All "Relaxing" Stories in Northern CA
Sundialed
Redding is home to one of the world’s most famous pedestrian-only bridges—the Sundial Bridge was created by the Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava (its sister bridges are in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Seville, Spain). The glass-deck bridge across the Sacramento River is a true sundial....
ViewMural Roll
Redding’s bikeshare program encourages biking in and around the city, including downtown. It’s a fun way to see some of the city’s mural art while also stopping for lunch at one of the newest restaurants, Pipeline Craft Taps and Kitchen.
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Magic Trip
Ready for a magic trip? It doesn’t get more magical than a luxurious winter vacation where you’re surrounded by enchanting 14,000-foot mountains in the heart of the Colorado Rockies. Telluride is a storybook winter escape.
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Something to Look Forward to
Spring for the West’s most dynamic mountain town – Reno, Nevada. The city’s very nature brings limitless possibilities for all seasons, including shoulder season! Here are some Reno Tahoe adventures to spring for in the new year.
View 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.
ViewBling It On!
When in Reno, casino! Embrace the bright lights and action of the Biggest Little City in the World’s resort and spa casinos. Check out J Resort’s upcoming shows at their incredible Glow Plaza, and head to Peppermill Casino and Spa Resort for some gaming fun and pool time.
ViewMost Peaceful Hike of All
Is this the most peaceful one-hour hike in the Bay Area? It's got our vote! Lake Lagunitas is the smallest lake in a series of five found on the north side of Mount Tam, so it’s got that tiny but mighty charm. Do a 1.5-mile loop around the lake's shore-hugging trail.
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Snow Much Fun
When you know … you Reno! Over the past several years, Reno Tahoe has set itself apart from other mountain destinations with its creative verve, ascendant dining scene, walkability, and of course—amazing outdoors.
View What's Up, Winthrop!
It’s not just its location close to Washington State’s spectacular and less visited national park (North Cascades) that makes Winthrop such a winsome mountain town. This lively enclave in the Methow Valley bristles with a whimsical blend of Wild West charms, contemporary culture, and a mosaic of outdoor adventures—from river to lake to waterfalls, and beyond.
ViewWashington State With a Twisp
It’s home to one of the best coffee cafés in the country, and that’s just one of the many cool thing about Twisp, an under-the-radar yet thoroughly kinetic bohemian mountain hamlet hidden high in Washington State’s Methow Valley.
ViewAmerica's Lake Como (Without the Crowds)
If Italy’s famed Lake Como has an American doppelganger, it’s Washington State’s Lake Chelan. This charming town, surrounded by good earth for growing standout apples and grapes, is named for its marquee oasis. The lake, fed by glacial activity dating thousands of years, is the deepest (1,486 feet) in Washington State.
ViewWine Down, Dine Out in Lake Chelan
The fertile soil around Washington State's Lake Chelan is ripe for more than just the amazing apples. Vineyards here yield high quality grapes, and some of the country’s best less-discovered wineries. Locals know it, and you will too when you start choosing from the more than 30 wineries in the region.
ViewLittle Valley, Big Apple
During the fall season, your road trip route between Seattle and the high desert destinations of Lake Chelan, Twisp, and Winthrop likely involves passing through Wenatchee—also known as “the apple capital of the world.” But it’s not just apples that are booming here. Wenatchee has a distinct verve of agricultural ingenuity and art inspired by historic roots and contemporary influence.
ViewSUPERBLOOMS in the Presidio
Over the summer, the Presidio unveiled SUPERBLOOMS at its crowning urban glory, Tunnel Tops Park. The colorful installation is by Tosha Stimage and features colorful ground murals of three Presidio native plants: checkerbloom, the Chilean strawberry, and the state flower, the California poppy.
ViewPanorama Park
From a distance you might wonder what it is … this very pointed, silvery structure rising above the horizon near the Bay Bridge. It’s the 69-foot-high Point of Infinity, a newly installed permanent sculpture located at San Francisco’s new public park, the very aptly named Panorama Park at Yerba Buena Island.
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The Beauty of Bellingham
Located in northwest Washington State, the seaside city of Bellingham feels remote, yet it’s just 90 minutes north of Seattle. Outdoorsy, creative, and laid back, with a distinct farm-to-table culture, craft drinks, and outstanding art and shopping, Bellingham ticks all the boxes for your next getaway.
View Nighty Light
Just 25 miles south of San Francisco on California’s rough-and-tumble coast lies a centuries-old beacon that’s still lighting the way for voyaging ships. Point Montara Fog Signal and Light Station—operating since 1875—has become the distinguished (and well-preserved!) elder statesman of the seaside.
ViewLight Action
Perched high upon windswept bluffs, the Point San Luis Lighthouse is the only remaining Victorian-style lighthouse on the West Coast. And you can’t simply drive up to it in your car. But you can book a van tour or do a guided hike to see the lighthouse, learn about its history, and enjoy beautiful coastal views and fun events.
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Welcome to Walla Walla
An eclectic, spirited gem in Washington’s scenic wine country, Walla Walla has made a marquee name for itself, including its walkable downtown wine district, and a diverse art and food scene.
View Doran for Days
Want the best seats in the house for your beachside picnic or barbecue? Beeline to Bodega Bay’s sprawling Doran Beach (aka Doran Regional Park).
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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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