View from the Garrapata State Park Bluff Trail in Big Sur, California

Garrapata State Park Bluff Trail near Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

The short but spectacularly scenic Garrapata State Park Bluff Trail is a must-do Big Sur hike near Carmel-by-the-Sea. The coastline here is some of the most scenic you will see along the Big Sur coast. Soberanes Point to the south. The colorful cliffs of Garrapata to the north. The mighty Pacific Ocean to the west. And the scenic Santa Lucia … Read More

Point Lobos State Reserve Carmel California

Point Lobos State Reserve, Carmel: Why You Should Visit (+ Tips)

Point Lobos State Reserve is an exceptionally beautiful California state park, and one of the top natural attractions near Carmel on the scenic Monterey Peninsula. It is so beautiful that one could even say that Point Lobos is the best state park in California! Located on the Central California Coast, just two hours south of San Francisco, Point Lobos State … Read More

Mesquite Sand Dunes Death Valley

Death Valley National Park: Where to Stay

Considering a visit to Death Valley National Park and wondering where to stay in Death Valley? If you plan to spend two or more days exploring the park, you have many options for where to stay. Death Valley National Park is a spectacular desert national park in Southern California. It is the largest national park in the contiguous United States, … Read More

Sea Lion Point Trail in Point Lobos State Reserve, Carmel, California

Sea Lion Point Trail in Point Lobos State Reserve, Carmel

The beautiful Sea Lion Point Trail in Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is one of the most scenic short hikes you can do at the northern end of Big Sur. The park is located just south of Carmel-by-the-Sea. One of our favorite hikes in Point Lobos, Sea Lion Point Trail is among the most popular trails in the park. Families … Read More

Driving Tioga Road Over Tioga Pass in California

Tioga Road: A Beautiful Summer Road Trip at Yosemite National Park

Tioga Road is a spectacularly scenic drive through Yosemite National Park. The drive should definitely be on your itinerary for Yosemite if you visit the park when the road is open. Officially California State Route 120, the Tioga Road drive between Crane Flat and Lee Vining goes over Tioga Pass, the highest highway pass in California. Tioga Road features diverse … Read More

Manzanita Lake, with Lassen Peak behind, in Lassen Volcanic National Park in northeastern California

22 Best Things to Do in Lassen Volcanic National Park (+ Tips for Visiting!)

Lassen Volcanic National Park is home to striking hydrothermal features, volcanic peaks, and many beautiful alpine lakes. If you enjoy the great outdoors, put Lassen Volcanic National Park on your itinerary for the Golden State! Located in the Shasta Cascade region of northeastern California, Lassen Volcanic National Park is one of the lesser visited national parks in California. Which is … Read More

Paso Robles, CA

16 Delightful Things to Do in Paso Robles, California!

Considering a visit to Paso Robles? The heart of Central California wine country, Paso Robles is a compelling destination for oenophiles, but foodies, history buffs, and outdoor enthusiasts will also find plenty to like in Paso Robles. Paso Robles, officially El Paso de Robles, means The Pass of the Oaks. A sleepy pastoral place not too long ago, Paso Robles … Read More

Sebastopol is a must-visit in Sonoma County, CA

11 Enjoyable Things to Do in Sebastopol, California

Sebastopol is a must-visit destination in Sonoma County. Famous as the home of the Gravenstein apple, the small and charming wine country town offers a surprising number of fun things to do, along with great food and drink. From plant lovers to art lovers and antiquing enthusiasts to foodies, most travelers will find something to enjoy in Sebastopol. While it’s … Read More

Sonoma is one of the most magical places to visit in California

30+ Terrific Things to Do in Sonoma, California

Considering a trip to Sonoma, California and wondering about the best things to do in Sonoma County? The acclaimed wine country destination makes for a fabulous vacation, with lots of fun things to do, world-class wines, superb farm-to-table food, and a relaxed ambience that’s quintessentially Northern California. Rolling hills draped in grape vines. Farmers’ markets brimming over with the freshest … Read More