All in Northern CA

  1. Hikes Outside the Box

    Getting outside this long weekend? As in, outside the Bay Area? From a swim hole in Tahoe and a hike-in campsite in Mendocino to a calming coastal trail in Carmel, here are some top hikes outside the Bay Area but still within our great golden state!

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  2. Hidden Beaches

    Looking for some off-the-radar beach time? We’ve rounded up three hidden favorites across the North Bay. Bonus: Two are dog-friendly. Beach you to it!

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  3. Peninsula Pleasures

    Hike under the redwoods, bike ride by the sea, lounge in the soft sands of a hidden beach … the pleasures just keep on keeping on when you fill your weekend with the beauty of the San Mateo Coast.

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  4. woman hiking Mt Tam east peak
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    Marquee Marin

    There may be no better place to find the best in coastal outdoors than the Marin Headlands. Bluff-side hiking trails, beautiful sandy beaches, big Pacific views, an iconic lighthouse, and unique lore in the area’s historic batteries are all part of the action here.

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  5. Sleeping Under the Stars

    Slept under the stars lately? It’s a summer rite of passage! And backpacking makes it all the more fun. From beginner-friendly short and sweet overnights to a multi-day epic trek that’s a classic, here are three ways to see the stars before summer says goodbye.

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  6. Find Your Quiet Hike

    Summer's a bustling time in the Bay Area, but you can still find trails with a quieter vibe. From redwood groves to sunset views, lakes, and panoramas, here are some hikes that see fewer folks and abundant beauty.

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  7. Beer Adventures

    Bottoms up, beer drinkers! Napa, Berkeley, and San Francisco are on a roll with new craft breweries located close to car-free bike trails offering pure pedaling pleasure.

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  8. Yoga With Goats and Other Wild Ideas

    You like wild ideas? Then goat wild, you won't egret it! From farm yoga with baby goats in Half Moon Bay to spying tule elk on a classic coastal hike, or biking among egrets in the East Bay, here are some terrific ways to stretch your legs and your sense of wonder.

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  9. Waterhole Hikes

    Nature's answer to the water park? Waterholes! Beat the heat on these hikes with a refreshing bonus: from dipping your toes, getting mist on your face, or going all in!

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  10. Dog Days of Summer

    Got a dog riding shot gun? Atta boy, or girl! From beaches to hikes and even canoeing, these Northern CA adventures will get everybody’s tail wagging.

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  11. 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!

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  12. Mountain 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!

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  13. Summer Refresh

    Hit the refresh button, in more ways than one. These water-centric adventures will keep you cool through summer!

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  14. Bay 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.

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  15. woman hiking Mt Tam east peak
    Sponsored

    Marquee Marin

    There may be no better place to find the best in coastal outdoors than the Marin Headlands. Bluff-side hiking trails, beautiful sandy beaches, big Pacific views, an iconic lighthouse, and unique lore in the area’s historic batteries are all part of the action here.

    View
  16. Marquee 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!

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  17. High 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!

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  18. Roll 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.

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  19. For 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!

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  20. Wine 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!

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  21. Wildflower 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.

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  22. Upstate 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!

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A Hiker looking over a mountain range

Your Inbox to the Outdoors

Stay up to date with our weekly recommendations on where to explore locally in California.

Trending Stories NorCal

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  1. Walk on the Wise Side

    A wise man once said, “Walk it off.” And San Francisco has just the place for a colorful walk via a 2.7-mile loop along Philosopher’s Way Trail in the 318-acre John McLaren Park (S

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  2. Hiker on the SCA trail in Marin Headlands with view of the Golden Gate Bridge

    Headlands Over Heels

    People come from all over the world to get a glimpse of the Golden Gate Bridge. Get a dramatic and novel view of the bridge without all the people on this moderate 6-mile hike in the Marin Headlands.

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  3. Greater by the Dozen

    This hike is anything but a dime a dozen. The all-new "Golden Gate Dozen Trail" links 12 National Park sites on a spectacular 13-mile journey across San Francisco's coastline.

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Trending Stories SoCal

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  1. Can We Get a Whoop Whoop!

    City, mountain, and ocean views all in one hike? Whoop whoop! It’s no surprise the the Kenter Fire Road and Whoop-de-Doos Trail (a combo of fire road and singletrack) is a favorite among local mountain bikers and hikers alike.

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  2. The Big Chill

    In LA, finding a place to chill can be the ultimate flex. So flex, in Franklin Canyon! This unexpected oasis has plenty of shade, cool lake breezes, and ample picnicking spots. Enjoy it on an easy-going 1-mile stroll along its reservoir and duck pond.

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  3. Holcomb We Haven't Camped Here?

    Holcomb Valley Campground in the San Bernardino National Forest has 19 pine-shaded sites, all of them first-come, first-served.

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