Knock, knock: the unofficial start of summer is here. Answer the call with any of these Weekend Sherpa classics.

Summit 'n' Sip: Hike to the summit of Bald Mountain, a peak that straddles Sonoma and Napa valleys. Afterwards, celebrate your effort with wine tasting at the smallest winery in Sonoma.



Urban Stomp: Get reacquainted with the City by the Bay along the best urban hike in America: The Grand Walk.






Peace Out: Paddle the quiet waters at the largest estuary in the lower 48: the Suisun Estuary. Trish at Sunset Bay Kayaks rents everything you'll need. Spectacular sunsets included.

Ocean Peekaboo: Spy starfish and sea anemones during low tide (from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m. this weekend) at the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve.




Bike Little Tuscany: Rent a road-bike in Healdsburg or bring your own and ride the quiet back-roads of Dry Creek Valley (a.k.a. Little Tuscany). Stop at various wineries en route—and pack a picnic lunch in the rear-rack cooler.


Coastal Cruise: Pedal the 5-mile Coastside Trail in Half Moon Bay. Park at one of the multiple wooden benches and keep an eye peeled for northward migrating gray whales.





Forgotten Treasure: Round up your barbecue crew for an afternoon grill at the Bay's best view: Treasure Island.

Mix It Up: The novelty never wears off at the San Gregorio General Store. Explore the San Mateo Coast, then pop into the eclectic store for live music, a full bar, a bookstore, and a pair of Levi's.




Damn the Torpedoes: Defy the naysayers and make a last-minute trip to Yosemite. Yesterday the park informed us that Curry Village still has tent-cabins available in the valley. Otherwise, grab a camping spot or hotel outside of the park (the towns of Groveland, Mariposa, and Oakhurst will be the best bet for accommodations). Full speed ahead!

Sleeping Beauty: Snag a secluded hike-in camp spot among redwoods and fern groves at Pomo Canyon on the Sonoma Coast. Arrive early—first come, first served.

It's Patagonia's only West Coast outlet…
3,000 square feet of it…
with 22,000 premium items on sale…
at 40% off the lowest marked price…
Talk about the sweet spot!

Patagonia's Santa Cruz Outlet is having its big sale—so now's the time to grab some gear and save big. Stock up on the brand's famed Capilene and Wool baselayers, pick up a waterproof jacket like the Rain Shadow, and renew your wardrobe with a classic Patagonia fleece—in a variety of colors and styles. Plus, get a jump on summer with men's and women's casual wear—from beach sundresses to organic cotton T-shirts, and everything in between. Patagonia's Santa Cruz Outlet sale lasts only a few days, so get there soon. Your wardrobe and your budget will finally agree on something.

Get to the sale in time:
May 22–26 only.
Sale hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. each day.
Patagonia Outlet Santa Cruz, 415 River St., #C, Santa Cruz; 831-423-1776.

*Sale prices apply to Patagonia clothing only on days specified. Surfboards and wetsuits not on sale.