All in Northern CA
Griswolding Outdoors!
Rule #1 this holiday season: Getting outdoors is a great way to clear the air, and the head, after too much spiked eggnog and turkey talk. And hell-yeah, bring the whole family—you’re all in this together, merry and bright! Here are three ways to hike, drink, and birdsong your way to holiday bliss.
VIEWReservoir Hikes
If cabin fever has you thirsting for the outdoors, these three hikes are short (3 miles or less) and go straight to the source with excellent views of reservoirs.
VIEWBeaches & Hikes for the Weekend
After all that turkey, pie, and political discussion, it’s time to take a break outside. We have just the ticket—from a dog-friendly beach in Marin to a hidden bench overlooking the San Mateo Coast, be thankful for the great outdoors.
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SponsoredWarm Up to Winter in Reno Tahoe
2026 is just getting started, but there’s one place already rising to the top as the best for adventure and relaxation: Reno Tahoe. The awe—and ahhhs—begin as soon as you arrive. G
ViewThanksgiving Hikes
There’s lots to be thankful for this season, including our great outdoors, with fall colors on full display. Ready for a turkey trot? From the bounties of Briones to the thrills of a volcano, and a lesser-known trail on protected ranch land, here are three East Bay hikes prime for the season.
VIEWBeaches & Hikes for the Weekend
After all that turkey, pie, and political discussion, it’s time to take a break outside. We have just the ticket—from a dog-friendly beach in Marin to a hidden bench overlooking the San Mateo Coast, be thankful for the great outdoors.
VIEWWonder-Fall Hikes & Bike Rides
Autumn’s hues are beginning to deepen. And we’d like to help put the wonder in your fall, from redwoods to rolling golden hills and leaves crisp for foot-crunching. Here are some hikes and bike rides that make for a wonder-fall afternoon.
VIEWAutumn Beaches
Think summer’s the only time to hit the beach? Fog-etaboutit! Autumn is when beaches in Marin can really shine—sunny, warm(ish) and—fingers crossed—with only a tad of the misty stuff.
VIEWHikes in the Meantime
It’s been a challenging week. We’re thinking about everyone affected by the wildfires, evacuations, and power outages. California is resilient and the smoke will clear. If you’re hankering for some nature this weekend, we’ve got a few suggestions. #californiastrong
VIEWShort Coastal Hikes
San Mateo may just be the coast with the most this time of year. Sunny afternoons can clear the skies, sweeping ocean vistas beckon, and autumn charms like pumpkin patches abound.
VIEWHidden Hikes in Wine Country
What’s better than wine country hikes in autumn? Wine country hikes that aren’t as well known! From a new regional park south of Petaluma, to a tiny hidden gem in Napa.
VIEWSee the Blue Angels overhead, get up-close views of the Golden Gate Bridge, and bask in some San Francisco noir under a full moon weekend … here are three excellent ways to maximize your bay views this weekend.
VIEWEasy Fall Hikes
How do you ease into fall? With some easy fall hikes! Get the first glimpse of fall colors, along with beautiful views and tranquil lakes at these three parks.
VIEWReach for the Pinnacles
Rugged rock spires, deep caves, volcanic formations… Pinnacles National Park packs an adventurous punch, and—bonus—you might even get to see the famous, endangered California condor.
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SponsoredWarm Up to Winter in Reno Tahoe
2026 is just getting started, but there’s one place already rising to the top as the best for adventure and relaxation: Reno Tahoe. The awe—and ahhhs—begin as soon as you arrive. G
ViewSummer's End Adventures
Who says all good things must come to an end? This is California! But still, there's a few things better to do now than later ... so get soak in the last of the summer days on one or more of these outdoor escapes!
VIEWHike-in Picnics with Classic Ocean Views
The benefit of hiking or biking in to your picnic spot? You can avoid the parking lot crowds. These three North Bay gems all have ocean views, too. All you need is a baguette and cheese and voila! Picnic magnifique!
