Bay Area's Best Indian Summer Beaches

Don't give up on summer just yet. Hit any of these sandy sanctuaries to make the season last!

Week: 08.30.2017
Regions: Northern CA

Marshall's in Town

Hike to hidden Marshall's Beach in San Francisco

Everyone has a favorite view of the Golden Gate Bridge. And ours? With respect to all the great options, we’ve got to say it’s from San Francisco’s Marshall’s Beach. What makes this tucked-away haven in the Presidio so good? For starters, you’ve gotta hike about half a mile to ge
Read the full story

Take Me Home to Tennessee

Hiking Tennessee Valley in the Marin Headlands

Hiking Tennessee Valley in the Marin Headlands
Tennessee Valley trailhead in the Marin Headlands is rightly popular for its classic coastal scenery and variety of trail options, like this 5.5-mile loop.
Read the full story

Your Trip to Patagonia!

Take a Guided Trip to Patagonia

Patagonia's been on your bucket list forever? Make it the trip of a lifetime by going with the experts in small group adventure travel: Active Adventures! Explore classics and hidden gems by day, sleep in a cozy wilderness lodge or charming town inn at night. Two of Active Advent
Visit our sponsor Active Adventures

Sunset Gone Wilder

Bluff hike at Wilder Ranch State Park in Santa Cruz

So you’re sort of snobby about your sunsets? You like a brilliant technicolor all across the sky as the sun sets on the horizon? Great! Go Wilder! Wilder Ranch State Park’s Old Cove Landing Trail is an easy 3-mile (round-trip) coastal hike in Santa Cruz. And a hike here at sunset
Read the full story

Who's Chicken?

Chicken Ranch Beach in Inverness on Point Reyes National Seashore

Chicken Ranch Beach in Point Reyes
Chicken Ranch Beach isn’t just for the birds. It’s for folks who want to spend a mellow afternoon at a totally swimmable beach on the shore of Tomales Bay in Point Reyes.
Read the full story

Stump for It!

Hiking at Salt Point State Park on the Sonoma Coast

Ready to go wild, then kick back and relax? It’s so easy to do on a beach-to-bluff hike in the lightly visited Salt Point State Park on the Sonoma Coast. Most people do the 1.2-mile (one-way) Salt Point Trail to Stump Beach hike by starting out from Salt Point’s main parking area
Read the full story

Hidden Perles

Hike in to Perles Beach on Angel Island

You're gonna need a boat to get to one of the best beaches in the Bay Area. Fortunately, ferries leave on a regular schedule to the tranquil state park in the middle of the Bay, Angel Island. Most visitors stick to the Ayala Cove barbecue area near the docks. But venture just yon
Read the full story

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Two people walking along the bluff trail at Sea Ranch on the Sonoma Coast overlooking the Pacific Ocean

    Sweet as the Sea

    Rough-and-tumble coastline, twisting Highway 1, open grasslands, hidden beaches, bluff trails, and a rustic lodge for storm watching from indoors—we’re not talking about Big Sur. We’re talking Sea Ranch and its namesake lodge on the Sonoma Coast. Walk its famous bluff-top trail, a cliff-hugging sensation with soaring Pacific scenery.

    View
  2. Sponsored

    The 2025 Hiking Calendar Is Here!

    Ready to make hiking part of your New Year’s wellness plan? Get the all-new 2025 Hiking Calendar courtesy of Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST).

    View
  3. Most Peaceful Hike of All

    Is this the most peaceful one-hour hike in the Bay Area? It's got our vote! Lake Lagunitas is the smallest lake in a series of five found on the north side of Mount Tam, so it’s got that tiny but mighty charm. Do a 1.5-mile loop around the lake's shore-hugging trail.

    View
  4. Woman swimming in Carson Hotsprings natural thermal pool

    Hot Springs, Naturally

    Thermal spring waters are famous for their curative, relaxing elements, and Reno Tahoe is filled with them! Sink into these amazing thermal respites for a wellness super soak.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  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!

    View
  2. Weekend Sherpa Podcast
    Sponsored

    Weekend Sherpa Podcast: Take It Outside

    Adventure for your earbuds. What's new in the world of the outdoors? Listen to Weekend Sherpa co-founders discuss local hikes, beaches, bike rides, camping spots and all kinds of travel and adventure in California and beyond!

    View
  3. Enchanted in Chantry

    Chantry Flat is one of the most popular hiking areas in LA, but the 5.3-mile (round-trip) Hoegees Campground via Upper and Lower Winter Creek Loop Trail proves you can find peace and quiet anywhere, even in busy Los Angeles.

    View
  4. Locals' Feature: Max Smith of Moment Skis

    Meet Max Smith, VP of Moment Skis in Reno, Nevada. Moment is the largest ski manufacturer in the US and you can see how their innovative and artistic skis are made by visiting Moment Skis headquarters in Reno. The Factory is where the magic happens, so drop in for a visit and say hi to the team, including employee dogs who are on quality control.

    View