All in Northern CA
The Outdoors We're Craving
We're sharing what adventures we're most craving and plan to do as soon as the time is right
VIEWHow to #OptInside
Getting a little stir crazy? Covid-19 has unfortunately shut down a lot of open space. What to do? We have a few ways to bring the great outdoors indoors. We've called it #OptInside. Check out the list of easy things to do indoors.
VIEWSocial Distance Hikes and Bike Rides
Social Distance Hikes and Bike Rides (with important ways for safety during coronavirus)
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SponsoredFall for It All in Reno Tahoe
The best kind of getaway? Less time on logistics, more time on memory-making. Jackpot! You’ve got Reno Tahoe.
ViewHikes to Keep Your Calm
From redwoods to rolling hills and seaside bluffs, these three hikes are great for the soul
VIEWAfternoon Delight
Go on a leisurely afternoon hike with beaches, birds, benches and beautiful views.
VIEWShort Hikes, Cool Views
Who says good views require big hikes? These three tame trails in the East Bay offer visual rewards without adding extra miles.
VIEWRussian River Rediscovered
Here's your Russian River guide to redwood hikes, bike rides to wineries, and sunsets by the sea.
VIEWLove in the Great Outdoors
Some of the best dates happen in the outdoors. Whale watching, wine tasting, walking among murals or down to a restored lighthouse … whatever your outdoor loves may be, here are some options!
VIEWWinter Hikes in Napa
Before hitting the big Cabs, hit the big views! The cooler months are a fantastic time to do any of these three vista hikes that lead to huge panoramas.
VIEWWinter Wildlife Wonders
Elephant seals, birds of all feathers, combine a wildlife hike and a beer for a wild weekend!
VIEWDesert Dream Trip
Joshua Tree National Park is stunning in winter. Our top recommendations on exploring this dreamy desertscape in two days.
VIEWWhere to Whale Watch: 3 Top Spots
Whale hello there! Here are three of the top spots for combining hikes and wine tasting with amazing vantages for spying gray whales.
VIEWEasy Does It
Ease into 2020 by trying something new, from a new wine country hike to a new trail in the South Bay.
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SponsoredFall for It All in Reno Tahoe
The best kind of getaway? Less time on logistics, more time on memory-making. Jackpot! You’ve got Reno Tahoe.
ViewNew Year Peak Hikes
Kick off the decade with a classic peak hike in the Bay Area. Cheers to these views!
VIEWTop 10 2019 Adventures (Readers Favorites)
The 2019 outdoor adventures Weekend Sherpa readers most liked in the San Francisco Bay Area and Northern California.
VIEWJust in Time for the Holidays
Get into the holiday spirit on these classic Bay Area outings that are like a yule log for your soul.
VIEWThe Coast Is Clear
Go hike the hills, paddle to a lighthouse, and explore coastal caves near the classic beach town of Avila Beach.
VIEWGriswolding Outdoors!
Rule #1 this holiday season: Getting outdoors is a great way to clear the air, and the head, after too much spiked eggnog and turkey talk. And hell-yeah, bring the whole family—you’re all in this together, merry and bright! Here are three ways to hike, drink, and birdsong your way to holiday bliss.
VIEWReservoir Hikes
If cabin fever has you thirsting for the outdoors, these three hikes are short (3 miles or less) and go straight to the source with excellent views of reservoirs.
VIEWBeaches & Hikes for the Weekend
After all that turkey, pie, and political discussion, it’s time to take a break outside. We have just the ticket—from a dog-friendly beach in Marin to a hidden bench overlooking the San Mateo Coast, be thankful for the great outdoors.
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Fall for It All in Reno Tahoe
The best kind of getaway? Less time on logistics, more time on memory-making. Jackpot! You’ve got Reno Tahoe.
Family Friendly Reno Tahoe
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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Afternoon on the Island
What is it about tiny islands in the middle of lakes? There’s something that just draws you in. It’s even more fun when getting there is half the adventure because you have to reach it by canoe, kayak, paddleboat, or a ranger-guided boat tour!
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SponsoredChase Fall Colors & Family Fun in Reno Tahoe
Ready to Reno? We’re so with you! Reno Tahoe is the ultimate urban basecamp for gathering family and friends for all kinds of fall fun and festivities.
ViewThis Is Paradise
Granite mountain-scape, superb sunset views, crystal lakes, and shoreline campsites … the trip to Paradise Lake in Tahoe National Forest lives up to its idyllic name.
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Aloha from California
Say Aloha without leaving California with a 7-mile out-and-back hiking adventure to Lake Aloha in El Dorado National Forest. You can also camp here, a premier place for stargazing.
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Trending Stories SoCal
View all StoriesFrogtown Strutter’s Stroll
Don’t go dismissing the Los Angeles River as merely a 51-mile concrete channel. It’s a genuine urban artery that links real neighborhoods, and its riverside bike/ped paths endear i
ViewComing Up Roses
Looking to spice up your hiking life? Give your partner a rose—Mount Rose! The 10-mile out-and-back peak hike goes up to one of the grandest views in all of Lake Tahoe. Get ready f
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Underground Garden
Looking to escape the summer heat? Head to Fresno and discover its cool secret: the Forestiere Underground Gardens–an enchanting garden and architecture oasis like no other.
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Sequoia Re-opens Crystal Cave
Step inside Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park's hidden world by visiting the newly re-opened Crystal Cave—the only cave in the parks open to the public. Closed for four years, this rare marble karst cavern is welcoming visitors once again, but only through the summer season!
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