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  1. 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!

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  2. 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.

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  3. 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.

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  4. Sponsored
    2024-10-30

    Redding for You

    You may think you’ve checked off all the marquee adventure destinations in the Golden State, but have you been to the outdoors mecca that’s the second sunniest city in the country?

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  5. 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!

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  6. 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!

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  7. 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!

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  8. 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!

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  9. 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!

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  10. 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.

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  11. Northern CA

    Summer Refresh

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

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  12. 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.

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  13. 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!

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  14. 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!

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  15. Sponsored
    2024-10-30

    Redding for You

    You may think you’ve checked off all the marquee adventure destinations in the Golden State, but have you been to the outdoors mecca that’s the second sunniest city in the country?

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  16. 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!

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  17. 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.

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  18. Northern CA

    High Five Hikes!

    Sweeping bay views, stately second-growth redwoods, and poppies on parade: Soak up the last of spring days on any of these three county park hikes in the South Bay … all under 5 miles! Go short and sweet!

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  19. Southern CA

    Long May You Adventure

    Waterfalls, wildflowers, redwoods, Pacific coastline, mountains, and hidden hot springs ... yeah, it's good to be in California. See any of these natural wonders this long weekend on these SoCal hikes, bike rides, and explorations.

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  20. Northern CA

    Roll Out the Weekend

    Shorts, barbecues, bike rides: Give summer a high-five by hopping on any of these two-wheel adventures around the Bay Area and northern California. From country road rambles (and wine-tasting!) to car-free coastal cruising (and beers!), here are some smooth ways to ride into the long weekend.

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  21. Northern CA

    For Shore!

    It's time to shore up your weekend plans. Hike, bike, and beach hop along the San Mateo Coast, where wildflowers, huge Pacific views, and sandy havens will put the spring in your step!

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  22. Southern CA

    California Time Travel

    Make like Marty McFly and go back in time. Although there is no Biff, you can visit an Oceanside mission, a Julian gold mine, and a Riverside state park devoted to citrus. Sweet!

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Trending Stories NorCal

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  1. 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.

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  2. Hike the Oursan Trail alongside Briones Reservoir in the East Bay

    Opt for Oursan

    Hike the trail less traveled in the East Bay's Briones Regional Park. The Oursan Trail is pure serenity on a wide hiking path skirting the northern shores of Briones Reservoir.

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  3. Most Peaceful Hike of All

    Is this the most peaceful one-hour hike in the Bay Area? It's got our vote! Lake Lagunitas is the smallest lake in a series of five found on the north side of Mount Tam, so it’s got that tiny but mighty charm. Do a 1.5-mile loop around the lake's shore-hugging trail.

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  4. 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. 

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Trending Stories SoCal

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  1. 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.

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  2. Lace Up for Lacy

    Lacy Park in San Marino is a hidden gem that may very well be the most pristine green space in greater Los Angeles, and a concealed pair of nearby stairways makes it all the more appealing.

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  3. Hiker amid trees at Oak Glen Preserve in Yucaipa Southern California

    Apple of Your Eye

    That fall feeling is definitely in the air and on display at the Oak Glen Preserve. Apple orchards and colorful leaves are a bonus, as are the apple cider donuts and slushies you can enjoy post-hike.

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  4. Hike San Diego Volcan Mountain Wilderness

    Planet of the Oaks

    Let us count the number of oak tree species in the Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve near Julian: coast, scrub, canyon, black, and Engelmann. Five! The preserve’s Five Oaks Trail is a 3.2-mile hike that boasts all five.

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