All in Northern CA

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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2026-10-14
Chasing Dark Skies: Southern Oregon
Hot springs, hiking, lodging, antelope, and one of the world’s best places for looking up at night.
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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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Trail Mix
Marin has all the ingredients for a delicious trail mix: sweet views, salty beaches, and crumbly ground. Go nuts!
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Viva Anderson Valley!
Just a few hours north of San Francisco, and measuring only 15 miles in length, Anderson Valley packs in everything you'd want for a glorious weekend getaway: fabulous (affordable!) wineries, hiking in the redwoods, riverside lounging, and a hilltop gem for spending the night.
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Half Moon Rising
Pacific coastline, tantalizing trails, beaches, bluffs, and shipwrecks beneath the sea … from Pacifica to Half Moon Bay, here are some great ways to camp, hike, and beach-hop on the Peninsula.
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Beer Gardens for Mom
It's that time of year … to thank Mom with beer! And don’t forget lots of flowers. Here are three botanical beauties, with nearby beer spots for relaxing afterwards. Cheers (and beers) to you, Mom!
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State of Play
How many state parks does California have? 279! How many have you explored? Start counting! To celebrate California State Park Foundation’s upcoming Park Advocacy Day, we selected three State Historic Parks well worth a visit.
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Let's Be Dorks
Fanny pack: check. Sun visor: check. Ego: leave it at home. It's time to explore your local outdoors the way a tourist might! Here are three great ways to dork-out(doors).
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Less Beaches? Mo Beaches!
If mo money means mo problems, then what do mo beaches give you? Mo bliss! Head to Monterey to do some beach hopping at three of California’s top State Beaches. Mo Monterey, please!
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What's New?
A new pair of shoes, that new car smell… We all love new, and the North Bay has some new ways to get outdoors. Who knew?
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Sponsored
2026-10-14
Chasing Dark Skies: Southern Oregon
Hot springs, hiking, lodging, antelope, and one of the world’s best places for looking up at night.
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Redwoods Rambles
The Santa Cruz Mountains are home to some of the most beautiful redwoods on earth. With wildflowers newly blooming and the region's signature banana slugs making an appearance, spring's a good time to hike among the big reds.
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Strong and Rugged
Do you like the strong rugged types? With all due respect to Big Sur, there’s another stretch of coastline that’s got it going on. Jenner and the Sonoma Coast have big views, beautiful hidden beaches, and a bevy of aquatic adventures.
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Swing Down to the Coast
There's a reason people like hiking to high places in San Luis Obispo. This Central Coast adventureland is surrounded by ancient volcanoes, rolling green hills, and a dramatic coastline. Toss in some tree swings, and see SLO from new heights on any of these three hikes.
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The Great Artdoors
Next time you want to get your art fix, step outside for a hike. Here are three top places to see cool works of art in the great outdoors.
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Roadside Attractions
Some of the best scenery this time of year is found just off major thoroughfares where tranquil marshes and wetlands are traced by hiking and biking trails. The bonus: abundant birdlife is peaking right now. Here are three roadside attractions worth flocking to!
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Hikes to Brunch
Don't just go to brunch, hike to brunch! From East Bay to North Bay, here are three great hikes with tasty places to grab a bite en route or when you're finished. Trail mix just got an upgrade.
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Graytest Hits
Gray is the unofficial color of winter, which can be a good thing. Here are a few ways to put a little gray in your day.
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