Thanksgiving Wanders

November hasn't been easy. But we are #CaliforniaStrong. Immense gratitude to the heroic firefighters, first responders, and volunteers who have been giving tirelessly and selflessly to those in need. Here are a few ideas for spending time with friends and family over Thanksgiving.

Week: 11.22.2018
Regions: Southern CA

Rancho PV Seaside Spree

Hiking Ocean Trails Reserve in Rancho Palos Verdes

Here’s a hike where the payoff comes with every step you take, not just in a hero view from a summit perch. The oceanside trails of Rancho Palos Verdes keep the dramatic Pacific in sight—and its breezes on your skin—all along the 5 miles of clearly marked paths of the Ocean Trail
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Amir's Art

Amir's Garden in Griffith Park Los Angeles

At 4,210 acres, Griffith Park is one of the largest urban parks in North America, home to a huge variety of trails, recreation, and hidden gems. Among the most inspiring of its better kept secrets is Amir’s Garden, a beautiful, heavily-shaded spot that’s literally a work of natur
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Great Ascot!

Ascot Hills Park Sunset

Sometimes the skyline’s the limit, and that’s a good thing if you’re visiting Ascot Hills Park, an 83-acre urban respite that offers autumn and winter sunsets to remember. A 1-mile loop passes over the park’s highest hill—an excellent spot for seeing the sun sink behind LA’s down
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How to Help With California Wildfires

How to Help with California Wildfires

It’s hard to see the devastation and grief caused by the numerous California wildfires, including the tragic loss of lives and destruction of iconic landscapes. We’re a strong state; we’ll recover. But it’s tough-going right now. A way to help: Donate money. Charity Navigator is
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Descanso 2.0

A Workout Hike on Descanso Trail

Descanso Trail gets overlooked by its showy neighbor, Descanso Gardens, but if you’re looking for a quick-fix hike and a cardio challenge, opt for the 3-mile loop trail.
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Thousand Steps Beach

Stairway hike to beach in Santa Barbara

Okay, the name is a bit of an exaggeration—it takes only 154 steps to reach Santa Barbara's Thousand Steps Beach (also known as Camino al Mar, Spanish for “the way to the sea”). But why quibble? Your reward for descending this narrow concrete staircase is a ribbon of sand nestled
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Trending Stories NorCal

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  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

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  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.

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  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.

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  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.

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  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.

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  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!) ...

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  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.

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  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.

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