Wild Wonders of California

Desert, forest, city, coast—four of the Golden State’s most wild, dynamic, and resilient ecosystems—are featured in California: State of Nature, a new exhibition at the California Academy of Sciences. We’re sharing some of the best places for outdoor adventures in these ecosystems, and providing a peek inside the exhibition. Plus enter for a complimentary 2-Night Getaway on California’s “secret coast" and 4 tickets to the CA Academy of Sciences!

Week: 07.24.2024
Regions: Northern & Southern CA

CA's Wild Coast National Park

Kayak the caves at Channel Islands National Park

Its nickname is “North America’s Galapagos." Channel Islands National Park comprises five distinct and isolated islands separated from the mainland by 25 miles of open ocean. The park is home to more than 2,000 terrestrial plants and animals, of which 145 are found nowhere else in the world. At the largest of the islands, Santa Cruz, embark on a guided sea kayaking exploration among the caves of the island.
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Enter for a 2-Night Getaway on California's "Secret Coast"

Enter for 2 Night Getaway On the Mendocino Coast Plus 4 Tickets to the California Academy of Sciences

Enjoy the ultimate coastal experience with a complimentary 2-night stay at Mar Vista Farm + Cottages on the Mendocino Coast. Plus get 4 tickets to visit the California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park. 
Enter for a 2-night Getaway!

Forest for the Trees

See the World's Tallest Treest in Humboldt County at Redwood National Park

The world’s tallest trees can be seen in only one place: California. Specifically, Humboldt County in the far reaches of northern California. The county is a boon of rugged coastal beauty, wildlife like Roosevelt elk, canyons frilled by dewy ferns and trickling waterfalls, and yes—the tallest trees on the planet. The marquee hike for seeing the trees is at Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park (located within Redwood National Park).
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This Urban Spot Is Tops

Explore and Enjoy Presidio Tunnel Tops in San Francisco

Once an old military command post, today the Presidio in San Francisco is the largest urban national park in the United States. It’s also home to the relatively new Presidio Tunnel Tops a park built on top of Presidio Parkway tunnels. Not only does this offer a corridor for animals and plants to thrive in, it’s also a great community space for humans.
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Desert Dreams are Made of These CA National Parks

Best of Joshua Tree and Death Valley National Parks

Desert dreams are made of these two California national parks. Joshua Tree and Death Valley are both marvels for their natural formations, high ranking dark sky status, beautiful and unique blooms, and variety of animal life. Here are some of the best hikes to do in these parks.
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Trending Stories NorCal

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  1. 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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  2. Keough's Hot Springs

    Soaking Up History

    When you slide into the soothing water of Keough’s Hot Springs, you’re bathing in a piece of Owens Valley history.

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  3. woman hiking Buck Gulch Falls Novato

    Buck Wild!

    Tucked back beyond the residential ranch-style homes and golf courses of Novato in the North Bay is a wild and wondrous 30-foot waterfall that springs to life in the rainy season. Buck Gulch Falls in Novato’s Ignacio Valley Preserve is in peak flow right now, and it’s a short and Middle-earthy hike to reach it.

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  4. Grover Hot Springs

    State Park Soaker

    Set in an alpine meadow at 6,000 feet and surrounded by the 10,000-foot granite peaks of the Sierra, Grover Hot Springs State Park—just outside the town of Markleeville—has its very own hot springs.

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Trending Stories SoCal

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  1. A woman stands at Dante's View in Death Valley, looking out to Telescope Peak and Manly Lake, Badwater Basin below.

    Sunset Hike at Dante's View

    It’s one of the world’s best places to watch a sunset. Dante’s View is a 5,476-foot vantage of the whole southern basin of Death Valley from the top of the Black Mountains. Right now there's a banner and bonus view of a rare lake formation that appears only after big rains.

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  2. Hot, Wet, and Wild!

    At Wild Willy’s Hot Springs, you can soak up a primeval landscape that’s amazingly close to Mammoth Lakes and Highway 395—it just feels a few geological epochs away.

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  3. It's a Waterfall Life

    Tahquitz Canyon’s crystalline stream and lush stands of desert lavender, honey mesquite, and leafy sycamores is home to an easy day hike with a big bonus: a 60-foot waterfall that runs with remarkable gusto after winter rains.

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  4. Redding Ironman Whiskeytown lake
    Sponsored

    New Year, New Goal: IRONMAN 70.3 Northern California

    2026 is off and running! And swimming. And biking. Don't get left behind! Commit to one of the upcoming year’s most exciting endurance events—IRONMAN 70.3 Northern California in Redding.

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