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  1. Southern CA & Northern CA

    Discover New ABCs

    Do you know your ABCs? We're not talking about the alphabet. We're talking about Adventures in British Columbia! The westernmost Canadian province is filled with rainforests, glacier-fed lakes, wildlife, massive peaks, rugged coastline, and sublime places for combining recreation and relaxation.

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  2. Northern CA

    Know Your ABCs

    Do you know your ABCs? We're not talking about the alphabet. We're talking about Adventures in British Columbia! The westernmost Canadian province is filled with rainforests, glacier-fed lakes, wildlife, massive peaks, rugged coastline, and sublime places for combining recreation and relaxation.

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  3. Southern CA

    Bill Murray Adventures

    Bill Murray seems to be everywhere these days (have you seen the T-shirts and stickers lately?). He definitely marches to the beat of his own drum, and we dig it. Here are a few adventures inspired by his movies.

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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. Northern CA

    Oh Yeah, Open Space!

    Long before the tech industry started taking root in the South Bay, huge oaks, bays, alders, and sycamore trees dominated the landscape. Thanks to the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority, more than 16,000 acres of open space have been preserved for the public, with the newest preserve opening just two weeks ago. Here are three to explore!

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  6. Southern CA

    Must-do Deukmejian

    Deukmejian Wilderness Park in the San Gabriel foothills has no crowds, no entrance fee, and no shortage of stunning scenery. Explore this accessible wilderness and learn a little local lore too!

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  7. Northern CA

    Hike to New Heights

    Some of Northern California's best summits are just waiting to be hiked! Whether you point your compass north, south, or east—here are three great peaks that'll give you a fresh perspective … and killer views!

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  8. Southern CA

    Jurassic Outdoors

    Clomp, stomp, chomp, yowza! Dinosaurs have gone wild in Hollywood! You can go wild too, on these outdoor adventures selected in the spirit of Jurassic World.

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  9. Northern CA

    Summer Sleepovers

    With so many outdoor adventures in and around the Santa Cruz Mountains, staying overnight is all part of the fun. From mountaintop yurts to a hike-in hut and campsite, here are three great ways to enjoy sweet South Bay dreams.

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  10. Southern CA & Northern CA

    Weekend Sherpa Adventure Challenge 2015

    How It Works: 1. Choose any 3 adventures from Weekend Sherpa (hikes, bike rides, picnic spots, camping, etc.), and do those adventures this summer! 2. Take a photo of yourself doing each of your 3 adventures and upload them to Weekend Sherpa’s Facebook page or your Instagram and be sure to tag #weekendsherpa. You can upload one photo at a time or all three at once. 3. Email adventure@weekendsherpa.com naming the 3 adventures you’ve completed, and you’ll receive an email back with a Certificate of Completion. 4. Present your Certificate of Completion via printout or mobile device at any of the following The North Face stores: San Francisco (180 Post St.), Village at Corte Madera (1602 Redwood Hwy.), Palo Alto (217 Alma St.)—and receive your free Weekend Sherpa wicking shirt by The North Face, plus a limited-edition tote bag, and other cool stuff from our partners. GRAND PRIZE: When you finish the Adventure Challenge, you're automatically entered to win two round-trip tickets anywhere Alaska Airlines flies from California, including Hawaii, Mexico, and Costa Rica! Only one T-shirt and tote bag per person for the duration of the challenge while supplies last. Ends September 14.

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  11. Southern CA

    Weekend Sherpa Adventure Challenge 2015

    How It Works: 1. Choose any 3 adventures from Weekend Sherpa (hikes, bike rides, picnic spots, camping, etc.), and do those adventures this summer! 2. Take a photo of yourself doing each of your 3 adventures and upload them to Weekend Sherpa’s Facebook page or your Instagram and be sure to tag #weekendsherpa. You can upload one photo at a time or all three at once. 3. Email adventure@weekendsherpa.com and name the 3 adventures you complete. You'll receive an email back containing a Certificate of Completion. 4. Present your Certificate of Completion via printout or mobile device at either of the following The North Face stores: Beverly Hills (423 N. Beverly Dr.), and Costa Mesa (3333 Bear St.)—and receive your free Weekend Sherpa wicking shirt by The North Face, plus a limited-edition tote bag, and other cool stuff from our partners. GRAND PRIZE: When you finish the Adventure Challenge, you're automatically entered to win two round-trip tickets anywhere Alaska Airlines flies from California, including Hawaii, Mexico, and Costa Rica! Only one T-shirt and tote bag per person for the duration of the challenge while supplies last. Ends September 14.

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  12. Northern CA

    Trail Mix

    Marin has all the ingredients for a delicious trail mix: sweet views, salty beaches, and crumbly ground. Go nuts!

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  13. Southern CA

    Ace Ventura

    Ace your next trip to Ventura County with some off-the-beaten-path adventures on land and sea.

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  14. Northern CA

    Viva Anderson Valley!

