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  1. Hiker celebrating at Condor Peak in the San Gabriel Mountains
    Southern CA

    Major Peak Hikes

    Now that we have longer days, it’s time for some longer hikes. These three peak-bagging hikes between 8 and 16 miles (round-trip) in the San Gabriel Mountains are truly challenging, with huge panoramic payoffs.

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  2. Northern CA

    Picnic With a View!

    Who's hungry for a picnic with beautiful views? From the redwoods to the beach to the bay, here are three places in Marin to relax with a charcuterie or barbecue feast, along with bonus hikes and bike rides.

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  3. Southern CA

    Three Hikes, One Preserve

    How much variety can you find on three hikes within one preserve? Find out at Rancho La Costa Preserve in San Diego County. It’s home to a secret canyon, a waterfall, and the tallest peak in Carlsbad. Three, two, one … hiking plan, done!

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  4. Sponsored
    2026-06-03

    Take the Exit to the Best of the San Francisco Peninsula

    The San Francisco Peninsula is proof that some of Northern California’s greatest surprises are hiding just off Highway 101. All you have to do is take the exit.

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  5. Southern CA

    Wellness Hikes and Bike Rides

    In tumultuous times taking a break in nature can be helpful ... among trees, birds, and trails less traveled. Here are some hiking and biking recommendations for taking a wellness break outdoors.

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  6. Northern CA

    Comfort Hikes and Bike Rides

    If you need a bit of a break to contemplate, or to find forms of comfort, sometimes it’s helpful to be in nature. These hiking and biking suggestions include a peace grove, quieter trails, early wildflowers, and some sweet farm animals.

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  7. Southern CA

    Secret Trails of Simi Valley

    Can you keep a secret? These less-traveled trails in Ventura County's heavenly slice of Simi Valley are short and sweet with stellar mountain and skyline scenery and bonuses like wildflowers and beer stops. Simi sensational!

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  8. woman biking bolinas ridge trail bay area
    Northern CA

    Ridgeline Trails With Hints of Spring

    Crisp skylines and the chance of early wildflowers festooning trails … yep, it’s a good time to do a ridge ramble in the Bay Area. Here are some hikes and bike rides featuring ridgelines for positive perspectives and hints of spring!

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  9. Northern CA

    Hill Yeah!

    The Bay Area hills are alive with winter greenery, stellar scenery, and seasonally favorable temperatures for conquering peaks. These hikes (some with bike options) feature vistas, peak bagging, and prime picnic spots. Head for the hills!

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  10. Southern CA

    The Great Artdoors

    Ready for the great artdoors? SoCal has some beautfiul places to wander and see interesting, inspiring, and educational works, from murals and sculptures to installations and tasty food and drink bonuses.

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  11. Northern CA

    Dates Outdoors

    In this season of love and romance, there's one companion who never disappoints: the outdoors! Grab your favorite person or people and head out on some hikes and bike rides that are oh so sweet right now.

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  12. Southern CA

    Sweet Hikes, Bike Rides, and Bakeries

    Whether your relationship is new, or you’ve been together a long time, the outdoors makes a terrific companion. Gather your loved one(s) and head outside for these sweet hikes and bike rides, along with some post-adventure bakery treats.

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  13. Northern CA

    Look on the Bright Side

    Winter sunsets get a glowing review in California, whether you're watching one from a sand dune surrounded by mountains or pedaling your bike down by the sea. Here are some of the best hikes, bike rides, and viewpoints for catching one of nature's best light shows.

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  14. Two hikers on the ridge hiking to San Gabriel Peak in Southern California
    Southern CA

    Glow for It

    Fun fact: finding your glow doesn't mean choosing the latest facial serum promising shiny cheeks. The natural beauty of a winter sunset can get you glowing from the inside out! Here are some of the best hikes and viewpoints for watching one of nature's greatest lightshows. Shine on!

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  15. Sponsored
    2026-06-03

    Take the Exit to the Best of the San Francisco Peninsula

    The San Francisco Peninsula is proof that some of Northern California’s greatest surprises are hiding just off Highway 101. All you have to do is take the exit.

