Oh, Fourth Sure!

Weekend Sherpa turns 20 this year. And America? It's got quite a few birthdays on us! Happy Fourth of July! Here are a few ways to celebrate red, white, and blue in the great outdoors this weekend.

Week: 07.02.2026
Regions: Northern CA

The Shack is Back!

Relax and Picnic at the Nick's Cove Boat Shack

North Bay
Relaxing
Point Reyes is full of hidden hideaways, including the unassuming boat shack at Nick’s Cove. Quietly perched at the end of a public pier overlooking Tomales Bay, the shack is a coastal landmark. It's well worth a visit!
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Her Name is Del Rio

Russian River's New Beach at Del Rio Woods

North Bay
Water, Dog Friendly, Relaxing
Woman sitting beachside under a sun umbrella at Del Rio Woods beach near Healdsburg in Sonoma County
Kayakers on the Russian River near Healdsburg in Sonoma County
Floaters in floatation tubes going down the Russian River near Healdsburg in Sonoma County
Kayakers paddling the Russian River near Healdsburg in Sonoma County
Del Rio Woods east of Healdsburg along Sonoma County's Russian River is a welcome addition to the Regional Parks system.
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Leap Frog!

Hiking Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve

North Bay
Overnight Escapes, Hikes
So the whole family’s visiting and Muir Woods is full? Good thing it has a doppelganger! Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve near Sonoma County’s Russian River is an 805-acre park that’s home to some seriously old (1,400 years!) and seriously tall (310 feet!) redwoods. Thank
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Bike to Aardvark Beach

Bike along the San Francisco Bay to Aardvark Beach

Peninsula & South Bay
Dog Friendly, Bike Rides
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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Cycle the Scenery & Historic Sites

Bicycle Angel Island's Scenic Perimeter Road

North Bay
Bike Rides
Bicycle Angel Island Perimeter Road San Francisco Bay
A bike ride is a fantastic way to take in the 360-degree panoramas you get on Angel Island. Perimeter Road is a car-free route that circumnavigates the island, allowing for plenty of scenic and historic stops.
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A Hiker looking over a mountain range

Your Inbox to the Outdoors

Stay up to date with our weekly recommendations on where to explore locally in California.

Trending Stories NorCal

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  1. Walk on the Wise Side

    A wise man once said, “Walk it off.” And San Francisco has just the place for a colorful walk via a 2.7-mile loop along Philosopher’s Way Trail in the 318-acre John McLaren Park (S

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  2. Hiker on the SCA trail in Marin Headlands with view of the Golden Gate Bridge

    Headlands Over Heels

    People come from all over the world to get a glimpse of the Golden Gate Bridge. Get a dramatic and novel view of the bridge without all the people on this moderate 6-mile hike in the Marin Headlands.

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  3. woman hiking Mt Tam east peak
    Sponsored

    Marquee Marin

    There may be no better place to find the best in coastal outdoors than the Marin Headlands. Bluff-side hiking trails, beautiful sandy beaches, big Pacific views, an iconic lighthouse, and unique lore in the area’s historic batteries are all part of the action here.

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Trending Stories SoCal

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  1. Woman hiking the San Onofre Bluffs Loop Trail to San Onofre State Beach in San Diego County

    Bluffing Good!

    Lovely coastline, beautiful beaches, unique geological history, and picturesque sandstone cliffs with limited foot traffic in San Diego County? Head to San Onofre State Beach and the 5-mile San Onofre Bluffs Loop Trail.

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  2. 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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  3. The Big Chill

    In LA, finding a place to chill can be the ultimate flex. So flex, in Franklin Canyon! This unexpected oasis has plenty of shade, cool lake breezes, and ample picnicking spots. Enjoy it on an easy-going 1-mile stroll along its reservoir and duck pond.

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