All Stories from North Bay
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Wetland 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.
View![woman on rocks at Salt Point State Park Sonoma Coast]()
Sweet 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.
View![Napa Valley Paddle kayaker and paddle boarder on the Napa Valley river]()
Napa's Wild Side
It’s wine country’s Amazon. The gentle Napa River is an ecological—and recreational—delight. And Napa Valley Paddle sets you up for maximum enjoyment of this experience, including an optional mobile podcast tour for your do-it-yourself adventure.
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.
View![A biker stopped to take in the scenery on the fire road leading to Kirby Cove and overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge]()
Kirby 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.
View![Woman hiking the Coastal Trail in the Marin Headlands]()
Three 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.
View![Mountain bikers Estero Trail to Drakes Head in Point Reyes]()
Excellent 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![Woman sitting at a bench overlooking the fields and foothills at Helen Putnam Regional Park near Petaluma.]()
Pedal, Poppies, Picnic
Helen Putnam Regional Park punches above her weight. The compact yet bountiful park near Petaluma explodes with wildflowers every spring, in particular the state’s signature California poppy.
View![Two hikers laughing and taking photos at the sunset at the summit of Bald Mountain in Sugarloaf Ridge State Park]()
Summit Sunset
A sunset summit hike doesn’t get better than Bald Mountain in Sonoma's Sugarloaf Ridge State Park. Set in the Mayacamas Mountains, full moon hikes at this park are beautiful too. There's also a chance to get a last minute campsite!
View![Two women at the entrance of the Lavender Labyrinth at Bees N Blooms in Santa Rosa]()
Lavender Labyrinth
Labyrinths are meditative meanders. Add fragrant organic lavender and you're at Bees N Blooms at the foot of Taylor Mountain near Santa Rosa, experiencing their “ancient pathway of peace” and more.
View![A hiker looking over wildflower fields]()
Soothing North Sonoma
Hike among wildflowers and soaring views at North Sonoma Mountain Regional Park, then wine taste at Matanzas Creek where the serene, laid-back outdoor setting is one of the best in wine country.
View![Woman walking her dog in a forest hiking at Bartholomew Park in Sonoma]()
Vineyard Bathing
We know forest bathing, but how about vineyard bathing? Combine forest and vineyard for blissful hiking at Bartholomew Park in Sonoma. The park has a good 3-mile trail and beautiful winery grounds.
View![Woman standing on the trail of Valentine Vista Loop at Moore Creek Park in Napa with poppies blooming on the grass]()
Valentine Vista Loop
Hike the 4.3-mile Valentine Vista Trail at Moore Creek Park. It's spectacular for views and poppies blooming in spring.
View![Woman at overlook watching Cataract Falls on Mount Tam in Marin]()
Tam It All
The hills have gone green just in time for St. Patrick’s Day, and this 7.5-mile lollipop loop hike passes through some of Mount Tam’s lushest spots, with bridges, creeks, a waterfall, and big views.
View![Hiker on the SCA trail in Marin Headlands with view of the Golden Gate Bridge]()
Headlands Over Heels
People come from all over the world to get a glimpse of the Golden Gate Bridge. Get a dramatic and novel view of the bridge without all the people on this moderate 6-mile hike in the Marin Headlands.
ViewSpit Shine
Limantour Beach in Point Reyes is wild and beautiful coastline. Walk the beach for a few miles and spy amazing wildlife along this narrow spit of sand flanked by the Pacific Ocean and Drakes Estero.
ViewTamtastical Hike
This 6.8-mile loop through the woods and ridges that make up the northern foothills of Tam offer the best of both worlds: solitude and grandeur. Enjoy quiet trails, tranquil forest, and big views.
ViewHawk-Eyed Sunset
It's one of the best sunset spots in the Bay Area. Hawk Hill in the Marin Headlands is magical, with a sweeping panorama 923 feet above the Pacific.
ViewThrough the Grapevine
Cycle California’s most famous wine valley on the car-free Vine Trail, an ambitious project going through the heart of Napa Valley. Park your car and ride 6 miles from Napa to Yountville for lunch.
ViewHistorically Serene
Olompali State Historic Park is a small park that packs big California history. Go on a mostly easy 3-mile loop hike where oak trees, big-leaf maples, and madrones are stunning in autumn.
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Live the SLO Life
This year, live the SLO life. San Luis Obispo charms with its friendly vibe, Mediterranean climate, and fun adventures both in town and along the Central Coast.
Plan Your Trip to SLO
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