All "Relaxing" Stories in Southern CA

Hidden Hermosa
One of the best views of the downtown skyline is in the Historic Filipinotown of Echo Park. The 11-acre Vista Hermosa Park is just a mile from the heart of downtown, yet feels an oasis world away.
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The Pinot Express
Some wine flights are just more exciting than others. Add some ho-ho-holy smokes to your next sip and swirl with one of wine country's biggest thrills: zip-lining high above the vi
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From Gold Rush to Wine Crush
There's a new rush happening in the beautiful foothills of Amador County, and it's not for gold. Wine is the current cash crop—with deep historic roots in this part of California.
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Fantastical Fig Trees
In a land of redwoods and sequoias, it's a bit unexpected that a residential street tucked in one of LA's toniest Westside neighborhoods is home to some of the most impressive-look
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Bottle Drive!
The High Desert northeast of the San Gabriel Mountains may not have the same grandeur as desert regions like Joshua Tree and Death Valley, but with a little digging, its own quirky
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L.A. Confidential
For Angelenos on a quest for fall foliage this November, the best advice might sound borrowed from the vernacular of an Eastern spirituality guru: Look inward, not outward. In this
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Hot Springs Delight
What to do when the temperature drops? Heat things up! Sierra Hot Springs in Sierraville is just the place. The property sits on the edge of a golden meadow and 700 acres of National Forest land.
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Spooky Spelunking
Not all of nature's stunning views come from bagging a peak. Sometimes it's what lies beneath that's more intriguing. Venture below Sequoia National Park's soil and discover an ext
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Crystal Caving
Not all stunning vantage points are above the tree line. Sometimes it’s what lies beneath that’s really interesting! Venture below Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park’s soil and
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How Do You Like Them Pumpkins?
If it weren't for pumpkin spice lattes at Starbucks, we Angelenos might never know that fall has arrived. Unless you know about Oak Glen’s good old fashioned u-pick pumpkin and hik
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Yes Sur!
A hidden coastal hike in Big Sur, a beautiful beach, and maybe a little wine-tasting afterwards? Sounds like a plan! First, the hike. Big Sur's Garrapata State Park is a coast-hugg
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Carmel's Calming Effect
SUNSET: Sunsets in Carmel just go better when paired with its flagship beach (and some wine, which is allowed on the beach!). Carmel Beach (pictured) is a locals' favorite for many
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Dunes of Death Valley
You won't find a body of water here, but you will find big waves … of sand! Bring snacks and a beverage to enjoy at one of the world's premier picnic spots—the Mesquite Flat Sand D
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Yosemite Sands
Dip your toes in the refreshing waters of the Merced River at one of the best picnic spots in Yosemite Valley, Cathedral Beach. This day-use area on the western end of the valley d
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Strolling Stornetta
Big Sur has some competition. Located along the rugged Mendocino County coastline, the 1,665-acre Point Arena-Stornetta Public Lands is a spectacular place to meander for miles along bluffs overlooking small coves, sea caves, dunes, and clusters of offshore islands.
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Supermoon Sunday
This Sunday evening (September 27) a total lunar eclipse will coincide with a "Supermoon." Why is this a big deal? Well, it hasn't happened in 32 years and won't happen again for a
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Beverly Hills 9021 Oh-yeah!
Beverly Hills has its famous palm trees, but take a stroll through Beverly Gardens Park and get a little more cultured … horticultured, that is. This surprisingly verdant strip str
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June in Season
Set beneath the spiky mountain backdrop of the Ansel Adams Wilderness and looming Carson Mountain, June Lake shines in more ways than its large expanse of aquamarine water. There's a reason this area has been dubbed the Switzerland of the Sierra.
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LA Story
Like a good Hollywood story, the Barnsdall Art Park made a great comeback. Once an overlooked urban space in LA, this 36-acre East Hollywood hillside park is now a burgeoning center of art and local history.
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Stair Master!
In Culver City, take Jefferson Blvd. to Hetzler Rd. Park along Jefferson Blvd. before or after Hetzler Rd., and find the dirt trail heading east from the bottom of Hetzler. Hike a
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Extra-Celestial Central Oregon

Some trips promise you the moon and the stars. And this one delivers in a big way, plus throws in some extra planets for your viewing pleasure. From Bend, Sunriver, and Sisters to Antelope Basecamp in the remote high desert.

Visit Central Oregon