All Stories from Southern CA

Urban Oasis Loop
Home to the city’s Audubon Center, Ernest E. Debs' 282-acre park features a robust network of hiking trails and surprising wildlife diversity. More than 140 bird species have been spotted here. Birdwatcher or not, this 2.5-mile route makes for a gorgeous outing.
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Walkin' & Talkin': 7 Simple Pleasures of Mendocino
Sunset strolls on the Headlands. Beach time at Big River. A vintage Skunk Train through the redwoods. Hidden Spring Ranch views. River otters at MacKerricher. A cozy stay at Stanford Inn. A downtown made for wandering. Discover the "7 Simple Pleasures of Mendocino."
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Can’t Bluff This! (Secret Spring Ranch)
Accessible right from downtown Mendocino, a bluff-side walk at Mendocino Headlands State Park is a must. The marquee trails here overlook not just the charming hamlet of Mendocino, but also the dramatic coastal scenery from the bluffs.
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The Magic of MacKerricher
Headlands, wetlands, lakefront, and tide pools—MacKerricher State Park is one of Mendocino County’s coastal greatest hits. This wild stretch just north of Fort Bragg packs in miles of dramatic shoreline, an easy boardwalk ramble, and one of the best chances around to spot river otters slipping through a thriving estuary.
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You Go, Curl!
Hollywood Curling’s Learn to Curl classes make the perfect setting for newcomers. Take the ice, and friendly curling instructors will teach you the basics.
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Peace and Pistes
Downhill not your cup of cocoa? Go Nordic! Mammoth’s stunning Lakes Basin has miles of groomed cross-country ski and snowshoe trails where you won’t find thick crowds or expensive lift tickets. What you will find is a serene wonderland of frozen lakes and pine forests.
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Blades of Glory!
It might be the best place this side of Canada to lace up the skates and put one blade in front of the other. The Curry Village Ice Skating Rink in Yosemite National Park offers a brilliant view of Yosemite’s iconic Half Dome.
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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
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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.
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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.
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Into the Mystic
Venture into the Cave of Munits in West Hills, a magnificent cavern that was a place of deep spiritual importance to the Chumash people. Legend says this cave was once home to a powerful shaman who was killed after he took the life of a chief's son.
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Santa Monica’s Most Beautiful Walk
With its sweeping views of Santa Monica Bay and the Santa Monica Pier, the 26-acre Palisades Park, perched along the beach bluffs, may be a tourist’s delight for its quintessential California vibes–but it’s just as beloved by locals. Follow this 2.5-mile loop to experience it like one.
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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.
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Level Up With Lawson Peak
This fall, channel your inner autumn adventurer and celebrate rock-tober on a most epic summit hike—Lawson Peak.
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Summit Sycuan Peak
Most visitors to San Diego County's quaint town of Jamul aren't familiar with one of its hiking gems. Sycuan Peak is a short-and-sweet-and-steep leg buster with nearly 800 feet of gain over just 2 miles (round-trip). Fantastic views at the top? You can bet on it!
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Hollenbeck Hiking
One bona fide Jamul gem thoroughly takes advantage of these fall features: the Hollenbeck Canyon Wildlife Area. Gone (mostly) is the deep heat of summer and what arrives is special: golden hillsides, soft breezes, and trails bathed in long, late-day shadows.
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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.
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Gentle Giants
Some people visit national parks to marvel at the iconic sights, while others come seeking solitude in nature. With visitation on the rise, it can be hard to find both. But in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, this pair of trails offers both....
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Welcome to the Ice Age
Only in LA can you stumble upon a lake of bubbling black goo right in the middle of the city—complete with a life-size family of mammoths frozen in time. Take a whiff and you’ll catch the unmistakable scent of asphalt: Yep, you’ve made it to the La Brea Tar Pits & Museum.
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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.
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