All Stories from North Bay

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  Muir Woods Night Tour

  Thousands of people flock to Muir Woods every year, yet only a few see it at night, when this beloved park is experienced in a whole new light. The Muir Woods Night Tour happens on the last Friday of every month through October.

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  The Shack is Back!

  Point Reyes is full of hidden hideaways, including the unassuming boat shack at Nick’s Cove. Quietly perched at the end of a public pier overlooking Tomales Bay, the shack is a coastal landmark. It's well worth a visit!

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  Eat, Explore, Repeat: Point Reyes Station

  It’s small and laid-back, but Point Reyes Station is a standout gateway to Point Reyes National Seashore. Fresh food, cool culture, and an unfussy vibe are part of the draw.

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  Cheers to Chimney

  If you’re looking for all that Point Reyes has to offer in spring, Chimney Rock is the place to be. The 1.75-mile (round-trip) hike to Chimney may be short, but it packs a visual punch, quadrupling the viewing thrills during spring.

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  Bright Point of View

  Here's a way to brighten your day: Head to Point Reyes Lighthouse. Originally constructed in 1870 to help warn mariners of the navigational hazard that we now call Point Reyes, the lighthouse was handed over to the National Park Service after serving for 105 years.

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  True Star Power

  Here's a truly enlightening way to spend an evening: head to Robert Ferguson Observatory in Sugarloaf Ridge State Park for a "star party." At dusk, the observatory opens, giving the public access to celestial viewing via three powerful telescopes.

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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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  Good Heavens

  The 4-mile hike to the top of Angel Island offers Bay-mazing scenery. Some people claim you get a five-bridge view: Richmond-San Rafael, Bay, Golden Gate, San Mateo-Hayward, and Dumbarton bridges.

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  Cycle the Scenery & Historic Sites

  A bike ride is a fantastic way to take in the 360-degree panoramas you get on Angel Island. Perimeter Road is a car-free route that circumnavigates the island, allowing for plenty of scenic and historic stops.

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  H is for Hawk Hill

  After a nearly year-long closure, Hawk Hill in the legendary Marin Headlands recently emerged with a glow-up. Thank the hearty TLC from the National Park Service. This Golden Gate National Recreation Area gem now has a new trail along with revamped spaces for taking in timeless, grand views.

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  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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  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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  Let’s Go to a Museum, Charlie Brown

  He may have been defined as a "lovable loser," but Charlie Brown wins the day at the Charles M. Schulz Museum in Santa Rosa. The museum and surrounding gardens are an outstanding homage to the life and work of Schulz, creator of the angst-filled yet funny comic strip, Peanuts. The museum has the world’s largest collections of original Peanuts comic strips.

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  Screaming Good Garden

  Combine a classic scary movie backdrop and life-size elephant garden sculptures in beautiful downtown Sonoma.

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  Sweet and Salty

  Located on Highway 1 about 18 miles north of Jenner, Salt Point State Park is wild, scenic, and one of the most beautiful places to do some classic coastal camping.

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  Serene Las Gallinas

  A serene stroll alongside marshland, passing ponds and grasses frilled in seasonal wildflowers, with Mount Tam a beacon in the background … how nice. As part of the esteemed Bay Trail, San Rafael’s Las Gallinas Valley Birding Loop and Wildlife Ponds comprises about 3.5 miles of wide-open trail.

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  Mile-Long Cataract Club

  In winter after heavy rains, the north flank of Mount Tam glows with flows. The nearly mile-long series of waterfalls—Cataract Falls—transforms into a supercharged spectacle. Starting at Alpine Dam, a 1.6 mile (one-way) narrow trails threads through redwoods and ferns along Cataract Creek.

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  Napa's Art of the Matter

  Downtown Napa uncorks more than just excellent wine. Art has firmly established itself along the walkways and parkways in the area, punctuated by an annual ArtWalk (year-round) and a temporary Lighted Art Festival.

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  Golden Oldie Has New News

  If at any point in 2025 you find yourself wanting to head for the hills, make a break for Tiburon’s Old St. Hilary’s Open Space Preserve. Recently expanded with the newly announced protection of Tiburon Ridge, the trails here gift great views to re-inspire you!

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  Tamtastic Sunset

  Sure, the East Peak of Mount Tam is absolutely spectacular at sunset, but some magic-hour enthusiasts are onto a fresh perspective in getting a little more personal space for their panoramic viewings.

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