A Confetti of Colors

From a lavender labyrinth on a bee farm, to wildflower walks, and hikes with blue ocean vistas and the Golden Gate, these five outdoor excursions are as colorful and fun as Easter Egg art.

Week: 04.13.2022
Regions: Northern CA

Lavender Labyrinth

Lavender Labyrinth at Bees N Blooms in Santa Rosa

Two women at the entrance of the Lavender Labyrinth at Bees N Blooms in Santa Rosa
Ducks at Bees N Blooms Labyrinth Lavender Farm in Petaluma
Two people walking the lavender labyrinth at Bees N Blooms in Petaluma
Two people walking the lavender labyrinth at the Labyrinth and Flower Garden at Bees N Blooms in Petaluma
Labyrinths are meditative meanders. Add fragrant organic lavender and you're at Bees N Blooms at the foot of Taylor Mountain near Santa Rosa, experiencing their “ancient pathway of peace” and more.
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Edgewood Sparklers

Wildflowers and Views at Edgewood Park and Natural Preserve in Woodside

Hiker at Edgewood Park and Natural Preserve in Woodside
Hikers on the trail at Edgewood Park and Natural Preserve in Woodside
Two people cuddling on a bench overlooking an oak tree and hills at Edgewood Preserve in Woodside
Edgewood Park and Natural Preserve in Woodside sparkles with wildflowers, and you can see them on this 4.2-mile loop with vistas of Mount Diablo and the San Francisco Bay.
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Headlands Over Heels

Hike the SCA Trail in the Marin Headlands for Fresh Views of the Golden Gate Bridge

Hiker on the SCA trail in Marin Headlands with view of the Golden Gate Bridge
Hiker on SCA Trail in the Marin Headlands North Bay
Two people sitting to take in a view of the Golden Gate from the Marin Headlands
People come from all over the world to get a glimpse of the Golden Gate Bridge. Get a dramatic and novel view of the bridge without all the people on this moderate 6-mile hike in the Marin Headlands.
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Heart of the Matter

Heart of the Park Hike in the Presidio San Francisco

Hike in the Presidio San Francisco
Hiker among eucalyptus trees in the Heart of the Park hike in the San Francisco Presidio
With very few tourists in town, San Francisco’s Presidio gets to bask mostly in local love. Do the classic Heart of the Park hike, which includes the historic and poignant National Cemetery Overlook.
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Footloose in the Foothills

Hike Diablo Foothills Regional Park in the East Bay

Hiker at Diablo Foothills Regional Park in the East Bay
Hikers on a trail at Diablo Foothills Regional Park
Hiker and dog at Diablo Foothills Regional Park in the East Bay
In spring, Diablo Foothills Regional Park bursts with green rolling hills, wildflowers, and some of the lushest views of Mount Diablo itself. Go on an 8-mile loop among this verdant scenery.
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Trending Stories NorCal

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  1. 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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  2. 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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  3. 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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  4. 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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Trending Stories SoCal

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    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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  2. A woman stands at Dante's View in Death Valley, looking out to Telescope Peak and Manly Lake, Badwater Basin below.

    Sunset Hike at Dante's View

    It’s one of the world’s best places to watch a sunset. Dante’s View is a 5,476-foot vantage of the whole southern basin of Death Valley from the top of the Black Mountains. Right now there's a banner and bonus view of a rare lake formation that appears only after big rains.

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  3. It's a Waterfall Life

    Tahquitz Canyon’s crystalline stream and lush stands of desert lavender, honey mesquite, and leafy sycamores is home to an easy day hike with a big bonus: a 60-foot waterfall that runs with remarkable gusto after winter rains.

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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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