All "Relaxing" Stories in Southern CA

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  Snow Much Fun

  When you know … you Reno! Over the past several years, Reno Tahoe has set itself apart from other mountain destinations with its creative verve, ascendant dining scene, walkability, and of course—amazing outdoors.

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  Peace of Eastvale

  If you’re looking for an easy spot to hike, the Eastvale Trail in Eastvale/Norco is the perfect choice. The Eastvale Trail is a 2.6-mile section (5.2 miles out and back) of the much longer Santa Ana River Trail.

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  Wetland Wander-Fall

  Chino Creek Wetlands is proof you don’t always have to go far to find an escape in nature. Located in the heart of Chino in part of the Santa Ana River watershed, the Chino Creek Wetlands has 1.7 miles of trails, but really this is a place to explore without a lot of fuss.

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  Washington State With a Twisp

  It’s home to one of the best coffee cafés in the country, and that’s just one of the many cool thing about Twisp, an under-the-radar yet thoroughly kinetic bohemian mountain hamlet hidden high in Washington State’s Methow Valley.

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  America's Lake Como (Without the Crowds)

  If Italy’s famed Lake Como has an American doppelganger, it’s Washington State’s Lake Chelan. This charming town, surrounded by good earth for growing standout apples and grapes, is named for its marquee oasis. The lake, fed by glacial activity dating thousands of years, is the deepest (1,486 feet) in Washington State.

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  Wine Down, Dine Out in Lake Chelan

  The fertile soil around Washington State's Lake Chelan is ripe for more than just the amazing apples. Vineyards here yield high quality grapes, and some of the country’s best less-discovered wineries. Locals know it, and you will too when you start choosing from the more than 30 wineries in the region.

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  What's Up, Winthrop!

  It’s not just its location close to Washington State’s spectacular and less visited national park (North Cascades) that makes Winthrop such a winsome mountain town. This lively enclave in the Methow Valley bristles with a whimsical blend of Wild West charms, contemporary culture, and a mosaic of outdoor adventures—from river to lake to waterfalls, and beyond.

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  Vista Hermosa, Echo That!

  Tucked in Echo Park, the little-known gem of Vista Hermosa Natural Park feels worlds away thanks to its serene beauty and thoughtful design. At 11.5 acres there’s still plenty to explore. And it's got a premier view of the iconic Los Angeles skyline.

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  The Beauty of Bellingham

  Located in northwest Washington State, the seaside city of Bellingham feels remote, yet it’s just 90 minutes north of Seattle. Outdoorsy, creative, and laid back, with a distinct farm-to-table culture, craft drinks, and outstanding art and shopping, Bellingham ticks all the boxes for your next getaway.

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  Nighty Light

  Just 25 miles south of San Francisco on California’s rough-and-tumble coast lies a centuries-old beacon that’s still lighting the way for voyaging ships. Point Montara Fog Signal and Light Station—operating since 1875—has become the distinguished (and well-preserved!) elder statesman of the seaside.

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  Light Action

  Perched high upon windswept bluffs, the Point San Luis Lighthouse is the only remaining Victorian-style lighthouse on the West Coast. And you can’t simply drive up to it in your car. But you can book a van tour or do a guided hike to see the lighthouse, learn about its history, and enjoy beautiful coastal views and fun events.

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  Oh Ryan

  Sure, it’s those whimsical trees that give Joshua Tree National Park its marquee billing; but this beautiful landscape also has surrounding mountains, hulking boulders, and its night sky—one of the darkest in Southern California. Designated an International Dark Sky Park, Joshua Tree has four allowable stargazing parking lots.

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  Discover the Dark

  Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are legendary as “the Land of the Giants,” home to the largest trees on earth—giant sequoias—and to the deepest canyon in the U.S.—Kings Canyon. The parks also have some impressive dark sky viewings.

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  Welcome to Walla Walla

  An eclectic, spirited gem in Washington’s scenic wine country, Walla Walla has made a marquee name for itself, including its walkable downtown wine district, and a diverse art and food scene.

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  Bakery to Bakery Urban Art Walk

  With nearly 600 restaurants, Pasadena rivals New York City in terms of establishments per capita. Translation: There’s a lot of food to choose from! French eateries are no exception. In the spirit of the Olympics, take a victory lap on a 3,500-meter (2.2-mile) bakery-to-bakery walk with some beautiful artdoors to see along the way.

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  Griffith's Golden

  With over 4,200 acres and hundreds of trails, Griffith Park is the gold standard. Opt for the lesser-hiked northwestern end of the park and visit the 2.25-mile Skyline and Oak Canyon loop from Travel Town.

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  This Urban Spot Is Tops

  Once an old military command post, today the Presidio in San Francisco is the largest urban national park in the United States. It’s also home to the relatively new Presidio Tunnel Tops a park built on top of Presidio Parkway tunnels. Not only does this offer a corridor for animals and plants to thrive in, it’s also a great community space for humans.

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  Desert Dreams are Made of These CA National Parks

  Desert dreams are made of these two California national parks. Joshua Tree and Death Valley are both marvels for their natural formations, high ranking dark sky status, beautiful and unique blooms, and variety of animal life. Here are some of the best hikes to do in these parks.

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  Enter for a 2-Night Getaway on California's "Secret Coast"

  Enjoy the ultimate coastal experience with a complimentary 2-night stay at Mar Vista Farm + Cottages on the Mendocino Coast. Plus get 4 tickets to visit the California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park. 

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  The Great Grunion Run

  Meet the Flintstones. Meet the Flockers. Meet the Grunion?! Yep. They’re the flashiest show this side of the Oscars, and they’re on a limited run. The great grunion run is when hundreds of silvery, flashing sardine-size fish make a dazzling nighttime lunge onto some SoCal beaches to lay eggs.

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