State of Play

How many state parks does California have? 279! How many have you explored? Start counting! To celebrate California State Park Foundation’s upcoming Park Advocacy Day, we selected three State Historic Parks well worth a visit.

Week: 04.28.2015
Regions: Northern CA

Best Ghost Town in the West

Bodie State Historic Park Ghost Town

Located in the high desert of the Eastern Sierra, Bodie State Historic Park looks like a Hollywood set for a Western movie. But this isn't Hollywood magic—it's a gold-mining ghost town (with summer ghost tours!) that's as pure Wild West as it gets!
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Water You Waiting For?

OARS Whitewater Adventures on the American

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There are only a few rivers in California that will be whitewater ready throughout the summer. Rafting season is a go on the American River, and O.A.R.S. is the leader when it comes to fun, professionalism, and affordability—not to mention being #1 rated on TripAdvisor. Choose be
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Still Milling After All These Years

Bale Grist Mill and Bothe Napa State Park for History and Camping in the Redwoods

Combine two state parks in Napa to discover a time before grapes, and to enjoy campsites, yurts, and hiking trails where big and bold reds come in the form of the easternmost coastal redwoods in the state.
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To the Fort!

Fort Ross State Historic Park

It's found along one of the most scenic coastal routes in the world and surrounded by some of California's most iconic beauty—panoramic coves, redwoods, beach after glorious beach. Fort Ross State Historic Park, just north of Jenner, couldn't be in a better location—and that's li
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Trending Stories NorCal

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  1. Sunnyvale and Salty

    For up-close bird watching, it’s hard to beat a walk along the San Francisco Bay. This 5-mile loop on the Sunnyvale coast is a favorite of local wildlife photographers.

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  2. A man takes a break at a temple spot on a hike at Dragon Mountain in Milptas

    Dragon Quest

    The newly reopened, 4-mile out-and-back hike at Dragon Mountain in Milpitas mixes the physical with the spiritual for a serene hiking experience.

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  3. Mike Zakowski (aka Mike the Baker) standing in front of his wood-fire oven at the Sonoma Valley Farmers' Market

    NEW! Walkin' and Talkin': Break Bread, Go On a Panoramic Hike

    What’s a world-traveling, medal-winning baker’s favorite local hike? Weekend Sherpa co-founder Brad Day caught up with Mike Zakowski (aka Mike the Baker) at Sonoma’s Friday farmers' market, where his wood-fired loaves draw loyal crowds. Between bites of fresh-baked bread, they talk baking, travel, and why Sonoma's Overlook Trail is one of his favorite quick, panoramic hikes.

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  4. Hidden Botanical Garden

    Forget a dozen roses. Give your love a botanical garden. Hidden on the western slope of Sonoma Valley’s Mayacamas Mountains, Sonoma Botanical Garden has one of the Bay Area’s best displays of Asian flora—and it’s a brilliant place for a quiet picnic and some calming contemplations.

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Trending Stories SoCal

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  1. People on ice learning to curl at Hollywood Curling

    You Go, Curl!

    Hollywood Curling’s Learn to Curl classes make the perfect setting for newcomers. Take the ice, and friendly curling instructors will teach you the basics.

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  2. Sponsored

    Warm Up to Winter in Reno Tahoe

    2026 is just getting started, but there’s one place already rising to the top as the best for adventure and relaxation: Reno Tahoe. The awe—and ahhhs—begin as soon as you arrive. G

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  3. Fall for These Falls

    Chase waterfalls in Redding’s Whiskeytown National Recreation Area. This 42,000 acres of wilderness park is home to four waterfalls. Hike to the tallest, the three-tiered, 220-foot Whiskeytown Falls.

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  4. Oh Snow Nice

    Live in California long enough, and you’ll come to know the rite of passage called “going to the snow”–when we ditch our fair-weather cities and towns in search of winter weather. Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks deliver a winter wonderland worth a visit if there’s been a good dose of snow.

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