View All

  1. Southern CA

    Secret Lakes

    Nothing against powerboats or jet skis, but there’s much to be said for lakes where we can go for tranquility. Maybe a little paddling, a little fishing. See some cool birds. Definitely relax. We’ve got three in mind, each distinct, each ideal for a quiet summer day … sans water skis.

    VIEW
  2. Northern CA

    Beer Adventures

    Bottoms up, beer drinkers! Napa, Berkeley, and San Francisco are on a roll with new craft breweries located close to car-free bike trails offering pure pedaling pleasure.

    VIEW
  3. Southern CA

    Midsummer Classics

    Swimsuit for water holes, shoes for coastal hikes, a fleece for overnighting in a mountain cabin ... what's on your summer checklist? Here are some classic ways to soak in and soak up the rest of summer.

    VIEW
  4. Sponsored
    2024-11-13

    Yes, Seattle!

    Ready to try something new this winter? Seattle’s ready for you! Beautiful by nature with its Puget Sound setting, surrounding mountains, and nearby national parks, winter in Seattle can be a magical and festive time. Ever been in a hot tub boat?...

    View
  5. Northern CA

    Yoga With Goats and Other Wild Ideas

    You like wild ideas? Then goat wild, you won't egret it! From farm yoga with baby goats in Half Moon Bay to spying tule elk on a classic coastal hike, or biking among egrets in the East Bay, here are some terrific ways to stretch your legs and your sense of wonder.

    VIEW
  6. Southern CA

    Summer Swimming Holes

    When the heat is on, lower the thermostat! Seek out hidden pools where you can swim, splash, picnic, and relax. Naturally, we’re talking au naturel—swimming holes in beautiful natural settings. Where the cool get cool!

    VIEW
  7. Northern CA

    Waterhole Hikes

    Nature's answer to the water park? Waterholes! Beat the heat on these hikes with a refreshing bonus: from dipping your toes, getting mist on your face, or going all in!

    VIEW
  8. Southern CA

    Coastal View Hikes

    Folks pay a fortune for ocean views, but the best ones belong to all of us. And they’re free! Here are three hikes that reveal some of the best of our amazing coastline, ranging from dramatic perches to rocky shores.

    VIEW
  9. Northern CA

    Dog Days of Summer

    Got a dog riding shot gun? Atta boy, or girl! From beaches to hikes and even canoeing, these Northern CA adventures will get everybody’s tail wagging.

    VIEW
  10. Southern CA

    Keep Your Cool

    Play things cool on these adventures through redwoods, to a waterfall, along a coast-hugging trail of the Channel Islands, and to a hike-in cabin in a canyon. Oh yeah, wave the adventure flag!

    VIEW
  11. Northern CA

    Just Add Water!

    Who needs a pool to lounge by this summer when you have mother nature! Hike, bike, and just relax by these lakes, rivers, and coastal settings. Verified fresh!

    VIEW
  12. Southern CA

    Fourth and Out!

    Need to clear your head this Independence Day? Liberate yourself with hikes to nice heights or easygoing strolls for wandering and pondering. Go fourth and get out!

    VIEW
  13. Northern CA

    Mountain Hot Springs!

    Nature’s answer to happy hour: the mountain hot spring. We’ve scouted out a few to soothe your bones and soak in the views. Hey, hot stuff!

    VIEW
  14. Southern CA

    Woodsy Digs

    A cozy cabin or lodge in the mountains right next to some of SoCal's most legendary hiking trails—sounds great, right? We’ve got three woodsy digs that put you right where you want to be: cool and high and ready for serious hiking … or stellar relaxing!

    VIEW
  15. Sponsored
    2024-11-13

    Yes, Seattle!

    Ready to try something new this winter? Seattle’s ready for you! Beautiful by nature with its Puget Sound setting, surrounding mountains, and nearby national parks, winter in Seattle can be a magical and festive time. Ever been in a hot tub boat?...

