All in Northern CA

Hidden Beaches, Iconic Bridges
Two of the Bay Area's most appealing features? Hidden beaches and iconic bridges. Here are three less-known beaches offering the best views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the Bay Bridge, and both!
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Outdoor Confidential
Got plans for the unofficial start of summer? Make it official! We've got you covered. From hikes and a bike ride, to stairway walks, picnic spots, and sunset views. Long live the long weekend!
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Let the Adventures Begin!
The Weekend Sherpa Adventure Challenge is back for its sixth year! Don’t let the name intimidate you: it’s free and easy to participate. Just get outdoors over the next few months and take a photo of yourself in action! And we’re excited to be teaming up with Line 39—their wines are the perfect partner to weekend adventures.
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Sponsored
2026-02-02
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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Secluded Sunday
Sunday funday … how about just Sunday seclusion? Here are three less-known spots across the Bay Area for enjoying a hidden beach, canoeing to a middle-of-the-lake island for a picnic, or climbing to views on a trail less traveled.
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As You Lake It!
This year’s rains brought many of our reservoirs back to 100 percent full! See some of the sparkling and refreshing beauty on three great North Bay hikes. They’re all dog-friendly, too. Time for a lake break!
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Going Wild for Flowers!
What’s wild and has wildflowers? Three East Bay hikes: one on Mount Diablo, one in Coyote Hills, and one across Pleasanton Ridge. It’s the call of the wild ... and the wildflowers!
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Will You Go Out With Us?
Go out this summer and do any activity we've ever written about in Weekend Sherpa (seriously, there's 10 years' worth of outdoor activities!) and earn yourself some excellent gifts, including a Weekend Sherpa t-shirt and travel wine glasses from our "partner in wine," Line 39. Here are few ideas to get you going!
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Free and Wild in Joshua Tree
Joshua Tree National Park in spring is full of color, and visitors! But these three hikes in the heart of the park take you away from the crowds and into the park’s solitude, where signature trees grandstand, boulders are bountiful, and wildflowers paint the landscape like a rainbow. Bonus: Free admission this weekend for National Park Week!
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Waterfall Rager!
The more it rained, the harder they fell … and they're still falling … waterfalling. Hit the trails this spring on any of these Bay Area flows that are all the rage right now!
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The Great Urban Outdoors!
Who said getting into the great outdoors meant getting out of the city? Get your nature fix in city limits by hiking a secret stairway in Oakland or exploring a couple of handsome parks in San Francisco.
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Hidden Forests
Can't see the forest for the trees? Sure you can! Take some time this weekend to walk through one of these hidden forests. It's like a cleanse for your mind!
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South Bay Spring Trailing!
Some hikes just know how to spring forward, especially after plentiful rains. From a hike to a hidden redwood grove to epic green hills and stunning panoramas, here are three South Bay ramblers to jump-start your spring trailing. Tip: Look for blooming wildflowers too!
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Hikes & Beer!
You know what's better than a beer on sunny spring day? A hike and a beer! Here are some local adventures with a refreshing reward.
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Sponsored
2026-02-02
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
View
Tahoe's Snowy Spring Adventures
Tahoe is having more than a moment—it’s having a snow season for the ages, which will go well into spring! From gliding to secret beaches to reaching summits with wondrous Sierra views, here are three cross-country ski adventures in their spring prime.
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Marsh Mellow
Migratory birds got a little surprise this winter—water, water everywhere! Flock to one of these tranquil spots in the Bay Area and beyond to catch some feathery fun.
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Mount Tam Waterfalls!
Two of our favorite things: Mount Tam and waterfalls! If ever there’s a season to go on a waterfall hike, it’s right now. Here are three amazing excursions on the North Bay’s favorite mountain, where water is all the rage.
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Spring Hikes
With all of the winter rain, this spring is super-charged! Here's a roundup of close-to-home spring hiking classics!
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Long Weekend Wanders & Ponders
Ahh the long weekend—a chance to catch your breath, get a breath of fresh air, and enjoy breathtaking views! From stairway walks to hikes in electric green hills or to waterfalls and sunset views, here's how to make the most of the three-day weekend!
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Where to Watch a Winter Sunset
Sunsets are like campfires—sometimes it’s good to just sit around and watch them. Here are three short hikes to sunset spots that’ll warm your spirit during the winter season.
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Rain Or Snow: Let's Go!
There’s rain, there’s snow, oh the places you’ll go! From waterfalls and cross-country skiing, to walking on sand dunes and spying gray whales, here are some fun adventures to weather the storms!
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