Once upon a time, it was possible to see Shakespeare performed at Stinson Beach. A few years ago, sadly, the company had to move to Novato, but you can still see the Bard in all his silly, hapless glory over a picnic dinner and under a [more...]

For a really beautiful beach camping experience, check out the campgrounds at Manresa State Beach near Santa Cruz. The campsites are perched on a bluff overlooking [more...]

If you prefer your campsites to be away from the smell of car exhaust, Northern California is rife with places to backpack. My personal favorite spot is located in the Sierras just past Feeley Lake. Yo [more...]

Most of Big Sur's stunning coastline is reservations-only when it comes to campgrounds, and those reservations get made a year in advance. If you're someone who doesn't plan your weekends that far ahead, check out Andrew Molera State Park. Ca [more...]

Though Mount Tam holds a firm grip on the imaginations of our city dwellers, Bay Area natives have another mountain they can turn to in times of trouble: Mount Diablo. Many aren't aware that in addition to creating a pleasing skyline, [more...]

Grab your favorite purebred pup for your run on Dillon Beach. This exclusive coastline is home to some of the richest folks around. It's also hound heaven, with vast stretches of sand and dunes for off-leash running. Come dressed to [more...]

Marin is becoming more closed to dogs every year, it seems, but Rodeo Beach is still a great place to don your skimpiest swimsuit and take your dog [more...]

There is almost nothing better than watching your dog swim his heart out, and this sight can push your relationship through just about any stage. (In a fight? You'll find yourselves laughing at the dog together. Looking for a way to [more...]

At Pine Lake in Stern Grove, you won't have to worry if you forgot to bring your tennis ball or frisbee. The meadow at this off-leash dog park [more...]

Point Isabel Regional Shoreline is one of those great, rare places that caters to dogs and their humans at the same time. The 21 acre park has plenty of [more...]

Take a train through the redwoods to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, or take a 19th century steam train up Bear Mountain. Check out Roaring Camp Railroads for details.

If you live in Sonoma County, or if you just love horses, you should check out CHANGE. The name stands for Coins to Help Abandoned and NeGlected Equines, [more...]

Trying to help your love grow? Pay a visit to Plant It Earth, the Castro's premier garden supply shop. Here you'll find lights, books, nutrients, seeds, and [more...]

San Francisco's recent furor over the shooting of two wild coyotes in Golden Gate Park drew statewide attention to our coyote population. Now residents know to keep an eye out for gleaming eyes when walking through Golden Gate Park or [more...]

You've read the book, you've seen the film: now it's time to actually visit those zany little wild parrots of Telegraph Hill. Bring your camera. And maybe a hat; you know what I'm saying.

Just 30 miles south of San Francisco you'll find the Filoli Estate. Tour the magnificent grounds, or sign up for one of their frequent classes or workshops.

Take a trip to the SF Botanical Garden and relax among the gorgeous flowers, plants and trees. Hide in a hedge for a quick hug, or loll lovingly on the lawn [more...]

Take a tour of local farm and organic garden Slide Ranch. You'll meet some nice folks, maybe score a basket of organic strawberries, and almost certainly have that all-important date experience: milking a cow.

Walk or boat around the sparkling Lafayette Reservoir on a sunny day. You can also fish, boat, bike, rollerblade and picnic at this little man-made lake.

Once called "the washer woman's lake," Lake El Estero in Monterey is now the home of countless recreation activities such as swimming, [more...]