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1. 
   Northern CA

   Top 10 2019 Adventures (Readers Favorites)

   The 2019 outdoor adventures Weekend Sherpa readers most liked in the San Francisco Bay Area and Northern California.

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2. 
   Northern CA

   Just in Time for the Holidays

   Get into the holiday spirit on these classic Bay Area outings that are like a yule log for your soul.

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3. 
   Southern CA

   Fa La La Outside

   Get into the holiday spirit by getting outdoors. Whether you’ve got friends and family in tow, or you’re just looking for a solo breather, these are classic SoCal outings for the holidays.

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4. 
   Sponsored

   2026-06-03

   Take the Exit to the Best of the San Francisco Peninsula

   The San Francisco Peninsula is proof that some of Northern California’s greatest surprises are hiding just off Highway 101. All you have to do is take the exit.

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5. 
   Central Coast

   The Coast Is Clear

   Go hike the hills, paddle to a lighthouse, and explore coastal caves near the classic beach town of Avila Beach.

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6. 
   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.

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7. 
   Southern CA

   Weather or Not: Holiday Outdoors

   Don't let the wet weather put a damper on your holiday plans. Here are some fun and easy ways to find holiday cheer (like beer!) and seek shelter if needed.

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8. 
   Northern CA

   Reservoir 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.

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9. 
   Southern CA

   Everyone Outdoors for Thanksgiving!

   Happy Thanksgiving! Southern California has a bounty of beautiful outdoors to explore, from easy urban walks exploring architecture, to hiking up and down canyon ladders. Here are some great ways to adventure over the holiday.

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10. 
    Northern CA

    Beaches & 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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11. 
    Southern CA

    Desert Holiday

    After the Thanksgiving dessert ... desert! With the holiday season coming in hot, do a different kind of turkey trot. Head to the desert. Here are few good ways to spend the upcoming holiday.

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12. 
    Northern CA

    Thanksgiving 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.

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13. 
    Northern CA

    Beaches & 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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14. 
    Northern CA

    Wonder-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.

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15. 
    Sponsored

    2026-06-03

    Take the Exit to the Best of the San Francisco Peninsula

    The San Francisco Peninsula is proof that some of Northern California’s greatest surprises are hiding just off Highway 101. All you have to do is take the exit.

    View
16. 
    Southern CA

    Gold Rush

    Who says there’s no fall in SoCal? Ours lasts right on through November! We have leafy trees, perfect weather ... and we have three hikes that are fall-out gorgeous.

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17. 
    Southern CA

    Autumn Wonders

    Full moons, starry night campsites, art walks, and iconic hikes ... autumn in SoCal brings plenty of places to wander and ponder. Here are few to take you through the season.

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18. 
    Northern CA

    Autumn 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.

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19. 
    Southern CA

    Haunted Hikes

    In the spirit of Halloween, we give you some haunted hikes. Who ghosts there? Find out on these three boo-tiful hikes.

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20. 
    Northern CA

    Hikes 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

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21. 
    Southern CA

    Coast Into Fall

    The heat is on. So cool down, courtesy of the coast. From Back Bay biking with birds to an art walk with a short coastline hike nearby, and a classic stairway hike to the sand and sea.

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22. 
    Northern CA

    Short 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.

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