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  1. Man standing at Mount Tam vantage overlooking the San Francisco skyline
    Northern CA

    Three Ways to Tam!

    Our Adventure Challenge clock is ticking, and time’s running out to earn our commemorative T-shirt. Know what that means? It’s Tam time! We’ve got some easy and terrific ideas for knocking out your three adventures in one grand day, in one grand place, Marin's Mount Tam. Have a Tamtastic time!

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  2. Southern CA

    Good Griffith!

    Adventure Challenge deadline sneaking up on you? There’s still time to get outdoors and earn your commemorative T-shirt. Griffith Park has enough hikes, hidden gems, and only-in-LA landmarks to knock out three adventures in one grand day. Keep calm, Griffith’s on!

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  3. Northern CA

    Fall Peaks

    Fall is officially here, with the landscape churning earthier tones. Enjoy them by hiking up to some of the Bay Area’s most scenic peaks, including a less-traveled summit .

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  4. woman hiking Mt Tam east peak
    Sponsored

    Marquee Marin

    There may be no better place to find the best in coastal outdoors than the Marin Headlands. Bluff-side hiking trails, beautiful sandy beaches, big Pacific views, an iconic lighthouse, and unique lore in the area’s historic batteries are all part of the action here.

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  5. Southern CA

    You're So Fall of It!

    Pumpkin spice is optional. Golden landscapes, glowing sunsets, and peek-a-boo autumn hues? That's fall in SoCal. From a coastal classic to a leafy little oasis and one of LA's best sunset perches, here are three ways to fall for the season.

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  6. Northern CA

    Headspace in the Headlands

    Need a little headspace? Head for the Headlands to savor the last of summer with these beach, hike, and high-point adventures.

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  7. Southern CA

    Love Your Coast

    California Surfing Day is September 20, but you don’t need to catch a wave to appreciate the SoCal coast. Surfers have a long history of showing up for and supporting the places they love, including some pretty spectacular spots worth getting to know.

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  8. Southern CA & Northern CA

    Six Appeal

    Warning: These six adventures may make you fall hard for Reno Tahoe! We're in full swing with our 2026 Adventure Challenge, where you can earn our 20th Anniversary commemorative T-shirt just by getting outdoors. Bonus: Complete one of your adventures in Reno Tahoe and you'll be entered to win a 2-night Reno Tahoe getaway. Here are six reasons to make Reno Tahoe part of your Adventure Challenge.

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  9. Northern CA

    Long Live the Long Weekend

    As the long weekend arrives, here’s your reminder: Any adventure you find on our website counts toward completing our annual Adventure Challenge and earning this year’s exclusive commemorative T-shirt. All you have to do is three! Details on our site. Here are a few current favorites to consider.

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  10. Southern CA

    The Tea on Earning Our Adventure Tee!

    One, two, three, get our 20th anniversary tee! The long weekend is a good time to complete our Adventure Challenge: all you have to do is any three things you find on our site, which has all the details. That's it, that's the tea.

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  11. Northern CA

    Go See the Big Things!

    It’s National Park Week. Don’t just go big, go big trees! From the biggest trees to the tallest trees, these three national parks have some must-see giant sequoias and coast redwoods. 

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  12. Southern CA

    Franklin, We Give a Damn

    Smack in the middle of Los Angeles, Franklin Canyon Park hides in plain sight. Exploring it can feel like embarking on a secret mission, with its tucked-away entrances and navigational quirks. So consider this your Franklin Confidential: three ways to explore this wild LA escape of wooded trails and a lake. Because Franklin, we give a damn!

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  13. Northern CA

    Challenge Accepted

    The 2026 Adventure Challenge is in full swing! Looking for ideas to earn your commemorative T-shirt? Here are some of our favorite adventures featured this summer—but you can choose anything from our site. After 20 years of Weekend Sherpa, you’ve got plenty of options!

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  14. Southern CA

    High Camps

    Take your summer higher. Head to these three mountain campgrounds for pine-scented days, starry nights, and celestial sleeps. Even better, you might just snag a first-come, first-served site.

