Roosevelt elk, canyons draped in ferns and dripping with small waterfalls, oh … and the tallest trees on the entire planet! Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park (located within Redwoods National Park) has all the fixings for world-class hiking. For a truly remarkable…

The turquoise waters and pristine beauty of Secret Cove on the east shore of Lake Tahoe are like an ode to Tahoe’s iconic spirit. And while this lovely spot near Incline Village isn’t such a secret anymore, it’s quite a…

Carmel might be one of the best-known enclaves in the Monterey area, but its nearby Carmel River State Beach is much more of a local’s secret—especially the southern end of it. On this short and easy 1.5-mile (round-trip) walk, you’ll…

Sea caves, river otters, redwoods and Victorian architecture blend smoothly in the charming hamlet of Mendocino. Most visitors head for B&Bs or convenient drive-in campgrounds, but located just a few miles south of town is one of the best hike-in…

You're going to need your hiking game-face for this adventure. Trekking in the Sierra high country at any time of year requires common sense and a check of the weather; doing it during shoulder season requires even more vigilance. But…

Montaña de Oro: The name means mountain of gold, but the real treasures here lie underwater. Luckily you don’t have to venture into the ocean to see all the cool creatures. Plenty of them are hanging out in readily accessible…