All in Northern CA

  1. 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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  2. 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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  3. hikers mount diablo

    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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  4. Sponsored
    2026-04-15

    No Limits Family Trip: Reno Tahoe

    What if your next family getaway didn’t come with a set agenda—just the freedom to go where the day takes you? Find yourselves in Reno Tahoe, a land of no limits and plenty of outdoor bounty.

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  5. 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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  6. 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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  7. 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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  8. 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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  9. 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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  10. 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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  11. 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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  12. 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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  13. 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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  14. 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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  15. Sponsored
    2026-04-15

    No Limits Family Trip: Reno Tahoe

    What if your next family getaway didn’t come with a set agenda—just the freedom to go where the day takes you? Find yourselves in Reno Tahoe, a land of no limits and plenty of outdoor bounty.

    View
  16. woman hiking Mendocino Headland bluffs

    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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  17. 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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  18. 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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  19. Silent Hikes

    We like the festive, but sometimes you need a nature break. These are three of the best hikes you do for tranquil settings amid trees, water, glittering views, and a labyrinth.

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

    Tranquility in the Trees

    If you find yourself in overdrive during the season of holly jolly, take a tree break. These three Bay Area hikes, including a new trail, offer tranquility amid oaks, redwoods, and mixed forest.

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  21. Take a Break from Turkey Talk

    Hey! We're here too. Ready for some fresh air? We think these outings are really great, and that's not the turkey talking....

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  22. Reno Tahoe Care Package

    This season give someone (and yourself!) the ultimate care package. Experience Reno Tahoe in a whole new light. This Biggest Little City in the World combines tranquility in mountainous nature with sizzling entertainment, vibrant art, and a stellar food and drink culture. It’s where sunset hikes and soothing natural hot springs intersect with disco tubing and fireside après. And then there’s this giant indoor Ferris wheel….

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Trending Stories NorCal

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  1. Garland in Bloom

    Carmel Valley is known for its quaint wineries and scenic hiking trails. Enjoy both on this 3.75-mile loop through Garland Ranch Regional Park.

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  2. Bike to Aardvark Beach

    Two wheels, a fresh sea breeze, birds, and a beach stop: now that's a California bike ride. Pack a beach blanket and set out on this 16-mile out-and-back pedal along the San Francisco Bay to Aardvark Beach.

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  3. Cheers to Chimney

    If you’re looking for all that Point Reyes has to offer in spring, Chimney Rock is the place to be. The 1.75-mile (round-trip) hike to Chimney may be short, but it packs a visual punch, quadrupling the viewing thrills during spring.

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  4. Eat, Explore, Repeat: Point Reyes Station

    It’s small and laid-back, but Point Reyes Station is a standout gateway to Point Reyes National Seashore. Fresh food, cool culture, and an unfussy vibe are part of the draw.

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Trending Stories SoCal

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  1. Hello, Sur!

    Big Sur is home to numerous fantastic beaches and coves, so which one do you choose? Go for the beach that's quintessential Big Sur (and dog-friendly!). Pfeiffer Beach in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. Its signature lilac-colored sand is waiting for your feet!

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  2. Sponsored

    No Limits Family Trip: Reno Tahoe

    What if your next family getaway didn’t come with a set agenda—just the freedom to go where the day takes you? Find yourselves in Reno Tahoe, a land of no limits and plenty of outdoor bounty.

    View
  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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  4. A woman stands amid an array of yellow and purple flowers at Descanso Gardens in Los Angeles

    Petal Paradise

    Tulips, lilacs, and daffodils—flower power is in full bloom at Descanso Gardens in La Cañada Flintridge. Sprawling across 150 acres surrounded by mountains, the gardens are putting on their best show right now.

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