    View
  16. Southern CA

    Summer Refresher

    Know what's cool? These watery adventures! From hot springs to beach lounging, hitting the refresh button hasn't been easier.

    VIEW
  17. Northern CA

    Summer Refresh

    Hit the refresh button, in more ways than one. These water-centric adventures will keep you cool through summer!

    VIEW
  18. Northern CA

    Bay Area's Best Stairway Walks

    We all know we should take the stairs. And that's just about the best idea ever when it comes to the Bay Area's great urban hikes ... with stairways! From San Francisco to the South Bay, here are three stairway walks that are simply wander-ful.

    VIEW
  19. Southern CA

    Can-Do Canyons

    The rugged topography of Southern California creates all sorts of magical folds that are enticing to explore, though sometimes “canyon” may be a bit of a misnomer. For these hikes, don’t think Grand; think beautiful—and close to home!

    VIEW
  20. Northern CA

    Marquee Mendocino

    Whether you want to hit the trails, explore some caves, or just bunk down at your glamp-site, Mendocino has all the right stuff for a romantic getaway, outdoors-style!

    VIEW
  21. Southern CA

    You Wildin'!

    Beautiful views meet big birds, blubbery seals, breaching whales, and playful dolphins on these three Southern California day-outings. Amazing close encounters!

    VIEW
  22. Southern CA

    Secrets of Pauma Valley

    Spread beneath the Palomar Mountains, the hills and vales of Pauma Valley harbor some of SoCal’s best-kept secrets. Explore hiking trails both rugged and lush, a historic river, and a couple of top-notch wineries where you can raise a glass to your new discoveries.

    VIEW

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Man hiking up a trail at Montara Mountain, with a view of the Pacific and Grey Whale sand beach in the background

    From Beach to Summit

    No need to decide between a beach and a mountaintop—this hike includes both! Explore the stunning coastal scenery on this 6-mile out-and-back up Montara Mountain and into Rancho Corral de Tierra.

    View
  2. Picnic and a Pedal

    West Marin has all the right stuff for an afternoon getaway: bike paths, babbling brooks, canopy forests, and secluded picnic spots. Combine a picnic and a pedal at Samuel P. Taylor State Park by biking the easygoing Cross Marin Trail.

    View
  3. Sebastopol Food & Wine Roll

    One apple farm, three charming towns, multiple wineries, and infinite natural beauty. Savor a perfect autumn day in Sonoma County by biking the West County Regional Trail from Sebastopol to Forestville via Graton. It’s a 17-mile (round-trip) adventure. 

    View
  4. Go, Tell It on the Mountain

    Want to be king of the mountain? Head to King Mountain, the 108-acre open space preserve just above Larkspur in Marin. Despite its lofty name, hiking King Mountain proves that simp

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Woman walking in the Venice Canals of Los Angeles County

    Canal Contemplations

    With its incense-scented boardwalk, bohemian shops, skateparks, and abundance of body builders, Venice is happily eccentric, and artistic. Exhibit A: Its network of European-style canals with charming bridges, offering a tranquil tour of the town’s history.

    View
  2. Sponsored

    Yes, Seattle!

    Ready to try something new this winter? Seattle’s ready for you! Beautiful by nature with its Puget Sound setting, surrounding mountains, and nearby national parks, winter in Seattle can be a magical and festive time. Ever been in a hot tub boat?...

    View
  3. Wine Down, Dine Out in Lake Chelan

    The fertile soil around Washington State's Lake Chelan is ripe for more than just the amazing apples. Vineyards here yield high quality grapes, and some of the country’s best less-discovered wineries. Locals know it, and you will too when you start choosing from the more than 30 wineries in the region.

    View
  4. What's Up, Winthrop!

    It’s not just its location close to Washington State’s spectacular and less visited national park (North Cascades) that makes Winthrop such a winsome mountain town. This lively enclave in the Methow Valley bristles with a whimsical blend of Wild West charms, contemporary culture, and a mosaic of outdoor adventures—from river to lake to waterfalls, and beyond.

    View