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Jeff’s Favorite Things near HI Pigeon Point Lighthouse

Tee — Wed, 16 Aug 2017 22:14:10 +0000

Staying at HI Pigeon Point Lighthouse is a treat for travelers, whether they’re San Franciscans escaping the city for the weekend, or they’re adventurers making their way up the California coast for the ultimate road trip. The stunning natural beauty of the Pacific Ocean and its beaches, and the sweet small town of Pescadero make for the perfect getaway, especially when you know how to do it just right.

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things to do, off the beaten path, tips, outdoors, food and drink

5 Fabulous Things to Do in Golden Gate Park

Tee — Wed, 09 Aug 2017 23:00:10 +0000

So you’ve come to visit San Francisco, and along with checking out the city’s famous bridge during HI SF Downtown hostel’s bicycle tour, you’ve got a visit to Golden Gate Park on your list of must-dos. Along with being a mecca for Summer of Love pilgrims, the park is a 1,000-acre wonderland of beautiful landmarks and has a world of activities for art and science lovers, outdoor sports fanatics, and nature enthusiasts. So where do you start?

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things to do, explore, adventure, Architecture

Scenic Sacramento: Drives and Picnic Spots in Northern California

Tee — Wed, 02 Aug 2017 01:00:56 +0000

With its near-perfect weather and big-but-small city vibes, Sacramento offers an excellent little slice of Northern California culture when you want to experience a bit of natural beauty, history, and great food all in one trip. Known as the City of Trees, California’s capital has many great spots where you can unwind amongst beautiful scenery, whether it’s in a city park or out along a never ending stretch of highway.

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things to do, road trip, outdoors, scenic

How to Do San Francisco Nightlife on the Cheap

Tee — Wed, 26 Jul 2017 18:31:00 +0000

So you’ve come to visit San Francisco and you’d like to hit the town, but you’re also traveling on a budget. The good news is when you stay at HI San Francisco hostels, there are plenty of ways to experience the City by the Bay on the cheap, including during our activities like the weekly pub crawl where you get to visit excellent local bars and make friends with fellow travelers. Then once you’ve made friends, you can go out and explore San Francisco’s nightlife on the cheap at some of our favorite spots.

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Nightlife, Travel Tips, budget travel, things to do

California Coastal Towns to visit Near HI Point Montara Lighthouse

Tee — Tue, 18 Jul 2017 23:38:06 +0000

One of the magical things about California is the cute beach towns lining the coast along Highway 1. Away from major cities, life here is a little more laid back and there’s a bit more authentic local culture to experience.

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things to do, explore, california coast

Point Reyes Safari: Wildlife Viewing in Northern California

Tee — Tue, 11 Jul 2017 23:20:43 +0000

Any traveler who plans to spend a night or two at HI Point Reyes hostel in the infinitely interesting Point Reyes National Seashore should be prepared to forget that the bustle of the rest of the world exists. Here, where it’s mercifully free of Wi-Fi-fueled distractions and the sounds of highway traffic, you get to reconnect with nature and soak in the sights and sounds of unspoiled California.

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Hiking, outdoors, Wildlife, things to do

5 Local Tips for Summer in Marin

Tee — Wed, 21 Jun 2017 17:50:45 +0000

Summer days are here, and it feels like the world is your oyster with so many fun things to do and adventures to be had. Many travelers will be heading to HI Marin Headlands hostel to hike along scenic trails, hang out with locals and their dogs at Rodeo Beach, and explore Sausalito sitting pretty alongside the Golden Gate Bridge. If you’re joining them, you might also be looking for some hidden gems and insider tips to sweeten the trip, and we know just the person who can point you in the right direction.

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summer, things to do, beach, outdoors

Where to Save and Splurge on Outdoor Yoga in San Francisco

Tee — Wed, 14 Jun 2017 00:14:34 +0000

Anyone who enjoys traveling and yoga knows that while you’re on the road seeing new places and making new friends it’s not always easy to keep that fitness routine going. Plus, there’s all the different foods to try and spontaneous adventures that aren’t exactly conducive to a solid schedule of vinyasa flows and long hatha sessions. If you happen to be visiting HI San Francisco hostels though, you’ll find that there are ways you can incorporate your wanderlust with your yoga practice with classes taking place in the city’s sweet outdoor spaces.

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free activities, things to do, outdoors

Best Swimming Spots in Northern California

Tee — Tue, 06 Jun 2017 23:58:44 +0000

Summer is here, and though San Francisco can sometimes seem like it’s a little late to the party, there are plenty of glorious hot days throughout the rest of Northern California perfect for bathing by a beach and cooling off with a swim. Check out these secret beaches and freshwater rivers and lakes conveniently close to HI USA hostels in Northern California where you can take in some pretty stunning scenery and spend the day splashing about.

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swimming, outdoors, things to do, Beaches

4 Things to Do Outdoors in Monterey

Tee — Thu, 01 Jun 2017 19:44:07 +0000

With summer fast approaching and sweet sunny days ahead, there are plenty of good reasons to go play along the central California coast and visit HI Monterey hostel, which makes the perfect base (with free parking) for all manner of fun and adventure. While the town is known for its famous aquarium and John Steinbeck’s immortalized Cannery Row, the greater Monterey area offers plenty for outdoor enthusiasts to indulge in, from serene, scenic hikes to exhilarating action out on the Monterey Bay.

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things to do, outdoors, Hiking, Biking, day trips