VIEWHike the Lakes
Summer's winding down, but the lakes are still filled up. From a trifecta lake hike in Tahoe to a backyard Sierra-esque loop in Marin, here are three excellent hikes around the water. Drink it in.
VIEWLabor Day Sneak Away
Who's ready to get sneaky? As in sneaking away this weekend for a quick outdoor escape. From camping to coastal hiking, bike rides with beers, and redwoods rambles, here are some ideas nearby and not too far. Sneak attack!
VIEWNew Trails & Parks
Mmmm... that new park smell! From the Peninsula to the Sonoma Coast, these trails are primed and ready to be explored.
VIEWYosemite Anew
It’s easy to think you’ve seen Yosemite’s best stuff. But this national park just keeps giving us different ways to experience its wonders. From new cabins to an upgraded hike among giant sequoias, or taking a trail less-known, here’s a guide to keep exploring Yosemite’s adventurous side.
VIEWFun Dips!
Sunscreen: check. Swim trunks: check. Plan of action: take a dip! Keep your cool and beat the heat from the Sierra Nevada to the Berkeley Hills and Point Reyes. Just don't be a rotten egg!
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Warm Up to Winter in Reno Tahoe
Winter's Best Activities in Reno Tahoe
Your Inbox to the Outdoors
Stay up to date with our weekly recommendations on where to explore locally in California.
Trending Stories NorCal
View all Stories![Mike Zakowski (aka Mike the Baker) standing in front of his wood-fire oven at the Sonoma Valley Farmers' Market]()
NEW! Walkin' and Talkin': Break Bread, Go On a Panoramic Hike
What’s a world-traveling, medal-winning baker’s favorite local hike? Weekend Sherpa co-founder Brad Day caught up with Mike Zakowski (aka Mike the Baker) at Sonoma’s Friday farmers' market, where his wood-fired loaves draw loyal crowds. Between bites of fresh-baked bread, they talk baking, travel, and why Sonoma's Overlook Trail is one of his favorite quick, panoramic hikes.
ViewHidden Botanical Garden
Forget a dozen roses. Give your love a botanical garden. Hidden on the western slope of Sonoma Valley’s Mayacamas Mountains, Sonoma Botanical Garden has one of the Bay Area’s best displays of Asian flora—and it’s a brilliant place for a quiet picnic and some calming contemplations.
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Sunnyvale and Salty
For up-close bird watching, it’s hard to beat a walk along the San Francisco Bay. This 5-mile loop on the Sunnyvale coast is a favorite of local wildlife photographers.
View![A man takes a break at a temple spot on a hike at Dragon Mountain in Milptas]()
Dragon Quest
The newly reopened, 4-mile out-and-back hike at Dragon Mountain in Milpitas mixes the physical with the spiritual for a serene hiking experience.
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Trending Stories SoCal
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SponsoredWarm Up to Winter in Reno Tahoe
2026 is just getting started, but there’s one place already rising to the top as the best for adventure and relaxation: Reno Tahoe. The awe—and ahhhs—begin as soon as you arrive. G
View![A woman stands at Dante's View in Death Valley, looking out to Telescope Peak and Manly Lake, Badwater Basin below.]()
Sunset Hike at Dante's View
It’s one of the world’s best places to watch a sunset. Dante’s View is a 5,476-foot vantage of the whole southern basin of Death Valley from the top of the Black Mountains. Right now there's a banner and bonus view of a rare lake formation that appears only after big rains.
ViewIt's a Waterfall Life
Tahquitz Canyon’s crystalline stream and lush stands of desert lavender, honey mesquite, and leafy sycamores is home to an easy day hike with a big bonus: a 60-foot waterfall that runs with remarkable gusto after winter rains.
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Oh Snow Nice
Live in California long enough, and you’ll come to know the rite of passage called “going to the snow”–when we ditch our fair-weather cities and towns in search of winter weather. Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks deliver a winter wonderland worth a visit if there’s been a good dose of snow.
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