All "Water" Stories in Northern CA

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  Blue Coast

  An enchanting coastal woodland sounds like a description out of a fairy tale, until you visit Patrick’s Point State Park, where turquoise tide pools gurgle beneath bluff-top redwoo

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  Clear as Can Be

  Leaping fish, nesting birds, and what’s believed to be the oldest lake in North America. The choice is Clear Lake when it comes to an easy afternoon paddle with plenty of highlight

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  Two Wheel Beach Hop

  Sublime and under the radar, Santa Maria Beach is a south-facing sanctuary with a secret: After biking to it, a short stroll south also leads to one of the best intertidal zones in

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  Sunset Cruiser

  Point Reyes Peninsula just has that magic touch. Resembling a huge hand, five bays of commingling salt and freshwater make up Drakes Estero, an estuary megaplex offering expansive

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  Wilder Times

  Stunning redwoods, huge ocean views, rolling hills, and gorgeous beaches … Santa Cruz has epic scenery! So how do you enjoy it all in one jaunt? Go Wilder! A 5-mile (round-trip) hi

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  Give Me Morro!

  Like a Half Dome of the Central Coast, Morro Rock is an iconic fixture of San Luis Obispo County's shoreline. It's especially beautiful to see at sunset, from secluded sand dunes t

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  Give Me Morro!

  Like a Half Dome of the Central Coast, Morro Rock is an iconic fixture of San Luis Obispo County's shoreline. It's especially beautiful to see at sunset, from secluded sand dunes t

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  McClures Marks the Spot

  With over 80 miles of preserved shoreline, Point Reyes National Seashore has plenty of sandy stretches for strolling. Those who like wandering in near solitude should head to the northernmost accessible coastline here, McClures Beach.

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  Walking with the Devil

  The Devil's Slide section of the California Coastal Trail is a 1.3-mile (one-way) multi-use path just south of Pacifica. It's usually much less crowded when gray skies and rain are around. And it's a prime spot for viewing all that's wild about the weather and the sea.

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  Owl Be the One!

  The Owl Trail, Marin's swooping seashore tramp, offers bonuses in winter: the chance to see the moody waves of the Pacific during unsettled weather, and an opportunity to spy migra

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  You Walk, Miwok

  So close, yet far enough to get swept up in iconic coastal scenery ... that pretty much defines this classic hike in the Marin Headlands. Just over the north side of the Golden Gat

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  Crown Jewel

  Long walks on the beach, in the East Bay? Indeed. Alameda is your island in the bay with beaches meant for strolling. Crown Memorial Beach is a relaxing stretch of sand that's an i

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  Hot Springs Delight

  What to do when the temperature drops? Heat things up! Sierra Hot Springs in Sierraville is just the place. Open 24 hours, the property sits on the edge of a golden meadow and 700

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  Carmel's Calming Effect

  SUNSET: Sunsets in Carmel just go better when paired with its flagship beach (and some wine, which is allowed on the beach!). Carmel Beach (pictured) is a locals' favorite for many

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  Channel Island Smuggler

  One of the best hikes in Channel Islands National Park traverses Santa Cruz Island, offering panoramic vistas and leading to a secluded cove. The 7.5-mile (round-trip) hike to Smug

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  Strolling Stornetta

  Big Sur has some competition. Located along the rugged Mendocino County coastline, the 1,665-acre Point Arena-Stornetta Public Lands is a spectacular place to meander for miles along bluffs overlooking small coves, sea caves, dunes, and clusters of offshore islands.

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  June in September

  Fall may be June's best season. At least, when it comes to lakeside lounging. Set beneath the spiky mountain backdrop of the Ansel Adams Wilderness and looming Carson Mountain, Jun

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  Waterfall Way to Spend the Day

  Three waterfalls, two swimming holes, and a beautiful hike to boot: That's some H2-Oh! And September's a good time to visit McCloud River falls for a 3.8-mile (round-trip) hike. Lo

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  Beach Access Sorta Granted

  There's a secluded and scenic beach on the San Mateo Coast that's been kept under wraps for years. The reason? A homeowner has kept this beach to himself, and the Surfrider Foundat

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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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