Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco

101 Cool Things to Do in California: Bucket List for the Golden State!

There are so many cool and exciting things to do in California that you could spend a lifetime exploring and still not cover everything the state has to offer. But our California bucket list will help you pick from the most iconic Golden State experiences and attractions for a vacation to remember. With one of the most spectacular coastlines on … Read More

The Eastern Sierra makes for one of the best weekend trips from San Francisco

20+ Best Weekend Getaways from San Francisco (Mini Road Trips!)

Looking for the best weekend trips from San Francisco? You have so many destinations from which to choose! From laid-back beach towns to exciting cities and national parks to wine country, San Francisco and the SF Bay Area are well within reach of a wide variety of weekend getaway destinations. We’ve done dozens of weekend road trips from the SF … Read More

Kannon Bosatsu Statue Japanese Garden San Diego

Balboa Park Gardens in San Diego: Why You Must Visit!

The beautiful Balboa Park gardens are located right in the heart of San Diego, so they are very convenient to visit. The Balboa Park complex, with its many gardens and museums, should definitely feature on your itinerary for America’s Finest City, even if you are just visiting for the day or for the weekend. You will find over a dozen … Read More

Palm Trees in Santa Barbara, California

30+ Splendid Things to Do in Santa Barbara, California (2024 Guide!)

Looking for the best things to do in Santa Barbara? Santa Barbara is the quintessential California beach city, with tall skinny palm trees, endless ocean views, and beautiful sandy beaches. But Santa Barbara isn’t just a beach destination. Home to stunning architecture, fascinating historic landmarks, a vibrant arts and culture scene, hikes and outdoor activities aplenty, and delicious food and … Read More

Visit Carrizo Plain National Monument for spectacular wildflower displays in spring!

Carrizo Plain National Monument in San Luis Obispo County: The Complete 2024 Guide!

Considering a springtime visit to Carrizo Plain National Monument? Carrizo Plain National Monument is a magnificent landscape reminiscent of yesteryear Central California: the remote plain is what’s left of the massive grasslands that covered this part of the Golden State, before agriculture took over. Today, Carrizo Plain National Monument is known for being one of the prime spring wildflower bloom … Read More

Mission San Juan Capistrano is one of the most visited California missions.

Visiting the 21 California Missions (2024 Guide + Map!)

Planning to visit the 21 California missions? The Spanish missions of California are laid out along the old El Camino Real, and make for a fascinating historical road trip along the coast. The missions in California stretch from San Diego up to Sonoma, and the associated settlements are considered the start point of the development of major cities in California, … Read More

Where to Stay in Lake Tahoe (Best Hotels, Resorts, and Vacation Rentals!)

Considering a visit to Lake Tahoe? If you are looking for accommodation in Lake Tahoe, you have lots of great choices all around the lake! Lake Tahoe is a gorgeous alpine lake located in the Sierra Nevada mountains, on the California-Nevada border. The enormous lake straddles the two states, and there are many small communities nestled along the shore of … Read More

Napa Valley fall color

Where to Stay in Napa Valley, California: Best Hotels + Vacation Rentals!

Planning a visit to Napa Valley? If you are looking for hotels or vacation rentals in Napa Valley, you have lots of options for where to stay in California’s most famous wine region! Bounded on the east by the Vaca Mountains and on the west by the Mayacamas, Napa Valley is home to several little towns and regions. From luxurious … Read More