All in Northern CA

  1. Waterfall Summer Hikes

    Some waterfall hikes are still spectacles even in early summer, especially after a snow-packing winter. From less known waterworks in the far reaches of both Yosemite and Shasta County, to a stunner in a neighboring state, here are three ways to have a waterfall start to summer.

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  2. Wine Country Sleeps, Paddles, and Pedals

    There’s plenty to sip and swirl around these three wine regions in the Bay Area and Northern California, but the great outdoors here also pours on the charm. From a unique place to sleep among the sheep, to a truly cool (and cooling!) river paddle, and a bike ride through bountiful vineyards, uncork these fun and unique wine country adventures!

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  3. Tree Glee

    As the season heats up, find some shade amid the grandeur of redwoods in these three parks that make a big impression!

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  4. Redding Ironman Whiskeytown lake
    Sponsored
    2025-12-31

    New Year, New Goal: IRONMAN 70.3 Northern California

    2026 is off and running! And swimming. And biking. Don't get left behind! Commit to one of the upcoming year’s most exciting endurance events—IRONMAN 70.3 Northern California in Redding.

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  5. Lakes Basin Camping and Hiking in the Sierra Nevada

    Where to Camp and Glamp in CA: Part 1

    We feel the camping vibes. Here's our first in a two-part roundup of beautiful destinations that also have camping, cabins, and glamping.

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  6. Long May You Roam, Close to Home

    A little late in planning for the upcoming weekend? We've got some ideas for you. From island biking and beach or picnic bliss, to ridge rambling and a classic SF adventure, here are some ways to stretch your outdoor adventures over the holiday weekend.

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  7. Bay Area Blue Spaces

    Getting outside into nature has many proven health benefits. And that includes Blue Spaces—lakes, oceans, rivers, lagoons.... the soothing sights and sounds of water are good for us. Here are three beautiful Bay Area places for beautiful blue adventures.

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  8. Late Season Hikes for Spring Blooms

    With summer right around the corner, be sure to do some hikes or bike rides through the Bay Area’s rolling green hills and fields of wildflowers. Here are three places in bloom: spring for them!

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  9. Euro Influencer

    The great outdoors combined with great food—how European. Actually, how Californian! Here are some of our favorite European-influenced adventures with tasty bonuses.

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  10. Washington State of Mind

    It’s one of the West's most nature-nurtured getaways. Washington State shines in spring, and this easy, short-distances road trip explores the region's majestic Kitsap Peninsula and Tacoma. Experience electric green forests, gorgeous gardens, sublime waterfront harbors, iconic mountains, “Little Norway,” and one of the most outstanding urban parks in America.

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  11. Woman on a bicycle passing a park lake with a fountain spraying water

    Spring Hikes and Bike Rides

    While spring’s in session, be sure to see the goods it brings from the East Bay to the North Bay, even to the farther reaches of Northern California. On these bike rides, hikes, or walks, relish poppies and other florals bursting, birds and other wildlife, and a dazzling riverside route to a famous dam.

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  12. Five Natural Bridges to See this Spring

    Natural bridges are wondrous on their own, but when the coast is clear and the supporting scenery includes things such as sea stars, wildflowers, and dramatic nearby formations, well, spring it on! From Mendocino and the Sonoma Coast, to Santa Cruz, the desert, and a stellar point beyond, here are five of nature's best bridge and rock formations.

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  13. Woman hiking up stairs at Alcatraz Island

    Rock These Spring Hikes

    There spring hikes simply rock! There’s a surprising rock garden on the sea, a hike to a rock perfect for spilling the tea, and a pinnacle adventure for seeing rock spires amid seasonal blossoms.

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  14. Spring Refresh

    On the bright side of lingering rains, spring colors should be more vibrant than an Easter basket when the skies clear. Here are a few ideas worth hopping to when things spring up!

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  15. Redding Ironman Whiskeytown lake
    Sponsored
    2025-12-31

    New Year, New Goal: IRONMAN 70.3 Northern California

    2026 is off and running! And swimming. And biking. Don't get left behind! Commit to one of the upcoming year’s most exciting endurance events—IRONMAN 70.3 Northern California in Redding.

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  16. Spring for These Summits!

