All in Northern CA

1. 

   Celebrate Space—Right Here on Earth!

   With Artemis lighting the way, it’s a good time to look up—and get outside after dark. From observatory star parties to ranger-led night walks under some of the darkest skies around, here are a few stellar ways to celebrate space, right here on Earth.

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2. 

   Snap, Crackle, Poppies!

   California poppies should be popping right about now, joined by plenty of other beautiful blooms on these three Bay Area hikes and bike rides, all with big, bold views to match.

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3. 

   Five Stars for Angel Island State Park

   Angel Island State Park may fly under the radar compared to other San Francisco Bay icons, yet it more than holds its own as a stellar standout, with panoramic views at every turn, picnic-perfect spots, scenic trails, hidden beaches, museums, and historic sites. Catch a ferry and make a fulfilling day of it.

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4. 
   Sponsored

   2026-02-02

   Warm Up to Winter in Reno Tahoe

   2026 is just getting started, but there’s one place already rising to the top as the best for adventure and relaxation: Reno Tahoe. The awe—and ahhhs—begin as soon as you arrive. G

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5. 

   Cruz Control

   When the weather heats up, the Santa Cruz coast delivers the perfect cool-down: beachcombing, biking along a bountiful shoreline with an iconic lighthouse, and sweet strolls to the sand. Time to shift into Cruz control.

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6. 

   Marsh Madness

   The Bay Area’s wetlands are prime in winter and early spring, and with so much preserved habitat to explore, it’s hard to settle on just one spot. So consider this your wetland bracket: three places we recommend right now.

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7. 

   Savor These Peak Hikes

   When the clocks spring forward, so should you—on these classic peak hikes. Chase the longer light and savor these summit views.

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8. 

   Peak Green

   Rainy, dry, rainy, dry, rainy … dry?! Mother Nature’s been toggling the settings, but the skies are scrubbed, the hills are shamrock green, and everything’s sparkling. These hikes and bike rides have that fresh-from-the-rain glow. Clarity mode, activated!

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9. 

   All Aboard the Mendocino Coast

   Where dramatic—and secret—headlands meet a rollicking sea and a historic train winds through fragrant forest, Mendocino invites you to slow down, stay awhile. Ride the rails to a redwood grove with a beverage bar and bonus hike, wander wild bluffs and windswept beaches, then toast the day in a postcard-perfect village with a thriving culinary scene. This is Mendo-time.

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10. 

    Last-Minute Romance!

    Roses are red, violets are blue, caught without a Valentine’s plan…we’ve got you! These three outings offer thrilling scenery, lovely greenery, early wildflowers, and bonus ideas for eats and drinks. Sweet!

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11. 

    Big Love on the Coast

    This is the time of year when big things happen on our beautiful California coast. By big we mean elephant seals, currently in prime mating season but still willing to take a load off to just lounge around. Some are also in need of some rehab TLC. Here are three coastal excursions well worth the time for seeing why elephant seals are such a huge deal.

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12. 

    Meet the Flockers

    We don't wanna ruffle feathers by declaring birding the new hiking, but we do have some great hikes and bike rides where the birdwatching is flocking amazing!

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13. 

    Zen Peak Hikes to Keep Your Calm

    Ready to rise and find your calm? Gain some fresh perspectives on these three outings that take you higher for quietude and contemplations, including the newly re-opened Dragon Mountain. Gorgeous panoramas absolutely included.

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14. 

    Parks In Their Prime

    Snow, sun, seasonal temperatures … it’s all culminating in a winter of wide and wild adventure options—from sunrise desert hikes and snowy sequoias to waterfalls and dune-scapes, these four mystical wanders in national parks, preserves, and recreation areas are some of the best for the season.

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15. 
    Sponsored

    2026-02-02

    Warm Up to Winter in Reno Tahoe

    2026 is just getting started, but there’s one place already rising to the top as the best for adventure and relaxation: Reno Tahoe. The awe—and ahhhs—begin as soon as you arrive. G

    View
16. 

    Waterfalls Now!

    When it rains, it waterfalls! Here are three short hikes to tucked away oases that are absolute power-falls after recent rains. Flow for it!    

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17. 

    Hot Soaks to Start the New Year!

    Happy New Year! Warm up to 2026 with these great places to find hot soaks at natural springs both rugged and spa-some.

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18. 

    Merry Wetness

    Merry Christmas! We're not sure who ordered the Pineapple Express but as we all try to go with the flow, there's a new podcast episode of "Take It Outside" and some ideas on things to do that let you be inside, too (in case of rain). Wishing you a safe and happy holiday season. See you in 2026!  

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19. 

    The Top 10 Outdoor Stories of the Year

    Less scroll time, more soul time...that's how it goes when you get out to explore our great Golden State. Jingle all the way to the end of the year by checking out our Top 10 stories of 2025.

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20. 

    Rise to the Occasion

    One of the many shining features of the SF Bay Area is how many Baymazing urban vistas are accessed via short hikes within city limits. Here are three scenic hikes that rise to the occasion for ideal group outings over the holidays.

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21. 

    'Twas the Lights Before Christmas

    Finding an illumination experience is a good reason to get outdoors and see the light... make that lots of light. These botanical gardens, strolls, hikes, and field exhibitions are fun and festive ways to enjoy the season. Light this way!

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22. 

    Turkey Time Out(side)

    Thanksgiving Thursday, Black Friday, Weekend Sherpa Saturday? We're sharing some ideas for exploring locally over the holiday. You can also check out our latest podcast episode, talking turkey and Türkiye. Learn about the relatively unknown world-class hiking adventure overlooking Türkiye's incredible Turquoise Coast and passing ancient ruins. 

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