You're on a Boat!

Now is a nice time of year to get out on the lake, and these three oases let you rent a boat and paddle—or pedal—amid tranquil surroundings and the spontaneous delights of nature. Bonus: they all offer some nice on-shore adventures, too. Whatever floats your boat.

Week: 09.03.2025
Regions: Northern CA

Afternoon on the Island

Paddle to an island in the middle of Loch Lomond lake

Picnickers at Clar Innis Island on Loch Lomond in the Santa Cruz Mountains
Two kayaks docked at Clar Innis Island Loch Lomond Santa Cruz Mountains
What is it about tiny islands in the middle of lakes? There’s something that just draws you in. It’s even more fun when getting there is half the adventure because you have to reach it by canoe, kayak, paddleboat, or a ranger-guided boat tour!
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Golden Gate's Blue Heron

Row or pedal-boat around Lake Heron in Golden Gate Park

Golden Gate Park’s Blue Heron Lake is home to birds of many feathers, turtles lounging on rocks, visitors from afar, and locals who love this urban oasis in San Francisco. Try the "Boats and Breakfast" rowboat or pedal boat deal.
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Shore Thing

Pedal, Paddle, or Sail Around Shoreline Lake in the South Bay

Paddle, pedal, or row ... however you like to spend time on the water, Shoreline Lake makes it easy. Rent your craft of choice, then linger over lunch, explore nearby trails, or simply soak in the scenery.
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Let's Go to Paso!

Fall Harvest Getaway to Paso Robles

Paso Robles is a good idea in all seasons, but one season brings a special bounty: harvest season! Road-trip ready and teeming with fall colors and fun events, Paso Robles is the ultimate destination for unique autumn experiences.
Win One of Three Trips to Paso Robles

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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. 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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  3. Greater by the Dozen

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  4. 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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  1. 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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  2. 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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  3. 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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  4. Hike to the Sierra Buttes Fire Lookout in the Lakes Basin

    Lookout for This View!

    Sierra Buttes Lookout, at a lofty 8,591 feet, is a memory maker for its pucker-worthy stairway to the tower’s balcony. It's a 5-mile (round-trip) hike to reach it. And the reward? Epic!

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