    View
  16. woman hiking Channel Islands
    Ventura County Coast

    California's Most Sea-nic National Park

    Blissful beaches, panoramic hikes, craft beer, and one of California’s wildest national parks—Ventura County Coast has the Southern California climate with its own distinct laid-back vibe. Here are five ideas for your adventure getaway.

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  17. Northern CA

    Peak-a-View!

    Who's ready for a fresh perspective? There’s a peak hike for that. Make that three peak hikes. Test your mettle on the Bay Area’s toughest hike (any guesses?), enjoy a more moderate Diablo adventure, or relax with a sunset hike on Tam.

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  18. Southern CA

    Waterfall Way to Hike

    Wait for it, wait for it... now! Winter rains mean waterfall hikes are an actual thing to do this year, but get to them sooner than later while the flow is still good.

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  19. Woman sitting at the picnic table at Lawson picnic area in Hood Mountain Regional Park
    Northern CA

    Panoramic Picnic Spots

    Ready to raise your picnic game? These hike-in spots offer incredible vistas to go along with your PB&J. From a brand-new trail to a less-traveled classic, here are three hike-in picnics where you’ll ascend to deliriously good views.

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  20. Southern CA

    Surprise Views

    Surprise! These three hikes in North San Diego County are not only less traveled, they're filled with outdoor gems like Torrey pines, sandstone formations, wildlife, and vantage points with huge views.

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  21. Woman at Cascade Falls in Mill Valley
    Northern CA

    Waterfall Start to the New Year

    Want a waterfall way to kick off the new year? These three flows are all set within residential areas, making for easy access and nice strolls to oases buttressed by recent rains and other splashy features.

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  22. Southern CA

    Find Fresh Views in Malibu

    Happy New Year. Ready for some bu-tiful outdoors? Malibu still has a few secrets to explore and we’ve got three less traveled beach and lake hikes for you to try something new for 2022.

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Trending Stories NorCal

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  1. Muir Woods Night Tour

    Thousands of people flock to Muir Woods every year, yet only a few see it at night, when this beloved park is experienced in a whole new light. The Muir Woods Night Tour happens on the last Friday of every month through October.

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  2. Slide Ranch Marin

    Slide On Over

    Marin's Slide Ranch has a popular neighbor in the Muir Beach Overlook. But don’t overlook Slide! This open-to-the-public nonprofit organization sits on 134 acres of coastline and is filled with animals, Pacific scenery, and an adjacent hiking trail.

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  3. Sponsored

    Take the Exit to the Best of the San Francisco Peninsula

    The San Francisco Peninsula is proof that some of Northern California’s greatest surprises are hiding just off Highway 101. All you have to do is take the exit.

    View
  4. Hello, Sur!

    Big Sur is home to numerous fantastic beaches and coves, so which one do you choose? Go for the beach that's quintessential Big Sur (and dog-friendly!). Pfeiffer Beach in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. Its signature lilac-colored sand is waiting for your feet!

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Trending Stories SoCal

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  1. Waterfall Hunter

    If you ask a local in Reno about one of the best hiking trails in town, odds are high they’ll point you to Hunter Creek Falls. It’s a year-round favorite, but it absolutely shines in spring, when desert peach wildflowers make a splash—and so does the marquee waterfall.

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  2. Wapama Wows

    Hetch Hetchy can be overlooked in Yosemite National Park because of its more remote location and limited facilities. But this is where you’ll also find one of the best day hikes in the park: Wapama Falls.

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  3. Bike the Coastal Trail to Pillar Point Harbor in Half Moon Bay

    Ride and Seek

    Oceanside breezes, beautiful beaches, a car-free pathway for biking, and beer at the end: You’re on a roll! The San Mateo Coast was made for beach hopping and beer tasting … and it all goes down smooth as part of an 8-mile out-and-back bike ride.

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  4. Tamtastic Sunset

    Sure, the East Peak of Mount Tam is absolutely spectacular at sunset, but some magic-hour enthusiasts are onto a fresh perspective in getting a little more personal space for their panoramic viewings.

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