All in Northern CA
Just Add Water!
Who needs a pool to lounge by this summer when you have mother nature! Hike, bike, and just relax by these lakes, rivers, and coastal settings. Verified fresh!
VIEWMountain Hot Springs!
Nature’s answer to happy hour: the mountain hot spring. We’ve scouted out a few to soothe your bones and soak in the views. Hey, hot stuff!
VIEWSummer Refresh
Hit the refresh button, in more ways than one. These water-centric adventures will keep you cool through summer!
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SponsoredReno Tahoe Summer Bucket List
There’s no place quite like it - a perfect intersection where the Truckee River meets the creative enclaves that inspire Burning Man. A landscape with lakes throughout and a downtown that glows with casino resorts, art light exhibits, and an acclaimed food scene.
ViewBay Area's Best Stairway Walks
We all know we should take the stairs. And that's just about the best idea ever when it comes to the Bay Area's great urban hikes ... with stairways! From San Francisco to the South Bay, here are three stairway walks that are simply wander-ful.
VIEWMarquee Mendocino
Whether you want to hit the trails, explore some caves, or just bunk down at your glamp-site, Mendocino has all the right stuff for a romantic getaway, outdoors-style!
VIEWHigh Five Hikes!
Sweeping bay views, stately second-growth redwoods, and poppies on parade: Soak up the last of spring days on any of these three county park hikes in the South Bay … all under 5 miles! Go short and sweet!
VIEWRoll Out the Weekend
Shorts, barbecues, bike rides: Give summer a high-five by hopping on any of these two-wheel adventures around the Bay Area and northern California. From country road rambles (and wine-tasting!) to car-free coastal cruising (and beers!), here are some smooth ways to ride into the long weekend.
VIEWFor Shore!
It's time to shore up your weekend plans. Hike, bike, and beach hop along the San Mateo Coast, where wildflowers, huge Pacific views, and sandy havens will put the spring in your step!
VIEWWine Country Adventures
Great weather, loads of outdoor adventures, amazing wines … and it’s all just 45 minutes from the Golden Gate Bridge. Sonoma Valley is spring loaded for a weekend away. Local la dolce vita!
VIEWWildflower Blockbusters
Bursting onto the scene with more fanfare than the latest blockbuster, wildflowers are starring across the Bay Area and NorCal. Head out for these flower-powered action adventures this spring.
VIEWUpstate Adventure
Have you been to Northern California? We mean wayyy up north. The Redding area is surrounded by mountains, rivers, waterfalls, lakes, bald eagles, and trails galore. This spring, have an upstate of mind!
VIEWGoldplay
Golden Gate Park's meadows, lakes, and lawns make it one of the best place to get your fresh-air fix within urban limits. From lawn bowling to finding the secret Fairy Door, here are some fun ways to explore San Francisco's natural treasure.
VIEWEpic Spring Hikes
Electric green hills, wildflowers and wowing views, reservoirs and babbling brooks: Savor spring’s greatest hits by going long and strong on any of these three East Bay loop hikes, ranging from 6 to 13.5 miles!
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SponsoredReno Tahoe Summer Bucket List
There’s no place quite like it - a perfect intersection where the Truckee River meets the creative enclaves that inspire Burning Man. A landscape with lakes throughout and a downtown that glows with casino resorts, art light exhibits, and an acclaimed food scene.
ViewWildflowers and Waterfalls
Rain plus warm weather is a recipe for wildflowers and waterfalls! Get out there and explore spring's bounty of bright colors and big flows!
VIEWHike, Bike, Beer!
Thirsty for adventure? Sacramento’s rivers and lakes are spring ready, and so are the nearby craft breweries! Go on a hike, bike ride, or get out on the water, then sample some suds! Sacramento's craft brew scene is quickly emerging as one of the best in the nation.
VIEWHikes to Weather the Storm
Atmospheric river, Nor' Easter ... it's okay to hide under the covers, but you can also play misty. Here are three hikes to help you weather the storm.
