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  1. Southern CA

    Rocky Picture Shows

    What a show to behold! The strangest forces of SoCal geology could star in their very own cult movie. Crazy uplift, bizarre evidence of faulting, massive lava flows, weird underwater formations risen to the desert surface—they’re all ripe for exploring if you know where to look. And we do!

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  2. Northern CA

    Fall For These Views

    Feel like you need a fresh perspective? Hiking's always good for that, especially when you're treated to sweeping vistas. Fall for some good views that include our iconic bridges, too, on these three East Bay ramblers.

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  3. Southern CA

    LA Urban Art Crawls

    Urban hikes can be just as satisfying as hitting the trail. Especially when they dazzle with edgy art, ethnic enclaves, and intriguing eateries. Here are three LA walks that get to the art of the matter.

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  4. Sponsored
    2024-12-18

    Sublime San Juan Islands

    Well, well, this wellness action plan takes you to the San Juan Islands! Easily reached by ferry yet worlds away in tranquility and unique adventures, this Washington State jewel of the Salish Sea nurtures through nature.

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  5. Southern CA & Northern CA

    Ahh-tumn Redwoods

    There's only one place where you can see the world's tallest trees ... and we're lucky enough to live just a few hours from it! This fall, motor up to the epic redwoods, wildlife, and spectacular rugged coastline of Humboldt County … we guarantee you an awe-struck weekend. Here's a plan!

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  6. Southern CA

    3, 2, 1... Takeoff!

    Man’s oldest dream is to fly—so what’s keeping you? We’ve got three thrilling aerial adventures in store that will have you hang gliding, paragliding, or ziplining in no time. Adrenaline rush? You bet. Need skill? Nope. Just stop dreaming and start flying!

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  7. Northern CA

    Autumn Blend

    Happy first day of fall! The days may be getting a little shorter but that won’t slow down your weekend of adventures in the Bay Area. From the north to the south, here are three ways to greet the season on a a hike, a bike ride, or a sunset wander.

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  8. 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.

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  9. 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.

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  10. 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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  11. 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.

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  12. 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.

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  13. 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.

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  14. 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!

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  15. Sponsored
    2024-12-18

    Sublime San Juan Islands

    Well, well, this wellness action plan takes you to the San Juan Islands! Easily reached by ferry yet worlds away in tranquility and unique adventures, this Washington State jewel of the Salish Sea nurtures through nature.

    View
  16. 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.

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  17. 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!

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  18. 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!

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  19. Northern CA

    Fall Hikes in Northern California

    Who says there are no fall colors in California? Here are few hikes for hue to do!

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  20. 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!

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  21. 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.

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  22. 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.

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Trending Stories NorCal

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  1. Sponsored

    The 2025 Hiking Calendar Is Here!

    Ready to make hiking part of your New Year’s wellness plan? Get the all-new 2025 Hiking Calendar courtesy of Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST).

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  2. Two hikers at Bear Creek Redwoods Regional Preserve on a new trail.

    New Trails at Bear Creek

    Looking for new trails? Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve has added 170 acres of forest, grassland, and historical sites. Hike this 3.5-mile loop through the new addition.

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  3. Woman swimming in Carson Hotsprings natural thermal pool

    Hot Springs, Naturally

    Thermal spring waters are famous for their curative, relaxing elements, and Reno Tahoe is filled with them! Sink into these amazing thermal respites for a wellness super soak.

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  4. Drake Awakening

    Part salt water, part fresh water, Drake’s Estero is smack in the middle of Point Reyes, and one of only two marine wilderness areas in the entire nation. Yeah, it’s worth a look. Get the extended version by hiking right alongside it.

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Trending Stories SoCal

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  1. Weekend Sherpa Podcast
    Sponsored

    Weekend Sherpa Podcast: Take it Outside

    Adventure for your earbuds. What's new in the world of the outdoors? Listen to Weekend Sherpa co-founders discuss local hikes, beaches, bike rides, camping spots and all kinds of travel and adventure in California and beyond!

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  2. Boardwalking Bliss

    The Stanfield Preserve Boardwalk Trail traverses 1.6 miles of beautiful Big Bear Lake, giving you a chance to get up close to the lake without needing a boat. You’ll also enjoy some peaceful wildlife watching.

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  3. Get Into The Grove

    The 1.8-mile Oak Grove Park Loop trail in La Cañada is short, easy, and close to the city; meaning it’s a perfect destination for a quick holiday hike.

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  4. Woman hiking down the stairs to Coast Royale Beach in Orange County

    Secluded Royale

    Panoramic coastal views and a killer leg workout combine on this 2.7-mile (round-trip) out-and-back hike to secluded Coast Royale Beach in Orange County

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