-foot granite peaks of the Sierra, Grover Hot Springs State Park—just outside the town of Markleeville—has its very own hot springs.

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