    It's officially spring! When clearer skies set in (ahem), step up to the season with these outstanding summit hikes for fresh perspectives.

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  17. Swing Into These Spring Hikes

    Spring, is that you? We’ll take whatever we can get right now, and post-rain these amazing Bay Area ridge hikes are prime with fresh views, early blooms, and a hidden swing in Half Moon Bay…

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  18. Hit the Refresh Outdoors

    It's been a wet and wild few months, but don't let that dampen your outdoors spirit. Here's a refresh of outdoor fun for post-rain greenery, scenery, starry skies, waterfalls, and wondrous wanders in the Bay Area.

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  19. Just Dune It

    With Dune 2 coming out in theaters, now is a good time to explore some surreal sandscapes. We’ve rounded up some national preserves, parks, and refuges—including the epic landscape that inspired the novel. Dune it right!

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  20. A woman stands at Dante's View in Death Valley, looking out to Telescope Peak and Manly Lake, Badwater Basin below.

    Sunrise, Sunset, Starry Desert Hikes

    March in Death Valley is (dare we say) full of life! There’s a dark sky festival to kick off the month, and the temporary Manly Lake at Badwater Basin—the lowest point in North America—is still going strong (for now). Here’s your guide to a sunrise, sunset, and starry night hiking trifecta for winter and early spring in Death Valley National Park.

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  21. Big Greenery and Scenery

    Some of the Bay Area's most impressive landscapes are bound to beam an iridescent green after giant rains (and a little patience waiting for the skies to clear). From brand-new trails to golden (er, green) oldies, here's where to see bright and beautiful scenery ... wait for it ... it's worth it! 

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  22. Tidepooling & Good Migrations

    The stars of the sea and wetlands show up big during winter, just like the 49ers! From tidepooling and whale watching, to seeing birds of many feathers, these places from Santa Cruz to Marin are simply super. Go Niners!

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  1. Hike to New Lights

    For an enlightening late-day hike, catch the San Francisco skyline at sunset from high atop Ring Mountain in Tiburon. This 2-mile (round-trip) hike to Turtle Rock is a perfect late afternoon wander.

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  2. Three Cheers

    Good things come in threes when you visit Sonoma. Head out on a short hike right from town, sip and stroll the historic plaza, then take in the magical holiday lights.

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  3. Island Tree Topper

    The light display atop Angel Island State Park’s Mount Livermore has long been a cheerful twinkle visible from many cities throughout the Bay Area on holiday season nights. Get into the festive spirit by hiking the 2-mile (one-way) trail from Ayala Cove up to the "Angel Lights."

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  4. Woman swimming in Carson Hotsprings natural thermal pool

    Hot Springs, Naturally

    Thermal spring waters are famous for their curative, relaxing elements, and Reno Tahoe is filled with them! Sink into these amazing thermal respites for a wellness super soak.

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  1. Field of Light at Sensorio in Paso Robles

    Light This Way

    Hidden in the bucolic hills of Paso Robles lies one of the greatest light shows on earth. The lighted art exhibition, Sensorio, is as if the rainbow magic of the aurora borealis was plucked from the sky and planted in the fields. DECEMBER BONUS: Enjoy a holiday market, see The Nutcracker, and visit Santa at Sensorio.

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  2. Hikers stand atop Lassen Peak in Lassen Volcanic National Park

    Weekend Sherpa Podcast: Take It Outside

    Adventure for your earbuds. What's new in the world of the outdoors? Listen to Weekend Sherpa co-founders discuss local hikes, beaches, bike rides, camping spots and all kinds of travel and adventure in California and beyond!

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  3. O Enchanted Night!

    Prepare to be mesmerized! Holiday-season nights in Descanso Gardens are a magical interplay of lights and natural beauty that dazzle as you stroll through the Enchanted Forest of L

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  4. Hikers sitting on a large rock slab next to Three Sisters Falls in Cleveland National Forest Southern California near Julian

    Three Sisters

    Good things come in threes at this hike to a lovely trio-tiered waterfall in Cleveland National Forest. The 4.25-mile out-and-back hike rambles among rolling hills, with rocky mountain views as switchbacks take you down to a lush canyon and the falls.

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