All Stories from Southern CA

• 

  A (River)Walk in the Park

  Reno’s Riverwalk winds along the Truckee River through downtown and beyond, connecting some of the city’s best parks and public spaces. If you’re seeking a short, scenic walk where the small things add up to big wonders, head to Idlewild Park. It blends almost seamlessly into Reno’s Riverwalk, making it an idyllic and easy place to pair gardens, ponds, and public art with a short stroll along the Truckee River.

  View
• 

  Coming Up Aces

  Reno is known for its bright lights and exciting casino resorts. But what if we told you one of the best bets in town for a family-friendly outing happens under stadium lights? Greater Nevada Field is home to the Reno Aces, the city’s popular Minor League Baseball team. The park itself is in the pro leagues, with the Truckee River coursing by and the Sierra Nevada mountains beaming like the fanbase.

  View
• 

  Waterfall Hunter

  If you ask a local in Reno about one of the best hiking trails in town, odds are high they’ll point you to Hunter Creek Falls. It’s a year-round favorite, but it absolutely shines in spring, when desert peach wildflowers make a splash—and so does the marquee waterfall.

  View
• 

  Best Ghost Town in the West

  Located in the high desert of the Eastern Sierra, Bodie State Historic Park looks like a Hollywood set for a Western movie. But this isn't Hollywood magic—it's a gold-mining ghost town (with summer ghost tours!) that's as pure Wild West as it gets!

  View
• 
  Sponsored

  No Limits Family Trip: Reno Tahoe

  What if your next family getaway didn’t come with a set agenda—just the freedom to go where the day takes you? Find yourselves in Reno Tahoe, a land of no limits and plenty of outdoor bounty.

  View
• 

  Can We Get a Whoop Whoop!

  City, mountain, and ocean views all in one hike? Whoop whoop! It’s no surprise the the Kenter Fire Road and Whoop-de-Doos Trail (a combo of fire road and singletrack) is a favorite among local mountain bikers and hikers alike.

  View
• 

  Tree Town

  Home to an estimated 21,000 trees and 100 acres of parkland, South Pasadena has earned its nickname: the City of Trees. This 2.5-mile neighborhood walk lets you experience its leafy canopy up close, winding through charming streets and three of the city’s beloved parks.

  View
• 

  A Better Way to Baldwin

  The Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook in Culver City is one of West L.A.’s most popular hiking spots, but most visitors miss the bigger picture. This 3.5-mile out-and-back along a section of the Park to Playa Trail offers a fuller experience of this gorgeous nature park with sweeping urban views and a few artistic surprises along the way.

  View
• 

  Cinematic Sonoma

  Longer days. Golden light. Wildflowers in bloom. It’s the perfect moment to plan your spring escape to Sonoma for the Sonoma International Film Festival, March 25–29. No fuss. No sprawl. Just films, friends, fresh air, and that unmistakable Sonoma glow.

  View
• 

  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.

  View
• 

  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."

  View
• 

  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.

  View
• 

  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.

  View
• 

  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.

  View
• 

  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.

  View
• 

  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.

  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
• 

  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
• 
  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
• 

  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.

  View