Islands
  • Destinations
    • Canada
    • United States
    • Mexico
    • Central & South America
    • Caribbean & Bahamas
    • Europe
    • Asia
    • South Pacific
    • Africa
  • Travel Guides
    • Hotels & Resorts
    • Air Travel
    • Travel Gear
    • Budget Friendly
    • Romantic Getaways
    • Family Friendly
    • Beaches
    • Islands
    • Tropical Vacations
    • Arts & Culture
    • Tips & Hacks
    • Dining
    • Festivals
    • Nightlife
    • Theme Parks
  • Cruises
  • Outdoor Adventure
    • National & State Parks
    • Hiking
    • Camping
    • Water Sports
  • News
  • Deals
  • Features
  • Newsletter
  • About
  • Editorial Policies
  • No-AI Writing Policy
  • Our Experts
  • Archive
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
© 2026 Static Media. All Rights Reserved
Islands
Islands
California
Destinations Travel Guides Cruises Outdoor Adventure News Features
  • Newsletter

California

  • Sacramento, California
  • San Francisco, California
  • Santa Cruz, California
  • A frustrated man sitting in traffic inside a vehicle
    By Kristi Roe-Owen 59 min ago

    These 10 States Have The Absolute Worst Roads That Drivers Hate

    If you've been on a road trip across the United States, you might have noticed that some roads in certain states have seen better days. Here's what drivers say.

    Read More
  • Guajome Lake inside Guajome Regional Park with varying vegetation
    By Kelley Dukat 16 hours ago

    Under Two Hours From LA Is A Scenic Regional Park With Wetlands, Fishing, And Camping

    You don't have to travel far from Los Angeles to find a beautiful park perfect for camping, fishing, and exploring. Here's what to know before you visit.

    Read More
  • An aerial view of Rancho Cucamonga with the San Gabriel Mountains in the background
    By Eugenia Lazaris 20 hours ago

    Between LA And Big Bear Lake Is California's Underrated City With Shops, Mountain Trails, And Park Beauty

    If you're trying to find a place with hiking, an outdoor shopping center, and some historic sites, then there's a spot in California that's perfect for you.

    Read More
  • Reservoir at Franklin Canyon Park in Beverly Hills
    By Nola Sarkisian-Miller 22 hours ago

    Between LA And Thousand Oaks Is A Scenic Park With Ocean Views, Mountain Trails, And Wildlife

    You don't need to sojourn out into the wilderness to get back to nature, even in one of the biggest metro areas in America like Los Angeles.

    Read More
  • Outdoor performance stage with a curved metal canopy surrounded by tall trees at Sigmund Stern Recreation Grove, California
    By Audrey Simons 2 days ago

    Forget Redwood National And State Parks, This San Francisco Escape Has Towering Redwoods, Music, And Outdoor Fun

    This California greenspace offers concerts beneath the trees, an easy woodland loop, recreation courts, and lakeside walks, with room for a leisurely picnic.

    Read More
  • A paved trail through trees, lined with a wooden fence
    By Eugenia Lazaris 2 days ago

    California's Once-Thriving Amusement Park In San Jose Is Now A Scenic Garden Park Filled With Endless Outdoor Fun

    While locals may fondly remember it as the site of a Wild West-themed park, this gem in San Jose is now home to playgrounds and walking paths.

    Read More
  • Pond reflects tall evergreen trees and drifting clouds at Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve in California
    By Audrey Simons 2 days ago

    California's Nature Preserve Near San Jose Is A Scenic Escape With Redwoods, Unique Wildlife, And Trails

    This California woodland retreat offers towering trees and shaded creeks, hillside hikes, a gentle pond loop, and wildlife watching opportunities.

    Read More
  • A vista point over the Tehachapi Mountains at Tomo-Kahni State Historic Park
    By Eva Johnstone 2 days ago

    Forget Red Rock Canyon, Visit California's Less-Crowded Historic Park With A Uniquely Vibrant Culture

    Tomo-Kahni State Historic Park preserves Kawaiisu history in California’s Tehachapi Mountains, with guided tours, rock art, and ancient village sites.

    Read More
  • A view of Hawthorne, with residential houses and palm trees stretching into the distance
    By Karla Demery 2 days ago

    Los Angeles' Quirky Suburb Is A Friendly California City With Parks, Local Shops, And Tasty Eats

    Experience Los Angeles County away from the tourist spots in this suburban city, filled with family-friendly parks, diverse food spots, and a brewery.

    Read More
  • Outdoor fountain and statues at Plaza Mexico in Lynwood, California.
    By Kristin Conard 4 days ago

    Sandwiched Between LA And Long Beach Is A Vibrant Destination With Mexican Flair, Shops, And Tasty Restaurants

    Shop local artisans, enjoy festive events, and taste authentic food while immersing in Mexican culture about a half-hour drive from downtown LA.

    Read More
  • Towering redwood trees on a misty day on Lady Bird Johnson Grove trail in Redwood National Park, California
    By Neha Maheshwari 4 days ago

    Hidden Inside Redwood National Park Is The Coastal Tree Grove That Looks Straight Out Of A Fairy Tale

    One of Northern California's most memorable outdoor escapes rewards curious travelers with an atmospheric setting that feels like it's out of a storybook.

    Read More
  • Palm trees on sunny day in Downtown Westminster
    By Sara Caskey 4 days ago

    America's Most Expensive Place To Live Is This California Suburb With A Vibrant Culture And Scenic Parks

    Beyond its steep cost of living, this Southern California community draws visitors with Vietnamese cuisine, cultural festivals, parks, and coastal access.

