All Stories from Greater California

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 Season
Set beneath the spiky mountain backdrop of the Ansel Adams Wilderness and looming Carson Mountain, June Lake shines in more ways than its large expanse of aquamarine water. There's a reason this area has been dubbed the Switzerland of the Sierra.
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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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Mammothly Epic Hike
You're going to need your hiking game-face for this adventure. Trekking in the Sierra high country at any time of year requires common sense and a check of the weather; doing it du
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Waterfall Way to Spend the Day
Three waterfalls, two swimming holes, and a beautiful hike to boot: That's some H2-Oh! And September's a good time to visit McCloud River falls for a 3.8-mile (round-trip) hike. Lo
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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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Camping Hendy-eed!
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Rainforest Hike to Hidden Hot Springs
Located on the far flung rugged west coast of Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Tofino is set on Clayoquot Sound, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve with old-growth rainforest, barely
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Whistle While You Hike
It's famous for its winter skiing, but here's a secret: Whistler, BC, might actually be better in summer. Take to the high country and explore Whistler-Blackcomb's spectacular alpi
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Victoria Lap
Known as North America's most English city, Victoria is so much more than high tea and crumpets. This energetic and stylish seaside city on Vancouver Island is home to the globally
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Go Ghostbust!
Located in the high desert of the Eastern Sierra, Bodie State Historic Park looks like a Hollywood set for a Western movie. But this isn't Hollywood magic—it's a gold-mining ghost
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Jump for Judah!
Tackle Tahoe's deservedly popular Mt. Judah loop this summer and you'll reach new heights in more ways than one. The 4.6-mile wonderland hike starts at 7,000 feet on the famed Paci
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Simply Tasty!
Anderson Valley's land of pinot noir has an outstanding reputation for premium wines, and yes, it's the good stuff. From family-run vineyards that are low-key to slightly fancier o
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Hike & Camp Hendy
Anderson Valley’s Hendy Woods State Park is an 845-acre beauty butting right up to the bank of the Navarro River. Its star attraction? Ancient redwood trees. And some stellar campsites and cabins.
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