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  1. Northern CA

    Field Trips For All

    This fall, take a fun field trip for all. The Bay Area has all kinds of ways to combine the outdoors with seeing beautiful art and learning some less known history. From an outstanding museum and ice skate rink that's all about Charlie Brown and the Peanuts crew, to taking an old-fashioned steam train in the redwoods, and getting your heart pumping with beautiful murals and famous San Francisco vistas, here are three amazing ways to learn in (and from!) nature.

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  2. Southern CA

    Jamul in Fall

    Oak trees, tranquil meadows, huge vistas, and wonderful wineries make this San Diego County destination an unexpected hiker's haven. With crisper air coming (we think!) now's a good time to explore this region of canyons, peaks, and wildlife areas. Pair your hike with visits to laid- back wineries. You autumn know about Jamul!

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  3. Sequoia National Park

    Splendor in Sequoia's Redwoods

    California’s first national park positively beams with beauty, in large part because of its famous big trees. The forest here is filled with Sequoia trees, big red beauties rising toward the sky like ancient columns. From the otherworldly Stump Trail to a twofer of trails where you can find tranquility, plus where to sleep under the majesty, take this giant leap in early autumn! 

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  4. Sponsored
    2025-10-29

    Redding Lights and Silent Nights

    Give your holiday events calendar a major glow up this winter in California’s sunniest city. Redding is a revelation: Surrounded by iconic scenery like Mount Shasta, Lassen Volcanic National Park, and Whiskeytown National Recreation Area.

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  5. sunset at salt point
    Northern CA

    Sublime at Sunset

    There's a bright side to autumn's dwindling daylight. Sunsets churn some of their finest golden hues across horizons. From an open space of small summits to a campground on the coast, and one of the finest urban walks in the world, here are three ways to enjoy the gold rush of autumn in the Bay Area.

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  6. Southern CA

    Field These Trips

    It's a field trip for all this fall. Los Angeles County has all kinds of ways to be outside and explore some art and history. Discover the Ice Age in LA's downtown; go on a hike and check out historic train cars in Griffith Park; or do a commemorative walk combining an outdoor classroom of art. Here are three ways to learn from nature.

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  7. Northern CA

    Fall for These Beaches

    Summer may be over, but in California beach season never really ends, with plenty to enjoy year-round for walking, wildlife watching, and wowing sunsets.

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  8. Southern CA

    Log Some Lagoon Time

    Log out and get out...outside to some sublime lagoons for walking, wildlife sightings, and a breath of fresh nature. Here are three less known lagoons well worth a wander.

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  9. Northern CA

    You're on a Boat!

    Now is a nice time of year to get out on the lake, and these three oases let you rent a boat and paddle—or pedal—amid tranquil surroundings and the spontaneous delights of nature. Bonus: they all offer some nice on-shore adventures, too. Whatever floats your boat.

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  10. Southern CA

    Walk This Way

    A few of our adventure writers have some great ideas for easy, fun, and colorful strolls in Los Angeles County, which happen to be great ideas for our Adventure Challenge, ending soon! Get your complimentary custom t-shirt before they're all gone. Walk this way....

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  11. Southern CA

    Five Faves for the Long Weekend

    Ahhh the long weekend. The end of summer is near, but you still have a few weeks to complete our Adventure Challenge. Get outdoors and send us some photos in exchange for a custom WS t-shirt, a mountain accessory bag from Topo Designs, and a chance to win a trip for 2 to Reno Tahoe. Need some inspiration? Check out these five fun outdoor escapes.

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  12. Northern CA

    Five Fabulous Adventures for Labor Day

    As the long weekend arrives it’s a reminder that our summer Adventure Challenge is soon coming to a close: there’s just a few weeks left to submit your outdoor adventure pics to us in exchange for a custom WS t-shirt, a mountain accessory bag from Topo Designs, and a chance to win a  trip for 2 to Reno Tahoe. Need some ideas for this weekend? Check out these five fabulous options.

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  13. Northern CA

    Best of Summer

    It's hard to say goodbye...summer days may be coming to a close, but there's still time to get out on some of the season's most popular adventures in Weekend Sherpa. Here's a roundup of some of what you all liked best.

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  14. Southern CA

    Long Live Summer

    Summer isn't over yet. There's still time to do all the things, particularly the ones you seemed to like a lot this season. From our Adventure Challenge to national parks, stargazing, and more, here are some of this summer's greatest hits...still playing....

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  15. Sponsored
    2025-10-29

    Redding Lights and Silent Nights

    Give your holiday events calendar a major glow up this winter in California’s sunniest city. Redding is a revelation: Surrounded by iconic scenery like Mount Shasta, Lassen Volcanic National Park, and Whiskeytown National Recreation Area.

