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1. 
   Northern CA

   Sleeping Under the Stars

   Slept under the stars lately? It’s a summer rite of passage! And backpacking makes it all the more fun. From beginner-friendly short and sweet overnights to a multi-day epic trek that’s a classic, here are three ways to see the stars before summer says goodbye.

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2. 
   Southern CA

   Camp on the Beach, Baby!

   If fun in the sun is a blast, making the beach your home for a few days is a dream come true. Catch a Pacific sunset, nod off to the sound of crashing waves, sip your coffee by the sea—at these campgrounds, you own a little slice of California paradise.

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3. 
   Northern CA

   Find Your Quiet Hike

   Summer's a bustling time in the Bay Area, but you can still find trails with a quieter vibe. From redwood groves to sunset views, lakes, and panoramas, here are some hikes that see fewer folks and abundant beauty.

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4. 
   Sponsored

   2025-10-01

   Fall Coastal Hikes Guide

   Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) is ready to fill your fall with bluffside trails, tranquil beaches, whale watching, a haunted distillery, and seasonal sweet treats.

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5. 
   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.

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6. 
   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.

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7. 
   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.

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8. 
   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.

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9. 
   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!

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10. 
    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!

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11. 
    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.

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12. 
    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.

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13. 
    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!

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14. 
    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!

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15. 
    Sponsored

    2025-10-01

    Fall Coastal Hikes Guide

    Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) is ready to fill your fall with bluffside trails, tranquil beaches, whale watching, a haunted distillery, and seasonal sweet treats.

    View
16. 
    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!

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17. 
    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!

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18. 
    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!

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19. 
    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.

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20. 
    Northern CA

    Summer Refresh

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

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21. 
    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.

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22. 
    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!

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