All "Relaxing" Stories in Northern CA

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  Swing on Up

  We know of a hidden playground. The catch: You have to hike to it, and there's just one swing. Relive your recess days, gently swaying back and forth under a eucalyptus tree while

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  Beach Rambler

  So you're in the mood for a long walk on the beach. Get an early start and get to Stinson Beach. Larger than Muir Beach and less rocky than Bolinas Beach, this Bay Area staple of p

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  Mile Rock Club

  Solitude in San Francisco is a just 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

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  Point of Contemplation

  Guiding mariners around the craggy cliffs of the Pacific since 1872, Pigeon Point Lighthouse in Pescadero has been preserved by the California State Park system. Also very much ali

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  Let's Catch Brunch

  Ready to upgrade your next brunch outing? Rather than standing in line for hours at the latest cool place, go to a cool picnic on the pier, where you'll catch your own meal, and si

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  Point Reyes Buzz

  Next time you want to go to wine country, head for Point Reyes Station. It's home to Heidrun Meadery, a sweet secret worthy of some buzz. Heidrun is a master of "honey wine" (aka m

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  Goat Love

  What happens when 200 alpine goats get plenty of TLC on 9 acres of coastal pasture? Goat milk cheese so good it's won two world medals, not to mention over 30 national ribbons from

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  Victoria Lap

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  Victoria Lap

  Known as North America's most English city, Victoria is so much more than high tea and crumpets. This energetic and stylish seaside city on Vancouver Island is home to the globally

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  Go Ghostbust!

  Located in the high desert of the Eastern Sierra, Bodie State Historic Park looks like a Hollywood set for a Western movie. But this isn't Hollywood magic—it's a gold-mining ghost

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  Crown Jewel

  Glendale is known as the Jewel City, and why not? Its Deukmejian Wilderness Park—nestled in the San Gabriel foothills—is a gem. During the 2009 Station Fire, a back burn was starte

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  Simply Tasty!

  Anderson Valley's land of pinot noir has an outstanding reputation for premium wines, and yes, it's the good stuff. From family-run vineyards that are low-key to slightly fancier o

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  Garden by the Sea

  As one of the most spectacular botanical gardens in the country, Fort Bragg's Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens makes a splash in more ways than its fabulous flora. Its 47 acres in

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  Blooms A-brewin'

  Got anything for Mom, yet? Go botanical. Nestled between idyllic meadows and woodlands, Botanic Garden in Tilden Regional Park is anything but garden variety—with a collection that

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  Mom's the Word

  Tucked on the western slope of Sonoma Valley's Mayacamas Mountains, Quarryhill Botanical Garden flies under the radar as people zip right past it on their way to wineries. They're

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  Best Ghost Town in the West

  Located in the high desert of the Eastern Sierra, Bodie State Historic Park looks like a Hollywood set for a Western movie. But this isn't Hollywood magic—it's a gold-mining ghost

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  To the Fort!

  It's found along one of the most scenic coastal routes in the world and surrounded by some of California's most iconic beauty—panoramic coves, redwoods, beach after glorious beach.

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  Still Milling After All These Years

  It's hard to imagine anything other than wine grapes being grown in the Napa Valley. But thanks to the State Parks' historic preservation of the Bale Grist Mill, we get to peek bac

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  San Francisco A-Go-GoCar

  You've seen them: those wily low-riders in small bright yellow cars, zipping right past you, sightseeing San Francisco, just … gleeful. Don't knock it till you've driven it: On you

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  Hill's Angels

  Admit it, you've always wanted to try a Segway. They're fun and goofy … kinda like the Hall & Oates of outdoor recreation. And the best place to give it a try? Where no cars go and

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