All in Northern CA

1. 

   Bloomin' Hikes

   Wait for it, wait for it … now! Spring is finally starting to shine with all the silver linings of a wet winter: Wildflowers are blooming, waterfalls and streams are flowing strong, and the landscape is lush, green, and clean! So here are three of the best hikes to do this spring.

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2. 

   Redwoods in the Rain

   Hike, bike, camp ... do it all even if the weather's drizzly. Our iconic redwoods are your protective canopy for spring camping, pedals and picnics, and of course, sublime hikes. Here are three ways to get your outdoors fix "weather or not."

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3. 

   Wander Falls

   Clear skies one minute, gray the next … hey, no one’s gonna rain on your waterfall parade! From a splash of wine country to a dash of the Santa Cruz Mountains, even some Tahoe flow, here are three short hikes to waterfalls that pack a good punch after wet weather.

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4. 
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   Tram to Cool Treks

   Elevate your fun, getting whisked from palm trees to alpine wilderness on the world’s largest rotating tramcar. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway transports you up and away on a 2.5-mile scenic route from the desert floor to the refreshing wilderness of Mount San Jacinto State Park.

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5. 

   Beach Hikes!

   Bluffs, beaches, bluffside hikes to beaches: Have it all! Here are three bluffside hikes with spectacular ocean vistas and a bonus—they lead to beautiful beaches.

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6. 

   Where to Watch Whales from Shore

   Gray days ahead, and for once we're not talking about the weather this winter! We're talking about gray whales, making their migration north. March is prime time to spy these behemoth beauties on the coast, but you don't have to get out on a boat to do it. Here are some great ways to spot whales from land. For shore!

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7. 

   Wetland Walks

   What’s not to like about post-rain hikes? With all the lush greenery and busy birds, these wetland walks (with rain-scrubbed views of the bay) are short and sweet for this wild weather. No need for any rain dances!

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8. 

   Short Hikes to Waterfalls

   The rain this winter has kept everyone on their toes. And the silver lining: waterfall flows! Here are three short hikes to under-the-radar waterfalls that are in best form during winter, after heavy rain.

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9. 

   Wildlife Hikes for Winter

   Word to the wild! Winter’s one of the best times for spotting seals, whales, and birds on a hike. From Año Nuevo to Palo Alto, here are three hikes for seeing wildlife in winter.

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10. 

    Romance Outdoors

    Happy Valentine's Day! Grab your favorite person or people and head outside to spread the love. XO, Weekend Sherpa

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11. 

    Hike-In-Picnics

    Valentine’s Day is on its way—in a pinch for a plan? Go on a picnic! But not just any picnic: a hike-in picnic! Grab your favorite person (or people) and hike to any of these sweet picnic spots in the North Bay.

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12. 

    Snowshoe Hikes

    The simplicity of snowshoeing meets the epic snowfall in Lake Tahoe! Strap 'em on and head out in wintry Sierra bliss on any of these snowshoe hikes. Oh the places you’ll snow!

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13. 

    Winter Wanders

    Coastal redwoods, a ridgetop rambler in Napa, and a hidden waterfall ... winter is a wander-land in Northern California! From the San Mateo Coast to Napa and the Sierra foothills, here are three ways to get out hiking this winter.

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14. 

    Celestial Hikes

    Feeling all starry eyed about 2019? No wonder! This year is going to be a bonanza of celestial events, starting with the super blood wolf moon on January 20. Also coming: 4 more eclipses, 3 supermoons, 1 blue moon, multiple meteor showers and … you get it. So mark your calendar and make some plans: Here are three Bay Area spots to celebrate the wonders of space, stars, the moon, and planets.

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15. 
    Sponsored

    2025-06-11

    Tram to Cool Treks

    Elevate your fun, getting whisked from palm trees to alpine wilderness on the world’s largest rotating tramcar. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway transports you up and away on a 2.5-mile scenic route from the desert floor to the refreshing wilderness of Mount San Jacinto State Park.

    View
16. 

    Here We Snow!

    Snow doubt about it, Tahoe is going to have an active winter season! But it's not all about the downhill skiing. Snowshoeing, sledding, and cross-country gliding are also fun ways to explore the region and see Big Blue! Here are a few ideas to get you snowing.

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17. 

    Nice View!

    Out with the old, in with the new year. Gaining a fresh perspective (and a nice view!) is as easy as visiting the coast, hiking the East Bay hills, or checking out a newly imagined museum set among redwoods. 2019 is already looking good!

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18. 

    2018's Top 10 Adventures in Northern California

    New year's resolution: get outdoors more! Sounds good to us. We've rounded up some favorite adventures from 2018. Whether you check off one of these adventures or all ten, it's a great way to start the new year. Happy 2019!

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19. 

    Ho Ho Hike!

    Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! In between eggnogs and cheery talk about politics, do something everyone can agree is a good thing: hike! Ho ho out you go.

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20. 

    Holiday Hikes and Rides!

    Ho ho, happy holidays. Keep things merry and bright this season with an urban wine pedal, a mistletoe hike, and a hike or bike among chestnuts and pines. Deck the trails!

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21. 

    Un-Wined in Anderson Valley

    Anderson Valley has become a go-to destination for outstanding wines in a charmed yet down-to-earth setting. The rolling vineyards glow in winter’s low-sitting sun, there's a state park with ancient redwoods, and the wineries see fewer folks this time of year: that's more pinot pours for you! Here's an Anderson Valley winter escape plan. Cheers!

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22. 

    Rain or Shine Outdoors

    Hooray for rain! The fires are out, the air is clear, and you can still get outdoors to explore. From a waterfall to a San Francisco hike through a mystic forest, and a shortened version of a classic on Mount Tam, here are three great ways to get outside ... rain or shine.

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