All "Relaxing" Stories in Northern CA

Napa's Wild Side
It’s wine country’s Amazon. The gentle Napa River is an ecological—and recreational—delight. And Napa Valley Paddle sets you up for maximum enjoyment of this experience, including an optional mobile podcast tour for your do-it-yourself adventure.
View
Sponsored
Sea Change
Right in time for the balmy fall days, the crowds have left and Monterey Bay Aquarium is at its shoulder season best. Fewer people means relaxing with more room to roam and enjoy the animals, exhibits, and nearby outdoors for biking, hiking, and beaches.
View
Medallion Walk SF
The Barbary Coast Trail is a 3.8-mile historical walk and treasure hunt through San Francisco. Be on the lookout for hubcap-sized bronze medallions placed on the city sidewalks with arrows pointing you in the right direction.
View
Sponsored
Summer's Must Sea
The newly reopened Monterey Bay Aquarium never misses a “Best of” list—for good reason. The Aquarium’s location right on the shores of Monterey Bay, with waves crashing below the decks, is a mesmerizing experience.
View
Night Light
For over a century Mendocino’s Point Cabrillo Light Station has signaled coast-side danger to passing ships. Time your visit for a spectacular “lightshow” twofer—sunset and the lighthouse’s crowning glory: a 6,800-pound original Chance Brothers classic Fresnel lens producing a flash every 10 seconds.
View
Goddess of the Gardens
It’s what you call a Garden with a View! Mendocino Botanical Gardens is a double-whammy of stunning flora—especially rhododendrons—and coastal views. Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens makes a splash in more ways than just its fantastic flora.
View
Sponsored
Sea You Soon!
After over a year of being closed, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is ready for some quality time with you! A visit to Monterey this time of year is a refreshing coastal escape of beaches and bike paths and beautiful blooms, with a big bonus: The region’s marquee attraction is at the heart of it all.
View
Bird Rock
Other than the Birdman of Alcatraz, Robert Stroud, birds aren’t typically the first thing you think of with Alcatraz. When it was a working prison there wasn’t much bird life. But now? Well, the birds are back!
View
Sponsored
Monterey Bay Aquarium Reopens!
The wildlife has been waiting patiently … and now, at long last, they’re ready for their close-ups! As California reopens make new memories at the reopened Monterey Bay Aquarium!
View
Truckee Riverwalk
A city that has nature running right through it? That’s Reno! The Truckee River flows through the heart of downtown, and the popular and well-maintained Reno Riverwalk makes for a delightful downtown stroll.
View
Walk the Neon Line
Reno’s Neon Line, a new art installation downtown, celebrates two of Reno’s biggest draws: Burning Man and neon lights. Walk part of the dynamic streetscape spanning 20 city blocks and featuring rotating Burning Man art, other sculptures, and bright lights—including historic neon signs.
View
Beer Best
It seems like every city in the West tries to claim best craft beer and spirits status, yet Reno’s quietly done the work behind the scenes to emerge as a true best in brew—from beer to spirits, and innovative mead!
View
Axe on Tap!
Head to Reno Axe, where you can test your skills with the sport of axe throwing. Don’t axe it until you try it! This is not only fun; you may be surprised at how therapeutic it can be—burning off any angst in your work-week bones.
View
Pedal, Poppies, Picnic
Helen Putnam Regional Park punches above her weight. The compact yet bountiful park near Petaluma explodes with wildflowers every spring, in particular the state’s signature California poppy.
View
Lavender Labyrinth
Labyrinths are meditative meanders. Add fragrant organic lavender and you're at Bees N Blooms at the foot of Taylor Mountain near Santa Rosa, experiencing their “ancient pathway of peace” and more.
View
Soothing North Sonoma
Hike among wildflowers and soaring views at North Sonoma Mountain Regional Park, then wine taste at Matanzas Creek where the serene, laid-back outdoor setting is one of the best in wine country.
View
Vineyard Bathing
We know forest bathing, but how about vineyard bathing? Combine forest and vineyard for blissful hiking at Bartholomew Park in Sonoma. The park has a good 3-mile trail and beautiful winery grounds.
View
Sponsored
Outdoor Zen in Sonoma County
Sonoma County’s abundant natural beauty is good for your mind, body, and spirit. From redwoods and rhododendron walks, to yoga in a vineyard, here are five ways to soothe your soul in Sonoma County.
View
Valentine Vista Loop
Hike the 4.3-mile Valentine Vista Trail at Moore Creek Park. It's spectacular for views and poppies blooming in spring.
View
Dune Swoon
Of all the places to catch a sunset in Death Valley, we still think there’s none better than the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, inspiring many things, including log rolls, cartwheels, and sundown selfies.
View