View All

1. 
   Southern CA

   Secret Lakes

   Nothing against powerboats or jet skis, but there’s much to be said for lakes where we can go for tranquility. Maybe a little paddling, a little fishing. See some cool birds. Definitely relax. We’ve got three in mind, each distinct, each ideal for a quiet summer day … sans water skis.

   VIEW
2. 
   Northern CA

   Beer Adventures

   Bottoms up, beer drinkers! Napa, Berkeley, and San Francisco are on a roll with new craft breweries located close to car-free bike trails offering pure pedaling pleasure.

   VIEW
3. 
   Southern CA

   Midsummer Classics

   Swimsuit for water holes, shoes for coastal hikes, a fleece for overnighting in a mountain cabin ... what's on your summer checklist? Here are some classic ways to soak in and soak up the rest of summer.

   VIEW
4. 
   Sponsored

   2024-11-13

   Yes, Seattle!

   Ready to try something new this winter? Seattle’s ready for you! Beautiful by nature with its Puget Sound setting, surrounding mountains, and nearby national parks, winter in Seattle can be a magical and festive time. Ever been in a hot tub boat?...

   View
5. 
   Northern CA

   Yoga With Goats and Other Wild Ideas

   You like wild ideas? Then goat wild, you won't egret it! From farm yoga with baby goats in Half Moon Bay to spying tule elk on a classic coastal hike, or biking among egrets in the East Bay, here are some terrific ways to stretch your legs and your sense of wonder.

   VIEW
6. 
   Southern CA

   Summer Swimming Holes

   When the heat is on, lower the thermostat! Seek out hidden pools where you can swim, splash, picnic, and relax. Naturally, we’re talking au naturel—swimming holes in beautiful natural settings. Where the cool get cool!

   VIEW
7. 
   Northern CA

   Waterhole Hikes

   Nature's answer to the water park? Waterholes! Beat the heat on these hikes with a refreshing bonus: from dipping your toes, getting mist on your face, or going all in!

   VIEW
8. 
   Southern CA

   Coastal View Hikes

   Folks pay a fortune for ocean views, but the best ones belong to all of us. And they’re free! Here are three hikes that reveal some of the best of our amazing coastline, ranging from dramatic perches to rocky shores.

   VIEW
9. 
   Northern CA

   Dog Days of Summer

   Got a dog riding shot gun? Atta boy, or girl! From beaches to hikes and even canoeing, these Northern CA adventures will get everybody’s tail wagging.

   VIEW
10. 
    Southern CA

    Keep Your Cool

    Play things cool on these adventures through redwoods, to a waterfall, along a coast-hugging trail of the Channel Islands, and to a hike-in cabin in a canyon. Oh yeah, wave the adventure flag!

    VIEW
11. 
    Northern CA

    Just Add Water!

    Who needs a pool to lounge by this summer when you have mother nature! Hike, bike, and just relax by these lakes, rivers, and coastal settings. Verified fresh!

    VIEW
12. 
    Southern CA

    Fourth and Out!

    Need to clear your head this Independence Day? Liberate yourself with hikes to nice heights or easygoing strolls for wandering and pondering. Go fourth and get out!

    VIEW
13. 
    Northern CA

    Mountain Hot Springs!

    Nature’s answer to happy hour: the mountain hot spring. We’ve scouted out a few to soothe your bones and soak in the views. Hey, hot stuff!

    VIEW
14. 
    Southern CA

    Woodsy Digs

    A cozy cabin or lodge in the mountains right next to some of SoCal's most legendary hiking trails—sounds great, right? We’ve got three woodsy digs that put you right where you want to be: cool and high and ready for serious hiking … or stellar relaxing!

    VIEW
15. 
    Sponsored

    2024-11-13

    Yes, Seattle!

    Ready to try something new this winter? Seattle’s ready for you! Beautiful by nature with its Puget Sound setting, surrounding mountains, and nearby national parks, winter in Seattle can be a magical and festive time. Ever been in a hot tub boat?...

    View
16. 
    Southern CA

    Summer Refresher

    Know what's cool? These watery adventures! From hot springs to beach lounging, hitting the refresh button hasn't been easier.

    VIEW
17. 
    Northern CA

    Summer Refresh

    Hit the refresh button, in more ways than one. These water-centric adventures will keep you cool through summer!

    VIEW
18. 
    Northern CA

    Bay Area's Best Stairway Walks

    We all know we should take the stairs. And that's just about the best idea ever when it comes to the Bay Area's great urban hikes ... with stairways! From San Francisco to the South Bay, here are three stairway walks that are simply wander-ful.

    VIEW
19. 
    Southern CA

    Can-Do Canyons

    The rugged topography of Southern California creates all sorts of magical folds that are enticing to explore, though sometimes “canyon” may be a bit of a misnomer. For these hikes, don’t think Grand; think beautiful—and close to home!

    VIEW
20. 
    Northern CA

    Marquee Mendocino

    Whether you want to hit the trails, explore some caves, or just bunk down at your glamp-site, Mendocino has all the right stuff for a romantic getaway, outdoors-style!

    VIEW
21. 
    Southern CA

    You Wildin'!

    Beautiful views meet big birds, blubbery seals, breaching whales, and playful dolphins on these three Southern California day-outings. Amazing close encounters!

    VIEW
22. 
    Southern CA

    Secrets of Pauma Valley

    Spread beneath the Palomar Mountains, the hills and vales of Pauma Valley harbor some of SoCal’s best-kept secrets. Explore hiking trails both rugged and lush, a historic river, and a couple of top-notch wineries where you can raise a glass to your new discoveries.

    VIEW