All in Northern CA
Where to Whale Watch: 3 Top Spots
Whale hello there! Here are three of the top spots for combining hikes and wine tasting with amazing vantages for spying gray whales.
VIEWEasy Does It
Ease into 2020 by trying something new, from a new wine country hike to a new trail in the South Bay.
VIEWNew Year Peak Hikes
Kick off the decade with a classic peak hike in the Bay Area. Cheers to these views!
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SponsoredWarm 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
ViewTop 10 2019 Adventures (Readers Favorites)
The 2019 outdoor adventures Weekend Sherpa readers most liked in the San Francisco Bay Area and Northern California.
VIEWJust in Time for the Holidays
Get into the holiday spirit on these classic Bay Area outings that are like a yule log for your soul.
VIEWThe Coast Is Clear
Go hike the hills, paddle to a lighthouse, and explore coastal caves near the classic beach town of Avila Beach.
VIEWGriswolding Outdoors!
Rule #1 this holiday season: Getting outdoors is a great way to clear the air, and the head, after too much spiked eggnog and turkey talk. And hell-yeah, bring the whole family—you’re all in this together, merry and bright! Here are three ways to hike, drink, and birdsong your way to holiday bliss.
VIEWReservoir Hikes
If cabin fever has you thirsting for the outdoors, these three hikes are short (3 miles or less) and go straight to the source with excellent views of reservoirs.
VIEWBeaches & Hikes for the Weekend
After all that turkey, pie, and political discussion, it’s time to take a break outside. We have just the ticket—from a dog-friendly beach in Marin to a hidden bench overlooking the San Mateo Coast, be thankful for the great outdoors.
VIEWThanksgiving Hikes
There’s lots to be thankful for this season, including our great outdoors, with fall colors on full display. Ready for a turkey trot? From the bounties of Briones to the thrills of a volcano, and a lesser-known trail on protected ranch land, here are three East Bay hikes prime for the season.
VIEWBeaches & Hikes for the Weekend
After all that turkey, pie, and political discussion, it’s time to take a break outside. We have just the ticket—from a dog-friendly beach in Marin to a hidden bench overlooking the San Mateo Coast, be thankful for the great outdoors.
VIEWWonder-Fall Hikes & Bike Rides
Autumn’s hues are beginning to deepen. And we’d like to help put the wonder in your fall, from redwoods to rolling golden hills and leaves crisp for foot-crunching. Here are some hikes and bike rides that make for a wonder-fall afternoon.
VIEWAutumn Beaches
Think summer’s the only time to hit the beach? Fog-etaboutit! Autumn is when beaches in Marin can really shine—sunny, warm(ish) and—fingers crossed—with only a tad of the misty stuff.
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SponsoredWarm 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
ViewHikes in the Meantime
It’s been a challenging week. We’re thinking about everyone affected by the wildfires, evacuations, and power outages. California is resilient and the smoke will clear. If you’re hankering for some nature this weekend, we’ve got a few suggestions. #californiastrong
VIEWShort Coastal Hikes
San Mateo may just be the coast with the most this time of year. Sunny afternoons can clear the skies, sweeping ocean vistas beckon, and autumn charms like pumpkin patches abound.
VIEWHidden Hikes in Wine Country
What’s better than wine country hikes in autumn? Wine country hikes that aren’t as well known! From a new regional park south of Petaluma, to a tiny hidden gem in Napa.
VIEWSee the Blue Angels overhead, get up-close views of the Golden Gate Bridge, and bask in some San Francisco noir under a full moon weekend … here are three excellent ways to maximize your bay views this weekend.
VIEWEasy Fall Hikes
How do you ease into fall? With some easy fall hikes! Get the first glimpse of fall colors, along with beautiful views and tranquil lakes at these three parks.
VIEWReach for the Pinnacles
Rugged rock spires, deep caves, volcanic formations… Pinnacles National Park packs an adventurous punch, and—bonus—you might even get to see the famous, endangered California condor.
VIEWSummer's End Adventures
Who says all good things must come to an end? This is California! But still, there's a few things better to do now than later ... so get soak in the last of the summer days on one or more of these outdoor escapes!
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11 Wildflower Walks, One Bloom-Filled Guide
Ready for a Flowerpalooza? POST’s complimentary 2026 Wildflower Walks guide makes it easy, with 11 floral-filled outings.
POST's 2026 Wildflower Walks Guide
Your Inbox to the Outdoors
Stay up to date with our weekly recommendations on where to explore locally in California.
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Cinematic Sonoma
Longer days. Golden light. Wildflowers in bloom. It’s the perfect moment to plan your spring escape to Sonoma for the Sonoma International Film Festival, March 25–29. No fuss. No sprawl. Just films, friends, fresh air, and that unmistakable Sonoma glow.
ViewMellow in the Marsh
Beach, birds, ice plant popping purple flowers: That’s a hiking slam dunk! Hike about 2 miles at Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve using their easy to navigate (well-signed) Sequoia Audubon Trail.
View![A man is looking through his binoculars at sunrise at the Bayland Nature Preserve in Palo Alto]()
Baylands Bird & Art Loop
Combine an outdoor art walk and wildlife sightings at the Baylands Nature Preserve in Palo Alto. This 5-mile loop through Byxbee Park and the Emily Renzel Wetlands features striking installations by artists Peter Richards and Michael Oppenheimer—where the landscape itself becomes part of the canvas.
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Big Burdell!
If you’re gonna go big on a hike, make it at Marin County’s biggest open space preserve, Mount Burdell. And go to the summit. You’ll be sharing the trail with grazing cows, seasonal poppies, and beautiful birds on this 5-mile (round-trip) adventure.
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SponsoredWarm 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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Eat, Sleep, Beach, Repeat
For an ultra-relaxing getaway where you can sit back and soak in some nature and nurture, head to Mendocino and follow this eat, beach, sleep, repeat itinerary (you won't regret it!) ...
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This Skunk Doesn’t Stink!
All aboard for a ride through history—and through air scented with redwood, dewy ferns, forest-fresh breeze, and a bonus snack and beverage bar, fire pit, and short hike. The World-Famous Skunk Train delivers in every category: scenery, greenery, and towering redwoods.
View![A woman standing at the pond's edge at Ernest B Debs Regional Park in Los Angeles. Trees are making reflections on the pond.]()
Urban Oasis Loop
Home to the city’s Audubon Center, Ernest E. Debs' 282-acre park features a robust network of hiking trails and surprising wildlife diversity. More than 140 bird species have been spotted here. Birdwatcher or not, this 2.5-mile route makes for a gorgeous outing.
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