All "Relaxing" Stories in Northern CA
SponsoredGrants Your Wish
Enchanted Forest, Cathedral Hills, the Lavender Trail, Supernatural Chocolates … sounds like storybook material, but it comes to life in Southern Oregon’s beautiful Grants Pass.
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You Know Kehoe?
Hiking with your dog in a national park? Almost unheard of! But Point Reyes National Seashore has an easy and short hiking trail to a stunning beach that’s dog-friendly on its north side. Kehoe Beach is a beautiful place to hang out even if you don ’t have a dog.
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Can't Top This
San Francisco’s Presidio was already a fantastic place to hang out for the afternoon, a beautiful site within the largest urban national park in the United States (the Golden Gate National Recreation Area). And Presidio Tunnel Tops is like a cherry on top. Make that two cherries on top, with the newly opened (July 2025) Outpost Meadow, a 1.5-acre green space located at Old Mason Street across from the Crissy Field Marsh in the Presidio.
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Make It McInnis
The old adage that good things come in small packages fits well when you visit San Rafael’s 450-acre McInnis Park. Mini-golf, tennis courts (for pickleball, of course!), and a stellar skate park all feature into the activities here.
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SponsoredSea It All This Spring!
Go deeper on your next adventure! Monterey Bay Aquarium allows you to go Into the Deep. Be mesmerized by the flashy, iridescent, and adorable creatures in the ever-evolving, fully bilingual exhibit
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Bikes, Birds, and Beautiful Blossoms
This 8-mile out-and-back bike ride or walk on the Los Gatos Creek Trail offers the best highlights of the season; wildflowers, busy birds, and sunny picnic spots.
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SponsoredSpring for a New Adventure
North Lake Tahoe is having a spring for the ages, with historic snow levels. This season has always been special: There are great mid-week deals, and this year the snow is going to stick around for a while—skiing until July! Make a week of it!
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SponsoredTop Dog Destination
Redding is a pawsitively ideal destination for you and your four-legged pal. Surrounded by Shasta and Lassen and mountainous Whiskeytown, with year-round sunny days and the gleaming Sacramento River running right through it, Redding is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream.
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Marvelous Mar Vista
Demurely located on the southern Mendocino Coast, Mar Vista Farm and Cottages charms you from check-in. Roll up to 11 beautifully appointed private cottages, complete with kitchens and farmhouse decor. The sprawling u-pick veggie garden and outdoor redwood soaking tub are calling your name.
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Waterfalls and Wine Pours
Cooler temps, green hills, and the return of our magnificent waterfalls! This family-friendly 2-mile hike at Uvas Canyon County Park in Morgan Hill is a great way to get the most out of a short hike post-rain.
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SponsoredBest in Snow
There’s snow better destination for outdoor fun and events. Plumas County is a northern Sierra Nevada dreamland, with vast outdoor spaces, places, and races! Snowshoe Lassen Volcanic National Park, downhill ski at charming Coppervale Resort, and have a blast at the quirky Longboard Races.
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SponsoredThe Holiday Spirit of San Ramon
From a holiday ice rink and mistletoe hikes to outdoor fire pits for cozy winter nights, here’s your San Ramon holiday getaway guide
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SponsoredBest of Shasta
When you book just a two-night stay in Redding, you’ll get complimentary tickets to Lake Shasta Caverns National Natural Landmark
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Fir Sure
The Garlock family is Christmas tree royalty in Sebastopol, and their Reindeer Ridge Christmas Tree Farm is legendary: 7 acres of Douglas firs, Monterey pines, Scotch pines, and plenty more.
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Wine O'Clock
You’ll find no attitude, no fuss, and no wine tasting fee when visiting some of the down-to-earth wineries just outside Redding. Take Dakaro Cellars, beautifully set amid the Shasta Cascade countryside with charming deck and grounds for tasting.
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SponsoredHidden Gems of San Ramon
Slow down, get rejuvenated, and find some cheer (make that “cheers!”) in San Ramon.
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SponsoredUnexpected Hiking Vacation
Ready for a local hiking vacation—one that’s unexpected, hassle-free, and comes with bonuses like spas and delicious nearby dining?
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SponsoredSecrets of San Ramon
Sometimes the best secrets are right under your nose, or at least where you might not be looking! San Ramon is close enough to travel without hassle yet takes you far from the daily grind.
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Eat, Sleep, Beach, Repeat
If you’re looking for one of those ultra-relaxing getaways where you can sit back and soak in some nature and nurture, head to Mendocino and follow this eat, beach, sleep, repeat itinerary ...
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Historic Hidden Gem
Smack in the middle of Monterey, and featuring a phenomenal view of the bay and the harbor, Lower Presidio Historic Park is truly an undiscovered gem. In fact, some historians have called it “the most historically significant site on the West Coast of America.”
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Warm Up to Winter in Reno Tahoe
Winter's Best Activities in Reno Tahoe
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