All in Northern CA

1. 

   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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2. 

   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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3. 

   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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4. 
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   Chasing Dark Skies: Southern Oregon

   Hot springs, hiking, lodging, antelope, and one of the world’s best places for looking up at night.

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5. 

   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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6. 

   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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7. 

   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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8. 

   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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9. 

   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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10. 

    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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11. 

    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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12. 

    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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13. 

    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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14. 

    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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15. 
    Sponsored

    2026-10-14

    Chasing Dark Skies: Southern Oregon

    Hot springs, hiking, lodging, antelope, and one of the world’s best places for looking up at night.

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16. 

    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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17. 

    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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18. 

    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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19. 

    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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20. 

    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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21. 

    Just Dune It

    With Dune 2 coming out in theaters, now is a good time to explore some surreal sandscapes. We’ve rounded up some national preserves, parks, and refuges—including the epic landscape that inspired the novel. Dune it right!

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22. 

    Sunrise, Sunset, Starry Desert Hikes

    March in Death Valley is (dare we say) full of life! There’s a dark sky festival to kick off the month, and the temporary Manly Lake at Badwater Basin—the lowest point in North America—is still going strong (for now). Here’s your guide to a sunrise, sunset, and starry night hiking trifecta for winter and early spring in Death Valley National Park.

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