All in Northern CA
Waterhole Hikes
Nature's answer to the water park? Waterholes! Beat the heat on these hikes with a refreshing bonus: from dipping your toes, getting mist on your face, or going all in!
VIEWDog Days of Summer
Got a dog riding shot gun? Atta boy, or girl! From beaches to hikes and even canoeing, these Northern CA adventures will get everybody’s tail wagging.
VIEWJust Add Water!
Who needs a pool to lounge by this summer when you have mother nature! Hike, bike, and just relax by these lakes, rivers, and coastal settings. Verified fresh!
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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
ViewMountain Hot Springs!
Nature’s answer to happy hour: the mountain hot spring. We’ve scouted out a few to soothe your bones and soak in the views. Hey, hot stuff!
VIEWSummer Refresh
Hit the refresh button, in more ways than one. These water-centric adventures will keep you cool through summer!
VIEWBay Area's Best Stairway Walks
We all know we should take the stairs. And that's just about the best idea ever when it comes to the Bay Area's great urban hikes ... with stairways! From San Francisco to the South Bay, here are three stairway walks that are simply wander-ful.
VIEWMarquee Mendocino
Whether you want to hit the trails, explore some caves, or just bunk down at your glamp-site, Mendocino has all the right stuff for a romantic getaway, outdoors-style!
VIEWHigh Five Hikes!
Sweeping bay views, stately second-growth redwoods, and poppies on parade: Soak up the last of spring days on any of these three county park hikes in the South Bay … all under 5 miles! Go short and sweet!
VIEWRoll Out the Weekend
Shorts, barbecues, bike rides: Give summer a high-five by hopping on any of these two-wheel adventures around the Bay Area and northern California. From country road rambles (and wine-tasting!) to car-free coastal cruising (and beers!), here are some smooth ways to ride into the long weekend.
VIEWFor Shore!
It's time to shore up your weekend plans. Hike, bike, and beach hop along the San Mateo Coast, where wildflowers, huge Pacific views, and sandy havens will put the spring in your step!
VIEWWine Country Adventures
Great weather, loads of outdoor adventures, amazing wines … and it’s all just 45 minutes from the Golden Gate Bridge. Sonoma Valley is spring loaded for a weekend away. Local la dolce vita!
VIEWWildflower Blockbusters
Bursting onto the scene with more fanfare than the latest blockbuster, wildflowers are starring across the Bay Area and NorCal. Head out for these flower-powered action adventures this spring.
VIEWUpstate Adventure
Have you been to Northern California? We mean wayyy up north. The Redding area is surrounded by mountains, rivers, waterfalls, lakes, bald eagles, and trails galore. This spring, have an upstate of mind!
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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
ViewGoldplay
Golden Gate Park's meadows, lakes, and lawns make it one of the best place to get your fresh-air fix within urban limits. From lawn bowling to finding the secret Fairy Door, here are some fun ways to explore San Francisco's natural treasure.
VIEWEpic Spring Hikes
Electric green hills, wildflowers and wowing views, reservoirs and babbling brooks: Savor spring’s greatest hits by going long and strong on any of these three East Bay loop hikes, ranging from 6 to 13.5 miles!
VIEWWildflowers and Waterfalls
Rain plus warm weather is a recipe for wildflowers and waterfalls! Get out there and explore spring's bounty of bright colors and big flows!
VIEWHike, Bike, Beer!
Thirsty for adventure? Sacramento’s rivers and lakes are spring ready, and so are the nearby craft breweries! Go on a hike, bike ride, or get out on the water, then sample some suds! Sacramento's craft brew scene is quickly emerging as one of the best in the nation.
VIEWHikes to Weather the Storm
Atmospheric river, Nor' Easter ... it's okay to hide under the covers, but you can also play misty. Here are three hikes to help you weather the storm.
VIEWBeach Waterfalls!
Beaches, waterfalls, and coastal views: It's a classic combination for a spring weekend in Northern California. H2-OMG!
VIEWLocal Lighthouses
Where can you enjoy some of the most dramatically beautiful coastal views? Light this way! From overnight stays to full moon displays, here are five lighthouses worth a wander.
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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.
View![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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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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H is for Hawk Hill
After a nearly year-long closure, Hawk Hill in the legendary Marin Headlands recently emerged with a glow-up. Thank the hearty TLC from the National Park Service. This Golden Gate National Recreation Area gem now has a new trail along with revamped spaces for taking in timeless, grand 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
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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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