VIEWBeach Waterfalls!
Beaches, waterfalls, and coastal views: It's a classic combination for a spring weekend in Northern California. H2-OMG!
VIEWLocal Lighthouses
Where can you enjoy some of the most dramatically beautiful coastal views? Light this way! From overnight stays to full moon displays, here are five lighthouses worth a wander.
VIEWSF Stairway Walks
Secret pathways, ocean views, hilltop perspectives, mural and mosaic art—oh yeah—step up to these San Francisco stairways for a change of pace, and scenery!
VIEWBay Area's Best Winter Sunsets
As we head towards daylight savings how do you say goodbye to winter? With a sunset! Here are three Bay Area spots with beautiful views for watching the sun go down on the season.
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Reno Tahoe Summer Bucket List
There’s no place quite like it - a perfect intersection where the Truckee River meets the creative enclaves that inspire Burning Man. A landscape with lakes throughout and a downtown that glows with casino resorts, art light exhibits, and an acclaimed food scene.
Discover Summer in Reno Tahoe
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Stay up to date with our weekly recommendations on where to explore locally in California.
Trending Stories NorCal
View all Stories![Field of Light at Sensorio in Paso Robles]()
Light This Way
Hidden in the bucolic hills of Paso Robles lies one of the greatest light shows on earth. The lighted art exhibition, Sensorio, is as if the rainbow magic of the aurora borealis was plucked from the sky and planted in the fields.
View![Surfboards and tents for shade are set up on the beach at Cull Canyon Regional Recreation Area in the Swim Lagoon Area]()
Switchbacks and Swimming Holes
Hike hard, play hard! This 7-mile out-and-back in Cull Canyon Regional Recreation Area is a great workout with payoff vistas and a relaxing post-hike picnic and dip in the water.
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Hike the Rainbow
Catch all the colors of a rainbow at Calero County Park on this 10-mile hike currently showcasing the season’s best blooms.
ViewPurisima Charisma
Hundred-foot redwoods, a shaded canyon, and views overlooking Half Moon Bay. This 10-mile loop hike in Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve is a roller-coaster of uphill and downhill along with easygoing stretches through some of the Bay Area’s most beautiful landscape.
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Trending Stories SoCal
View all Stories![People on a guided horseback tour with Central Coast Trailrides at Santa Margarita Ranch near Paso Robles]()
Saddle Up with Central Coast Trailrides
Untouched and sweeping, the mountainous scenery and deep valleys of Santa Margarita near Paso Robles are just begging to be explored. So saddle up for a scenic adventure with Central Coast Trailrides (CCT) at the 14,000-acre Santa Margarita Ranch.
View![A woman on a hiking trail with huge open space and yellow flowers around her at Wildwood Park in Thousand Oaks]()
Going Wildwood
Consider this your invitation to get a little untamed. In just one walk through Wildwood Park in Thousand Oaks, you can chase the sound of a cascading waterfall, duck into a shadowy cave, and soak in big hillside vistas. The mostly flat 4.25-mile loop makes wild feel wonderfully accessible.
View![Two people fly fishing on the Truckee River with guides from Reno Fly Shop]()
Zen and the Art of Fly Fishing
Learning to fly fish is one of the most fun and beautiful ways to connect with nature, family, friends, and yourself. It’s also a great way to truly experience the magic of a place. Make that place Reno Tahoe, where a fly fishing adventure with Reno Fly Shop is like being planted in a plein air painting of dreamy outdoors.
View![A woman on the overlook deck overlooking the Truckee River at Oxbow Nature Study Area in Reno]()
This Way to Oxbow and Dickerson Road
Just west of downtown Reno—tucked right alongside the Truckee River—is a nature haven for wildlife spotting and waterside relaxing. The 22-acre Oxbow Nature Study Area is ideal for those seeking solitude and a short hike. Afterwards, explore the creative hub of Dickerson Road.
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