All in Northern CA

  1. Redwoods to Wildflowers

    Mid-summer break: Stop and smell the flowers, see the forest for the trees. These three hikes feature some of the Bay Area’s most iconic flora—from redwoods to roses, even some summer wildflowers ... with beautiful vistas too!

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  2. Where to Camp in CA: Part 2

    It's not easy getting the good stuff for camping, but with some planning ahead, or some luck with first come, first serves, it can be a magical experience. Here's our recommendations on where to sleep under the stars, and near the water, in California.

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  3. 4th Shore!

    Happy 4th! Mother Nature sure cranked the heat for this one. So your best bet might be to head for the shore … here are a few WS favorite coastal excursions.

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  4. Sponsored
    2025-09-17

    Fall for It All in Reno Tahoe

    The best kind of getaway? Less time on logistics, more time on memory-making. Jackpot! You’ve got Reno Tahoe.

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  5. Woman taking a photo on a bike path

    Waterside Rides

    Waterside bike rides come in all types thanks to Northern California’s dynamic environments. From a bike-in beach to bike rides by beautiful Bair Island and iconic Golden Gate views, here are three ways to pedal down by the bay, the sea, or the slough!

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  6. Waterfall Summer Hikes

    Some waterfall hikes are still spectacles even in early summer, especially after a snow-packing winter. From less known waterworks in the far reaches of both Yosemite and Shasta County, to a stunner in a neighboring state, here are three ways to have a waterfall start to summer.

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  7. Wine Country Sleeps, Paddles, and Pedals

    There’s plenty to sip and swirl around these three wine regions in the Bay Area and Northern California, but the great outdoors here also pours on the charm. From a unique place to sleep among the sheep, to a truly cool (and cooling!) river paddle, and a bike ride through bountiful vineyards, uncork these fun and unique wine country adventures!

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  8. Tree Glee

    As the season heats up, find some shade amid the grandeur of redwoods in these three parks that make a big impression!

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  9. Lakes Basin Camping and Hiking in the Sierra Nevada

    Where to Camp and Glamp in CA: Part 1

    We feel the camping vibes. Here's our first in a two-part roundup of beautiful destinations that also have camping, cabins, and glamping.

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  10. Long May You Roam, Close to Home

    A little late in planning for the upcoming weekend? We've got some ideas for you. From island biking and beach or picnic bliss, to ridge rambling and a classic SF adventure, here are some ways to stretch your outdoor adventures over the holiday weekend.

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  11. Bay Area Blue Spaces

    Getting outside into nature has many proven health benefits. And that includes Blue Spaces—lakes, oceans, rivers, lagoons.... the soothing sights and sounds of water are good for us. Here are three beautiful Bay Area places for beautiful blue adventures.

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  12. Late Season Hikes for Spring Blooms

    With summer right around the corner, be sure to do some hikes or bike rides through the Bay Area’s rolling green hills and fields of wildflowers. Here are three places in bloom: spring for them!

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  13. Euro Influencer

    The great outdoors combined with great food—how European. Actually, how Californian! Here are some of our favorite European-influenced adventures with tasty bonuses.

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  14. Washington State of Mind

    It’s one of the West's most nature-nurtured getaways. Washington State shines in spring, and this easy, short-distances road trip explores the region's majestic Kitsap Peninsula and Tacoma. Experience electric green forests, gorgeous gardens, sublime waterfront harbors, iconic mountains, “Little Norway,” and one of the most outstanding urban parks in America.

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  15. Sponsored
    2025-09-17

    Fall for It All in Reno Tahoe

    The best kind of getaway? Less time on logistics, more time on memory-making. Jackpot! You’ve got Reno Tahoe.

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  16. Woman on a bicycle passing a park lake with a fountain spraying water

    Spring Hikes and Bike Rides

    While spring’s in session, be sure to see the goods it brings from the East Bay to the North Bay, even to the farther reaches of Northern California. On these bike rides, hikes, or walks, relish poppies and other florals bursting, birds and other wildlife, and a dazzling riverside route to a famous dam.

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  17. Five Natural Bridges to See this Spring

    Natural bridges are wondrous on their own, but when the coast is clear and the supporting scenery includes things such as sea stars, wildflowers, and dramatic nearby formations, well, spring it on! From Mendocino and the Sonoma Coast, to Santa Cruz, the desert, and a stellar point beyond, here are five of nature's best bridge and rock formations.

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  18. Woman hiking up stairs at Alcatraz Island

    Rock These Spring Hikes

    There spring hikes simply rock! There’s a surprising rock garden on the sea, a hike to a rock perfect for spilling the tea, and a pinnacle adventure for seeing rock spires amid seasonal blossoms.

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  19. Spring Refresh

    On the bright side of lingering rains, spring colors should be more vibrant than an Easter basket when the skies clear. Here are a few ideas worth hopping to when things spring up!

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  20. Spring for These Summits!

    It's officially spring! When clearer skies set in (ahem), step up to the season with these outstanding summit hikes for fresh perspectives.

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  21. Swing Into These Spring Hikes

    Spring, is that you? We’ll take whatever we can get right now, and post-rain these amazing Bay Area ridge hikes are prime with fresh views, early blooms, and a hidden swing in Half Moon Bay…

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  22. Hit the Refresh Outdoors

    It's been a wet and wild few months, but don't let that dampen your outdoors spirit. Here's a refresh of outdoor fun for post-rain greenery, scenery, starry skies, waterfalls, and wondrous wanders in the Bay Area.

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  1. Afternoon on the Island

    What is it about tiny islands in the middle of lakes? There’s something that just draws you in. It’s even more fun when getting there is half the adventure because you have to reach it by canoe, kayak, paddleboat, or a ranger-guided boat tour!

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  2. Sponsored

    Chase Fall Colors & Family Fun in Reno Tahoe

    Ready to Reno? We’re so with you! Reno Tahoe is the ultimate urban basecamp for gathering family and friends for all kinds of fall fun and festivities.

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  3. This Is Paradise

    Granite mountain-scape, superb sunset views, crystal lakes, and shoreline campsites … the trip to Paradise Lake in Tahoe National Forest lives up to its idyllic name.

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  4. Aloha from California

    Say Aloha without leaving California with a 7-mile out-and-back hiking adventure to Lake Aloha in El Dorado National Forest. You can also camp here, a premier place for stargazing.

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  1. Walking the Los Angeles River Trail Through Frogtown

    Frogtown Strutter’s Stroll

    Don’t go dismissing the Los Angeles River as merely a 51-mile concrete channel. It’s a genuine urban artery that links real neighborhoods, and its riverside bike/ped paths endear i

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  2. Coming Up Roses

    Looking to spice up your hiking life? Give your partner a rose—Mount Rose! The 10-mile out-and-back peak hike goes up to one of the grandest views in all of Lake Tahoe. Get ready f

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  3. Underground Garden

    Looking to escape the summer heat? Head to Fresno and discover its cool secret: the Forestiere Underground Gardens–an enchanting garden and architecture oasis like no other.

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  4. Sequoia Re-opens Crystal Cave

    Step inside Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park's hidden world by visiting the newly re-opened Crystal Cave—the only cave in the parks open to the public. Closed for four years, this rare marble karst cavern is welcoming visitors once again, but only through the summer season!

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