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  1. Southern CA

    Lake Expectations

    Summer's on and the SoCal lakes are gleaming and beaming. You will be too, if you visit one of these less known lakes, where you can camp, hike, paddle, have a barbecue, or just soak in the calming effects of nature.

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  2. Southern CA

    Jubilant in Julian

    Beat the June gloom, in Julian! While there’s a lot more to the mountain town of Julian, it is popularly known as a premier hiking haven, with very delicious pies. Try any of these hikes around the town, and pair them with some pies, craft brews, cider, and down-to-earth dining with heavenly views.

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  3. Woman hiking down stairs to Perles Beach on Angel Island State Park in the San Francisco Bay Area
    Northern CA

    California State Parks Week

    California State Parks Week (June 14 - 18, 2023) encourages visits California state parks for new experiences, nourishing health and wellness, celebrating community and culture, and caring for our lands. Here are just a few suggestions of places to go.

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  4. Sponsored
    2025-02-26

    Mini Guide to Reno Tahoe’s Lodging and Dining

    So, you’re going to Reno Tahoe for some time in nature, and some time in nurture? Excellent choice. The fun and wonder of Reno Tahoe is the easy part.

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  5. Northern CA

    Ready to Rock

    Rock stars: unique, expressive, and with individual flair. These three Northern California rock stars are no exception—featuring nature-sculpted formations you can admire on a hike or from a beach. Rock, on.

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  6. Southern CA

    Camp, Glamp, Stay, Step Outdoors

    Wanna get away, but not by plane ... here are some drive-worthy destinations where you can camp, glamp, or stay in a hotel (no shame!) and enjoy easy access to adventures right outside your door (or tent flap). 

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  7. Northern CA

    Down by the Water

    This winter's epic rain and snow has rivers and creeks currently flowing like never before. Admire the flow, but do it on land, from a safe distance. Here are three unique places to bike, hike, or camp near the water.

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  8. Southern CA

    Stairway Hikes for Summer

    Step up to summer with these urban stairway strolls with parks, gardens, historic scenery, and beautiful greenery—and some food and drink bonuses.

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  9. Northern CA

    Hike-in to Beach Bliss

    Know what feels good after a hike? Sticking your toes in the sand! Kick off the unofficial start to summer with some beach time ... but not just any beach time... these three beaches are hike-ins, for a bit of extra bliss.

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  10. Southern CA

    Quick Mix

    Hike in to a beach, bike a most bountiful trail, take an urban walk with food stops, and visit an LA Canyon...mix it up for the unofficial start of summer.

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  11. Northern CA

    Redwoods Right Now

    Who’s throwing shade? These big ol’ beautiful redwoods across Northern California. Come for the hiking, stay for the camping. You’ll have it made in the shade.

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  12. Hiker at Lake Hodges in San Diego County
    Southern CA

    Spring H20

    Who's thirsty for an adventure? These lakes and reservoirs beam in spring. And they're refreshing places to hike, bike ride, and camp!

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  13. Northern CA

    Small Parks, Big Views

    These Bay Area parks are not super-sized yet bring super-size scenery including iconic views, barbecues, and beautiful scenery—from lush gardens to the Golden Gate, and an artfully designed mini-golf course!

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  14. Southern CA

    National Parks With Distinction

    California's national parks have some bragging rights! There's one formed by the San Andreas Fault. Another is the world's largest national park site in an urban area. Then there's the national park inhabited by an island fox found nowhere else on earth. And the one with the tallest waterfall in North America. Check it out, then check them out!

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  15. Sponsored
    2025-02-26

    Mini Guide to Reno Tahoe’s Lodging and Dining

    So, you’re going to Reno Tahoe for some time in nature, and some time in nurture? Excellent choice. The fun and wonder of Reno Tahoe is the easy part.

    View
  16. Northern CA

    Garden State

    Guided rhododendron walks, farm-to-trail events, a lavender maze for World Labyrinth Day, things are coming up more than roses! These three botanical gardens have extra bling this spring. --

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  17. Southern CA

    Foodie Adventures

    Some outdoor activities just go better when there’s food involved. And Southern California is filled with fresh and delicious cuisine and treats. Here are three places to go for a most flavorful hiking, biking, or walking adventure.

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  18. Northern CA

    Super Pedals + Petals

    When the wind’s in your hair, a Bay Area spring is in more than the air...it's all over the hills and trails too! Here are some bike rides (or hikes) where the season is showing off its best stuff.

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  19. Southern CA

    Peaking Now in Los Angeles

    With spring peaking, it’s a scenic time to hike some peaks! From a summit less traveled to a dramatic icon, take a peek at these three peak-bagging adventures.

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  20. Northern CA

    Spring for These Summits

    The wildflowers are flowing, the green hills are rolling, and things are looking up! Way up. Head out and up to these three Bay Area summit hikes currently bringing some spring bling!

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  21. Southern CA

    Lookout, L.A.!

    Some things are not to be overlooked, including these beautiful overlooks that look out over some of LA’s most iconic scenery, with hiking trail bonuses to boot!

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  22. Northern CA

    Bloom Shakalaka

    It's raining wildflowers! A benefit of big rains followed by warm weather is gorgeous scenery festooned by flowers. Here are some places currently blossoming with flora, fauna, and fabulous views.

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Trending Stories NorCal

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  1. Golden Mile

    Dubbed the Golden Mile, this car-free stretch of road in Golden Gate Park features rotating art installations of murals, sculptures, and abundant bright yellow Adirondack chairs for kicking back to relax.

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  2. 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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  3. Napa's Art of the Matter

    Downtown Napa uncorks more than just excellent wine. Art has firmly established itself along the walkways and parkways in the area, punctuated by an annual ArtWalk (year-round) and a temporary Lighted Art Festival.

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  4. Hike Artdoors

    Add a little color to your new year. This 3-mile loop through the Montalvo Arts Center mixes the beauty of the natural world with local artists’ creations.

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Trending Stories SoCal

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  1. Animal Encounters

    Located where Redding’s famous Sundial Bridge overlooks the Sacramento River, Turtle Bay Exploration Park is 300 acres of gardens, a museum and playground, aquarium, and unforgettable up-close animal encounters!

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  2. View from Keys View Joshua Tree

    Trio of Trails

    Get into Joshua Tree National Park Park early and hit the classic circuit of short trails before the crowds arrive. We also have some food and overnight recos.

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  3. White Tank Campground for Stargazing

    Heaven for star buffs: the best campground in Joshua Tree National Park for night-sky viewing, in a place named an International Dark Sky Park, with a full-on observatory just minutes away! White Tank Campground is at 3,800 feet in the eastern part of the park.

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  4. Murray Up!

    Palm Springs’ highest summit, Murray Hill, is unfairly named. It’s not a hill: It’s a pyramid-shaped peak poking into the sky above the Coachella Valley. And it’s a demanding 2,200

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