All "Relaxing" Stories in Southern CA
SponsoredGem of a Vacation
Backed by the Coachella Valley’s Santa Rosa Mountains, La Quinta’s vast wild spaces are steeped in history, with plenty of important historical sites amid its beautiful nature. Add in boutique hotels, spas, and great dining, and you’ve got one gem of a vacation.
ViewPeace Labyrinth
Hidden in LA’s historic West Adams district, the Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens is a welcome respite from the norms of urban noise.
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SponsoredThe Coast with the Most Adventures
The Oregon Coast isn't your average coast. Take a road trip through charming towns, see numerous historic lighthouses, explore shipwreck beaches, wander bustling promenades, or go “sandboarding” at the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area.
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SponsoredWaterfalls, Wine, Wanderlust: Willamette Valley
Oregon’s lush and lovely Willamette Valley is home to the McKenzie River, an outdoor adventurer’s paradise with its crystalline waters and surrounding waterfall hikes. Oh, and the wine … it “reigns and pours” world-famous pinots here.
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SponsoredSea Change
Right in time for the balmy fall days, the crowds have left and Monterey Bay Aquarium is at its shoulder season best. Fewer people means relaxing with more room to roam and enjoy the animals, exhibits, and nearby outdoors for biking, hiking, and beaches.
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SponsoredSummer's Must Sea
The newly reopened Monterey Bay Aquarium never misses a “Best of” list—for good reason. The Aquarium’s location right on the shores of Monterey Bay, with waves crashing below the decks, is a mesmerizing experience.
View![Group of friends taking a selfie on a boat on Lake Casitas in Ventura]()
Camp Casitas
Just 20 minutes from downtown Ventura, Lake Casitas Recreation Area is like summer camp all over again. There’s a 5.75-mile shoreline hike, a rugged disc golf experience, and reservoir boating. There’s also nearly 450 campsites across its massive grounds.
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SponsoredSea You Soon!
After over a year of being closed, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is ready for some quality time with you! A visit to Monterey this time of year is a refreshing coastal escape of beaches and bike paths and beautiful blooms, with a big bonus: The region’s marquee attraction is at the heart of it all.
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SponsoredMonterey Bay Aquarium Reopens!
The wildlife has been waiting patiently … and now, at long last, they’re ready for their close-ups! As California reopens make new memories at the reopened Monterey Bay Aquarium!
View![Couple walking the Reno Riverwalk along the Truckee River]()
Truckee Riverwalk
A city that has nature running right through it? That’s Reno! The Truckee River flows through the heart of downtown, and the popular and well-maintained Reno Riverwalk makes for a delightful downtown stroll.
View![couple looking at neon art on neon line in Reno]()
Walk the Neon Line
Reno’s Neon Line, a new art installation downtown, celebrates two of Reno’s biggest draws: Burning Man and neon lights. Walk part of the dynamic streetscape spanning 20 city blocks and featuring rotating Burning Man art, other sculptures, and bright lights—including historic neon signs.
View![friends having beer at Revision Brewing in Sparks Nevada]()
Beer Best
It seems like every city in the West tries to claim best craft beer and spirits status, yet Reno’s quietly done the work behind the scenes to emerge as a true best in brew—from beer to spirits, and innovative mead!
View![woman throwing an axe at Reno Axe]()
Axe on Tap!
Head to Reno Axe, where you can test your skills with the sport of axe throwing. Don’t axe it until you try it! This is not only fun; you may be surprised at how therapeutic it can be—burning off any angst in your work-week bones.
View![Group of four friends enjoying wine at Thief and Barrel in Palmdale Antelope Valley]()
Barrel of Fun
Put a spring in your step and a barrel in your belly in Antelope Valley's Palmdale. Do a 2.75-mile hike on Barrel Springs Trail and enjoy a local winery that shares part of the nomenclature.
View![Sign reading The Musical Road and showing the road in Antelope Valley]()
Take the Musical Road
Drive the Musical Road—one of only a handful in the world—to connect two of Antelope Valley’s best parks, Prime Desert Woodland Preserve with its Joshua Trees and Apollo Community Regional Park.
View![Woman hiking along the Palmdale segment of the California Aqueduct]()
Liquid Assets
The arid Los Angeles high desert lets you pay homage to H2O via 7.75 miles of walking along the aquatic channel. Followed by enjoying a different liquid quencher, beer from Bravery Brewing Company.
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SponsoredOutdoor Zen in Sonoma County
Sonoma County’s abundant natural beauty is good for your mind, body, and spirit. From redwoods and rhododendron walks, to yoga in a vineyard, here are five ways to soothe your soul in Sonoma County.
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Do it Yourself Walking Tour of Solvang
Solvang has long been described as a “little slice of Denmark in Southern California." Experience the historic village on a 3-mile walk that explores the architecture, food, wine, and green space.
ViewDune Swoon
Of all the places to catch a sunset in Death Valley, we still think there’s none better than the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, inspiring many things, including log rolls, cartwheels, and sundown selfies.
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Ready When You Are: Reno Tahoe
With outdoors being essential for health and wellness, and new protocols in place, Reno Tahoe welcomes visitors! It's wide open with snowshoe trails, fire pits by the river, skating, and hot springs.
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Redding Lights and Silent Nights
Give your holiday events calendar a major glow up this winter in California’s sunniest city. Redding is a revelation: Surrounded by iconic scenery like Mount Shasta, Lassen Volcanic National Park, and Whiskeytown National Recreation Area.
Choose Redding for Your Holiday Getaway
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