All Stories from Northern CA

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  First Place

  First national park? Yellowstone. First state park? Big Basin. First urban national wildlife refuge? You'll have to be a bird nerd to know the answer to this one. So spread your wi

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  Wetland Makeover

  With egrets mingling in the maze of marshes, and unobstructed views of Mount Burdell to the north and Mount Diablo to the east, it's hard to imagine that just over a year ago Novat

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  Strait Talk

  Cyclists rejoice: You're getting the hook-up you've always wanted on the Carquinez Shore's newest section of the Bay Trail. It provides the 1.7-mile missing link from Martinez to C

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  Adventures Beyond

  Lounging beside turquoise waters, rafting through lush green jungle, hiking along volcanoes, sipping tropical cocktails at sunset … however you adventure, you’re just one low airfa

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  Swing on Up

  We know of a hidden playground. The catch: You have to hike to it, and there's just one swing. Relive your recess days, gently swaying back and forth under a eucalyptus tree while

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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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  Hiking with Old Friends

  Stinson Beach can get packed on the weekend. We recommend arriving early or later in the day. No dogs on the hiking trails. 

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  Life's a Hidden Beach!

  You want your California beach camping to be off the beaten path? Just add Jalama! Tucked away in Lompoc, about 60 miles west of Santa Barbara, Jalama Beach County Park has a hidde

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  There's Always To Morro

  The Central Coast is famous for its beautiful beaches, and the one in Morro Bay State Park is a favorite. A popular place for enjoying a calm kayak paddle, it's also the site of a

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  All in a Good Nest's Sleep

  A befitting way to get a bird's–eye view of Big Sur's beauty? Camp out in a human nest! Big Sur Treebones Resort (famous for its luxury yurts along the Pacific Coast) offers a trul

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  Mile Rock Club

  Solitude in San Francisco is a just a Mile Rock away. This small and secluded cove tucked beneath wild and beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean, the Marin Headlands, and the Golden

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  Point of Contemplation

  Guiding mariners around the craggy cliffs of the Pacific since 1872, Pigeon Point Lighthouse in Pescadero has been preserved by the California State Park system. Also very much ali

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  SUPer Tomales

  So you've heard all about stand-up paddleboarding and want some friendly waters to give a try? Hot Tomales—you're in luck! Go with the peaceful flow at Tomales Bay in Point Reyes N

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  Sorensens in the High Sierra

  At the eastern edge of Hope Valley, just 20 minutes south of Lake Tahoe, lies an elegantly rustic resort. One for all seasons. Mountains and cabins, outdoors and fun, good food and

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  Alaska Is Affordable Adventure

  What do you think—a quick trip to Mexico for a new adventure? Alaska Airlines has some of the best deals to Mexico and is known for low airfares. Cabo San Lucas is calling! Alaska'

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  Alaska Is Affordable Adventure

  What do you think—a quick trip to Mexico for a new adventure? Alaska Airlines has some of the best deals to Mexico and is known for low airfares. Cabo San Lucas is calling! Alaska'

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  Camping Hendy-eed!

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  Hoodness Gracious!

  Want that away-from-it-all camping experience without having to actually be too far away? There's a hike-in campground for that, in wine country! Hood Mountain Regional Park is on

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  Take a Napa

  With its beautifully manicured vines and stately tasting rooms fronted by giant water fountains, it's refreshing to know Napa has a wild side beyond bachelor parties in limos. You

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  Let's Catch Brunch

  Ready to upgrade your next brunch outing? Rather than standing in line for hours at the latest cool place, go to a cool picnic on the pier, where you'll catch your own meal, and si

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