All in Northern CA

1. 

   Hikes for Autumn's Best Light

   Fret not about shorter days ahead. Instead, see things in autumn’s new light, where landscapes are illuminated in the brilliance of fall colors and the low sitting sun. Here are three places that glow golden.

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2. 

   Bootiful Fall Hikes

   Get into the Halloween spirit ... make that spirits .... this weekend. These classic outdoor adventures are boo-tiful this time of year. 

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3. 

   Falling for Paso

   Take a trip to real California this fall … the California you might not know but truly should! Paso Robles's wine country, beautiful backroads, and unfussy outdoors is an absolute revelation. Relish the bucolic landscapes, rolling vineyards, pristine lakes, rivers, and waterfalls, and spirited small town brimming with cuisine, art, and culture. Just a few hours from San Francisco or Los Angeles, here’s a road trip itinerary to see this hidden gem.

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4. 
   Sponsored

   2026-06-03

   Take the Exit to the Best of the San Francisco Peninsula

   The San Francisco Peninsula is proof that some of Northern California’s greatest surprises are hiding just off Highway 101. All you have to do is take the exit.

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5. 

   Monterey's Many Hidden Gems

   Monterey is not only stunningly beautiful by nature, it's an historical and ecological cornerstone of California. Experience its less-known state parks, hidden gem hikes, a coastal trail to a lighthouse, marvelous food and culture, and the brilliance of Monterey Bay Aquarium's newest exhibit and special guided tours.

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6. 

   Go Small For Fall Fun

   It's the little things in life sometimes, even in the great big outdoors. These three parks in the Bay Area have everythign from short and scenic hiking trails to labyrinths, mini-golf fun, and BBQ delights. So go small for big fun.

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7. 

   Bike Rides to Fall Bounties

   Seasonal farmstands and wineries in the prime of harvest, beautiful fall colors along idyllic paths, park stops and a new brewpub ... get rolling (or strolling) on any of these three Bay Area bike trails leading to a bounty of scenery, seasonal delights, and stops for food and drinks.

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8. 

   Harvest Moon Hikes

   The full moon is this weekend. Here are some prime adventures to watch the sun set and the Harvest moon rise, even sticking around to sip wine and see the stars. Bring a headlamp for good measure and get glowing.

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9. 

   As the Sun Sets on Summer

   As the sun sets on summer, here are some sunset spots (and sails!) to savor before we leap into outdoor adventures worth falling for.

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10. 

    Let There Be Light(houses)

    As summer simmers down and days darken faster, we’ve got a few ways to keep the light going. Just add lighthouses! From overnight stays, to guided tours, here are three unique lighthouse adventures.

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11. 

    Autumn Taking Flight

    Autumn brings new light. Ease into the season with these mellow hike and bike adventures at wetlands and beaches across the Bay Area. Savor peaceful trails, see birdlife, and relax waterside.

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12. 

    The Secluded Sierra

    Travel to the very northern part of the Sierra Nevada and discover a vast wilderness with only three traffic lights and more nature than people. Plumas County is a tranquil haven of high mountain recreation lakes, hiking and biking trails galore, plentiful small-town charms, and a national park that's still a hidden treasure.

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13. 

    Now Open: These Camping Adventures

    Better late than never. Winter's historic precipitation meant delays in some backcountry and high Sierra camping adventures due to road repairs and too much snow! Here are a few places you can go now, some recently re-opened (and first-come, first-served!).

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14. 

    Tahoe Easy Rollers

    How do you escape the crowds at Tahoe? Try a bike ride along one of the region’s beautiful (car-free!) bike trails paralleling the Truckee River and Lake Tahoe. Here are some great rides (that can also be hikes or walks) for getting a little space.

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15. 
    Sponsored

    2026-06-03

    Take the Exit to the Best of the San Francisco Peninsula

    The San Francisco Peninsula is proof that some of Northern California’s greatest surprises are hiding just off Highway 101. All you have to do is take the exit.

    View
16. 

    Midsummer Picks

    It's the thick of summer, and the heat has dialed up. Stay refreshed with these popular outdoor hikes, bike rides, and kayaking adventures in Northern California (and a few points beyond).

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17. 

    Coasting in Santa Cruz

    Summer heat is still on, so keep on coasting with a little help from Santa Cruz County. Here are some hikes, bike rides, and brewpubs to keep your cool.

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18. 

    Coastal Cabins

    Feel like coasting and a cabin stay? We have some places in mind. Unplug and unwind (or stay a bit connected, but still in nature) and enjoy one of these cabin getaways with beaches, hikes, and beautiful views. Sweet dreams.

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19. 

    Better Hit the Beach!

    With soaring temperatures even San Francisco is having warm summer days. Keep your cool with some classic coastal hikes and beaches where the ocean breeze refreshes.

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20. 

    Road Trip to Remember

    Build the best road trip memories in Southern Oregon. Hike the famous Table Rocks, paddle in the serenity of the Cascades, glamp near Crater Lake, see the greatest waterfalls, and enjoy bucolic food + wine trails. Here’s a road trip itinerary from our recent adventure to help you map out your very own Southern Oregon vacation.

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21. 

    Wheels of Fortune

    What’s better than a beautiful Bay Area bike ride with grand scenery? Not much! But bonus in a tiki bar, a tasty spot for Mexican cuisine and margaritas, or an old-fashioned gastropub, and you’ve got a perfect summer spin.

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22. 

    Go Fourth for Summer Adventures

    What’s new for summer? How about the recently re-opened guided canoe and kayak tours at one of the most mysterious lakes on earth? Or a tip on getting first-come, first-served camping at a stunning state park? Or check off that visit to the newest urban oasis with views of the golden state's Golden Gate. Go fourth!

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