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  1. Southern CA

    Top 10 Outdoor Stories of the Year

    Less scroll time, more soul time...that's how it goes when you get out to explore our great Golden State. Jingle all the way to the end of the year by checking out our Top 10 stories of 2025.

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  2. A group of friends hangs out at the top of Bernal Heights Park in San Francisco, looking out at the sunset
    Northern CA

    Rise to the Occasion

    One of the many shining features of the SF Bay Area is how many Baymazing urban vistas are accessed via short hikes within city limits. Here are three scenic hikes that rise to the occasion for ideal group outings over the holidays.

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  3. A woman walks along the boardwalk next to San Dieguito Lagoon in Del Mar San Diego
    Southern CA

    Boardwalks to Beautiful Things

    Bored over the holidays? Get board walking! These three boardwalks meander alongside lakes, lagoons, and a dam, with mountains and birds and beers as bonuses!

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  4. Sponsored
    2026-08-18

    Autumn Magic in Yosemite Mariposa County

    Yosemite Mariposa County is where golden moments unfold all season long. Watch the sun's warm glow settle over El Capitan and Half Dome, then wander quietly in Mariposa Grove. Beyo

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  5. Northern CA

    'Twas the Lights Before Christmas

    Finding an illumination experience is a good reason to get outdoors and see the light... make that lots of light. These botanical gardens, strolls, hikes, and field exhibitions are fun and festive ways to enjoy the season. Light this way!

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  6. Lots of people walking around the Mission Inn in Riverside California looking at all the red and white and purple holiday lights.
    Southern CA

    Seeing the Lights

    All light, all light, all light. This season make your way to any of these places featuring botanical gardens glowing, food and drinks flowing, fields of illumination, and strolls and hikes to help you see the lights. 

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  7. Two people sit and look out to the ocean at Mount Tam
    Northern CA

    Turkey Time Out(side)

    Thanksgiving Thursday, Black Friday, Weekend Sherpa Saturday? We're sharing some ideas for exploring locally over the holiday. You can also check out our latest podcast episode, talking turkey and Türkiye. Learn about the relatively unknown world-class hiking adventure overlooking Türkiye's incredible Turquoise Coast and passing ancient ruins. 

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  8. A woman hiker in a light blue shirt points out at the mountains on a hike called Lawson Peak in Southern California
    Southern CA

    Fresh Air Saturday

    Thanksgiving Thursday, Black Friday, Weekend Sherpa Saturday? We're sharing some ideas for exploring locally over the holiday. You can also check out our latest podcast episode, talking turkey and Türkiye. Learn about the relatively unknown world-class hiking adventure overlooking Türkiye's incredible Turquoise Coast and passing ancient ruins. 

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  9. Northern CA

    Spectacular Sands

    California's filled with beautiful beaches, but some less-known sands simply dazzle. From elephant seal sightings and premier whale watching perches, to a secret stairway connecting a coastal hamlet to a sublime seaside setting, and a less-known dunescape that's nothing short of sunset-sational, here are three sandy havens that are prime to see this season.

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  10. A woman on a horse looks out to the mountainous scenery that a man on another horse is pointing towards in Paso Robles at the historic Santa Margarita Ranch with Central Coast Trail Rides
    Southern CA

    Change of Scenery

    Whether you've got a full day or can spend a night or three, venturing out for a change of scenery is good for the spirit. Here are some ideas for taking time to enjoy new experiences that are a road trip (or short flight) away!

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  11. Southern CA

    Spelunking Good Time

    Caving doesn’t have to be dark and dramatic; some SoCal caves give just enough adventure for a thrill, without going too deep. When the weather clears and conditions are drier, these three hikes to caves offer everything from unique features to photogenic slips of light.

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  12. Northern CA

    Autumn Hikes and Bike Rides

    When the weather clears, opt for an autumn power hike. These three options are peak-of-autumn beauties that range from moderate to challenging, and reward with rich vistas. Beauti-fall!

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  13. A woman walks her dog on a path next to the wetlands at Las Gallinas in Marin County
    Northern CA

    Fall For These Short Birding Hikes

    When you think the weather's for the birds, go birding. These three premier preserves and wildlife ponds are short, idyllic strolls to enjoy tranquil views, redwood groves, dashes of fall color, and birds of all kinds of feathers. 

