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1. 
   Northern CA

   Redwoods Rambles

   The Santa Cruz Mountains are home to some of the most beautiful redwoods on earth. With wildflowers newly blooming and the region's signature banana slugs making an appearance, spring's a good time to hike among the big reds.

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2. 
   Southern CA

   A Little Buzz

   Who doesn't love a good buzz? No, not that kind of buzz. The buzz you get when you stop to refuel at a small airport diner as part of your outdoor adventure. Here are a few ways to get outside and go for brunch too (coffee and beer buzz optional).

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3. 
   Northern CA

   Strong and Rugged

   Do you like the strong rugged types? With all due respect to Big Sur, there’s another stretch of coastline that’s got it going on. Jenner and the Sonoma Coast have big views, beautiful hidden beaches, and a bevy of aquatic adventures.

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4. 
   Sponsored

   2026-09-02

   Reno Mountain High

   Take your vacation to new heights with some of the season’s most original events, and plenty of outdoors to explore. Fall for it all in Reno Tahoe.

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5. 
   Southern CA

   Swing Up to the Coast

   There's a reason people like hiking to high places in San Luis Obispo. This Central Coast adventureland is surrounded by ancient volcanoes, rolling green hills, and a dramatic coastline. Toss in some tree swings, and see SLO from new heights on any of these three hikes.

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6. 
   Southern CA & Northern CA

   Swing Down to the Coast

   There's a reason people like hiking to high places in San Luis Obispo. This Central Coast adventureland is surrounded by ancient volcanoes, rolling green hills, and a dramatic coastline. Toss in some tree swings, and see SLO from new heights on any of these three hikes.

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7. 
   Northern CA

   The Great Artdoors

   Next time you want to get your art fix, step outside for a hike. Here are three top places to see cool works of art in the great outdoors.

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8. 
   Southern CA

   Bike to Beer

   Los Angeles and "beer scene" haven’t always gone together, but that's changing. Upstart breweries are earning accolades across the Southland and so are the bike trails that lead to them. Here are three bike-to-brews rides that go down smooth.

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9. 
   Northern CA

   Roadside Attractions

   Some of the best scenery this time of year is found just off major thoroughfares where tranquil marshes and wetlands are traced by hiking and biking trails. The bonus: abundant birdlife is peaking right now. Here are three roadside attractions worth flocking to!

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10. 
    Southern CA

    Oscars for the Outdoors

    The Academy Awards are this Sunday, but before you sit down to toast cinematic excellence on the big screen, enjoy the bigger picture by heading outdoors to hike, bike, and explore a few local spots that made their way to stardom. And—action!

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11. 
    Southern CA

    Trails Less Traveled

    With so many popular places to hike in Los Angeles, where do you go to escape the crowds? How about to those same popular places… Here are three ways to get off the beaten path in some of LA's busiest hiking hot spots.

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12. 
    Northern CA

    Hikes to Brunch

    Don't just go to brunch, hike to brunch! From East Bay to North Bay, here are three great hikes with tasty places to grab a bite en route or when you're finished. Trail mix just got an upgrade.

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13. 
    Northern CA

    Graytest Hits

    Gray is the unofficial color of winter, which can be a good thing. Here are a few ways to put a little gray in your day.

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14. 
    Southern CA

    Morning Glory

    Add some buzz-factor to your mornings on any of these three sunrise hikes with cafés and good coffee close by.

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15. 
    Sponsored

    2026-09-02

    Reno Mountain High

    Take your vacation to new heights with some of the season’s most original events, and plenty of outdoors to explore. Fall for it all in Reno Tahoe.

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16. 
    Northern CA

    Winter Beaches

    Beach-going in the summer? So cliché. Hitting the beach in winter? How avant-garde! Here are three sandy havens that are winter-wonderful, and dog-friendly too!

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17. 
    Southern CA

    Urban Stairway Hikes

    This New Year, ups and downs are guaranteed … and that’s a great thing if you’re doing any of these three urban stairway hikes with great views. Step up to 2015!

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18. 
    Southern CA & Northern CA

    Tahoe Time

    It's home to the largest alpine lake in North America, some of the world’s best ski resorts, and off-the-beaten path places for finding fun or solitude. Tahoe in winter is true blue, and ready for you!

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19. 
    Southern CA

    Time for Tahoe

    It's home to the largest alpine lake in North America, some of the world’s best ski resorts, and off-the-beaten path places for finding fun or solitude. Tahoe in winter is true blue, and ready for you!

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20. 
    Southern CA

    Peak Perspective

    Start the New Year with a fresh point of view! Here are three peak hikes for gaining excellent perspectives. Adventure time!

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21. 
    Northern CA

    New Perspectives

    Start 2015 with a fresh point of view. From bluff strolling bliss to a secret mountain ridge ramble—and a tiny urban park in between—here are three ways to gain a new perspective this year.

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22. 
    Northern CA

    12 Years of Adventure

    Twelve years ago we launched the first edition of Weekend Sherpa for the San Francisco Bay Area. Back then the song of summer was "SexyBack" by Justin Timberlake, and Talladega Nights was topping the box office. While change is inevitable, one thing for us remains the same: Our commitment to inspiring local adventures. There are no shortcuts, and we don't crowdsource. We've done a lot of exploring over the years to share the best stuff with you! Here are 12 of our favorite adventures.

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