Best Adventures of 2015

This 8-mile classic Mount Tam hike is one to return to year after year. There are multiple ways to start it, but it's kind of nice to get the uphill out of the way first.

Big Sur's Garrapata State Park is a coast-hugging beauty with little-known trails leading to a Big Surplus of vistas. Do this 2-mile (round-trip) oceanside hike with nonstop views of epic coastline).

What's the secret for spying gray whales during winter's migration season? Location! And location doesn't get any better than from the top of the tallest lighthouse on the West Coast.

Jenner and the Sonoma Coast have big views, a beautiful hidden state beach, and sublime (beginner-friendly!) kayaking.

Just a few hours north of San Francisco, Anderson Valley packs in everything you'd want for a glorious weekend getaway: fabulous (affordable!) wineries, hiking in the redwoods, and a hilltop gem for spending the night.

The Central Coast adventureland of San Luis Obispo County is surrounded by ancient volcanoes, green hills, and dramatic coastline. Toss in some tree swings on hikes, and see SLO from new heights.

Set high in the Santa Cruz Mountains, with an entourage of spectacular redwood trees, Mount Madonna County Park is 3,200 acres of beautiful secluded land dominated by redwoods, with hiking trails, four campgrounds, and five awesome yurts!

ABC = Adventures in British Columbia! The westernmost Canadian province has a rainforest with a hidden hot springs, epic hiking in Whistler, and incredible lake and oceanside respites for eating, drinking, and sleeping.

The quiet town of Sierraville is basecamp for adventure: Spend the night in spectacular fire lookout, take a dip in a nearby hot springs, and find glorious Sierra solitude on the trails.

Three of California's top state beaches are located in Monterey County—do some sand hopping!

Week: 12.28.2015
Regions: Northern CA

1) Master of Tam

This 8-mile classic Mount Tam hike is one to return to year after year. There are multiple ways to start it, but it's kind of nice to get the uphill out of the way first.

mattdavisstinson_lrg-image-jpeg

2) Hidden Coastal Hike

Big Sur's Garrapata State Park is a coast-hugging beauty with little-known trails leading to a Big Surplus of vistas. Do this 2-mile (round-trip) oceanside hike with nonstop views of epic coastline).

garrapatalight_lrg-image-jpeg

3) Light the Way to Whale Watching

What's the secret for spying gray whales during winter's migration season? Location! And location doesn't get any better than from the top of the tallest lighthouse on the West Coast.

pointarenalighthouse-image-jpeg

4) Strong, Rugged, Beautiful

Jenner and the Sonoma Coast have big views, a beautiful hidden state beach, and sublime (beginner-friendly!) kayaking.

Kayak Jenner

5) Viva Anderson Valley

Just a few hours north of San Francisco, Anderson Valley packs in everything you'd want for a glorious weekend getaway: fabulous (affordable!) wineries, hiking in the redwoods, and a hilltop gem for spending the night.

sheepdunghammock_lrg-image-jpeg

6) Tree Swing Hikes

The Central Coast adventureland of San Luis Obispo County is surrounded by ancient volcanoes, green hills, and dramatic coastline. Toss in some tree swings on hikes, and see SLO from new heights.

reservoircanyonswinglrg-image-jpeg

7) Yurts So Good

Set high in the Santa Cruz Mountains, with an entourage of spectacular redwood trees, Mount Madonna County Park is 3,200 acres of beautiful secluded land dominated by redwoods, with hiking trails, four campgrounds, and five awesome yurts!

mtmadonnayurt_lrg-image-jpeg

8) Know Your ABCs

ABC = Adventures in British Columbia! The westernmost Canadian province has a rainforest with a hidden hot springs, epic hiking in Whistler, and incredible lake and oceanside respites for eating, drinking, and sleeping.

blackcombhike-image-jpeg

9) Sierra Secret

The quiet town of Sierraville is basecamp for adventure: Spend the night in spectacular fire lookout, take a dip in a nearby hot springs, and find glorious Sierra solitude on the trails.

calpinefirelookout_lrg-image-jpeg

10) Best in Beaches

Three of California's top state beaches are located in Monterey County—do some sand hopping!

pfeifferbeachcove_lrg-image-jpeg

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Sponsored

    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
  2. 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.

    View

  3. Big Burdell!

    If you’re gonna go big on a hike, make it at Marin County’s biggest open space preserve, Mount Burdell. And go to the summit. You’ll be sharing the trail with grazing cows, seasonal poppies, and beautiful birds on this 5-mile (round-trip) adventure.

    View

  4. H is for Hawk Hill

    After a nearly year-long closure, Hawk Hill in the legendary Marin Headlands recently emerged with a glow-up. Thank the hearty TLC from the National Park Service. This Golden Gate National Recreation Area gem now has a new trail along with revamped spaces for taking in timeless, grand views.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. People on ice learning to curl at Hollywood Curling

    You Go, Curl!

    Hollywood Curling’s Learn to Curl classes make the perfect setting for newcomers. Take the ice, and friendly curling instructors will teach you the basics.

    View

  2. Eat, Sleep, Beach, Repeat

    For an ultra-relaxing getaway where you can sit back and soak in some nature and nurture, head to Mendocino and follow this eat, beach, sleep, repeat itinerary (you won't regret it!) ...

    View

  3. This Skunk Doesn’t Stink!

    All aboard for a ride through history—and through air scented with redwood, dewy ferns, forest-fresh breeze, and a bonus snack and beverage bar, fire pit, and short hike. The World-Famous Skunk Train delivers in every category: scenery, greenery, and towering redwoods.

    View
  4. A woman standing at the pond's edge at Ernest B Debs Regional Park in Los Angeles. Trees are making reflections on the pond.

    Urban Oasis Loop

    Home to the city’s Audubon Center, Ernest E. Debs' 282-acre park features a robust network of hiking trails and surprising wildlife diversity. More than 140 bird species have been spotted here. Birdwatcher or not, this 2.5-mile route makes for a gorgeous outing.

    View