When visiting the San Francisco Bay Area for a major event, whether it’s the Super Bowl or the FIFA World Cup, or something else entirely – it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement and forget to explore what else the region has to offer. Santa Clara County and the Greater Bay Area are packed with incredible outdoor escapes just a short drive from Levi’s Stadium. If you’d like to take a break from the roaring crowds and traffic, we’ve compiled a helpful guide highlighting some of our favorite local hikes and nature spots to help you make the most of your trip beyond the big game. So if…
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Haunted Places & Dark Tourism in the San Francisco Bay Area
It’s that time of year again, when the air turns crisp and shadows stretch more than they should. Cobwebs, fog machines, and ominously positioned skeletons transform neighborhoods into elaborate theatrical sets. That time of year when the candy flows freely, and children, and more than a few adults, roam the streets in delightfully spooky disguises and costumes. Truly, the season for ghoulish parties and haunted hijinks. But here in the San Francisco Bay Area, haunted history stays hidden in the shadows. It whispers through local graveyards, clings to condemned buildings, and echoes off the walls of places where tragedy once made itself at home. These aren’t just mere tourist stops—they’re…
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Mount Umunhum & The Tower of Doom, San Jose, CA
What is that ominous-looking cube on the mountain in South San Jose? Perched atop Mount Umunhum (pronounced: oom-un-hum), a mysterious concrete cube stands watch, overlooking Silicon Valley. If you’ve ever wondered about the “Tower of Doom” as we’ve been lovingly calling it, you’re not alone. Locals also refer to it as “the Cube” or “the Box”. But whatever you want to call it, we were determined to see what it was! After a little snooping around, we found the road that leads to the site, so we hopped in the car and ventured to the summit of Mount Umunhum to uncover its mysterious secret. What to see once you’re on…
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Mount Shasta Road Trip: Uncover Mystical Legends And Outdoor Adventures
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…
