You Can’t Afford To Miss These 7 Free Outdoor Activities In Northern California
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Kate Freeman
Author
The only problem with having a jam-packed activities calendar is that it can get pretty expensive. Luckily, there are many free outdoor activities in Northern California. Some of these activities are free all the time, while others require you to go on certain days. Add these fun activities to your calendar that cost zero dollars!
Get in for free at this famous botanical garden every second Tuesday of each month. Explore the 55 acres of plants from all around the globe.
San Francisco Botanical Garden, 1199 9th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94122, USA
If you do want to spend some money, the garden has frequent plant sales. Plan your visit during one of these
upcoming plant sales.
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Lands End Trail, San Francisco, CA 94121, USA
This short hike through Cypress and Eucalyptus trees ends with incredible views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the mouth of the San Francisco Bay.
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Sutro Baths, 1004 Point Lobos Ave, San Francisco, CA 94121, USA
After exploring this stunning area, make your way down to Sutro Baths. This ocean pool was built in the late 1800s and could fit up to 10,000 bathers. The baths became less popular during the Great Depression and later were made a historical landmark.
Locals enjoy exploring these not-so-well-known tide pools located near downtown Crescent City. There are two beaches with tide pools, one near the Battery Point Lighthouse and the other near Pacific Avenue.
Crescent City, CA, USA
Plan to explore the tide pools while the tide is out and there will be a lot to discover. Be sure to wear water shoes or some sort of closed-toe shoe. There is no cost to visit this beach.
This is the mansion where naturalist and writer John Muir lived with his family. Built in 1883, this 14 room Italianate Victorian mansion is on a beautiful property that visitors can explore.
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John Muir National Historic Site, 4202 Alhambra Ave, Martinez, CA 94553, USA
There are many fruit trees on the property, as well as historical artifacts from that time period. Visiting the John Muir National Historic Site is free.
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Wander the four miles of trails in this nature preserve located in Galt.
Cosumnes River, California, USA
These wetlands are home to more than 250 species of birds, making this a birder's paradise. Bring a water bottle as there is no potable water in the reserve. Admission to the reserve is free.
This 5.5-acre rose garden features 3,500 plantings and 189 varieties. Located on land that was once a prune orchard, this impressive garden always has something in bloom.
Municipal Rose Garden, 1649 Naglee Ave, San Jose, CA 95126, USA
The garden was named, “America's Best Rose Garden” in a nationwide competition. The garden is open daily from 8 a.m. to just after sunset.
The Smith River is one of the cleanest rivers in the United States. The water is chilly, but in the spring and summer months, it’s a good place to take a cool dip.
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Smith River, CA 95567, USA
There are numerous swimming holes along the Smith River, some hidden and some located adjacent to day-use campgrounds. No matter where you choose to swim on the Smith River, you’re in for some incredible blue-green water.
Sure, sometimes it seems like life in California is expensive, but if you do a little digging there are actually tons of free and low-cost activities and places to visit.
What is your favorite free outdoor activity in Northern California?
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