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!

Week: 10.08.2025
Regions: Northern CA

Golden Mile

See the Artwork On the Golden Mile at Golden Gate Park

San Francisco
Dog Friendly, Bike Rides, Relaxing, Hikes
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. See Naga, the recent new addition here, an impressive sea serpent art installation at Golden Gate Park's Rainbow
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Fall Coastal Hikes Guide

POST's Guide to the Best Coastal Walks

Peninsula & South Bay
Hikes
Sponsored
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.
POST's Coastal Hiking Guide

Good Trolls

See the Trolls art exhibit in Woodside at Historic Filoli Gardens

Peninsula & South Bay
At the intersection of art, nature, and history is Filoli in Woodside. Walk the historic gardens and mansion area, enjoy a half-mile redwoods hike, and visit with the new trolls, as in the TROLLS: Save the Humans art exhibit.
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Screaming Good Garden

Screaming Good Garden

North Bay
Combine a classic scary movie backdrop and life-size elephant garden sculptures in beautiful downtown Sonoma.
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A Hiker looking over a mountain range

Your Inbox to the Outdoors

Stay up to date with our weekly recommendations on where to explore locally in California.

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  1. Walk on the Wise Side

    A wise man once said, “Walk it off.” And San Francisco has just the place for a colorful walk via a 2.7-mile loop along Philosopher’s Way Trail in the 318-acre John McLaren Park (S

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  2. Hiker on the SCA trail in Marin Headlands with view of the Golden Gate Bridge

    Headlands Over Heels

    People come from all over the world to get a glimpse of the Golden Gate Bridge. Get a dramatic and novel view of the bridge without all the people on this moderate 6-mile hike in the Marin Headlands.

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  3. woman hiking Mt Tam east peak
    Sponsored

    Marquee Marin

    There may be no better place to find the best in coastal outdoors than the Marin Headlands. Bluff-side hiking trails, beautiful sandy beaches, big Pacific views, an iconic lighthouse, and unique lore in the area’s historic batteries are all part of the action here.

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  1. Woman hiking the San Onofre Bluffs Loop Trail to San Onofre State Beach in San Diego County

    Bluffing Good!

    Lovely coastline, beautiful beaches, unique geological history, and picturesque sandstone cliffs with limited foot traffic in San Diego County? Head to San Onofre State Beach and the 5-mile San Onofre Bluffs Loop Trail.

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  2. Can We Get a Whoop Whoop!

    City, mountain, and ocean views all in one hike? Whoop whoop! It’s no surprise the the Kenter Fire Road and Whoop-de-Doos Trail (a combo of fire road and singletrack) is a favorite among local mountain bikers and hikers alike.

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  3. The Big Chill

    In LA, finding a place to chill can be the ultimate flex. So flex, in Franklin Canyon! This unexpected oasis has plenty of shade, cool lake breezes, and ample picnicking spots. Enjoy it on an easy-going 1-mile stroll along its reservoir and duck pond.

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