Long Weekend Cheat Sheet

Mile Oh Mile: Solitude in San Francisco? It's a Mile Rock away. This small and secluded cove tucked beneath wild and beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean, the Marin Headlands, and the Golden Gate Bridge is easy to reach if you don't mind lots of steps. (Plus read the latest on the labyrinth.)

Open Space, Now Open! Ahhh, that new open space smell! Saved from corporate development, Coyote Valley Open Space Preserve recently opened, and shines with new redwood bridges, picnic areas, and a terrific hiking and mountain biking trail with sweeping ridgetop views.

Outstanding in the Vineyards: Remember when wine tasting at all the good spots was free or only a few bucks? Anderson Valley never forgot, and it's got outstanding wines and an amazing state park.

Shake Your Trail Feathers: Egrets mingling in a maze of marshes, unobstructed views of Mount Burdell to the north and Mount Diablo to the east. Stroll the new 2.7-mile (one-way) section of the Bay Trail and bring binoculars—this is a birding haven.

Buzzworthy: What buzzes and can give you a buzz? Heidrun Meadery in Point Reyes Station. They're masters of "honey wine" (aka mead) and beekeeping!

Week: 09.01.2015
Regions: Northern CA

Mile Oh Mile: Solitude in San Francisco? It's a Mile Rock away. This small and secluded cove tucked beneath wild and beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean, the Marin Headlands, and the Golden Gate Bridge is easy to reach if you don't mind lots of steps. (Plus read the latest on the labyrinth.)

Open Space, Now Open! Ahhh, that new open space smell! Saved from corporate development, Coyote Valley Open Space Preserve recently opened, and shines with new redwood bridges, picnic areas, and a terrific hiking and mountain biking trail with sweeping ridgetop views.

Outstanding in the Vineyards: Remember when wine tasting at all the good spots was free or only a few bucks? Anderson Valley never forgot, and it's got outstanding wines and an amazing state park.

Shake Your Trail Feathers: Egrets mingling in a maze of marshes, unobstructed views of Mount Burdell to the north and Mount Diablo to the east. Stroll the new 2.7-mile (one-way) section of the Bay Trail and bring binoculars—this is a birding haven.

Buzzworthy: What buzzes and can give you a buzz? Heidrun Meadery in Point Reyes Station. They're masters of "honey wine" (aka mead) and beekeeping!

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  1. Bear Hug

    This 5.5-mile loop through Coyote Lake-Harvey Bear Ranch County Park explores one of the newest segments of the acclaimed Bay Area Ridge Trail, one redolent with trees ranging from madrone and manzanita to buckeye and blue elderberry (with a bubbly post-hike bonus).

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    National Park City Walk

    See San Francisco the way locals do by hiking the Presidio, a national park right in the city! Wooded trails, secluded beaches, and epic views of the Golden Gate Bridge feature on this 5.5-mile out-and-back on the Bay Area Ridge Trail. It’s a lovely slice of the City by the Bay.

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  4. Lake Nacimiento
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    Savor Summer in Paso Robles

    Ready for the “Great California Road Trip”? Keep it real and rolling in bucolic and beautiful Paso Robles. This down- to-earth destination has everything you need to enjoy the coolest experiences.

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  1. Coming Up Roses

    Looking to spice up your hiking life? Give your partner a rose—Mount Rose! The 10-mile out-and-back peak hike goes up to one of the grandest views in all of Lake Tahoe. Get ready f

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  2. A group of people clamored around the summit marker at Mission Peak in the Bay Area

    Your Mission Is Less Crowded

    Mission Peak is one of the Bay Area’s most popular mountains, with many hikers climbing every weekend. Skip the crowds with this 6-mile loop up the less-traveled southern route.

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  3. Bucks Up!

    Come on in, the water is beautiful. Whether you like swimming, kayaking, stand-up paddling, or heading out on a bigger boat, Bucks Lake is a high mountain haven that’s easy to access, blissfully uncrowded, and surrounded by sandy beaches, picnic areas, pines, and aspens.

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  4. Vista Hermosa Park in Echo Park Los Angeles

    Vista Hermosa, Echo That!

    Tucked in Echo Park, the little-known gem of Vista Hermosa Natural Park feels worlds away thanks to its serene beauty and thoughtful design. At 11.5 acres there’s still plenty to explore. And it's got a premier view of the iconic Los Angeles skyline.

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