All Stories from North Bay

Steps, Sand, Sea, Sunset
Black Sands is a remote mile-long stretch of shore in the Marin Headlands. The secluded oasis has a lot to see. Rocky coastline, thrashing waves, nudists, fishermen, nudist fisherm
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Slice of Sonoma
You’re in Sonoma, feeling pretty good—now you want to enjoy a short hike to take in the views of the valley. Where to go? The answer is just north of Sonoma’s historic plaza. The 1-mile (one-way) Overlook Trail is a local favorite for good reasons.
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Bodega Bay Gourmet
Tiny Bodega Head in beautiful Bodega Bay has long lured visitors to its dramatic cliff-above-ocean setting and excellent vantages for spotting migrating gray whales. But visit on a
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Dreamy Drake
Drake’s Estero is smack in the middle of Point Reyes. Take a sweet hike with savory surroundings all the way out to Sunset Beach.
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Point the Way
Perched on a remote promontory 124 feet above the ocean, with its dramatic setting and expansive views, Point Bonita Lighthouse lures day-visitors throughout the year. But on full-
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Sealed with a Kiss
Where do seals and sea lions go when they’re not feeling well? They head to rehab in the Marin Headlands at the world-renowned nonprofit Marine Mammal Center. The center is conveniently located just above Rodeo Beach (and right by one of the North Bay's best coastal hiking trails).
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Return from the Wildfires
Last October one of the worst wildfires in California’s history ripped through Sonoma and Napa Valley, burning some of the area’s precious open space and state and regional parks.
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Point Bonita Night Light
Perched on a remote promontory 124 feet above the ocean, with its dramatic setting and expansive views, Point Bonita Lighthouse lures day-visitors throughout the year. But on full-
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Napa's Smoothest Vintage
Napa with no cars? That’s not the wine talking! It’s Stanly Lane in Napa’s Carneros region. Part of the Bay Trail and tucked just off the intersection of Highway 121, Stanly Lane is a paved oasis of solitude and wine country beauty. It also leads to a winery. Bring a bike or plan to hike.
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Go, Tell It on the Mountain
{NOTE: Due to atmospheric rivers that can come this time of year, always be sure to check ahead for trail closures and hazards. And of course, wait for better weather and drier con
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Mark's the Spot
This holiday season, don’t go to just any old Christmas tree lot—go to Mark’s Tree Lot in Santa Rosa. Easily located right off Highway 12 near the 101 interchange, Mark’s is filled
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Taylor Made Hike
Hiking during the holiday season is a great way to gain a little perspective … or a big perspective, if you decide to hike at Taylor Mountain Regional Park and Open Space Preserve,
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Drinking Wine Helps!
Sipping excellent wine while gazing out at rolling vineyards, fields of lavender in the foreground … yep, we’re ready to help wine country! Matanzas Creek Winery near Santa Rosa ha
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This Spud's For You!
Feeling crabby? You’re not the only one. Dungeness crab season is scheduled to open in Sonoma County. Combine some casual seafood dining with a gorgeous coastal hike. Work up your
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Take Me Home to Tennessee
Tennessee Valley trailhead in the Marin Headlands is rightly popular for its classic coastal scenery and variety of trail options, like this 5.5-mile loop.
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Gimme Shelter
People talk about location, location, location for real estate. And the same is true for camping, er “glamping.” Newly opened in 2016, Terra Glamping on the Sonoma Coast has a loca
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Seaing is Believing
The best way to truly experience Sea Ranch on the northern Sonoma Coast is to walk its famous coastline, a cliff-hugging sensation with pocket beaches, wildlife sightings, and soar
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Stump for It!
Ready to go wild, then kick back and relax? It’s so easy to do on a beach-to-bluff hike in the lightly visited Salt Point State Park on the Sonoma Coast. Most people do the 1.2-mil
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Leap Frog!
So the whole family’s visiting and Muir Woods is full? Good thing it has a doppelganger! Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve near Sonoma County’s Russian River is an 805-acre
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Tamorama!
Wide-open coastal views, wildflowers, and a waterfall—get spring-loaded on a 6.5-mile (round-trip) hike that links together Mount Tam's Matt Davis, Bolinas Ridge, and Cataract trails.
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