Fourth-coming Adventures

We thought Weekend Sherpa turning 20 this year was a big milestone…then America reminded us it's celebrating 250! Happy Fourth of July! Here are a few ways to celebrate red, white, and blue in the great outdoors.

Week: 07.01.2026
Regions: Southern CA

Big Time Hike

Hike Mariposa Grove in Yosemite National Park

Yosemite Mariposa Grove hike Wawona Point
Big on the scene in Yosemite National Park? About 500 giant sequoias in Mariposa Grove. We recommend this grand tour hike at 7.5 miles which includes a spectacular overlook.
Read the full story

Zoom Up Zuma

Hike the Zuma Ridge Trail in Malibu

Some hikes just rise above the rest. The Zuma Ridge Trail is a 5.2-mile out-and-back hike that begins in a posh Malibu neighborhood before climbing to a stunning ridgeline with sweeping mountain and ocean views.
Read the full story

Give Me Morro!

Sunset Kayak Morro Bay to Morro Rock Dunes

Kayaking Morro Bay
Like a Half Dome of the Central Coast, Morro Rock is an iconic fixture of San Luis Obispo County's shoreline. It's especially beautiful to see at sunset, from secluded sand dunes that are accessed by kayak. The good folks at Central Coast Outdoors lead a magical kayak tour at sun
Read the full story

A Better Way to Baldwin

Hike the Park to Playa Trail in Culver City

A stone gate and a plaque sign indicating the Park to Plays Trail in Culver City
The Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook in Culver City is one of West L.A.’s most popular hiking spots, but most visitors miss the bigger picture. This 3.5-mile out-and-back along a section of the Park to Playa Trail offers a fuller experience of this gorgeous nature park with sweeping urban views and a few artistic surprises along the way.
Read the full story

Shore Thing!

Hike Crystal Pier to Mission Beach in San Diego

Beach hop from pier to jetty on a 6-mile (round-trip) journey infused with classic beach culture. The trip starts at Pacific Beach Pier (aka Crystal Pier, after the classic cottages lining its edges) and goes to the Point Medanos jetty, the southernmost area of iconic Mission Bea
Read the full story

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Roaring Redwoods

    Tucked next to brilliant Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park in Santa Cruz, the folks at Roaring Camp Railroads had a bright idea: When the sun goes down, the rainbow lights come up. Sequoias at Night brings big magic to some of the tallest trees in the world.

    View
  2. Barbary Coast Trail medallion hike in San Francisco

    Medallion Walk SF

    The Barbary Coast Trail is a 3.8-mile historical walk and treasure hunt through San Francisco. Be on the lookout for hubcap-sized bronze medallions placed on the city sidewalks with arrows pointing you in the right direction.

    View
  3. Sponsored

    Autumn Magic in Yosemite Mariposa County

    Yosemite Mariposa County is where golden moments unfold all season long. Watch the sun's warm glow settle over El Capitan and Half Dome, then wander quietly in Mariposa Grove. Beyo

    View
  4. Greater by the Dozen

    This hike is anything but a dime a dozen. The all-new "Golden Gate Dozen Trail" links 12 National Park sites on a spectacular 13-mile journey across San Francisco's coastline.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. There's Always To Moro!

    Looking for a rock-solid itinerary in Sequoia National Park? Pair the park's most famous viewpoint with one that's often overlooked.

    View
  2. Rancho Style

    Vicente Bluffs Reserve dazzles anytime, but during the golden hour it’s an absolute knockout. Majestic rocky bluffs, dreamy ocean views, and a picturesque lighthouse are just a few of the reasons.

    View
  3. Inn-spiration Point!

    For more than a century, people have been hiking or mountain biking to West Point Inn for good reason. Perched at 1,785 feet on the southern slope of Mount Tamalpais, the historic inn has sweeping views from the Marin Headlands to the San Francisco skyline.

    View
  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.

    View