Challenge Accepted
The 2026 Adventure Challenge is in full swing! Looking for ideas to earn your commemorative T-shirt? Here are some of our favorite adventures featured this summer—but you can choose anything from our site. After 20 years of Weekend Sherpa, you’ve got plenty of options!
Week: 08.19.2026
Regions: Northern CA
Poplar Beach
Stroll and Enjoy Poplar Beach in Half Moon Bay
Take a stroll and catch the surf scene from the bluffs above popular beaches or get your feet in the sand (dogs welcome, too) at sublime spots like Poplar Beach in Half Moon Bay.
Read the full storyShimmering Paddle
Kayaking at Sunset, Under a Full Moon, or during Bioluminescence in Jenner.
Uniquely situated where the Russian River meets the rugged Pacific coast, Jenner is a shining star of kayaking destinations. It’s even better on a guided paddle at sunset, under a full moon, or during peak bioluminescent season.
Read the full storyWalk on the Wise Side
Walking the Philosopher's Way Trail in SF
A wise man once said, “Walk it off.” And San Francisco has just the place for a colorful walk via a 2.7-mile loop along Philosopher’s Way Trail in the 318-acre John McLaren Park (San Francisco’s second largest park, after Golden Gate). McLaren Park has seen plenty of love in rece
Read the full storyWapama Wows
Hike to Wapama Falls in Hetch Hetchy Yosemite National Park
Hetch Hetchy can be overlooked in Yosemite National Park because of its more remote location and limited facilities. But this is where you’ll also find one of the best day hikes in the park: Wapama Falls.
Read the full storyPurely Purisima
Take an Easy Hike at Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve
Take a relaxing hike on the lower section of Purisiima Creek Trail in Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve.
Read the full storyThe Shack is Back!
Relax and Picnic at the Nick's Cove Boat Shack
Point Reyes is full of hidden hideaways, including the unassuming boat shack at Nick’s Cove. Quietly perched at the end of a public pier overlooking Tomales Bay, the shack is a coastal landmark. It's well worth a visit!
Read the full storyGreater by the Dozen
Hike San Francisco's Golden Gate Dozen Trail
This hike is anything but a dime a dozen. The all-new "Golden Gate Dozen Trail" links 12 National Park sites on a spectacular 13-mile journey across San Francisco's coastline.
Read the full storyTake the Exit to the Best of the San Francisco Peninsula
The Quintessential NorCal Experience: All in One Place
The San Francisco Peninsula is proof that some of Northern California’s greatest surprises are hiding just off Highway 101. All you have to do is take the exit.
Find Your San Francisco Peninsula Adventure