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  15. woman hiking Mt Tam east peak
    Sponsored

    Marquee Marin

    There may be no better place to find the best in coastal outdoors than the Marin Headlands. Bluff-side hiking trails, beautiful sandy beaches, big Pacific views, an iconic lighthouse, and unique lore in the area’s historic batteries are all part of the action here.

    View
  16. Northern CA & Southern CA

    Once Upon a Trail

    In California, the great outdoors can be downright enchanting after dark. Wander among towering redwoods magically illuminated in rainbow hues, follow a landscape aglow with thousands of technicolor lights, hike beneath the moon with music floating through the trees, or paddle across an estuary as bioluminescent plankton make the water sparkle. These adventures are the stuff of fairy trails.

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  17. Northern CA

    Walk This Way

    Sure, you could Waymo. But it's way more fun to walk San Francisco. Explore the city's newest urban adventure, the Golden Gate Dozen, wander Philosopher's Way, and follow the Barbary Coast Trail through the city's colorful history.

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  18. Southern CA

    Get Outdoors (and Get Our T-shirt!)

    The 2026 Adventure Challenge is underway Looking for ideas to earn your commemorative t-shirt? Here are some of our favorite adventures we've featured this summer—all perfect for checking off your Challenge list.

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  19. Northern CA & Southern CA

    The Adventure Challenge Starts Now!

    Get outside, explore, and earn our exclusive 20th Anniversary Commemorative T-shirt. It's as easy as 1, 2, 3.

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  20. Northern CA & Southern CA

    Greatest Hits of the Sierra

    When it comes to summer hiking, the Sierra never misses a beat. From a historic fire lookout and alpine lakes to granite domes and classic summits, these four adventures deliver Hall of Fame views.

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  21. Northern CA

    Midsummer on the Water

    Summer's not cooling down just yet. Take to the water and soak in some of the season's most relaxing scenery. Whether you're paddling a protected harbor in Half Moon Bay, floating the Napa River, or pedaling across a South Bay lake, these adventures are made for lingering summer days.

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  22. Southern CA

    Endless SoCal Summer

    Who says summer has an expiration date? From Duffy boats to bluffside walks and a coastal bike ride, keep your cool and chase the season with these SoCal favorites.

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A Hiker looking over a mountain range

Your Inbox to the Outdoors

Stay up to date with our weekly recommendations on where to explore locally in California.

Trending Stories NorCal

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  1. Walk on the Wise Side

    A wise man once said, “Walk it off.” And San Francisco has just the place for a colorful walk via a 2.7-mile loop along Philosopher’s Way Trail in the 318-acre John McLaren Park (S

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  2. Hiker on the SCA trail in Marin Headlands with view of the Golden Gate Bridge

    Headlands Over Heels

    People come from all over the world to get a glimpse of the Golden Gate Bridge. Get a dramatic and novel view of the bridge without all the people on this moderate 6-mile hike in the Marin Headlands.

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  3. woman hiking Mt Tam east peak
    Sponsored

    Marquee Marin

    There may be no better place to find the best in coastal outdoors than the Marin Headlands. Bluff-side hiking trails, beautiful sandy beaches, big Pacific views, an iconic lighthouse, and unique lore in the area’s historic batteries are all part of the action here.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

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  1. Woman hiking the San Onofre Bluffs Loop Trail to San Onofre State Beach in San Diego County

    Bluffing Good!

    Lovely coastline, beautiful beaches, unique geological history, and picturesque sandstone cliffs with limited foot traffic in San Diego County? Head to San Onofre State Beach and the 5-mile San Onofre Bluffs Loop Trail.

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  2. Can We Get a Whoop Whoop!

    City, mountain, and ocean views all in one hike? Whoop whoop! It’s no surprise the the Kenter Fire Road and Whoop-de-Doos Trail (a combo of fire road and singletrack) is a favorite among local mountain bikers and hikers alike.

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  3. The Big Chill

    In LA, finding a place to chill can be the ultimate flex. So flex, in Franklin Canyon! This unexpected oasis has plenty of shade, cool lake breezes, and ample picnicking spots. Enjoy it on an easy-going 1-mile stroll along its reservoir and duck pond.

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