Explore the Best of California
Browse curated guides and local favorites — from scenic parks and day trips to top attractions across California.
Ready to dive into California? From small-town gems and wide-open vistas to quirky roadside stops, this is your launchpad for discovering what makes California shine.
Browse curated guides and local favorites — from scenic parks and day trips to top attractions across California.

10 Bucket List Adventures You Can Only Have in California
Just a short drive northeast of San Francisco, Mount Tamalpais State Park offers an iconic California adventure with sweeping views of the Bay Area and the
15 Unique Museums Worth Visiting in California
Nestled in the heart of San Francisco’s bustling Fisherman’s Wharf district, the Musee Mecanique offers a charming glimpse into the world of early 20th-century
25 Fascinating Facts You Never Knew About California
A trip to California offers more than just sunshine and beaches; it’s a gateway to some of the most surprising stories and landscapes in the United States.
A Foodie’s Guide to California: What to Eat and Where
In San Francisco’s Ferry Building Marketplace, just a short stroll from the Embarcadero waterfront, food lovers find a vibrant collection of artisanal purveyors
California in Movies and TV: Famous Filming Locations You Can Visit
Just a short drive north of Los Angeles, the quaint town of Solvang offers a charming glimpse into Hollywood’s love for fairy-tale and period dramas.
California’s Role in American Music: From Jazz to Rock to Country
In Oakland, just a short drive east of San Francisco, the historic Fox Theater stands as a testament to California’s deep jazz roots.
Celebrities You Didn’t Know Were from California
In the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, just a short drive northeast of Fresno, lies the historic town of Clovis.
City vs. Country Life in California: Pros, Cons, and Best of Both Worlds
A visit to San Francisco offers a vivid taste of urban California life that contrasts sharply with the state’s rural charms.
Craft Breweries, Distilleries, and Wineries That Put California on the Map
Nestled in the heart of Sonoma County, just an hour north of San Francisco, the town of Healdsburg is a cornerstone of California’s wine country, famed for its
Exploring California by Train, Boat, or Hot Air Balloon
The coastal charm of California comes alive aboard the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner, which traces a scenic route from San Diego to San Luis Obispo, weaving through
Fall Foliage Road Trips Across California
Nestled less than an hour northeast of Sacramento, the charming town of Nevada City offers a vibrant palette of fall colors framed by its historic Victorian
How California Stacks Up: Food, Fun, and Culture Compared to Its Neighbors
Cruising along the Pacific Coast Highway near Big Sur, about halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, you find one of California’s most iconic stretches
Indigenous Culture and Heritage Sites to Explore in California
Just north of San Francisco, in the Marin Headlands, the Marin Museum of the American Indian offers a profound introduction to California's indigenous roots.
Legendary Figures from California Who Changed the World
Just outside of San Francisco, the Presidio offers a vivid gateway into the life of a legendary Californian who reshaped the world of environmentalism.
National Parks and Natural Wonders That Make California a Must-Visit
A journey into California’s wild heart begins in Yosemite National Park, nestled in the Sierra Nevada about four hours east of San Francisco.
North vs. South California: What’s the Difference?
Driving through California reveals not just a change in scenery but a shift in vibe that often sparks lively debates among locals and visitors alike.
Quirky Roadside Attractions You’ll Only Find in California
Traveling along California’s winding roads often reveals surprising slices of Americana that defy expectations.
Springtime Blooms: Gardens and Wildflowers Across California
A short drive northeast of San Francisco, the Sonoma Coast State Park offers a breathtaking blend of rugged cliffs and wildflower meadows, especially vibrant
Summer Festivals and Fairs That Bring California to Life
Each summer, the Golden State bursts into vibrant celebration, with festivals and fairs that bleed color, sound, and flavor into towns and cities across
The 10 Most Beautiful Cities in California
Nestled along the northern California coast, Mendocino offers a charming blend of rugged cliffs and quaint village life just about three hours north of San
The Architecture Lover’s Guide to California
In San Francisco, the iconic Palace of Fine Arts stands as a serene oasis of classical architecture amid the city’s modern bustle.
The Best Small Towns in California to Visit (or Even Move To)
Nestled in the Sierra Nevada foothills, Nevada City lies about 60 miles northeast of Sacramento and offers an enchanting blend of Gold Rush history and vibrant
The Coolest College Towns in California
Just north of San Francisco, the city of Berkeley pulses with an intellectual energy that’s palpable the moment you stroll through the campus of the University
The Great Debate: California’s Best BBQ / Pizza / Seafood Spots Ranked
Venturing into the world of California’s culinary scene means navigating a landscape as diverse as its geography, especially when it comes to BBQ, pizza, and
The Most Haunted Places in California (And the Stories Behind Them)
Not far from downtown Los Angeles, the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel stands as a glamorous relic of Old Hollywood, but beneath its glitz lies a storied past thick
The Most Iconic Foods and Drinks That Originated in California
In the heart of San Francisco’s Mission District, just a short walk from the colorful murals of Balmy Alley, you can dive into the origins of the beloved
The Most Instagrammable Spots in California
Just north of San Francisco, the iconic Golden Gate Bridge stands as a magnet for photographers and travelers alike.
The Music, Arts, and Festivals That Define California
Nestled in the vibrant Mission District of San Francisco, the Balmy Alley murals offer a colorful, open-air gallery where visitors can immerse themselves in a
The Strangest Road Names in California and How They Got Them
Driving through California, you’ll quickly notice that some road names seem to have stories stranger than fiction.
The Ultimate Family Vacation Guide to California
Nestled just a short drive northeast of San Francisco, Muir Woods National Monument offers families a chance to wander beneath towering ancient coastal
The Ultimate Road Trip Through California: Hidden Gems and Scenic Stops
Starting your journey in Northern California, explore the enchanting Avenue of the Giants, a scenic stretch along Highway 101 near Garberville, about three
The Untold History of California: Surprising Stories That Shaped America
A visit to the California State Capitol Museum in Sacramento, about a two-hour drive northeast of San Francisco, offers an intriguing window into the state's
The Wildest Urban Legends from California
Venturing into the Sierra Nevada foothills just outside of Auburn, about 35 miles northeast of Sacramento, you enter the realm of the infamous Donner Pass.
Top 20 Outdoor Adventures in California
Just northeast of San Francisco, Point Reyes National Seashore offers an outdoor experience that combines rugged coastline, sweeping ocean views, and dramatic
UFOs, Ghosts, and Cryptids: Paranormal California
Just a short drive east from Los Angeles, nestled in the Mojave Desert near the town of Hesperia, lies the infamous site of the 1947 Roswell-like incident known
Weird Laws Still on the Books in California
In downtown Sacramento, the California State Capitol stands as a symbol of government, but it’s also a place to catch a glimpse of the state’s quirky legal
What Locals Love Most About Living in California
Just north of San Francisco, the Marin Headlands offer locals a stunning escape that embodies California’s wild coastal beauty.
Where to See the Best Holiday Lights in California
A visit to the San Diego Botanic Garden, located about 30 minutes north of downtown San Diego in Encinitas, offers a magical holiday experience amidst its lush
Why Everyone Should Visit California at Least Once in Their Lifetime
Nestled just outside the bustling heart of Los Angeles, Griffith Park offers an oasis of rugged nature and sweeping city views that few urban parks can rival.
Winter Adventures: Skiing, Snowboarding, and Cozy Cabins in California
Nestled about an hour northeast of Sacramento, the Lake Tahoe Basin is California’s crown jewel for winter sports enthusiasts.