Need a last-minute plan for your post-Fourth weekend? From the redwood forest to the deep-blue bay, these banner excursions keep your stars and stripes spangling.

Pomo Canyon Environmental Camp might well be Sonoma Coast’s best-kept secret—and since it doesn’t take reservations, it’s a great impromptu getaway for tent-only campers. Nine miles past Bodega Bay, you leave the summer hubbub of Highway 1 and pop right onto mostly unpaved Willow Creek Road; 3 miles more and you’re ready for secluded camping in a giant redwood grove. Since Pomo is environmental camping, you walk in to your site from the parking lot; all of the twenty-one sites are easily accessed by a one- to ten-minute stroll. Pitch your tent and then enjoy explorations such as the 3-mile Pomo Canyon trail, which features ridgetop views of redwoods and the Russian River and ends in the Pacific at Shell Beach. Later head back to your private campsite, grill a fine feast, and listen to the creek as you fall asleep beneath the giant redwood canopy.

Directions: From Highway 1 in Bodega Bay, go 9 miles north to Willow Creek Road (just before you cross the Russian River). Turn right and go 3 miles to the parking area. Hike all camping gear to your camp site. Note: Ideal for either day-access or camping, Pomo Canyon also connects to 17 miles of oceanside hiking between Bodega Head and Jenner. Camping is $15 per night. More information.

Socked-in? Need a little vitamin D? Head for the sunny side. Tucked in the East Bay hills, Lake Temescal often basks in temperatures at least ten degrees hotter than those across the bay. The lake presents a relaxed, summer scene: Nearly eight acres of willow-shaded grassy grounds extend from a white-sand beach; sandcastles, Frisbees, and playful dogs all abound; and lifeguards make the swimming safe for the whole family. Picnic tables are plentiful, and if you’re lucky, you can even complement your burgers and hotdogs with a little fresh fish (Temescal is stocked with rainbow trout, bluegill, and largemouth bass). You can drive hours for such a classic getaway, but this sunny escape is just minutes away in the East Bay.

Directions: Located in Oakland at Hwy 24 and 13 on Broadway Terrace. A permit required for fishing. Parking is free unless the parking-lot kiosk is attended; then the cost per vehicle is $5. The beach access fee is $3. More information.

Rock around the clock with the paddle-people at San Francisco’s City Kayak. Experienced kayakers can slice smooth morning waters on the way to Alcatraz, Golden Gate Bridge, and Treasure Island. Beginners get a stunning new perspective on the city’s skyline as they cruise the shoreline along the Embarcadero. Feel the sun in your face, the wind in your hair, and the freedom of the open water as you savor a seaside take on San Francisco’s attractions. Throughout the summer, the bay’s waters also become prime seating for fireworks and ballgames; when the Barrys are in town, you can rent a kayak and try to catch a home-run blast in McCovey Cove. And for a memorable adventure, try a nighttime paddle and skim across the bay’s moonlit waters as the Embarcadero lights reflect like fireworks around you.

BONUS: Major League Baseball’s All-Star extravaganza kicks off this Sunday, making it a particularly good week to enjoy a ballpark kayak expedition.

City Kayak, Embarcadero at Townsend, San Francisco; 415-357-1010.

Note: City Kayak offers guided tours in addition to rentals. Bring sunscreen, a change of clothes, and a dry bag. Plan ahead for parking or take Muni along Embarcadero to Townsend. MLB All-Star Week Events: All-Star Futures Game, July 8 at 1 p.m.; Home Run Derby, July 9 at 5 p.m.; All-Star Game, July 10 at 5 p.m.

Patagonia has teamed up with Weekend Sherpa to talk about initiatives they support, activities they love, and clothes they dig.




Got a second? Patagonia needs your help. They're giving $5,000 to a worthy local organization that’s working to restore and protect the environment. Who should win? Voice your choice. Vote for one of the five finalists below.

Environmental Volunteers
Greenbelt Alliance
Save Nature: Center for Ecosystem Survival
Sierra Club Loma Prieta Chapter
Ventana Wildlife Society

VOICE YOUR CHOICE: Click here to vote. The organization with the most votes will receive a $5,000 check from Patagonia at their Palo Alto store opening party on July 14. Voting deadline: July 9.

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