All Stories from "Greater California"

All Stories from Greater California

Harmony's Edge
Blink-and-you'll-miss-it Harmony Headlands State Park is small but mighty. This coastal swath of land between Cayucos and Cambria has only one trail, the Headlands Trail. But don't
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Stroll and Sip
Picking a beach on the Central Coast is like deciding which flavor to go with at a homemade ice cream shop: There are so many good choices! You really can't go wrong, but if you're
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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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Three Bears and Lots of Lakes
Your chances of seeing a bear on the Bear Lakes Trail aren't all that high; but your chances of seeing spectacular High Sierra scenery on this 3-mile hike? Guaranteed! Located in t
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Lookout!
The hardest part about spending the night in Sierraville's historic Calpine fire lookout? Deciding what time of year to go! Set at 5,970 feet, this private and cozy overnight escap
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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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Big Baldy
Giant sequoias are the main attraction in Kings Canyon National Park, but the granite peaks around here aren’t too shabby either. In fact, they’re epic. Venture down Generals Highw
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Nature's Royal Treatment
Dwarfed beneath a ring of behemoth sequoias sits Kings Canyon National Park's iconic John Muir Lodge. All 36 rooms in the secluded stone and timber retreat have eco-friendly décor
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Pebble Beach Hopping
Ready to hop on a two-wheeler for one of the most scenic coastal cruiser rides on earth … featuring a string of beautiful beaches and a fire-pit respite overlooking the ocean? Gear up for this easygoing 13-mile (round-trip) ride along the Monterey coast.
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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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Sundowner Plan
Getting a little coastal R&R means several good things when you stay at Mendocino's Brewery Gulch Inn. Reclaimed redwoods, for starters. That's the material that was used to constr
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June in September
Fall may be June's best season. At least, when it comes to lakeside lounging. Set beneath the spiky mountain backdrop of the Ansel Adams Wilderness and looming Carson Mountain, Jun
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Drama-ramic Hike
It's not just the granite peaks—including famous Mount Morrison—encircling Convict Lake that make it such a dramatic place. Carved by glaciers from the Ice Age, this giant canyon f
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