All in Northern CA

1. 

   Desert Dream Trip

   Joshua Tree National Park is stunning in winter. Our top recommendations on exploring this dreamy desertscape in two days.

   VIEW
2. 

   Where 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.

   VIEW
3. 

   Easy Does It

   Ease into 2020 by trying something new, from a new wine country hike to a new trail in the South Bay.

   VIEW
4. 
   Sponsored

   2025-06-25

   Savor Summer in Paso Robles

   Ready for the “Great California Road Trip”? Keep it real and rolling in bucolic and beautiful Paso Robles. This down- to-earth destination has everything you need to enjoy the coolest experiences.

   View
5. 

   New Year Peak Hikes

   Kick off the decade with a classic peak hike in the Bay Area. Cheers to these views!

   VIEW
6. 

   Top 10 2019 Adventures (Readers Favorites)

   The 2019 outdoor adventures Weekend Sherpa readers most liked in the San Francisco Bay Area and Northern California.

   VIEW
7. 

   Just 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.

   VIEW
8. 

   The Coast Is Clear

   Go hike the hills, paddle to a lighthouse, and explore coastal caves near the classic beach town of Avila Beach.

   VIEW
9. 

   Griswolding 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.

   VIEW
10. 

    Reservoir 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.

    VIEW
11. 

    Beaches & 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.

    VIEW
12. 

    Thanksgiving Hikes

    There’s lots to be thankful for this season, including our great outdoors, with fall colors on full display. Ready for a turkey trot? From the bounties of Briones to the thrills of a volcano, and a lesser-known trail on protected ranch land, here are three East Bay hikes prime for the season.

    VIEW
13. 

    Beaches & 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.

    VIEW
14. 

    Wonder-Fall Hikes & Bike Rides

    Autumn’s hues are beginning to deepen. And we’d like to help put the wonder in your fall, from redwoods to rolling golden hills and leaves crisp for foot-crunching. Here are some hikes and bike rides that make for a wonder-fall afternoon.

    VIEW
15. 
    Sponsored

    2025-06-25

    Savor Summer in Paso Robles

    Ready for the “Great California Road Trip”? Keep it real and rolling in bucolic and beautiful Paso Robles. This down- to-earth destination has everything you need to enjoy the coolest experiences.

    View
16. 

    Autumn Beaches

    Think summer’s the only time to hit the beach? Fog-etaboutit! Autumn is when beaches in Marin can really shine—sunny, warm(ish) and—fingers crossed—with only a tad of the misty stuff.

    VIEW
17. 

    Hikes in the Meantime

    It’s been a challenging week. We’re thinking about everyone affected by the wildfires, evacuations, and power outages. California is resilient and the smoke will clear. If you’re hankering for some nature this weekend, we’ve got a few suggestions. #californiastrong

    VIEW
18. 

    Short Coastal Hikes

    San Mateo may just be the coast with the most this time of year. Sunny afternoons can clear the skies, sweeping ocean vistas beckon, and autumn charms like pumpkin patches abound.

    VIEW
19. 

    Hidden Hikes in Wine Country

    What’s better than wine country hikes in autumn? Wine country hikes that aren’t as well known! From a new regional park south of Petaluma, to a tiny hidden gem in Napa.

    VIEW
20. 

    See the Blue Angels overhead, get up-close views of the Golden Gate Bridge, and bask in some San Francisco noir under a full moon weekend … here are three excellent ways to maximize your bay views this weekend.

    VIEW
21. 

    Easy Fall Hikes

    How do you ease into fall? With some easy fall hikes! Get the first glimpse of fall colors, along with beautiful views and tranquil lakes at these three parks.

    VIEW
22. 

    Reach for the Pinnacles

    Rugged rock spires, deep caves, volcanic formations… Pinnacles National Park packs an adventurous punch, and—bonus—you might even get to see the famous, endangered California condor.

    VIEW