All "Relaxing" Stories in Northern CA

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  The Pinot Express

  Some wine flights are just more exciting than others. Add some ho-ho-holy smokes to your next sip and swirl with one of wine country's biggest thrills: zip-lining high above the vi

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  From Gold Rush to Wine Crush

  There's a new rush happening in the beautiful foothills of Amador County, and it's not for gold. Wine is the current cash crop—with deep historic roots in this part of California.

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  Battery Charged

  Some of the Bay Area's best viewpoints are easy to point out: Just find an old military battery, strategically placed all around the Golden Gate. For sunset viewing without the crowds, you need to choose the right battery!

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  Sublime Suisun

  It's the largest tidal marsh on the entire west coast. The Suisun Marsh in Solano County is often overlooked in favor of the Bay Area’s other impressive landscapes, but this divers

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  From C to Sea

  If a sign is high enough on a hill and large enough to be seen by lots of people, there's probably a pretty great view from the top. Take the Big C, a giant yellow letter built in

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  Crown Jewel

  Long walks on the beach, in the East Bay? Indeed. Alameda is your island in the bay with beaches meant for strolling. Crown Memorial Beach is a relaxing stretch of sand that's an i

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  Seal the Deal

  Contrary to popular belief, San Francisco's Pier 39 is not the best place to visit seals and sea lions. Upgrade your mammal encounter with a visit to the Marine Mammal Center (entr

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  Hot Springs Delight

  What to do when the temperature drops? Heat things up! Sierra Hot Springs in Sierraville is just the place. Open 24 hours, the property sits on the edge of a golden meadow and 700

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  Grave Expectations

  San Francisco's Buena Vista Park has big views and a mosaic of trails, including some with marble detailing along the path's edge: those are unclaimed Gold Rush–era tombstones recycled from cemeteries.

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  Spooky Spelunking

  Not all of nature's stunning views come from bagging a peak. Sometimes it's what lies beneath that's more intriguing. Venture below Sequoia National Park's soil and discover an ext

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  Crystal Caving

  Not all stunning vantage points are above the tree line. Sometimes it’s what lies beneath that’s really interesting! Venture below Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park’s soil and

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  Yes Sur!

  A hidden coastal hike in Big Sur, a beautiful beach, and maybe a little wine-tasting afterwards? Sounds like a plan! First, the hike. Big Sur's Garrapata State Park is a coast-hugg

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  Carmel's Calming Effect

  SUNSET: Sunsets in Carmel just go better when paired with its flagship beach (and some wine, which is allowed on the beach!). Carmel Beach (pictured) is a locals' favorite for many

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  Bohemian Laguna

  The cheeky logo for Bohemian Creamery kinda says it all: goats driving an old VW Beetle, with a surfboard in the back. Don't you want to try that cheese! Bohemian Creamery is as li

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  Joie de Vella

  We've got you covered on three of wine country's most important ingredients for an amazing day: wine, cheese, and a hike. Not in that order though. Start with the cheese. Sonoma's 

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  Dunes of Death Valley

  You won't find a body of water here, but you will find big waves … of sand! Bring snacks and a beverage to enjoy at one of the world's premier picnic spots—the Mesquite Flat Sand D

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  Yosemite Sands

  Dip your toes in the refreshing waters of the Merced River at one of the best picnic spots in Yosemite Valley, Cathedral Beach. This day-use area on the western end of the valley d

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  Strolling Stornetta

  Big Sur has some competition. Located along the rugged Mendocino County coastline, the 1,665-acre Point Arena-Stornetta Public Lands is a spectacular place to meander for miles along bluffs overlooking small coves, sea caves, dunes, and clusters of offshore islands.

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  June in September

  Fall may be June's best season. At least, when it comes to lakeside lounging. Set beneath the spiky mountain backdrop of the Ansel Adams Wilderness and looming Carson Mountain, Jun

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  Beach Access Sorta Granted

  There's a secluded and scenic beach on the San Mateo Coast that's been kept under wraps for years. The reason? A homeowner has kept this beach to himself, and the Surfrider Foundat

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