All "Relaxing" Stories in Northern CA
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.
ViewSoothing 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.
ViewVineyard 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.
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Outdoor Zen in Sonoma County
Sonoma County’s abundant natural beauty is good for your mind, body, and spirit. From redwoods and rhododendron walks, to yoga in a vineyard, here are five ways to soothe your soul in Sonoma County.
View 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.
ViewDune Swoon
Of all the places to catch a sunset in Death Valley, we still think there’s none better than the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, inspiring many things, including log rolls, cartwheels, and sundown selfies.
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Ready When You Are: Reno Tahoe
With outdoors being essential for health and wellness, and new protocols in place, Reno Tahoe welcomes visitors! It's wide open with snowshoe trails, fire pits by the river, skating, and hot springs.
View Hawk-Eyed Sunset
It's one of the best sunset spots in the Bay Area. And Hawk Hill in the Marin Headlands is quieter than usual this year because of few tourists. Enjoy a sweeping panorama 923 feet above the Pacific.
ViewSweet Roll El Dorado
Step out of the car and onto a biking trail that resembles fall in Vermont. Just 40 miles from Sacramento, the El Dorado Trail in Placerville is a multi-use trail through with 12.5 paved miles.
ViewOh Hill Yes!
California's closest thing to fall in New England is 40 miles from Sacramento. Apple Hill near Placerville is a collection of over 50 local farms, ranches, trails, and wineries. Tasty times ahead!
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Refreshingly Different
Reno Tahoe is where America’s largest alpine lake meets the Biggest Little City in the World. Easily access the best ski resorts (and hot springs!) and have urban adventures at your fingertips.
View Who's Chicken?
Chicken Ranch Beach isn’t just for the birds. It’s for folks who want to spend a mellow afternoon at a totally swimmable beach on the shore of Tomales Bay in Point Reyes.
ViewGOAT Coastal Hike + Sunset
GOAT (greatest of all time) Sonoma Coast experience? Hike the Kortum Trail, wine taste on a patio overlooking the Russian River, and catch a sensational sunset at, yep, Goat Rock Beach.
ViewWolf House in the Woods
Take a short, forested walk to Jack London State Park's mysterious ruins of the famous adventure author’s dream home, Wolf House. Then try wine-based organic vodka, paired with woodfired pizza.
ViewBoontime!
Glamp in a tent cabin or stay in private patio room among redwoods in the heart of Russian River. And do some wine tasting at these two beautiful vineyards with airy cabanas and gorgeous views.
ViewRedwoods, Blue Coast
Redwoods, river, coastline, and sandy pocket beaches: See Sonoma Coast's best features on this 6-mile (round-trip) hike from Shell Beach to Pomo Canyon's sublime redwoods.
ViewTwo Wheels to Wine in Healdsburg
Bike and wine taste among the vineyards of Sonoma County's Dry Creek Valley in Healdsburg. The mostly flat backroads make for easygoing riding, with food and wine explorations too.
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Get Outdoors In Sonoma County This Fall
Sonoma County's great outdoors includes hike-in beaches, hidden redwoods, and a new zipline-to-treehouse stay. Here are 5 of the best ways to explore outdoors in Sonoma County.
View Bernal Desire
It's one of the best views in San Francisco. Bernal Heights Park is an underrated hilltop park that simply beams at sunset, with views of downtown SF, the Golden Gate, and the Bay Bridge.
ViewRock and Roll Golden Gate
Golden Gate Park closes part of JFK Drive to cars, so walkers, bike riders, and roller skaters can have some fun outdoors. Here are some highlights for when you visit, including an adventure through the park with the characters from Adventures With Alice.
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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
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