All Stories from Northern CA

• 

  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
• 

  Rio Del Mar-velous

  Rio Del Mar State Beach in Aptos might be one of the best places for a treasure hunt. Its location between two other beaches makes for a good stroll featuring a spectacle of wildlife as you search the sand for sea glass and seashells.

  View
• 

  Shore Thing

  A perfect day on the lake is right here in the South Bay! Paddle, pedal, or sail your way around beautiful Shoreline Lake or enjoy the nearby hiking trails and restaurants.

  View