View All

1. 
   Northern CA

   Boo-tiful Views

   This Halloween, trade in the haunted houses for a visit to some of the Bay Area’s most famous abandoned battery structures, where interesting new things are found in the shadows and grand views are guaranteed. Boo goes there?!

   VIEW
2. 
   Southern CA

   Epic Hikes of Santa Rosa Island

   Pearl-white sand beaches, grasslands where horses roam free, a deep slot canyon, and a grove of the country’s rarest pine … Southern California’s Santa Rosa Island is like no other. Grab a windbreaker: Here are three epic hikes for exploring the island’s top wonders.

   VIEW
3. 
   Southern CA

   Peaks and Valleys

   A panoramic peak, a scenic gorge, a camping hideaway … and hardly anyone else on the trails! This fall set your sights on hidden adventures in Cleveland National Forest.

   VIEW
4. 
   Sponsored

   2026-09-30

   Marquee Marin

   There may be no better place to find the best in coastal outdoors than the Marin Headlands. Bluff-side hiking trails, beautiful sandy beaches, big Pacific views, an iconic lighthouse, and unique lore in the area’s historic batteries are all part of the action here.

   View
5. 
   Northern CA

   Autumn Waterfalls

   Big waterfalls and fall colors? These three waterfalls outside of Redding are amazing anytime of year, but during autumn you get an extra color-fall adventure!

   VIEW
6. 
   Southern CA

   Big Bear Beerfest!

   Why is it that a trip to the mountains just doesn’t feel right without beer? We don’t really need an answer … we just know that Big Bear is hosting its annual Oktoberfest on weekends throughout October, so you get to combine an authentic German experience with outdoor adventures that are pure California. Oh yeah, we’ll drink (beer) to that. Prost!

   VIEW
7. 
   Northern CA

   Fleet Feat

   In case you haven’t (over)heard: Fleet Week is here! The Blue Angels’ weekend air show features amazing aerial acrobatics over San Francisco Bay, but you might feel like you have to perform some major stunts of your own just to get a good view. Instead, head to any of these places for a little adventure that can also get you some fantastic views of the Blue Angels in action. Sky’s the limit!

   VIEW
8. 
   Southern CA

   New Observations

   Just when you think you’ve seen it all, Southern California comes up with something new, like some amazing points of view! From urban hikes in Los Angeles and San Diego to a blissful back-bay hike or bike, here are three thoroughly modern observation decks to give you a fresh (and fun!) perspective.

   VIEW
9. 
   Northern CA

   The Other Sierra

   One of California’s best kept secrets is at its best for the next few weeks. The Owens Valley and adjacent Eastern Escarpment are otherworldly: ancient, remote, and rugged. Formed by volcanic and glacial events, this is a land where you’ll adventure among the oldest trees in the world, the highest peak in California, and scenery so stunning it’s been used as cinematic backdrop time and again. Go before the snow and you can enjoy some secluded camping, too!

   VIEW
10. 
    Northern CA

    South for Scenic Hikes

    Birds do it. Whales do it. Maybe they're onto something... Get a jump start on the migration by heading to the South Bay for some start-of-fall hikes. (Update: on Monday, September 26 a wildfire broke out in the Santa Cruz Mountains of southern Santa Clara County and has been spreading, so these hikes are not advisable at this time.)

    VIEW
11. 
    Southern CA

    Rise to the East

    The next few weeks are some of the best of times to visit one of California’s best kept secrets. Ancient, rugged, and remote, Owens Valley and the adjacent Eastern Escarpment are the otherworldy flipside to the well-trodden Western Sierras … a visual passage of ancient volcanic and glacial occurrences, a place of cinematic history, a land where superlatives properly apply as you adventure among the oldest trees in the world and the highest peak in California. Go before the snow and snag some great camping, too!

    VIEW
12. 
    Northern CA

    Full Moon Adventures

    There's a full moon this weekend—ready to get your shine on? From a sublime paddle to a do-it-yourself or group-led night hike, here are three ways to adventure under the North Bay's moonlight.

    VIEW
13. 
    Southern CA

    Falling for Santa Barbara

    School’s back in session, autumn is hinting, and you want a quick weekend getaway that's easygoing and beautiful. From hikes to cruiser bikes and a basecamp that's pure glamp, here’s how to shoulder the season Santa Barbara style.

    VIEW
14. 
    Northern CA

    Adventure Channel

    Remote, wild, and totally enchanting, Channel Islands National Park, nicknamed “the Galapagos of California,” is an undeveloped, far less traveled archipelago off the coast of Ventura in Southern California. Make a date to explore this once lost world by adventuring all across the largest of its five islands—Santa Cruz.

    VIEW
15. 
    Sponsored

    2026-09-30

    Marquee Marin

    There may be no better place to find the best in coastal outdoors than the Marin Headlands. Bluff-side hiking trails, beautiful sandy beaches, big Pacific views, an iconic lighthouse, and unique lore in the area’s historic batteries are all part of the action here.

    View
16. 
    Southern CA

    Stairway Walks in LA

    Who wants to take the stairs?  Explore some of LA's hidden neighborhoods and small parks while getting great views along the way. You are the stair master!

    VIEW
17. 
    Southern CA

    Fall Classics of Southern California

    The orange crush of autumn is here. From stunning sunsets to hikes showcasing the warm hues and pumpkin comforts of harvest, here are some SoCal classics worth falling for.

    VIEW
18. 
    Northern CA

    Fall Hikes in the Bay Area

    Who says there are no fall colors in the Bay Area? Here are few hikes for hue to do!

    VIEW
19. 
    Southern CA

    Summer Wind Down

    Game face. There’s just two weeks left to complete the Weekend Sherpa Adventure Challenge 2016—all you have to do is get outdoors, then pick up your free t-shirt made by Marmot, along with other cool stuff. To give you some ideas, we’ve rounded up the most popular outdoor adventures done by you, the readers, this summer! Two weeks left: You’ve got this!

    VIEW
20. 
    Northern CA

    Summer's Home Stretch

    Better late to adventure than never to adventure! There’s just two weeks left to complete the Weekend Sherpa Adventure Challenge 2016—all you have to do is get outdoors, then pick up your free t-shirt made by Marmot, along with other cool stuff. To give you some ideas, we’ve rounded up the most popular adventures done by you, the readers, this summer! Two weeks left: You’ve got this!

    VIEW
21. 
    Northern CA

    Camp Last Minute

    Want to do a spontaneous camping trip, but you’re assuming all the good sites are booked? Well, maybe not all the good sites. The Bay Area still has some campsite secrets—from first-come, first-served options to lesser-known places where chances of getting a last-minute reservation are pretty good. Happy campers!

    VIEW
22. 
    Southern CA

    Sweet Dreams Are Made of These

    We’ve all heard it: Winter is coming! But it’s not here yet, so before summer’s out, plan your next getaway for an unforgettable stay! From a fire lookout in Sequoia National Forest to first-come, first-served camping in Yosemite, plus an all-season cabin resort near Tahoe, here are three amazing places to spend the night.

    VIEW