All in Northern CA

Road Trip to Real California
Smack between San Francisco and Los Angeles is a part of California that flies a bit under the radar—for now. It’s where an immersive and magical light show comes to life when the sun sets over the rolling hills. It's where a guided horseback ride through wildflowers meets unpretentious wine tasting. It's where after an afternoon e-biking adventure you can kick back in a walkable downtown that's a true foodie haven. It’s authentically California. It’s Paso Robles.
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The Long Good Hike
More daylight means more time to hike. These three long hikes are good in spring, and add seasonal bling like wildflowers, brimming reservoirs, and big-fresh vistas.
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Mellow in the Marsh
When you just need to mellow out, you can find your peace, quiet, and sense of wonder while strolling some of our most tranquil marshlands. These three places are where birds of many feathers hang together and bonus Bay Area scenery adds iconic flair.
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Sponsored
2026-02-02
Warm 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
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Technicolor Hikes and Bike Rides
We’re just gonna hop to it: spring for hikes and bike rides that currently have more colors than an Easter basket, thanks to the season’s riches: fresh hills and blossoming wildflowers.
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Spring Break National Park Hikes
It’s not an easy time for national parks right now, so when you visit you’re going to have to pack some understanding and patience. But the marvels you’ll experience on these three hiking adventures are likely to leave you with a sense of wonder and appreciation for the glory of the great outdoors.
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Early Wildflower Hikes
No need to wait for one of spring's best bounties: Right now wildflowers are already starting to pop up across Bay Area landscapes, and these three spots debut their petal power on the earlier side. Here are some hikes and bike rides worth going wild(flower) for.
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Rise On Up
Welcome to spring! It’s a nice time of year for hiking to higher heights. These three summits bring some spring bling and exceptional wide-angle vistas.
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Farm Therapy
Who’s up for a little animal therapy? These three Bay Area farms have adorable animals amid hiking trails and yoga sessions. Goat wild with your downward dog; combine wildflowers and wildlife on a trail with big views, and hike around a working farm with chickens, cows, and sheep.
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Spring-ish
Weather forecast these days: faux spring! Cloud, cold, chance of rain, maybe some sun…okay, it is only March. But if it’s misty out, there are still some nice hikes that can help you 'weather' the weather. Here are three to consider.
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Early Spring Hikes and Bike Rides
Is it just us, or is it starting to feel like spring? It’s not too soon to get outside and bask in the glory of green hills. These Bay Area hikes and bike rides are refreshed for the new season.
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Waterfall Hikes in the Redwoods
Waterfalls, redwoods, oh here we flow! These waterfall hikes in the redwoods are best done after periods of wet weather.
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Romance Right Quick
If rain put a damper on your Valentine's plans, we've got some ideas for romance in a pinch this weekend. Here are a few ideas to set the scene with whoever you're sweet on.
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Planetary Parade
Planets on parade? The next few weeks will be some of the best for catching clear sight of planetary alignments, either with the naked eye or through the help of telescopes. From campsites to observatories, here are some places for catching a night sky show.
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Sponsored
2026-02-02
Warm 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
Walks in the Great Artdoors
Ready to stroll in the great artdoors? These three locales across the Peninsula, San Francisco, and Napa let you explore beautiful art located outdoors, from sculptures and murals to gardens and meadows (with food and drink bonuses, too).
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Super Sunsets
These three spots in the North Bay deliver the golden goods. From a newly protected ridge top gem in Tiburon to a less-known knoll on Mount Tam, it’s time to get glowing!
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Redding For You
New Year, new adventures: Get Redding for a 2025 group getaway. This sunniest city in California is surrounded by Lassen, Shasta, and mountainous Whiskeytown National Recreation Area. Here are a few itineraries that get you up-close animal encounters at Turtle Bay, bike riding by murals, urban food and art, even line dancing lessons at a family-friendly warehouse brew pub. Are you Redding?
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Try Something New
Ready to do something new? From beginner-friendly scenic mountain biking, and a superb spot for spying Mavericks' big waves, to a park where you can hike and explore the great artdoors, here are three great ways to kick off 2025.
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Bluffing Good Hikes for 2025
Happy New Year! Plan some time for quiet contemplations and tranquil respites where you can think about 2025 and nurture yourself in nature. Here are three brilliant bluff hikes to find time for peace of mind.
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Top 10 Adventures of 2024
Looking back, looking forward. As we wish you a 2025 filled with your favorite places and people and experiences, we wanted to share some of your favorite Weekend Sherpa stories in 2024. Here's the Top 10 of this past year. Onward!
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A Most Viewtiful Holiday Season
Wishing you happy holidays and time to find inspiration outdoors. Next week is our Top 10 Adventures of 2024 issue, and in the meantime check out these three San Francisco parks where you can find viewtiful inspiration over the holidays.
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