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  1. 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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  2. 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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  3. 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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  4. Sponsored

    Chasing Dark Skies: Southern Oregon

    Hot springs, hiking, lodging, antelope, and one of the world’s best places for looking up at night.

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  5. 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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  6. 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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  7. 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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  8. 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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  9. 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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  10. 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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  11. 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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  12. 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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  13. 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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  14. 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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  15. Sponsored

    Chasing Dark Skies: Southern Oregon

    Hot springs, hiking, lodging, antelope, and one of the world’s best places for looking up at night.

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  16. 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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  17. 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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  18. Southern CA

    Bu'tiful Days

    Ready for a Bu’tiful day? These three Malibu adventures deliver everything from coast-hugging trails to rugged Pacific panoramas and a quiet oasis escape. Have yourself a truly Mali-butiful day.

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  19. CA State Parks

    And the Best CA State Parks Are...

    The people have spoken: California State Park Foundation’s recent “Best of California’s State Parks” awards honored some of the Golden State’s most beloved outdoor places, chosen by thousands of voters. Several are parks we’ve happily explored ourselves, too. Here are a few adventures we recommend from this year’s winners.

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  20. Reno

    Rise in Reno Tahoe

    Reno Tahoe doesn’t fit neatly into a box—and that’s exactly why it’s such a fun place to visit. One moment your family is hiking to a roaring waterfall or strolling alongside the Truckee River, the next you’re eating chicken burgers and catching a baseball game at a ballpark beneath mountain-framed skies. Then it’s on to arty, mural-filled neighborhoods abuzz with cafes and patio dining. There’s plenty of room for spontaneity here. Rise in Reno Tahoe this spring!

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  21. Northern CA

    Second Wave of Spring

    Recent rains have refreshed these adventures and given spring a welcome extension. But it won’t last long so get out there and enjoy an encore of wildflowers like poppies and lupine, plus bold panoramas of the coast and urban icons. 

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  22. Southern CA

    Give Mom These Gardens

    This Mother’s Day weekend, go garden-variety! These five botanical gardens are worth a high five for Mom.

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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 with her arms outstretched to the rolling hills scenery while on a rock outcrop at Barnabe Peak in Samuel P Taylor Sate Park in Marin

    Barnabe Bonanza

    Sure, there are higher mountains in Marin (Mount Tam) and easier ascents (Mount Burdell), but is there a more expansive North Bay view? Barnabe Peak in Samuel P. Taylor State Park offers a glorious panorama including Mount Tam, Mount Diablo, and Mount St. Helena.

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  2. Tamtastic Sunset

    Sure, the East Peak of Mount Tam is absolutely spectacular at sunset, but some magic-hour enthusiasts head to a nearby spot, Trojan Point, for a little more personal space in their panoramic viewings.

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  3. 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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Trending Stories SoCal

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  1. Lagoon Swoon

    We all love an underdog story, especially in the shadow of the greats. Enter a truly SoCal coastal version: Malibu Lagoon State Beach. Though situated next to Surfrider Beach, a fa

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  2. 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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  3. 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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