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  1. Northern CA

    For Shore!

    It's time to shore up your weekend plans. Hike, bike, and beach hop along the San Mateo Coast, where wildflowers, huge Pacific views, and sandy havens will put the spring in your step!

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  2. Southern CA

    California Time Travel

    Make like Marty McFly and go back in time. Although there is no Biff, you can visit an Oceanside mission, a Julian gold mine, and a Riverside state park devoted to citrus. Sweet!

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  3. Southern CA

    Forest Bathing

    The Japanese art of forest bathing is so simple: Find peace and inner calm by going to the woods and reconnecting with nature. We’ve scouted three of our favorite settings for therapeutic walks in some magnificent woods. Go slow. Breathe!

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  4. Sponsored
    2026-02-02

    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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  5. Northern CA

    Wine Country Adventures

    Great weather, loads of outdoor adventures, amazing wines … and it’s all just 45 minutes from the Golden Gate Bridge. Sonoma Valley is spring loaded for a weekend away. Local la dolce vita!

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  6. Northern CA

    Wildflower Blockbusters

    Bursting onto the scene with more fanfare than the latest blockbuster, wildflowers are starring across the Bay Area and NorCal. Head out for these flower-powered action adventures this spring.

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  7. Southern CA

    Late Bloomers

    SoCal's wildflower season took a rain check in early spring, quite literally, due to late-season showers. But better late than never. Flower power is in action now, if you know where to go.

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  8. Southern CA & Northern CA

    Upstate Adventure

    Have you been to Northern California? We mean wayyy up north. The Redding area is surrounded by mountains, rivers, waterfalls, lakes, bald eagles, and trails galore. This spring, have an upstate of mind!

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  9. Northern CA

    Goldplay

    Golden Gate Park's meadows, lakes, and lawns make it one of the best place to get your fresh-air fix within urban limits. From lawn bowling to finding the secret Fairy Door, here are some fun ways to explore San Francisco's natural treasure.

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  10. Southern CA

    After-Work Hikes

    When the days get longer, the workdays get a bit shorter, don’t they? Boot down the computer, boot up your feet, and hit these trails for a quick workout hike.

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  11. Northern CA

    Epic Spring Hikes

    Electric green hills, wildflowers and wowing views, reservoirs and babbling brooks: Savor spring’s greatest hits by going long and strong on any of these three East Bay loop hikes, ranging from 6 to 13.5 miles!

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  12. Southern CA

    Sierra Hot Springs

    Maybe it's the water, maybe it's the views. Whatever it is, these natural hot springs in the Eastern Sierra will leave you feeling sumptuously soaked and refreshingly renewed. 100%!

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  13. Southern CA

    Spring for Wildflowers and Waterfalls

    With winter's rains and warm weather followed by splashes of more rain, SoCal's hiking trails are super-charged for spring. Here's a roundup of hikes with wildflowers, waterfalls, and wonderful views. Spring it on!

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  14. Northern CA

    Wildflowers and Waterfalls

    Rain plus warm weather is a recipe for wildflowers and waterfalls! Get out there and explore spring's bounty of bright colors and big flows!

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  15. Sponsored
    2026-02-02

    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
  16. Northern CA

    Hike, Bike, Beer!

    Thirsty for adventure? Sacramento’s rivers and lakes are spring ready, and so are the nearby craft breweries! Go on a hike, bike ride, or get out on the water, then sample some suds!  Sacramento's craft brew scene is quickly emerging as one of the best in the nation.

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  17. Southern CA

    What to Do Outdoors this Easter Weekend

    Ready to find more color than an easter egg hunt this weekend? From desert to sea to downtown LA, make a rainbow connection with adventure.

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  18. Northern CA

    Hikes to Weather the Storm

    Atmospheric river, Nor' Easter ... it's okay to hide under the covers, but you can also play misty. Here are three hikes to help you weather the storm.

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  19. Southern CA

    The Magical Hikes of Mojave

    Soaring mountains, hidden canyons with water holes, and the world’s largest forest of Joshua trees are just a few of the treats in store on these less-traveled hikes in Mojave National Preserve. Spring is the perfect time for exploring the more hidden parts of this desert wonderland.

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  20. Southern CA

    We've Got a Winter!

    We’re just a week shy of “spring,” but winter is going strong around Mammoth, thanks to recent Sierra storms. Not a downhiller? Go shoeing, tubing, or XC skiing.

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  21. Northern CA

    Beach Waterfalls!

    Beaches, waterfalls, and coastal views: It's a classic combination for a spring weekend in Northern California. H2-OMG!

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  22. Northern CA

    Local Lighthouses

    Where can you enjoy some of the most dramatically beautiful coastal views? Light this way! From overnight stays to full moon displays, here are five lighthouses worth a wander.

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Trending Stories NorCal

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  1. Sunnyvale and Salty

    For up-close bird watching, it’s hard to beat a walk along the San Francisco Bay. This 5-mile loop on the Sunnyvale coast is a favorite of local wildlife photographers.

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  2. A man takes a break at a temple spot on a hike at Dragon Mountain in Milptas

    Dragon Quest

    The newly reopened, 4-mile out-and-back hike at Dragon Mountain in Milpitas mixes the physical with the spiritual for a serene hiking experience.

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  3. Mike Zakowski (aka Mike the Baker) standing in front of his wood-fire oven at the Sonoma Valley Farmers' Market

    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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  4. Hidden Botanical Garden

    Forget a dozen roses. Give your love a botanical garden. Hidden on the western slope of Sonoma Valley’s Mayacamas Mountains, Sonoma Botanical Garden has one of the Bay Area’s best displays of Asian flora—and it’s a brilliant place for a quiet picnic and some calming contemplations.

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Trending Stories SoCal

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  1. People on ice learning to curl at Hollywood Curling

    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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  2. 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
  3. Fall for These Falls

    Chase waterfalls in Redding’s Whiskeytown National Recreation Area. This 42,000 acres of wilderness park is home to four waterfalls. Hike to the tallest, the three-tiered, 220-foot Whiskeytown Falls.

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  4. Oh Snow Nice

    Live in California long enough, and you’ll come to know the rite of passage called “going to the snow”–when we ditch our fair-weather cities and towns in search of winter weather. Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks deliver a winter wonderland worth a visit if there’s been a good dose of snow.

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