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California
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California

  • Sacramento, California
  • San Francisco, California
  • Santa Cruz, California
  • Mono Lake, not far from California's Yosemite National Park
    By Ashley Ryan 11 min ago

    Ditch Yosemite National Park For This Lesser-Known Dazzling Alternative With Fewer Crowds And Surreal Views

    Yosemite National Park might get most of the attention, but this spectacular alternative nearby offers a quieter experience with jaw-dropping sunsets.

    Read More
  • Duck Lake in the Eastern Sierras near Mammoth Lakes, California
    By Kelley Dukat 3 hours ago

    Forget Lake Tahoe, Visit California's Gorgeous Mountain Gem With Refreshing Waters, Trails, And Fewer Crowds

    If you can't face the Tahoe crowds but need your alpine lake fix, the Golden State has lot of options for you, especially if you're willing to hike in.

    Read More
  • Japanese lanterns during the Obon Festival in San Jose's Japantown
    By Kristin Conard 7 hours ago

    Japantown Is Proving There's More To San Jose Than Its Boring Reputation

    Don't miss the thriving Japantown neighborhood of San Jose, where you can learn about its history, find great restaurants, and catch fun festivals.

    Read More
  • a tourist cranes his neck to look at the General Sherman in Sequoia National Park
    By Neha Maheshwari 10 hours ago

    The 5 Largest Trees In Sequoia National Park Are Ethereal Beauties You Need To See For Yourself

    Sequoia National Park is home to the largest trees in the world. Stand in awe underneath the park’s biggest giants that are accessible by trail.

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  • Vast countryside with distant houses and mountains in Solano County, California.
    By Ben M Stower 23 hours ago

    Between Sacramento And San Francisco Is An Underrated County For Family-Friendly Outings And Outdoor Fun

    An underrated California county is chock-full of family-friendly attractions built for fun and outdoor recreation, perfect for relaxation.

    Read More
  • The grassy rolling hills below of Saratoga Gap Preserve at sunset
    By Krista Shawley 1 day ago

    California's Hilly Nature Preserve An Hour From San Francisco Has A Scenic Trail Through Mountains And Forests

    This little-known nature preserve offers easy access to hiking, biking, or horseback riding along a trail with impressive Bay Area views.

    Read More
  • View of Stebbins Cold Canyon Reserve in California
    By Audrey Simons 1 day ago

    Between Sacramento And Santa Rosa Is California's Hiking Haven With Unique Wildlife And Scenic Mountain Views

    This rugged California escape rewards adventurous travelers with sweeping mountain panoramas, remarkable wildlife, and challenging but rewarding trails.

    Read More
  • Mist hugs the mountains in the Carmel Valley
    By Joseph Richard Francis 1 day ago

    Forget Big Sur, California's Alternative Road Trip Has Sweeping Mountain Views And Canyon Hikes

    While most travelers think of the 90-mile stretch of Big Sur, California, as an exciting road trip, an underrated alternative offers incredible rural sights.

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  • A steel blue Pika Lake with steep rocky mountains in the background and a rockygrassy shoreline with subalpine trees
    By Krista Shawley 2 days ago

    Forget Lake Tahoe, Visit California's Scenic Lake In The John Muir Wilderness Nestled Among Gorgeous Mountains

    This little-known alpine lake lies off a 5-mile backpacking trail and requires a permit for camping, all of which ensures a quiet evening of mountain solitude.

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  • Anglers fish at Los Vaqueros Reservoir surrounded by green hills.
    By Eva Johnstone 3 days ago

    Forget Lake Tahoe, Visit California's Blue Beauty Between San Francisco And Stockton For Fishing And Hiking

    If you're making a list of lakes to visit and you're looking to avoid the most popular (and crowded) tourist spots, don't worry, you have some great options.

    Read More
  • View of Laguna Park Lake in San Luis Obispo.
    By Nola Sarkisian-Miller 4 days ago

    Between Bakersfield And The Pacific Ocean Is California's Underrated Lake Park For Fishing And Trails

    Don't leave your dog behind when you go searching for the perfect fishing spot at this canine-friendly California park, which is also great for disc golf fans.

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  • A view of Donner Lake near Truckee, California, with shimmering blue water and beautiful cloud formations in the sky.
    By Jennifer Hardy 5 days ago

    7 Affordable Gems Around Lake Tahoe Most Tourists Miss

    From a free boat tour to an historic drive with epic views, here are seven affordable things to do around Lake Tahoe, where you won't be crowded by tourists.

    Read More
  • A yellow and burgundy house in Shafter, CA
    By Kelley Dukat 5 days ago

    Just Outside Bakersfield Is A Charming City With A Local Splash Pad And Diverse Dining

    Nestled in the Central Valley of California, you'll find a charming city with a splash pad and eateries that showcase the best of international cuisine.

    Read More
  • Echo Park Lake in LA
    By Tess Kazenoff 5 days ago

    Celebrate California Festival Season Without Leaving Los Angeles County At These Bustling Events

    Festival season is well and truly underway in the Golden State, and LA's summer schedule is packed with fabulous extravaganzas, no matter your vibe.

