Mount Shasta isn’t just another weekend getaway, it’s an adventure steeped in mystery and natural beauty just waiting to be discovered by Bay Area explorers. Whether you’re drawn to its mythical legends, stunning landscapes, or the promise of a peaceful escape, Mount Shasta offers a unique experience that’s unlike anywhere else. So let’s head for the hills, and delve into the best of what Mount Shasta and its surrounding areas have to offer! Mount Shasta: A Vortex of Secrets & Mystery Mt Shasta is more than just a sleepy giant, towering high above Northern California’s untamed wilderness, it’s also a mountain shrouded in myth, mystery, and legends dating back to…
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Lassen Volcanic National Park: A Bay Area Summer Escape
Craving a summer escape from the Bay Area’s heatwaves and bustling crowds? Lassen Volcanic National Park offers a refreshing alternative! Just a breezy 4.5-hour drive north, Lassen greets you with a stunning blend of volcanic wonders, crystal-clear lakes, and tranquil surroundings. Perfect for camping, hiking, fishing, and simply unwinding in nature’s embrace, Lassen is an ultimate summer retreat for Bay Area residents. Curious about what’s in store? Buckle up, because this post will explore the park’s top highlights, share practical tips for your visit, and reveal the secrets to crafting an unforgettable Bay Area getaway. Chester: Your Basecamp for Lassen Adventures Driving from the SF Bay Area? Make the most…
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Coastal California Bliss: A Weekend Getaway to Point Reyes & Stinson Beach
Point Reyes National Seashore is a perfect hideaway spot that many San Francisco Bay Area locals try to keep to themselves, but not these loose lips! 😊 An easy destination, just a bit over an hour’s car drive north of San Francisco, Point Reyes National Seashore invites you to unwind, recharge, and explore at leisure. During our first visit, we merely scratched the surface of it and are already planning a return trip over the weekend. And here’s why: Tomales Bay We started to explore Point Reyes National Seashore from Tomales Bay. Tomales Bay is worth spending at least a full day at, especially if you enjoy water activities. Swimming,…
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Gold, Ghosts, Gems, and Giants of Calaveras County, CA (Part 2)
We love visiting Calaveras County, located in California’s Sierra Nevada region, and want to share our second post highlighting some of the best things to do there! In this follow-up article to Part 1, we’ll walk among the Giants in Calaveras Big Trees State Park, sip local wine, grab the perfect bite to eat, and shop in the picturesque town of Murphys. Plus, we’ll also try our hand at gold-panning on a side trip to the historic town of Columbia! Calaveras Big Trees State Park Driving out of Angels Camp, an easy two-line road takes us to the Land of Giants. Weaving gently through the towering redwoods basking in the…
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Land of Medicine Buddha: Outdoor Adventures in San Francisco Bay Area
In the Santa Cruz Mountains, near the town of Soquel, there lies a magical place, Land of Medicine Buddha. Where life simplifies, and everything seems to make more sense. You’ll find yourself whisked away to a place where all is quiet and calm, just under an hour from San Jose. We’ve heard about Land of Medicine Buddha from another SF Bay Area travel blogger, Joyce Zee, who runs the “Around the Bay And Away” blog, and finally got a chance to visit it ourselves. Follow us on this unique hiking escape, and we hope it’ll inspire you to check it out as well. What is Land of Medicine Buddha? Land of Medicine…
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Fort Ross, CA: From Russia With Love
Surrounded by majestic evergreen forest, Fort Ross, the 19th-century Russian fort, is perched above the Pacific Ocean, a mere hour and a half north of the Golden Gate Bridge. While the San Francisco Bay Area has its fair share of historical sites and unique attractions, Fort Ross in Sonoma County is a destination in itself. Beginning our trip on a Thursday morning, traffic was fairly light and stress-free, versus white-knuckling it most of the way stuck in weekend traffic. And, once out of the City and up the road a ways, we were weaving through the countryside and the farmlands of Petaluma. Hungry and looking for a place to eat,…
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San Pedro Square Market: Taste World Cuisines in San Jose!
Among the many things to see and do in San Jose, you most likely need a place to eat as well. San Pedro Square Market in downtown San Jose is a favorite local hangout with a variety of eateries and watering holes to choose from. So, when you want to eat something and are not sure what exactly it is you want, the Market is a perfect spot. Stir in some cool live entertainment (hello, Vinyl Replay 😊), with a side of California history, and Ta-Da! – you get San Pedro Square Market that will charm the pants off you. Well, at least, make you unbutton them after filling up…
