All Stories from Northern CA

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  Goddess of the Gardens

  It’s what you call a Garden with a View! Mendocino Botanical Gardens is a double-whammy of stunning flora—especially rhododendrons—and coastal views. Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens makes a splash in more ways than just its fantastic flora.

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  Heads Up, Headlands!

  There’s one thing that’s pretty much mandatory when you visit Mendocino and that’s a hike along the famous bluffs. The trail system at Mendocino Headlands State Park is vast, surrounding the village and meandering for miles, with sweeping sea panoramas.

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  Sea You Soon!

  After over a year of being closed, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is ready for some quality time with you! A visit to Monterey this time of year is a refreshing coastal escape of beaches and bike paths and beautiful blooms, with a big bonus: The region’s marquee attraction is at the heart of it all.

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  Hike Reno Tahoe!

  With its vibrant summer events and easy outdoor access, Reno Tahoe is a fantastic choice for adventure. From mountain peaks to premier views of Lake Tahoe, here are some of the best hikes in the region.

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  Bird Rock

  Other than the Birdman of Alcatraz, Robert Stroud, birds aren’t typically the first thing you think of with Alcatraz. When it was a working prison there wasn’t much bird life. But now? Well, the birds are back!

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  Wide-Open Wildcat

  Sure, peak-bagging hikes are great, but ridge trails? Well, those might be the best. The East Bay’s Wildcat Canyon Regional Park is home to a fantastic ridgetop rolling trail.

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  Monterey Bay Aquarium Reopens!

  The wildlife has been waiting patiently … and now, at long last, they’re ready for their close-ups! As California reopens make new memories at the reopened Monterey Bay Aquarium!

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  Reno Recharger

  Rediscover Reno Tahoe! As unique as it is diverse, Reno is where Burning Man creativity meets the Mount Rose Wilderness, neon lights meet the Truckee River, and craft beer meets axe throwing!

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  Go Galena

  Close to Reno yet truly in the wilderness: This long out-and-back epic hike goes up a ridge with huge views of the magnificent Washoe Valley and its marquee mountains.

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  Truckee Riverwalk

  A city that has nature running right through it? That’s Reno! The Truckee River flows through the heart of downtown, and the popular and well-maintained Reno Riverwalk makes for a delightful downtown stroll.

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  Walk the Neon Line

  Reno’s Neon Line, a new art installation downtown, celebrates two of Reno’s biggest draws: Burning Man and neon lights. Walk part of the dynamic streetscape spanning 20 city blocks and featuring rotating Burning Man art, other sculptures, and bright lights—including historic neon signs.

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  Waterfall Chaser

  Reno's Hunter Creek Falls is accessible year-round but especially fantastic in spring when the desert peach wildflowers paint the landscape, and the marquee waterfall has snowmelt mojo.

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  Beer Best

  It seems like every city in the West tries to claim best craft beer and spirits status, yet Reno’s quietly done the work behind the scenes to emerge as a true best in brew—from beer to spirits, and innovative mead!

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  Axe on Tap!

  Head to Reno Axe, where you can test your skills with the sport of axe throwing. Don’t axe it until you try it! This is not only fun; you may be surprised at how therapeutic it can be—burning off any angst in your work-week bones.

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  Cross It Off Your Bucket List

  Crosstown Trail San Francisco may be one of the most beautiful city walks in America, passing through less-visited nooks and crannies while also taking in greatest hits, including mosaic stairways.

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  Feather Fanfare

  Feathery birds swing and swoop on the edge of the San Francisco Bay, surrounded by the Diablo Range and Santa Cruz Mountains. See it all from a levee in serene Ravenswood Preserve.

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  Summit Sunset

  A sunset summit hike doesn’t get better than Bald Mountain in Sonoma's Sugarloaf Ridge State Park. Set in the Mayacamas Mountains, full moon hikes at this park are beautiful too. There's also a chance to get a last minute campsite!

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  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.

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  Lavender Labyrinth

  Labyrinths are meditative meanders. Add fragrant organic lavender and you're at Bees N Blooms at the foot of Taylor Mountain near Santa Rosa, experiencing their “ancient pathway of peace” and more.

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  Soothing 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.

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