All in Northern CA

  1. What's New?

    A new pair of shoes, that new car smell… We all love new, and the North Bay has some new ways to get outdoors. Who knew?

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  2. Redwoods Rambles

    The Santa Cruz Mountains are home to some of the most beautiful redwoods on earth. With wildflowers newly blooming and the region's signature banana slugs making an appearance, spring's a good time to hike among the big reds.

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  3. Strong and Rugged

    Do you like the strong rugged types? With all due respect to Big Sur, there’s another stretch of coastline that’s got it going on. Jenner and the Sonoma Coast have big views, beautiful hidden beaches, and a bevy of aquatic adventures.

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  4. Sponsored
    2024-12-18

    Sublime San Juan Islands

    Well, well, this wellness action plan takes you to the San Juan Islands! Easily reached by ferry yet worlds away in tranquility and unique adventures, this Washington State jewel of the Salish Sea nurtures through nature.

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  5. Swing Down to the Coast

    There's a reason people like hiking to high places in San Luis Obispo. This Central Coast adventureland is surrounded by ancient volcanoes, rolling green hills, and a dramatic coastline. Toss in some tree swings, and see SLO from new heights on any of these three hikes.

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  6. The Great Artdoors

    Next time you want to get your art fix, step outside for a hike. Here are three top places to see cool works of art in the great outdoors.

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  7. Roadside Attractions

    Some of the best scenery this time of year is found just off major thoroughfares where tranquil marshes and wetlands are traced by hiking and biking trails. The bonus: abundant birdlife is peaking right now. Here are three roadside attractions worth flocking to!

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  8. Hikes to Brunch

    Don't just go to brunch, hike to brunch! From East Bay to North Bay, here are three great hikes with tasty places to grab a bite en route or when you're finished. Trail mix just got an upgrade.

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  9. Graytest Hits

    Gray is the unofficial color of winter, which can be a good thing. Here are a few ways to put a little gray in your day.

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  10. Winter Beaches

    Beach-going in the summer? So cliché. Hitting the beach in winter? How avant-garde! Here are three sandy havens that are winter-wonderful, and dog-friendly too!

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  11. Tahoe Time

    It's home to the largest alpine lake in North America, some of the world’s best ski resorts, and off-the-beaten path places for finding fun or solitude. Tahoe in winter is true blue, and ready for you!

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  12. New Perspectives

    Start 2015 with a fresh point of view. From bluff strolling bliss to a secret mountain ridge ramble—and a tiny urban park in between—here are three ways to gain a new perspective this year.

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  13. 12 Years of Adventure

    12 Years of Adventure

    Twelve years ago we launched the first edition of Weekend Sherpa for the San Francisco Bay Area. Back then the song of summer was "SexyBack" by Justin Timberlake, and Talladega Nights was topping the box office. While change is inevitable, one thing for us remains the same: Our commitment to inspiring local adventures. There are no shortcuts, and we don't crowdsource. We've done a lot of exploring over the years to share the best stuff with you! Here are 12 of our favorite adventures.

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  1. Sponsored

    The 2025 Hiking Calendar Is Here!

    Ready to make hiking part of your New Year’s wellness plan? Get the all-new 2025 Hiking Calendar courtesy of Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST).

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  2. Most Peaceful Hike of All

    Is this the most peaceful one-hour hike in the Bay Area? It's got our vote! Lake Lagunitas is the smallest lake in a series of five found on the north side of Mount Tam, so it’s got that tiny but mighty charm. Do a 1.5-mile loop around the lake's shore-hugging trail.

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  3. Two hikers at Bear Creek Redwoods Regional Preserve on a new trail.

    New Trails at Bear Creek

    Looking for new trails? Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve has added 170 acres of forest, grassland, and historical sites. Hike this 3.5-mile loop through the new addition.

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  4. 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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  1. Animal Encounters

    Located where Redding’s famous Sundial Bridge overlooks the Sacramento River, Turtle Bay Exploration Park is 300 acres of gardens, a museum and playground, aquarium, and unforgettable up-close animal encounters!

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  2. Weekend Sherpa Podcast
    Sponsored

    Weekend Sherpa Podcast: Take It Outside

    Adventure for your earbuds. What's new in the world of the outdoors? Listen to Weekend Sherpa co-founders discuss local hikes, beaches, bike rides, camping spots and all kinds of travel and adventure in California and beyond!

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  3. Locals' Feature: Max Smith of Moment Skis

    Meet Max Smith, VP of Moment Skis in Reno, Nevada. Moment is the largest ski manufacturer in the US and you can see how their innovative and artistic skis are made by visiting Moment Skis headquarters in Reno. The Factory is where the magic happens, so drop in for a visit and say hi to the team, including employee dogs who are on quality control.

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  4. Woman hiking down the stairs to Coast Royale Beach in Orange County

    Secluded Royale

    Panoramic coastal views and a killer leg workout combine on this 2.7-mile (round-trip) out-and-back hike to secluded Coast Royale Beach in Orange County

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