    View
  16. Northern CA & Southern CA

    Reno Tahoe Great Eight

    We’re halfway through our 2025 Adventure Challenge, and if you haven’t done so yet, you can still get our custom t-shirt, a Topo Designs mountain accessory bag, and be entered to win a trip for 2 to beautiful Reno Tahoe! Speaking of Reno Tahoe—from peak hikes and waterfalls to bike rides by the lake and craft brew patio pit stops, here are 8 great ways to raise your getaway game.

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  17. Northern CA

    Lakeside Hike-ins and Campsites

    Hiking, lakeside lounging, starry night campsites: that’s some California dreamy. From hike-ins to lakes in El Dorado National Forest and Tahoe, to a first-come, first-served campground in the Sierra Nevada's Lakes Basin, here are three ways to enjoy overnight oasis escapes.

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  18. Southern CA

    Ghost Towns, Gold Towns, and Underground Gardens

    There’s gold and ghosts and underground gardens in them thar California hills! From a less-known Gold Rush town to a more popular one with seasonal ghost tours, and an underground secret garden, here are some ways to have some old-fashioned adventures.

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  19. Northern CA & Southern CA

    Newly Opened at CA National Parks

    What’s new at CA national parks? How about Sequoia’s newly re-opened cave tours; a sulfur spectacle that just opened for the season (and rivals Yellowstone); an overnight escape to “reset” in Joshua Tree; and a new San Francisco picnic space in the Presidio. That’s some good new!

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  20. Northern CA & Southern CA

    Less-Traveled National Park Peak Hikes

    During the peak of summer, tackle some national park peaks that are less-traveled and utterly spectacular. From the largest dome volcano in the world (right here in California!) to the only national park peak in Nevada, plus a Yosemite gem that’s marvelous near sunset, here are three summits to sum up the height of summer.

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  21. Two bike riders are looking out to Lake Perris in Southern California
    Southern CA

    As You Lake It!

    Summer by the lake sounds pretty great, and these three beauties bring something special, from bonus eats to quiet paddles and pedals amid beautiful peaks. Lake expectations met!

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  22. A woman is riding her bike past trees and Lake Almanor in Chester
    Northern CA

    How Do You Lake It?

    Reservoirs and lakes feel like the very definition of summer. Whether you're hiking, biking, camping  or finding a perfect place for a picnic, here are three great places for a fantastic lake escape. 

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Trending Stories NorCal

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  1. Dune It Right

    Want a beach that will really get you away from it all? Monterey's Fort Ord Dunes State Park is just the ticket. And it often glows golden toward sunset.

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  2. Go, Tell It on the Mountain

    {NOTE: Due to atmospheric rivers that can come this time of year, always be sure to check ahead for trail closures and hazards. And of course, wait for better weather and drier con

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  3. Serene Las Gallinas

    A serene stroll alongside marshland, passing ponds and grasses frilled in seasonal wildflowers, with Mount Tam a beacon in the background … how nice. As part of the esteemed Bay Trail, San Rafael’s Las Gallinas Valley Birding Loop and Wildlife Ponds comprises about 3.5 miles of wide-open trail.

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  4. Sponsored

    Redding Lights and Silent Nights

    Give your holiday events calendar a major glow up this winter in California’s sunniest city. Redding is a revelation: Surrounded by iconic scenery like Mount Shasta, Lassen Volcanic National Park, and Whiskeytown National Recreation Area.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

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  1. The Undead Ghost Town

    Every Halloween, the worlds of the living and the dead blur together. In the “living ghost town” of Randsburg that condition is permanent. This strange gold-rush town near the El P

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  2. Woman swimming in Carson Hotsprings natural thermal pool

    Hot Springs, Naturally

    Thermal spring waters are famous for their curative, relaxing elements, and Reno Tahoe is filled with them! Sink into these amazing thermal respites for a wellness super soak.

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  3. Into the Mystic

    Venture into the Cave of Munits in West Hills, a magnificent cavern that was a place of deep spiritual importance to the Chumash people. Legend says this cave was once home to a powerful shaman who was killed after he took the life of a chief's son.

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  4. A woman walks the path next to the beach at sunset at Palisades Park in Los Angeles County

    Santa Monica’s Most Beautiful Walk

    With its sweeping views of Santa Monica Bay and the Santa Monica Pier, the 26-acre Palisades Park, perched along the beach bluffs, may be a tourist’s delight for its quintessential California vibes–but it’s just as beloved by locals. Follow this 2.5-mile loop to experience it like one.

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