Hairy Not Scary

Spiders don't have to send a tingle down your spine. Tarantulas—generally harmless—come out and about in fall, as the males leave their burrows in search of mates. Here are three beautiful hikes where you might get lucky and see them this fall.

Week: 10.29.2025

Regions: Northern CA

Tarantulas at Twilight

Hike or Bike at Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve in the South Bay

Peninsula & South Bay

Woman sitting on a bench overlooking scenery at Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve

Woman sitting on a bench overlooking scenery at Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve

Man hiking a trail at Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve

Embrace the best of the season with big sunset views, up-close tarantula sightings, and a 5-mile (round-trip) hike in Sierra Vista Open Space.

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Redding Lights and Silent Nights

Holiday Getaway to Redding

Greater California

Overnight Escapes, Hikes

Give your holiday events calendar a major glow up this winter in California’s sunniest city. Redding is a revelation: Surrounded by iconic scenery like Mount Shasta, Lassen Volcanic National Park, and Whiskeytown National Recreation Area.

Choose Redding for Your Holiday Getaway

Tombstones and Tarantulas

Visit Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve in the East Bay

Forget black cats; a randy tarantula crossing your path can really get your heart racing. So can spirits in a cemetery! Visit Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve and learn about these misunderstood spiders, plus pay a visit to the Rose Hill Cemetery, where ghosts are said to exist.

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Devilishly Hairy

Hike the northern slopes of Mount Diablo to see tarantulas in fall

Mount Diablo is a devilish name but it’s home to some hairy spiders that don’t need to send a chill down your spine. Tarantulas come out and about in fall, as the males leave their burrows in search of mates. One of the best places to see them is on the northern slopes of Mount Diablo.

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Secret Beach
A hidden beach and a killer view? Those are hard to come by, but that’s exactly what you’ll get at Perles Beach on Angel Island. Bike or hike to this beautiful pocket cove.
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Peak at the Flowers
Terrific views and vibrant hues define this 4.8-mile out-and-back journey on Mount Diablo.
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Mellow in the Marsh
Beach, birds, ice plant popping purple flowers: That’s a hiking slam dunk! Hike about 2 miles at Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve using their easy to navigate (well-signed) Sequoia Audubon Trail.
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Baylands Bird & Art Loop
Combine an outdoor art walk and wildlife sightings at the Baylands Nature Preserve in Palo Alto. This 5-mile loop through Byxbee Park and the Emily Renzel Wetlands features striking installations by artists Peter Richards and Michael Oppenheimer—where the landscape itself becomes part of the canvas.
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No Limits Family Trip: Reno Tahoe
What if your next family getaway didn’t come with a set agenda—just the freedom to go where the day takes you? Find yourselves in Reno Tahoe, a land of no limits and plenty of outdoor bounty.
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Tree Town
Home to an estimated 21,000 trees and 100 acres of parkland, South Pasadena has earned its nickname: the City of Trees. This 2.5-mile neighborhood walk lets you experience its leafy canopy up close, winding through charming streets and three of the city’s beloved parks.
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Fountain to the Falls
There are three ways to reach the lovely Monrovia Canyon Falls, but only one of them is worthy of being named a good challenge, with a lovely old town stroll included.
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A Better Way to Baldwin
The Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook in Culver City is one of West L.A.’s most popular hiking spots, but most visitors miss the bigger picture. This 3.5-mile out-and-back along a section of the Park to Playa Trail offers a fuller experience of this gorgeous nature park with sweeping urban views and a few artistic surprises along the way.
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