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  1. Northern CA

    Bike Rides to Fall Bounties

    Seasonal farmstands and wineries in the prime of harvest, beautiful fall colors along idyllic paths, park stops and a new brewpub ... get rolling (or strolling) on any of these three Bay Area bike trails leading to a bounty of scenery, seasonal delights, and stops for food and drinks.

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  2. Southern CA

    This Hidden Beach ...

    The term "secret beach" is a bit of a relative one for SoCal. Still, there are a few you can escape to and find a bit of serenity. From a hidden gem to secret strands and pocket sands, don't let others beach you to it!

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  3. Northern CA

    Harvest Moon Hikes

    The full moon is this weekend. Here are some prime adventures to watch the sun set and the Harvest moon rise, even sticking around to sip wine and see the stars. Bring a headlamp for good measure and get glowing.

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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. Hi Cherry Canyon Park to the Ultimate Destination in LA County
    Southern CA

    On This Harvest Moon

    It's glow time! Here are some amazing places to watch the sun set and enjoy the Harvest moon rising as you make your way back. Bring a flashlight or headlamp for extra measure ... and shine on.

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  6. Woman hiking Hawk Hill in the Marin Headlands at Sunset
    Northern CA

    As the Sun Sets on Summer

    As the sun sets on summer, here are some sunset spots (and sails!) to savor before we leap into outdoor adventures worth falling for.

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  7. Southern CA

    Sunsets and Night Hikes

    Sundown on summer is here ... so say goodbye to the season as it sinks below the horizon on these classic outings ideal for sunsets and night hikes. Fall's morning glory is up next!

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  8. Northern CA

    Let There Be Light(houses)

    As summer simmers down and days darken faster, we’ve got a few ways to keep the light going. Just add lighthouses! From overnight stays, to guided tours, here are three unique lighthouse adventures.

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  9. Southern CA

    Secret Stairways of LA

    We always hear it: gotta get in those steps. A way to do it? Take the stairs! But not just any stairs. Do the ones that lead to nature, tranquility, and hidden gems. Here are three stairway hikes worth stepping up—and down—to!

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  10. Hike Elysian Park in Los Angeles
    Southern CA

    Autumn Inspiration

    Let us be the first to wish you Happy Halloween. Too soon? We agree! Autumn’s barely touching down, so go gently into the season with these adventures offering inspiring views for a change-in-season perspective. Costume not included!

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  11. Woman jumping on the beach at Pescadero Marsh
    Northern CA

    Autumn Taking Flight

    Autumn brings new light. Ease into the season with these mellow hike and bike adventures at wetlands and beaches across the Bay Area. Savor peaceful trails, see birdlife, and relax waterside.

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  12. Plumas County

    The Secluded Sierra

    Travel to the very northern part of the Sierra Nevada and discover a vast wilderness with only three traffic lights and more nature than people. Plumas County is a tranquil haven of high mountain recreation lakes, hiking and biking trails galore, plentiful small-town charms, and a national park that's still a hidden treasure.

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  13. Northern CA & Southern CA

    Now Open: These Camping Adventures

    Better late than never. Winter's historic precipitation meant delays in some backcountry and high Sierra camping adventures due to road repairs and too much snow! Here are a few places you can go now, some recently re-opened (and first-come, first-served!).

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  14. Northern CA & Southern CA

    Tahoe Easy Rollers

    How do you escape the crowds at Tahoe? Try a bike ride along one of the region’s beautiful (car-free!) bike trails paralleling the Truckee River and Lake Tahoe. Here are some great rides (that can also be hikes or walks) for getting a little space.

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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. Northern CA

    Midsummer Picks

    It's the thick of summer, and the heat has dialed up. Stay refreshed with these popular outdoor hikes, bike rides, and kayaking adventures in Northern California (and a few points beyond).

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  17. Urban Hike to Spruce Street Suspension Bridge in San Diego
    Southern CA

    Lovin' Summer

    Back to school may be coming soon, but summer's not over. Here are a few places in SoCal (and some points a bit beyond) for getting in some last minute beach hikes, camping, kayaking adventures, and cool urban walks.

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  18. Northern CA

    Coasting in Santa Cruz

    Summer heat is still on, so keep on coasting with a little help from Santa Cruz County. Here are some hikes, bike rides, and brewpubs to keep your cool.

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  19. Southern CA

    Canyon Cooldowns

    SoCal may be one of the coolest places to live, but keeping your cool in summer isn’t always easy. Here are three canyon adventures that offer a little refreshment.

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  20. Northern CA

    Coastal Cabins

    Feel like coasting and a cabin stay? We have some places in mind. Unplug and unwind (or stay a bit connected, but still in nature) and enjoy one of these cabin getaways with beaches, hikes, and beautiful views. Sweet dreams.

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  21. Southern CA

    Alpining

    Set in the Cuyamaca Mountains of San Diego County, Alpine is famous for its government-designated “best climate in the US” status. Here are some great ways to explore Alpine—from summit hikes to lakes and beers!

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  22. Northern CA

    Better Hit the Beach!

    With soaring temperatures even San Francisco is having warm summer days. Keep your cool with some classic coastal hikes and beaches where the ocean breeze refreshes.

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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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