Red Riches: California's most isolated redwood state park is accessed via a tiny two-lane, curving road. Montgomery Woods State Natural Reserve has just a few miles of trail within its 2,700 acres, but the payoff is a quiet walk among some of the tallest trees in the world.

Moon Over Sutro: When the famous ruins of San Francisco’s Sutro Baths get bathed in the glow of the full moon (coming up on July 3!), there’s a novel mystique that just can’t be found during the day. Make the sojourn and it’s likely to be just you sitting at a dramatic vantage above the roaring waves.

Nature Calls: The East Bay's Lafayette Reservoir is beloved by locals for its range of relaxing nature activities. Stretch your legs on the flat 2.7-mile Lakeside Trail around the reservoir or get to the heart of the matter by rowing the reservoir's pristine waters.

Huddart Chutzpah: Just off I-280 in the tony burg of Woodside is Huddart Park, a 972-acre respite with a tranquil, 4.5-mile (round-trip) trail that curves through canyons and among stately second-growth redwoods.

Calistoga Charmer: Bike riding from winery to winery can be a challenge with cars on the road, but not if the first stop is Calistoga Bikeshop. They've got the beta on a self-guided route that avoids some of the most congested roads and tosses some sipping into the mix. There's also a fantastic taco stand en route!

Big Time: Set just yonder of Yosemite, Mammoth Lakes is a small mountain town that delivers big-time on 100-mile panoramas, shark-tooth peaks, powerhouse hiking trails, and countless turquoise lakes where you can take it all in.

Adventure Challenge Kickoff: Join Weekend Sherpa tonight at Presidio Sports Basement at 7 p.m. and get the inside scoop on the best outdoor adventurers to do this summer.  

 

The best (and newest) place to watch fireworks this Fourth of July is smack in the middle of the Bay! For the first time ever, Angel Island State Park will stay open late for fireworks viewing, so get your tickets now—availability is limited! Pack layers, a flashlight, blankets, and folding chairs —special ferries depart from San Francisco's Pier 41 and Tiburon.

On the island, celebrate with live music, craft beers, barbecued Hog Island Oysters, and inventive food at The Cove Café and Cantina. Then hop on a shuttle to Battery Ledyard—Angel Island's premier spot to watch the night sky light up over the Bay, including the San Francisco skyline and the Golden Gate Bridge. Angel Island is where the fireworks are this Fourth of July, so book your tickets before they're gone!

Do the Diggler: This summer, check out one of the most adventurous ways to tour Angel Island: on a brand new electric Diggler Scooter. Part skateboard, part scooter, and part BMX bike, riding a Diggler is like carving turns on a board—or on skis—because of its low center of gravity and long wheelbase. Highlights include cruising past a restored U.S. Immigration Station, old Army forts, wildflowers and wildlife, and postcard-famous views. More info at angelisland.com.

Get your tickets now to watch the Fourth of July fireworks from Angel Island!