    Just a few hours north of San Francisco, and measuring only 15 miles in length, Anderson Valley packs in everything you'd want for a glorious weekend getaway: fabulous (affordable!) wineries, hiking in the redwoods, riverside lounging, and a hilltop gem for spending the night.

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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.

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  16. Southern CA

    Upside Down Hikes

    Hiking up and up isn't the only way to get to the good stuff. Flip the order and get a different point of view. Here are three hikes where starting with a descent has an upside. Down you go!

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  17. Southern CA

    Make It Memorial

    Kick Butte Hike: Get a taste of the Mojave Desert without leaving Los Angeles County! Saddleback Butte State Park is home to a solitary mountain rising 3,651 feet. Bag this peak on a 5-mile (round-trip) journey that ascends 950 feet. Grand Entrance: The relaxing, artistic town of Ojai makes an impression, and so will you when you roll into town … on two wheels! This mellow 19-mile (round-trip) bike ride on the Ojai Valley Trail starts at Foster Park and takes you all the way into downtown Ojai. Oh Soak Good: Enjoy a little R&R (retro resort and really warm mineral water). While it might not be a typical desert oasis, the springs at Desert Hot Springs Spa Hotel offer a chance to soak in natural mineral pools, with a piña colada! Hero Image: If you're looking for solitude at Runyon Canyon Park, you're in the wrong place … unless you decide to hike Route C (aka the Hero's Trail). This grueling path up the park's westernmost ridge isn't for the faint of heart—and sees fewer hikers as a result. Vouch for Volcan: An hour east of San Diego, Julian is a popular apple pie hub, yet few people venture beyond to nearby Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve at Wynola. They're missing out on a hiker's haven, including a 5-mile (round-trip) summit hike shaded by sycamores and oaks. Hoppy Ending: Hop on a two-wheeler for a laid-back 14-mile (round-trip) bike ride along the LA River that concludes with a happy—and hoppy!—ending: a craft-brewed IPA paired with fried avocado tacos …  and a gorgeous sunset.

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  18. Northern CA

    Half Moon Rising

    Pacific coastline, tantalizing trails, beaches, bluffs, and shipwrecks beneath the sea … from Pacifica to Half Moon Bay, here are some great ways to camp, hike, and beach-hop on the Peninsula.

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  19. Southern CA

    Spring for These Hikes

    Famous for its sandy beaches and sunny days, San Diego County also has a more mountainous side. From south to north, here are three hikes to get you going.

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  20. Southern CA

    Camp & Hike Combos

    You've heard of farm to table, but what about tent to trail? Set up camp and hike the San Bernardino Mountains between Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear Lake this summer.

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  21. Northern CA

    Beer Gardens for Mom

    It's that time of year … to thank Mom with beer! And don’t forget lots of flowers. Here are three botanical beauties, with nearby beer spots for relaxing afterwards. Cheers (and beers) to you, Mom!

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  22. Southern CA

    Tour de SoCal

    The Amgen Tour of California is set to roll across the Golden State this May. Preview tour-worthy cycling destinations in the Southland on three rides suitable for beginners. All ride, all ride, all ride.

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Trending Stories NorCal

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  1. Purely Purisima

    Take a relaxing hike on the lower section of Purisiima Creek Trail in Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve.

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  2. Been There, Dome That

    Surrounded by granite domes, craggy peaks, and miles of hiking trails, the High Sierra landscape of Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite National Park is famous for good reason. For a truly grand view, take a short hike to bold—and bald (except for snow at times)—Lembert Dome.

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  3. Wapama Wows

    Hetch Hetchy can be overlooked in Yosemite National Park because of its more remote location and limited facilities. But this is where you’ll also find one of the best day hikes in the park: Wapama Falls.

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  4. Sponsored

    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

Trending Stories SoCal

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  1. Woman standing an looking at mural wall art in Cambodia Town Long Beach Los Angeles

    Beach Walk + Cambodia Town

    A trip to Long Beach is not complete without a … long walk on the beach. But add a little extra with a walk through Cambodia Town, featuring local murals and delicious food.

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  2. Ballona Beach Hopper

    This easygoing bike escape is proof that you don't have to drive for hours to feel the vast benefits of nature. The Ballona Creek Bike Path is part of the “Park to Playa Regional Trail,” a 13-mile network connecting parks and open spaces from Baldwin Hills to the Pacific Ocean.

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  3. Lookout Ahead!

    A 3.7-mile loop hike to Boucher Hill Fire Lookout in Palomar Mountain State Park reminds us just how stunningly beautiful are the mountains of this remote, lightly visited portion of northern San Diego County.

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  4. A Thousand Steps to Paradise

    A picture is worth a thousand words, but is a gorgeous beach in Laguna worth a thousand steps? The answer is yes, though the question is moot, because it’s only 223 steep steps down to the 400-yard stretch of sand known as 1000 Steps Beach.

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