All "Relaxing" Stories in Northern CA

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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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  Swing on Up

  We know of a hidden playground. The catch: You have to hike to it, and there's just one swing. Relive your recess days, gently swaying back and forth under a eucalyptus tree while

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  Beach Rambler

  So you're in the mood for a long walk on the beach. Get an early start and get to Stinson Beach. Larger than Muir Beach and less rocky than Bolinas Beach, this Bay Area staple of p

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  Mile Rock Club

  Solitude in San Francisco is a just a Mile Rock away. This small and secluded cove tucked beneath wild and beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean, the Marin Headlands, and the Golden

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  Point of Contemplation

  Guiding mariners around the craggy cliffs of the Pacific since 1872, Pigeon Point Lighthouse in Pescadero has been preserved by the California State Park system. Also very much ali

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  Let's Catch Brunch

  Ready to upgrade your next brunch outing? Rather than standing in line for hours at the latest cool place, go to a cool picnic on the pier, where you'll catch your own meal, and si

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  Point Reyes Buzz

  Next time you want to go to wine country, head for Point Reyes Station. It's home to Heidrun Meadery, a sweet secret worthy of some buzz. Heidrun is a master of "honey wine" (aka m

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  Goat Love

  What happens when 200 alpine goats get plenty of TLC on 9 acres of coastal pasture? Goat milk cheese so good it's won two world medals, not to mention over 30 national ribbons from

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  Victoria Lap

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  Victoria Lap

  Known as North America's most English city, Victoria is so much more than high tea and crumpets. This energetic and stylish seaside city on Vancouver Island is home to the globally

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  Go Ghostbust!

  Located in the high desert of the Eastern Sierra, Bodie State Historic Park looks like a Hollywood set for a Western movie. But this isn't Hollywood magic—it's a gold-mining ghost

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  Crown Jewel

  Glendale is known as the Jewel City, and why not? Its Deukmejian Wilderness Park—nestled in the San Gabriel foothills—is a gem. During the 2009 Station Fire, a back burn was starte

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  Simply Tasty!

  Anderson Valley's land of pinot noir has an outstanding reputation for premium wines, and yes, it's the good stuff. From family-run vineyards that are low-key to slightly fancier o

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