All Stories from Northern CA

Slow Things Down in Sonoma
Sometimes the best things are right under your nose—or, in this case, right off Sonoma’s historic plaza. Enjoy a 2.5-mile (round-trip) sunset hike on Sonoma’s Overlook Trail. Locals have long enjoyed this backyard park, which offers expansive panoramas of Sonoma Valley and its cascading green hills and vineyards
View
Sponsored
Warm Up to Winter in Reno Tahoe
2026 is just getting started, but there’s one place already rising to the top as the best for adventure and relaxation: Reno Tahoe. The awe—and ahhhs—begin as soon as you arrive. G
View
Sunnyvale and Salty
For up-close bird watching, it’s hard to beat a walk along the San Francisco Bay. This 5-mile loop on the Sunnyvale coast is a favorite of local wildlife photographers.
View
Seal of Approval
The good folks at the Marine Mammal Care Center in San Pedro rescue and rehab sea lions and seals so they can return to the wild. In the last year alone, the nonprofit cared for over 800 animals. See that lifesaving work by visiting the Center’s animal hospital.
View
NEW! Walkin' and Talkin': Break Bread, Go On a Panoramic Hike
What’s a world-traveling, medal-winning baker’s favorite local hike? Weekend Sherpa co-founder Brad Day caught up with Mike Zakowski (aka Mike the Baker) at Sonoma’s Friday farmers' market, where his wood-fired loaves draw loyal crowds. Between bites of fresh-baked bread, they talk baking, travel, and why Sonoma's Overlook Trail is one of his favorite quick, panoramic hikes.
View
Dragon Quest
The newly reopened, 4-mile out-and-back hike at Dragon Mountain in Milpitas mixes the physical with the spiritual for a serene hiking experience.
View
Buck Wild!
Tucked back beyond the residential ranch-style homes and golf courses of Novato in the North Bay is a wild and wondrous 30-foot waterfall that springs to life in the rainy season. Buck Gulch Falls in Novato’s Ignacio Valley Preserve is in peak flow right now, and it’s a short and Middle-earthy hike to reach it.
View
Sponsored
New Year, New Goal: IRONMAN 70.3 Northern California
2026 is off and running! And swimming. And biking. Don't get left behind! Commit to one of the upcoming year’s most exciting endurance events—IRONMAN 70.3 Northern California in Redding.
View
Sponsored
2026 POST Hiking Calendar
Ready to have a happy new year by getting outdoors more? Start with a hike. Make that 12 hikes. We’ve got just the inspiration with the all-new, complimentary 2026 POST Hiking Calendar.
View
Orinda Original
This 3.5-mile out-and-back through Orinda Oaks Park and Moraga offers scenic vistas right inside the city.
View
Three Cheers
Good things come in threes when you visit Sonoma. Head out on a short hike right from town, sip and stroll the historic plaza, then take in the magical holiday lights.
View
Peak Briones
Great views and a killer workout go hand-in-hand on this 6-mile loop through Briones Regional Park. Lace up your boots, pack an extra water, and enjoy this challenging hike through the northern East Bay’s peaks and valleys.
View
Sponsored
Redding Lights and Silent Nights
Give your holiday events calendar a major glow up this winter in California’s sunniest city. Redding is a revelation: Surrounded by iconic scenery like Mount Shasta, Lassen Volcanic National Park, and Whiskeytown National Recreation Area.
View
A Hike to the Past
This 5.2-mile redwoods hike through El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space combines a relaxing stroll with unique geologic formations and historical artifacts.
View
Let’s Go to a Museum, Charlie Brown
He may have been defined as a "lovable loser," but Charlie Brown wins the day at the Charles M. Schulz Museum in Santa Rosa. The museum and surrounding gardens are an outstanding homage to the life and work of Schulz, creator of the angst-filled yet funny comic strip, Peanuts. The museum has the world’s largest collections of original Peanuts comic strips.
View
Sponsored
Fall Coastal Hikes Guide
Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) is ready to fill your fall with bluffside trails, tranquil beaches, whale watching, a haunted distillery, and seasonal sweet treats.
View
Screaming Good Garden
Combine a classic scary movie backdrop and life-size elephant garden sculptures in beautiful downtown Sonoma.
View
Good Trolls
At the intersection of art, nature, and history is Filoli in Woodside. Walk the historic gardens and mansion area, enjoy a half-mile redwoods hike, and visit with the new trolls, as in the TROLLS: Save the Humans art exhibit.
View
Sponsored
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.
View
Sweet and Salty
Located on Highway 1 about 18 miles north of Jenner, Salt Point State Park is wild, scenic, and one of the most beautiful places to do some classic coastal camping.
View