All "Water" Stories in Northern CA
Cool Pool Party
Spending the day at the Garden of Eden in Santa Cruz is accepting an invitation to nature’s most popular pool party. Bring a picnic and pool floats, and swim and lounge in the sun—
ViewCull Canyon Cooldown
Home to shaded trails, shallow creek crossings, ridge-top breezes, and a 1.5-acre white sand swimming lagoon, Cull Canyon Regional Recreation Area is a local’s summer playground. T
ViewLighthouse at the end of the Tunnel
Round up the best of the Marin Headlands on this 8-mile loop alongside dramatic coastline, jutting cliffs, and iconic Golden Gate vistas to 160-year-old Point Bonita Lighthouse. Be
ViewGaviota Wind Caves
Gaviota State Park is home to the 3-mile out-and-back Gaviota Wind Caves Trail, with over 600 feet in elevation gain, unique topography, seasonal wildflowers, and incredible ocean views.
ViewSea Life
Hundreds of dolphins and whales have been sighted in Monterey Bay since mid-June, and with huge populations of California sea lions, southern sea otters, and harbor seals frequenti
ViewGaviota Hidden Hot Springs
Whether you need to relax after summiting Gaviota Peak in Gaviota State Park, or just prefer a quick, scenic destination hike, Gaviota Hot Springs is well worth the $2 parking fee.
ViewGaviota Peak
Some of the best coastal views in the Golden State don’t come easy, but the payoff makes up for the challenge! Head for Gaviota State Park’s headlining hike, Gaviota Peak. It’s a 6
ViewBeerland
Looking for true hoppiness? The Santa Cruz Beer Trail has microbrews popping up all over town, and makes a great thirst-quencher post outdoor adventure. (For the best savings and d
ViewSurfwood's Up!
MacKerricher State Park in Mendocino County delivers nine miles of diverse coastline and a seaside gem for spending the night: Surfwood Campground is a laid-back oasis with 45 lush coastal campsites—including 10 secluded walk-ins.
ViewOhh, Gualala
Coastal camping just got cozy in Sonoma County. Enjoy the sea breeze and take refuge from it too at Gualala Point Regional Park Campground, where 18 sites sit shaded beneath a rich
ViewJust Dune It!
Coastal wildflowers are still going strong at Manchester State Park in Mendocino County, where dune-top hiking trails colored in baby blue eyes and purple lupine dance across the n
ViewGoat for It!
Behold the glorious Sonoma Coast, underrated sibling to Big Sur. Dozens of accessible pocket beaches pop up all along this dramatic stretch of northern California that's perfect fo
ViewSecret Booty
It’s hard to say what’s better: the hike to Pirate’s Cove, or Pirate’s Cove itself. Tucked between Tennessee Beach and Muir Beach on the Marin coast, Pirate’s Cove is a rugged litt
ViewSecret Redwoods + Camping by the River
Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park is a little-known gem where skyscraping reds (the tallest living trees in the world!) fly under the radar. Grizzly’s ironically small size and location off the beaten path provide near total seclusion, not to mention relaxing camping!
ViewCaves, Waves, and a Greenroom
Etched into volcanic rock awhirl with swooping brown pelicans, sea caves make for dramatic echo chambers, hissing with foam and swelling with ocean waves. And you, in the thick of
ViewCavern Point Loop
One of Santa Cruz Island’s most accessible trails is all about the essential elements: The 2-mile Cavern Point Loop Trail will get your eyes jazzed on vivid sea vistas as it traces
ViewBlue 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
ViewClear 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
ViewTwo 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
ViewSunset 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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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.
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