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  1. 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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  2. 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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  3. 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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  4. Sponsored

    Extra-Celestial Central Oregon

    Some trips promise you the moon and the stars. And this one delivers in a big way, plus throws in some extra planets for your viewing pleasure. From Bend, Sunriver, and Sisters to Antelope Basecamp in the remote high desert.

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  5. 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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  6. 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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  7. 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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  8. 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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  9. 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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  10. Northern CA

    The Many Sides of Mount Tam

    Been there, done Tam? Mount Tam's magic lies in its diverse landscapes. Wander among peaceful redwoods, explore its wilder side with sweeping coastal views, or hike to a historic mountainside inn hosting an ice cream fundraiser this weekend. Sweet!

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  11. Southern CA

    Stairways to the Sea

    Three stairways, three beaches, one epic coast. This summer, take the scenic route to the sea. These three stairway adventures lead to sandy beaches, sea caves, blufftop campgrounds, and secluded shoreline gems.

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  12. Northern CA

    Oh, Fourth Sure!

    Weekend Sherpa turns 20 this year. And America? It's got quite a few birthdays on us! Happy Fourth of July! Here are a few ways to celebrate red, white, and blue in the great outdoors this weekend.

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  13. Southern CA

    Fourth-coming Adventures

    We thought Weekend Sherpa turning 20 this year was a big milestone…then America reminded us it's celebrating 250! Happy Fourth of July! Here are a few ways to celebrate red, white, and blue in the great outdoors.

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  14. Northern CA

    Trail Ends, Shoreline Begins

    Beach hike, anyone? These three hike-ins combine scenic trails, salty air, and the perfect excuse to kick off your shoes and linger by the shore.

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  15. Sponsored

    Extra-Celestial Central Oregon

    Some trips promise you the moon and the stars. And this one delivers in a big way, plus throws in some extra planets for your viewing pleasure. From Bend, Sunriver, and Sisters to Antelope Basecamp in the remote high desert.

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  16. Southern CA

    Kick it Outside

    Kick off your day outdoors, then settle in for the world's biggest game. From beaches and parks to small-town gathering spots, these adventures come with a bonus: nearby places to catch the FIFA World Cup.

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  17. Yosemite

    Yosemite Beyond the Valley

    Yep, Yosemite can get crowded! But here’s something not everyone knows: some of Yosemite’s most iconic experiences happen beyond the Valley floor. From waterfall hikes and panoramic granite climbs not named Half Dome to giant sequoia groves and a legendary sunset vista in a quieter corner of the park, here are a few ways to experience Yosemite beyond the Valley. Yo-go!

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  18. Northern CA

    Gems of the San Francisco Peninsula

    The San Francisco Peninsula is much more than the home of high tech. Some of the Bay Area’s most iconic outdoor experiences are found here—from dramatic coastline and sprawling beaches to ancient redwood groves and open space preserves with premier views. Add in a buzzworthy food and drink scene, and you've got one of Northern California's most appealing escapes. Here’s a great way to spend a full day!

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  19. Woman standing at the lookout tower of Tahquitz Peak in the San Jacinto Wilderness in Southern California
    Southern CA

    Lookout Above

    The views are reason enough to go. The history is what makes these hikes even more interesting. From a forested perch on Palomar Mountain to one of Southern California's highest fire lookouts, these historic towers have been helping people watch over the landscape for generations. Here are three lookouts that still reward the climb.

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  20. Southern CA

    World Cup Fever? Try FootGolf

    The World Cup is coming to LA! Didn't make the squad? We've got a backup plan. Kick like a soccer player, score like a golfer: it's FootGolf! Bend it, boot it, and celebrate after sinking a 30-foot putt with your feet at these three SoCal FootGolf courses. Gooooaaallll in one!

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  21. Northern CA

    Long Live Summer Nights

    Summer days get a lot of love, but some of the season’s best adventures happen after sunset. From guided walks beneath towering redwoods to beach bonfires and stargazing programs, here are three really good reasons to stay out late this summer.

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  22. Northern CA

    Waterside Picnic Gems

    From beaches to bays, the Bay Area is filled with scenic spots for a picnic or some nearby takeout. From shucking oysters at a recently reopened boat shack to a beachside barbecue and a coastal perch complete with cute farm animals, here are three relaxing ways to dine beside the water.

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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. Woman walking down the stairs overlooking the ocean on the Coastal Trail in San Francisco

    America's Best Urban Hike

    Long ago we dubbed it the “Grand Walk” and said it was one of the most scenic and stunning trails in the West. We were wrong. This is the most scenic urban hike in America!

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  2. Hike or Bike the Skyline

    A new section of the Bay Area Ridge Trail is open for biking, hiking, or horseback riding along the 12-mile (out-and-back) Skyline Watershed Ridge Trail.

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  3. Woman riding a bike on the the Vine Trail in Napa Valley

    Through the Grapevine

    Cycle California’s most famous wine valley on the car-free Vine Trail, an ambitious project going through the heart of Napa Valley. Park your car and ride 6 miles from Napa to Yountville for lunch.

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Trending Stories SoCal

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  1. Outback to the Future

    Some must-see destinations are written in the stars. Deep in Oregon's remote southern high desert lies the largest certified International Dark Sky Sanctuary on the planet. With 2.5 million acres of protected dark skies, you get the best of the celestial out here in what's known as the Oregon Outback, including geothermal soaks and an incredible playa that's a hidden gem.

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  2. Sponsored

    Extra-Celestial Central Oregon

    Some trips promise you the moon and the stars. And this one delivers in a big way, plus throws in some extra planets for your viewing pleasure. From Bend, Sunriver, and Sisters to Antelope Basecamp in the remote high desert.

    View
  3. Hollywood Endings

    Hollywood legends may seem larger than life, but we all have to kick the bucket at some point. Still, the Hollywood Forever cemetery keeps legends’ spirits alive among 62 acres of green lawns, palm trees, landscaped gardens, and large, reflecting pools.

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