All "Relaxing" Stories in Northern CA

• 

  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.

  View
• 

  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

  View
• 

  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

  View
• 

  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

  View
• 

  No Ordinary Beach

  Want a beach that will really get you away from it all? Fort Ord Dunes State Park is just the ticket. This relative newcomer to the state park system gives an impressive perspectiv

  View
• 

  Hello, Sur!

  Big Sur is home to numerous fantastic beaches and coves, so which one do you choose? Go for the beach that's quintessential Big Sur (and dog-friendly!). Pfeiffer Beach in Pfeiffer

  View
• 

  Surprise Factor

  Some people don't like surprises, but we're guessing even those people will like the surprise hidden beach at Russian Gulch. While you can drive by and see multiple beach options i

  View
• 

  Go the Extra Mile

  You can drive right up to a lot of incredible vista points in California and they make great excuses for getting out of the car to stretch the legs. But the Sonoma Coast State Beac

  View
• 

  Art in the Vines

  There's something big and bold happening in Napa, and it isn't a cabernet. It's the more than 200 acres of vineyard, lake, gardens, and off-the-beaten path landscape that makes up

  View
• 

  Aye Aye Capitan

  It's the world's largest granite monolith: gray and hulking and a spectacle for visitors who marvel at its massiveness (3,000 vertical feet of sheer rock!) and at the pro climbers

  View
• 

  Vantage Point

  What's the secret for spying gray whales during winter's migration season? Location, location, location! And location doesn't get any better than from the top of the tallest lighth

  View
• 

  TI Surprise

  It's no secret that Treasure Island has one of the best views of San Francisco. The former Naval base was used in World War II primarily as a communications training school and a p

  View
• 

  Have You Bean Yet?

  Unassuming, beautiful, and a favorite once discovered, Bean Hollow State Beach is the Maggie Gyllenhaal of the San Mateo Coast. Located 3 miles south of Pescadero, this stretch of

  View
• 

  Dillon Dally

  If you're going to go to a beach north of the Golden Gate, chances are it's one of the Big 3 in Marin: the Headlands, Stinson, Point Reyes. But oft-overlooked Dillon Beach is also

  View
• 

  Bodega Booyah!

  Tiny Bodega Head in beautiful Bodega Bay has long lured visitors to its dramatic cliff-above-ocean setting and excellent vantages for spotting migrating gray whales. But visit on a

  View
• 

  Hill Topper

  You know that phrase, it's hiding right under your nose? Well, the tallest landmark in San Francisco, Sutro Tower, is a blinking beacon to one of the city's least known urban parks

  View