    Read More
  • Rafting on Cache Creek in California
    By Kristin Conard 5 days ago

    Over An Hour From Sacramento Is California's Pretty, Flower-Filled Park For Fun Paddling, Fishing, And Hiking

    As natural wonderlands like Lake Tahoe become increasingly popular, travelers are opting for smaller and dynamic outdoor getaways like this one.

    Read More
  • Ruins of Pogonip Historic Lime Kilns. Henry Cowell Fall Creek Unit, Santa Cruz County, California, USA.
    By Rebekah Winters Barton 5 days ago

    10 Once-Thriving US Quarries That Now Lay Eerily Abandoned

    If you love history or visiting spooky places, you'll have fun exploring these quarries that once helped shape the U.S. and now stand deserted.

    Read More
  • Loon Lake with snow-capped mountains in the background, blue skies overhead
    By Natasha Bourlin 6 days ago

    Forget Lake Tahoe, California's Nearby Scenic Blue Beauty Has Crystal-Clear Water, Campgrounds, And Fishing

    California certainly isn't lacking in natural beauty, and if you want to experience a stunning alpine lake without crowds, skip Tahoe and head here instead.

    Read More
  • The Lake Piru Recreation Area in Piru, California
    By Jenna Busch 6 days ago

    Between LA And Bakersfield Is A Scenic Mountain Escape With Lake Fun, Camping, And Trails

    Not far from L.A. is a lake that offers nature lovers a wide range of outdoor activities, including kayaking, boating, fishing, hiking, and camping.

    Read More
  • Aerial views of hills and trees beat Wragg Ridge Preserve in Napa Valley, California
    By Arianna Helene Winslow 6 days ago

    Sandwiched Halfway Between Sacramento And Santa Rosa Is A Wildly Underrated Nature Preserve With Rolling Hills

    This gorgeous wildlife preserve is a triumph of preservation and commitment, with rolling hills and fascinating wildlife in the wilds of California.

    Read More
  • Fields and mountains extend either side of Putah Creek in California
    By Joseph Richard Francis 7 days ago

    Tucked Between Sacramento And Santa Rosa Is A Pretty Wildlife Haven With Rolling Hills, Creek Views, And Trails

    This Northern California wildlife haven is an easy drive from Sacramento and rewards visitors with trails, creek views, and a chance for animal sightings.

    Read More
  • The hike to Angora Ridge with this viewpoint overlooking Lake Tahoe in El Dorado County, California
    By Rebecca High 7 days ago

    Between Lake Tahoe And Sacramento Is A Foothills County With Trails, Wineries, And Gold Rush Charm

    Escape the crowds of Lake Tahoe and get out into the county, where award-winning wines, fascinating history, and gorgeous trails are waiting.

    Read More
  • A boat floating atop Scotts Flat Lake in the Sierra Nevadas
    By Rachel-Jean Firchau 7 days ago

    Forget Lake Tahoe, California's Dreamy Blue Getaway Closer To Sacramento Has Fishing, Swimming, And Boating

    There are a few great reasons why Lake Tahoe sees as many visitors as it does. But if you're in the mood for something less busy, head to this nearby lake.

    Read More
  • An aerial view of Lathrop, California
    By Megi Canco 7 days ago

    California's Fast-Growing City With River Access And Nearby Parks And Trails Is A Quick Trip From San Francisco

    Head to this suburb of Stockton, California, that's known for its fishing opportunities, delicious and diverse restaurants, and pretty green spaces.

    Read More
  • View of forest and mountains from the Coal Creek Preserve in Calfornia
    By Jen Ottolino 7 days ago

    Between San Jose And San Francisco Is California's Hilly Nature Preserve With Trails And Seasonal Waterfalls

    About an hour from San Francisco, this nature preserve is home to seasonal waterfalls and several quick hiking trails that make it ideal for a day trip.

    Read More
  • Ariel shot of New Hogan Lake in Central California
    By Chris Tharp 8 days ago

    Between Sacramento And Yosemite National Park Is A Scenic Lake Escape With Camping, Swimming, And Fishing

    This scenic lake escape is a reservoir between Sacramento and Yosemite National Park boasting camping, swimming, fishing, and wildlife watching.

    Read More
  • The calm water of Turlock Lake with grassy fields and shorelines on a blue-sky day.
    By Ben M Stower 8 days ago

    Forget Lake Tahoe, California's Crystal Escape Set To Reopen In 2027 Has Fishing, Swimming, And Kayaking

    Though it's been closed for years, this pristine lake in California is expected to open sometime in 2027 after receiving massive renovations.

    Read More
  • Man stands in middle of a Sequoia grove, highlighting the trees' massive trunks
    By Kirtana Menon 8 days ago

    Not Yosemite, Not Everglades: This Popular National Park Is The Most Polluted

    The most polluted national park isn't the Everglades or Yosemite, but instead a popular California staple traditional known for its mountain views.

    Read More
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