All in Northern CA

Spooktacular Hikes
This Halloween weekend there's no shortage of ways to celebrate in the great outdoors. From a guided night hike in Marin to spelunking in a national park cave, to discovering the cryptic nature of San Francisco's oldest park, here are three fantastic ways to scare up a good time. Boo-yeah!
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ColorFall Confidential
From green to gold to red, the colors of autumn are totally findable in the Bay Area! Here are three lesser-traveled hikes in the East Bay sure to 'leaf' you satisfied.
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Oh My Monterey!
Autumn on the Monterey Coast can’t be beat. From hiking in Big Sur to wine tasting in Carmel, with beach strolls, bike rolls, and oceanview fire-pit patios in between, here are some excellent ways to spend your days (and nights) in Monterey.
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Sponsored
2026-09-02
Reno Mountain High
Take your vacation to new heights with some of the season’s most original events, and plenty of outdoors to explore. Fall for it all in Reno Tahoe.
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Adventures That Cut the Cheese
Okay, seriously, who cut the cheese? Lucky for us, it's some of the North Bay's most fabulous small cheese boutiques, dotting the bucolic autumn landscape from Marin County to Sonoma County. Pair these cheeses with a nearby hike, bike ride, and winery.
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Time to Coast
The coast is clear—especially in autumn—and Mendocino County's coast shines this time of year, with hidden beaches, beautiful bluffside rambles, and tranquil respites to make your weekend getaway glorious.
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Interns Know Best
This week we're handing the car keys to our interns: Alex, Kyle, and Morgan. They got after it all summer, exploring the Bay Area and beyond, then writing about it. Here are three of their favorite adventures. Thanks, guys—you were outstanding! Now, get us some coffee. (Totally kidding! Unless you have a minute …).
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Bountiful Hikes
The low-slung sun, the golden leaves, the distinct scent … making the transition to fall isn’t so bad, after all. Step into autumn on any of these three South Bay hikes.
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Long Weekend Cheat Sheet
Mile Oh Mile: Solitude in San Francisco? It's a Mile Rock away. This small and secluded cove tucked beneath wild and beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean, the Marin Headlands, and the Golden Gate Bridge is easy to reach if you don't mind lots of steps. (Plus read the latest on the labyrinth.) Open Space, Now Open! Ahhh, that new open space smell! Saved from corporate development, Coyote Valley Open Space Preserve recently opened, and shines with new redwood bridges, picnic areas, and a terrific hiking and mountain biking trail with sweeping ridgetop views. Outstanding in the Vineyards: Remember when wine tasting at all the good spots was free or only a few bucks? Anderson Valley never forgot, and it's got outstanding wines and an amazing state park. Shake Your Trail Feathers: Egrets mingling in a maze of marshes, unobstructed views of Mount Burdell to the north and Mount Diablo to the east. Stroll the new 2.7-mile (one-way) section of the Bay Trail and bring binoculars—this is a birding haven. Buzzworthy: What buzzes and can give you a buzz? Heidrun Meadery in Point Reyes Station. They're masters of "honey wine" (aka mead) and beekeeping!
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Bay-utiful
The San Francisco Bay Trail is on a roll. With over 340 out of 500 miles complete, one day this multi-use path will encircle the entire Bay shoreline. Here are a few ways to explore what's new, and what's classic, on this impressive trail.
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Stepping Out at Stinson
Good things happen in threes when you start your adventures from Stinson Beach. From a classic hike to a hidden bunker with a nearby tree-swing, here are three good reasons to get to Stinson, stat!
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Make a Splash
Feeling a bit hot? Here's a news-splash: Just add water! Get a little wet for some cool fun this summer!
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Adventures for All
How's your summer going? There's one month left for you to complete the Weekend Sherpa Adventure Challenge! Here's some inspiration from some of the most popular activities readers have done so far! #weekendsherpa.
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Wine Country Camping
Camping in wine country … now that's a pairing! Pitch your tent at any of these wine country campgrounds where nearby wineries bring added cheers to the adventure (and to your beans and BBQ dinner)!
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Sponsored
2026-09-02
Reno Mountain High
Take your vacation to new heights with some of the season’s most original events, and plenty of outdoors to explore. Fall for it all in Reno Tahoe.
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Adventures Alfresco!
Who's hungry? Some adventures just go better when the focus is food and wine. This summer, pair your outdoors with these three fresh approaches to alfresco fun.
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Discover New ABCs
Do you know your ABCs? We're not talking about the alphabet. We're talking about Adventures in British Columbia! The westernmost Canadian province is filled with rainforests, glacier-fed lakes, wildlife, massive peaks, rugged coastline, and sublime places for combining recreation and relaxation.
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Know Your ABCs
Do you know your ABCs? We're not talking about the alphabet. We're talking about Adventures in British Columbia! The westernmost Canadian province is filled with rainforests, glacier-fed lakes, wildlife, massive peaks, rugged coastline, and sublime places for combining recreation and relaxation.
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Oh Yeah, Open Space!
Long before the tech industry started taking root in the South Bay, huge oaks, bays, alders, and sycamore trees dominated the landscape. Thanks to the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority, more than 16,000 acres of open space have been preserved for the public, with the newest preserve opening just two weeks ago. Here are three to explore!
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Hike to New Heights
Some of Northern California's best summits are just waiting to be hiked! Whether you point your compass north, south, or east—here are three great peaks that'll give you a fresh perspective … and killer views!
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Summer Sleepovers
With so many outdoor adventures in and around the Santa Cruz Mountains, staying overnight is all part of the fun. From mountaintop yurts to a hike-in hut and campsite, here are three great ways to enjoy sweet South Bay dreams.
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Weekend Sherpa Adventure Challenge 2015
How It Works: 1. Choose any 3 adventures from Weekend Sherpa (hikes, bike rides, picnic spots, camping, etc.), and do those adventures this summer! 2. Take a photo of yourself doing each of your 3 adventures and upload them to Weekend Sherpa’s Facebook page or your Instagram and be sure to tag #weekendsherpa. You can upload one photo at a time or all three at once. 3. Email adventure@weekendsherpa.com naming the 3 adventures you’ve completed, and you’ll receive an email back with a Certificate of Completion. 4. Present your Certificate of Completion via printout or mobile device at any of the following The North Face stores: San Francisco (180 Post St.), Village at Corte Madera (1602 Redwood Hwy.), Palo Alto (217 Alma St.)—and receive your free Weekend Sherpa wicking shirt by The North Face, plus a limited-edition tote bag, and other cool stuff from our partners. GRAND PRIZE: When you finish the Adventure Challenge, you're automatically entered to win two round-trip tickets anywhere Alaska Airlines flies from California, including Hawaii, Mexico, and Costa Rica! Only one T-shirt and tote bag per person for the duration of the challenge while supplies last. Ends September 14.
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