    Read More
  • View of shoreline with cliffs and wildflowers at Bean Hollow State Beach
    By Danno Wise 4 days ago

    This Scenic West Coast Beach In California Is A Lesser-Known Gem For Fishing, Wildlife, And Ocean Views

    Nestled on the San Mateo County coast, this wildly underrated beach is known for its colorful tide pools and wide-open shores with minimal crowds.

    Read More
  • Footpaths amid hills covered in greenery at Corriganville Park in Southern California
    By Audrey Simons 4 days ago

    California's Former Western Movie Set And Tourist Attraction Is Now A Lesser-Known Park Outside LA

    Surrounded by the Santa Susana Mountains, this historic property served as the backdrop of over 3,000 productions, including some Hollywood classics.

    Read More
  • This is an overhead shot of Chino Hills, California
    By Kelley Dukat 6 days ago

    Between LA And Laguna Beach Is California's Laid-Back Getaway With Idyllic Nature Escapes And Local Eats

    The suburb sits on rolling hills with an extensive trails of its own. Combined with the local state park, it's a hiker's paradise complete with refueling stops.

    Read More
  • Aerial view of Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia, California with prominent roller coasters and mountains in the distance
    By Kristin Conard 7 days ago

    Six Flags Is Permanently Closing This Famous Roller Coaster After More Than 100 Injury Claims

    A popular roller coaster at Six Flags Magic Mountain is now permanently closed following allegations of traumatic brain injuries. Here's what you need to know.

    Read More
  • Boulders line Rocky Peak Park mountain road in Simi Valley, California
    By Nola Sarkisian-Miller 7 days ago

    Just Over A Half Hour From LA Is An Outdoor Haven With Mountain Trails, Diverse Wildlife, And Scenic Views

    Step out onto the trail for some spectacular views along sandstone cliffs, within hidden caves, and full of wildlife to scratch your adventuring itch.

    Read More
  • Acres of dry fields and homes surround Porterville, California
    By Eva Johnstone 8 days ago

    Between Fresno And Bakersfield Is A Sequoia Gateway With Idyllic Nature Escapes And Tasty Restaurants

    Stop in town, grab a bite to eat, and stay awhile while exploring the nearby sequoia forests, beautiful lakes, and more this Central Valley town has to offer.

    Read More
  • Sign directing visitors to wineries around the Edna Valley in San Luis Obispo County
    By Carrie Back 8 days ago

    Goodbye Napa Valley, So Long Sonoma County: This Less-Crowded California Wine Region Has Award-Winning Sips

    Join a tour, take a bike ride around, or simply stake out a local winery in the San Luis Obispo area to enjoy award-winning flavors without the Napa crowds.

    Read More
  • Greenery surrounding a lake at Shadow Cliffs Regional Recreation Area, California.
    By Tara Dupuis 8 days ago

    Between San Francisco And Modesto Is A Former Quarry Turned Scenic Park With Fishing, Trails, And A Beach

    What was once a gravel quarry is now a scenic park where you can lounge on a sandy beach, hike a winding trail, and fish or swim in a refreshing pond.

    Read More
  • Flock camera on a pole high above a roadway with traffic
    By Natasha Bourlin 8 days ago

    Be Cautious Driving Through This State With The Most Documented Flock Cameras In America

    Flock cameras are becoming more popular and more controversial, so we're looking at the state with the most of them. Plus, we've got tips on how to be careful.

    Read More
  • A pink and orange sunset across Jackson Meadow Reservoir
    By Eva Johnstone 10 days ago

    Forget Lake Tahoe, This Northern Sierra Beauty Just Over An Hour Away Is A Paradise To Fish, Swim, And Camp

    Perched in the High Sierra, this pristine reservoir is a rugged yet equally scenic alternative to Lake Tahoe, complete with over 200 lakeside campsites.

    Read More
  • Panoramic mountain views from Caspers Wilderness Park in Southern California, with rugged green hills stretching beneath a bright blue sky
    By Audrey Simons 10 days ago

    Nestled Between LA And San Diego Is A Huge Scenic Park For Family-Friendly Fun, Wildlife, Camping, And Trails

    This vast preserve in Southern California offers short nature walks, winding canyon routes, wildlife sightings, and a peaceful place to sleep under the oaks.

    Read More
  • Hawaii Pacific University in Honolulu
    By Rosheda Stephenson 10 days ago

    8 U.S. College Towns With The Most Stunning Oceanfront Views

    Whether you're looking to enroll in a college on the beach or looking to spend a weekend in a vibrant college town, these spots boast books and seaside vibes.

    Read More
  • two men in cowboy hats walk towards an erupting geyser in the backdrop
    By Kusumita Das 10 days ago

    America's 10 Geysers That Are Best-Kept Secrets From Tourists

    There are more geysers than just Old Faithful. You've likely never even heard of most of them. These geysers are well worth viewing -- and have fewer crowds.

    Read More
  • A man hiking among trees in Los Osos Oaks State Natural Reserve, near the Californian coast
    By Nola Sarkisian-Miller 12 days ago

    Between Santa Cruz And Santa Barbara Is California's Unsung Nature Reserve With Wetland Trails And Sand Dunes

    This little-known nature reserve with wetland trails, sand dunes, bobcats, and red-tailed hawks is nestled between Santa Cruz and Santa Barbara in California.

    Read More
  • Lodi Lake, California
    By Audrey Simons 12 days ago

    Forget Lake Tahoe, California's Lake Getaway Just Outside Stockton Has Serene Swims And Nature Walks

    Avoid the crowds at Lake Tahoe and discover a peaceful lake near Stockton with swimming, paddling, scenic nature walks, and family-friendly activities.

    Read More
About Archive Privacy Policy
© 2026 Static Media® Islands.com All Rights Reserved
More From Static Media
EngadgetJalopnikTVLineExploreGarden GuidesHouse DigestHunkerOutdoor GuidePlanetWare
Islands