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  14. A woman walks along a path next to the beach as the sun sets at Palisades Park in Los Angeles County
    Southern CA

    Urban Parks, Hidden Stairways

    Getting away doesn’t have to mean going far. Go local by hiking and exploring urban parks and hidden stairways with classic skyline scenery, sunset vistas, picnic spots, and gorgeous gardens. 

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  15. Sponsored
    2026-08-18

    Autumn Magic in Yosemite Mariposa County

    Yosemite Mariposa County is where golden moments unfold all season long. Watch the sun's warm glow settle over El Capitan and Half Dome, then wander quietly in Mariposa Grove. Beyo

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  16. Northern CA

    Hairy Not Scary

    Spiders don't have to send a tingle down your spine. Tarantulas—generally harmless—come out and about in fall, as the males leave their burrows in search of mates. Here are three beautiful hikes where you might get lucky and see them this fall.

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  17. Southern CA

    Let the Spirits Move You

    Happy Halloween weekend. Head out on these spirited adventures, including a visit to one of the coolest living ghost towns around and some boo-tiful places to picnic or hike.

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  18. Hike Olompali State Historic Park
    Northern CA

    Find Fall on These Short Hikes

    While we may not have New England's fall color bonanza, the California-cool hues of amber and yellow are autumn-amazing, if you know where to look. Find fall colors close to home on these three hikes.

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  19. Southern CA

    Oh So Comfort-Fall

    Pumpkin spice lattes are great but if you're ready to dial up your seasonal comforts, add some easygoing outdoors to the mix. Here are three ways to combine sweet treats with sweet hikes.

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  20. Northern CA

    Relaxing Redwood Rambles

    Getting out into nature is a good way to relax, and our Bay Area and Northern California redwoods bring that extra bit of magic with their resiliency and awe-inspiring beauty. From the South Bay to the North Bay, to a far north destination, here are some less-known redwood hikes and bike rides that can bring some tranquility to your day.

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  21. Southern CA

    Animal Therapy

    The thing about animals is that they're amazing. And they bring both comfort and delight when you get to visit them at local farms and sanctuaries in Los Angeles County. From gardens and adobes filled with farm animals, to a sanctuary rescue offering a guided tour, here are three amazing places to get your share of adorable animals.

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  22. Northern CA

    Big & Beautiful in the Great Artdoors

    The Bay Area outdoors always shows off big beauty in its parks and gardens, with creative and colorful art exhibits and installations in rotations or permanently in place for people to visit and enjoy. Right now, there are three big deals in the great artdoors here! From giant good trolls in the South Bay to a major sea serpent in the City and two big new additions in the hamlet of Sonoma, here are three to see this fall!

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Trending Stories NorCal

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  1. Barbary Coast Trail medallion hike in San Francisco

    Medallion Walk SF

    The Barbary Coast Trail is a 3.8-mile historical walk and treasure hunt through San Francisco. Be on the lookout for hubcap-sized bronze medallions placed on the city sidewalks with arrows pointing you in the right direction.

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  2. Greater by the Dozen

    This hike is anything but a dime a dozen. The all-new "Golden Gate Dozen Trail" links 12 National Park sites on a spectacular 13-mile journey across San Francisco's coastline.

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  3. Inn-spiration Point!

    For more than a century, people have been hiking or mountain biking to West Point Inn for good reason. Perched at 1,785 feet on the southern slope of Mount Tamalpais, the historic inn has sweeping views from the Marin Headlands to the San Francisco skyline.

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  4. A Thousand Steps to Paradise

    A picture is worth a thousand words, but is a gorgeous beach in Laguna worth a thousand steps? The answer is yes, though the question is moot, because it’s only 223 steep steps down to the 400-yard stretch of sand known as 1000 Steps Beach.

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Trending Stories SoCal

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  1. Roaring Redwoods

    Tucked next to brilliant Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park in Santa Cruz, the folks at Roaring Camp Railroads had a bright idea: When the sun goes down, the rainbow lights come up. Sequoias at Night brings big magic to some of the tallest trees in the world.

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  2. There's Always To Moro!

    Looking for a rock-solid itinerary in Sequoia National Park? Pair the park's most famous viewpoint with one that's often overlooked.

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  3. Rancho Style

    Vicente Bluffs Reserve dazzles anytime, but during the golden hour it’s an absolute knockout. Majestic rocky bluffs, dreamy ocean views, and a picturesque lighthouse are just a few of the reasons.

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  4. 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.

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