All Stories from North Bay
True Star Power
Once a month, usually on a Saturday, Robert Ferguson Observatory in Sugarloaf Ridge State Park hosts a “star party”—a truly enlightening evening! At dusk, the observatory opens, giving the public access to celestial viewing via three powerful telescopes.
ViewBest of the Summer Fests!
Outdoor winery events featuring films, food, wine, live music, and Sonoma’s cinematic scenery in the background: now that’s a blockbuster summer weekend!
ViewWhere There's a Willow, There's a Way
Set in a narrow grassy meadow among the rolling spring-green hills of the Sonoma Coast, Willow Creek Environmental Campground has 11 walk-in campsites that are first-come, first-served. And the setting ain’t too shabby: it’s the only state park campground on the Russian River!
ViewStrong and Steady
If Muir Woods has a doppelganger, it’s Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve near Sonoma County’s Russian River. This 805-acre park is home to some seriously old (1,400+ years!) and impressively tall (310 feet!) coast redwoods, the tallest living things on earth.
ViewHidden Wilds of Healdsburg
When you arrive at Healdsburg Ridge Open Space Preserve, you may wonder what could possibly be tucked behind a subdivision. But within minutes of hiking in this 155-acre preserve, the beauty reveals itself: majestic oak trees, wetland, spring wildflowers, and wowing views of the Mayacama Mountains and Russian River.
ViewDisc-go!
Big views and one of the most scenic disc golf courses in Northern California: Crane Creek Regional Park in Sonoma County packs a lot into its 128 acres!
ViewMuiraculous Beauty
Ready to make your non-California friends jealous? Have a bonfire at Muir Beach while watching the sunset. This is Northern California living at its most braggadocious.
ViewBBQ by the Bay
Picnic spots don't get more "on the Bay" than at China Camp State Park. This sprawling state park in Marin has several panoramic picnic spots (with BBQ grills) right on the shores of San Pablo Bay.
ViewSamuel's Place
Samuel P. Taylor State Park has all the fixings for a beautiful picnic combined with a hike or bike ride: redwood forest, babbling Lagunitas Creek, barbecue grills, and beautiful trails.
View- Sponsored
Wine Country's Walkable Film Festival
Food, wine, films, backlot parties, and culinary events with celebrity chefs … yep, it’s good to be 25! The Sonoma International Film Festival (SIFF) is celebrating its 25th year in signature style this March 23 to 27.
View Ride the Ridge
Galloping green hills, grazing cattle, great vantages … Bolinas Ridge Trail in Point Reyes National Seashore is a challenging yet visually rewarding intermediate-level mountain bike ride (or hike). Winter and spring are ideal for an adventure here, and seasonal features like wildflowers can pop early.
ViewHood's New Trail
Tucked just on the edge of Sonoma Valley near Santa Rosa, Hood Mountain Regional Park and Open Space Preserve has a trail leading up to a brilliant picnic spot with a panorama of Sonoma Valley all the way out to the ocean.
ViewBarnabe Bonanza
Sure, there are higher mountains in Marin (Mount Tam) and easier ascents (Mount Burdell), but is there a more expansive North Bay view? Barnabe Peak in Samuel P. Taylor State Park offers a glorious panorama including Mount Tam, Mount Diablo, and Mount St. Helena.
ViewWetland Reawakening
Once an army airfield and now a thriving wetland, Novato’s Hamilton Wetlands is a glimpse into both the past and the future. Take a mellow bike ride or walk on the flat Bay Trail to take in the sights.
ViewSweet and Salty
Located on Highway 1 about 18 miles north of Jenner, Salt Point State Park is wild, scenic, and one of the most beautiful places to do some classic coastal camping.
ViewNapa's Wild Side
It’s wine country’s Amazon. Cutting 50 miles through the famous Napa Valley and emptying into San Pablo Bay, the gentle Napa River is an ecological—and recreational—delight. And Napa Valley Paddle helps you enjoy it.
ViewHill Yeah!
Though it stands at only 960 feet, Hill 88 features some of Marin’s best views from a peak not named Mount Tam. See the upper reaches of the wild yet accessible headlands on a 5.5-mile (round-trip) hike.
ViewKirby Your Enthusiasm
Just west of the Golden Gate Bridge in Marin is one of the Bay's most-accessible secluded beaches. Kirby Cove is accessed by hiking or biking a 1-mile fire road down to the beach, where the reward is an all-time classic Golden Gate view.
ViewThree Beaches to the Wind
This beautiful 7-mile (round-trip) coastal hike in the Marin Headlands connects three beaches: Muir Beach, Pirates Cove, and Tennessee Cove.
ViewExcellent Point
Point Reyes National Seashore has several mountain bike–friendly trails that are itching to be explored. For a fantastic ride with sweeping views of Drakes Estero and southern Point Reyes, make the 4.3-mile (one-way) ride out to Drakes Head.
View
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.
See Spring's Most Unique EventsYour Inbox to the Outdoors
Stay up to date with our weekly recommendations on where to explore locally in California.