All "Relaxing" Stories in Southern CA

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  Snap, Crackle, Crystal Cove

  Legendary California author John Steinbeck once noted "it is advisable to look from the tide pool to the stars and then back to the tide pool again." And there might be no place be

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  Green Space to Sea Space

  Green space meets sea space at Heisler Park in Laguna Beach. Spanning 32 acres, the park meanders with pathways and greenery fanned with palms and a statue of a humpback whale. It'

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  Canals Less Traveled

  If the only holiday bling you think you'll see in Venice is the shiny muscles of bodybuilders on the boardwalk, you're only partly right! Tucked away from this hustle, bustle, and

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  Hidden Hermosa

  One of the best views of the downtown skyline is in the Historic Filipinotown of Echo Park. The 11-acre Vista Hermosa Park is just a mile from the heart of downtown, yet feels an oasis world away.

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  The Pinot Express

  Some wine flights are just more exciting than others. Add some ho-ho-holy smokes to your next sip and swirl with one of wine country's biggest thrills: zip-lining high above the vi

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  From Gold Rush to Wine Crush

  There's a new rush happening in the beautiful foothills of Amador County, and it's not for gold. Wine is the current cash crop—with deep historic roots in this part of California.

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  Fantastical Fig Trees

  In a land of redwoods and sequoias, it's a bit unexpected that a residential street tucked in one of LA's toniest Westside neighborhoods is home to some of the most impressive-look

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  Bottle Drive!

  The High Desert northeast of the San Gabriel Mountains may not have the same grandeur as desert regions like Joshua Tree and Death Valley, but with a little digging, its own quirky

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  L.A. Confidential

  For Angelenos on a quest for fall foliage this November, the best advice might sound borrowed from the vernacular of an Eastern spirituality guru: Look inward, not outward. In this

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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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  Spooky Spelunking

  Not all of nature's stunning views come from bagging a peak. Sometimes it's what lies beneath that's more intriguing. Venture below Sequoia National Park's soil and discover an ext

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  Crystal Caving

  Not all stunning vantage points are above the tree line. Sometimes it’s what lies beneath that’s really interesting! Venture below Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park’s soil and

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  Animal TLC

  Attention animal lovers! You've seen countless YouTube videos of puppy-like piglets hamming it up for an adorable belly rub, but have you ever met one in person? Time for a visit t

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  How Do You Like Them Pumpkins?

  If it weren't for pumpkin spice lattes at Starbucks, we Angelenos might never know that fall has arrived. Unless you know about Oak Glen’s good old fashioned u-pick pumpkin and hik

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  Yes Sur!

  A hidden coastal hike in Big Sur, a beautiful beach, and maybe a little wine-tasting afterwards? Sounds like a plan! First, the hike. Big Sur's Garrapata State Park is a coast-hugg

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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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  Dunes of Death Valley

  You won't find a body of water here, but you will find big waves … of sand! Bring snacks and a beverage to enjoy at one of the world's premier picnic spots—the Mesquite Flat Sand D

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  Yosemite Sands

  Dip your toes in the refreshing waters of the Merced River at one of the best picnic spots in Yosemite Valley, Cathedral Beach. This day-use area on the western end of the valley d

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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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  Supermoon Sunday

  This Sunday evening (September 27) a total lunar eclipse will coincide with a "Supermoon." Why is this a big deal? Well, it hasn't happened in 32 years and won't happen again for a

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