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- Southern CA
Wet and Semi-Wild
More than 95 percent of our wetlands have been lost. We're lucky we can still visit remnants of them along the SoCal coast. They're home to a dazzling array of bird life, especially this time of year. Here are three easy walks to soothe the soul and see some of September's most active feathered friends.
VIEW - Northern CA
Walking SF
While other people are Uber-ing to brunch in the city this weekend, lace up your shoes and go for an urban hike! We’ve scouted a few walks going through San Francisco's iconic parks and neighborhoods, with a little art along the way.
VIEW - Northern CA
Beach You to It
Things getting a tad warm out there? Better head for the coast! Choose from a classic headlands hike, a cabin on the wild Mendocino coast, or cruising Half Moon Bay by kayak … here are three ways to have some cool NorCal adventures this Indian Summer!
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Spring Up to These Amazing Events
Shake it up, shake it all the way up to this sunniest city in the state for the most unique and fun-fueled events. Redding is true Northern California, surrounded by famous mountains, nearby national parks and recreation areas, and the sparkling Sacramento River.
View - Southern CA
Practically Tropical
Sure, Hawaii and Mexico have great snorkeling. But so do our local waters! Garibaldi! (Check.) Leopard sharks! (Harmless.) Even eels! (Ditto.) And with SoCal open water at its warmest during the first two weeks of September—typically in the low 70s—now's the best time to go. In other words: no wetsuit, no problem. Go float and ogle our treasures as if you were on vacay in some tropical paradise.
VIEW - Southern CA
Adventure Ready Weekend
Winter is coming. Good thing summer's still going! Squeeze out every last drop this long weekend with some exciting outdoor adventures. Game on.
VIEW - Northern CA
Summer's Home Stretch
Labor Day weekend signals the last days of summer: Get out there and make the most of it! Here are some adventures for giving summer one last squeeze.
VIEW - Northern CA
Bay Area's Best Indian Summer Beaches
Don't give up on summer just yet. Hit any of these sandy sanctuaries to make the season last!
VIEW - Southern CA
Once and For Fall
Who says SoCal doesn't get all the seasons? All it takes is a little perspective. From peak hikes to urban wanders, here are some hikes to fall for this season.
VIEW - Northern CA
Sierra Splash!
Squeeze out the last drops of summer! Hike to a hidden lake with campsites, find a hidden swim hole, or visit a really tall waterfall: Eldorado National Forest has some refreshing adventures for a cool season finale!
VIEW - Southern CA
Paddle Tales
Ignore those back-to-school sales—summer lives on! Want proof? Try any or all of these amazing river and lake journeys. Our own LA River is open for whitewater business through September. So is the mighty Kern, where the thrills are somewhat bigger. And up north, take a tip from two million savvy water birds—Mono Lake and its rococo tufa towers are amazing!
VIEW - Northern CA
Fall Hikes in Northern California
Who says there are no fall colors in California? Here are few hikes for hue to do!
VIEW - Southern CA
The Lake Effect
There’s something special about a freshwater lake—something that conjures memories while at the same time creating wonderful new ones. We can paddle, swim, hike, bike, explore, pitch a tent, and basically feel like we’re back in summer camp (minus certain hijinks). Best of all, we can cool off as the hottest days of summer approach. Here are three favorites, each tucked into a nearby mountain range within a couple of hours of the big city!
VIEW - Northern CA
Secrets of the Sonoma Coast
Wild, rugged, ripe with Pacific scenery, and relaxing—going coastal doesn’t get more classic than a visit to the north Sonoma Coast. From quiet beaches to less-traveled trails, and a hidden canvas tent “glamp” stay, here’s how to adventure on this stretch of coast.
VIEW - Sponsored
Spring Up to These Amazing Events
Shake it up, shake it all the way up to this sunniest city in the state for the most unique and fun-fueled events. Redding is true Northern California, surrounded by famous mountains, nearby national parks and recreation areas, and the sparkling Sacramento River.
View - Northern CA
Tahoe's Secluded Waters
Keep Tahoe Blue. Keep Spooner Special. Keep Shealor Stunning. We'd like to add a couple of declarative bumper stickers to the mix. The Lake Tahoe area has some secrets to its namesake jewel, and other watery gems worth exploring.
VIEW - Southern CA
Meteor Shower Showtime!
A single shooting star is a thrill. Imagine nearly one a minute! That’s typical of the annual Perseid meteor shower, which will be at its peak this weekend. We have just the places to go to be awed—dark skies and cool campgrounds within an hour or two of the SoCal metropolis. A waning gibbous moon rises Saturday night around 11:45 p.m., which will wash out some of the shooters. But you’ll see plenty before then, and the brightest ones don’t care about moonlight! Even if you can’t make the big show this weekend, these are wonderful spots for star trekking or walks in the moonlight any time of year.
VIEW - Southern CA
Summer's Coolest Adventures
Some of summer's coolest adventures include lakes, reservoirs, and the ocean ... from kayaking to a hidden beach to easygoing coastal hikes with quiet sands, here are some cool ways to top off the season.
VIEW - Northern CA
Peak of Summer
Summer's one of the best times to bag a peak. Whether you're looking to go long and high, or keep it short and mellow, here are some of the best ways to top off the season.
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Hikes to Holy Sites
Nature itself is soothing and healing. Adding a visit to a beautifully situated spiritual shrine makes for a hike that will calm the most jangled nerves. Ring a peace bell. Admire the country’s largest Buddhist pagoda. Chant a quiet om in an oak-filled canyon. Here are three outings that are quiet counters to the prevailing noise. Namaste.
VIEW - Northern CA
Redwood Roamin'
High, mighty, old: Redwoods are always in season, but there’s no time like in the height of summer heat to visit these towering beauties that are as cool as they are cooling. Take your pick: East Bay, South Bay, North Bay ... here are three places to get your redwoods fix.
VIEW - Southern CA & Northern CA
Road Trip to Spectacular!
Is it the wide-open two-lane highways? The galloping mountain ranges? The wily local characters? We don’t know. But we do know that Nevada makes for a hell of a great road trip! From the bling of Vegas to perhaps the best hidden-gem national park in the country, with state parks and slot canyons in between, here’s your adventure itinerary for a Nevada road trip to remember.
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Spring Up to These Amazing Events
Shake it up, shake it all the way up to this sunniest city in the state for the most unique and fun-fueled events. Redding is true Northern California, surrounded by famous mountains, nearby national parks and recreation areas, and the sparkling Sacramento River.
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