California - Islands

Battle Creek Wildlife Area in Shasta County, California

By Karla Demery 12 hours ago

Near Redding Is California's Rural Wildlife Area With Salmon-Filled Rivers, Trails, And Rare Birds

The Golden State is packed with spectacular outdoor adventures, and this serene wildlife area near Redding is another to add to the bucket list.

By Judith Barnes 13 hours ago

Forget Yellowstone, Visit California's North Sierra Ranch Between Redding And Lake Tahoe For Cowboy-Style Fun

Want to feel like you're in the Wild West? This tucked-away ranch offers the perfect combination of a relaxing resort, equine adventures, and so much more.

The mouth of the Gualala River meets the ocean at Gualala Point Regional Park

By Eva Johnstone 1 day ago

Two Hours From Santa Rosa Is A Lesser-Known West Coast Beach Escape With Camping, Redwoods, And Fishing

It's an overlooked West Coast camping paradise with access to dramatic cliffs, wild sandy beaches, and scenic coastal trails perfect for whale watching.

Panoramic view of lush green rolling hills overlooking Union City and San Francisco Bay at Dry Creek Pioneer Regional Park in Union City, California

By Audrey Simons 1 day ago

Between San Francisco And San Jose Is A Friendly California City With Gardens, Parks, And Global Eateries

This California community offers an easygoing getaway with playground picnics, hillside walks, nearby flower displays, and local kitchens serving tasty food.

A striking, colorful beach sunset at Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica, Los Angeles, California

By Jen Theriault 2 days ago

The Best US City For Sunsets Isn't In Florida Or Hawaii

This stunning West Coast beachside enclave was recently selected as not only America's greatest sunset spot but also the second-best in the entire world.

By Audrey Simons 4 days ago

Between Anaheim And Palm Springs Is A Vibrant City With Quaint Shops, Scenic Trails, And Family Fun

You don't have to travel far from Anaheim and Palm Springs to experience family-friendly outdoor adventure and shopping. Here's what to know before you visit.

Little Virginia Lake in California's Eastern Sierra

By Hillary Louise Johnson 5 days ago

Goodbye Lake Tahoe, So Long Big Bear: These High-Elevation Lakes Are Less-Crowded Beauties For Outdoor Fun

If you still want all the beauty of mountains and lakes without worrying about being overrun by tourists, this spot in California is the perfect solution.

Reflection of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in Charlotte Lake, at California's Kings Canyon National Park

By Stephen Hanson 6 days ago

Goodbye Lake Tahoe, So Long Big Bear: This Crystal-Clear Mountain Lake Is A Less-Crowded Hiking Destination

For the majesty of Lake Tahoe and Big Bear without the masses of crowds, tackle the challenging hike to this spectacular mountain lake in California.

Communal tables, wood paneling, murals, and stein lockers are part of the interior at Schroeder's

By Nola Sarkisian-Miller 7 days ago

San Francisco's Oldest Beer Hall Is A Vibrant California Institution With Craft Brews And A Historic Vibe

This German-style beer hall in San Francisco dates back to the 1800s and serves a variety of beers alongside bratwurst, giant pretzels, and other dishes.

A frustrated man sitting in traffic inside a vehicle

By Kristi Roe-Owen 7 days 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.

Guajome Lake inside Guajome Regional Park with varying vegetation

By Kelley Dukat 8 days 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.

An aerial view of Rancho Cucamonga with the San Gabriel Mountains in the background

By Eugenia Lazaris 8 days 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.

Reservoir at Franklin Canyon Park in Beverly Hills

By Nola Sarkisian-Miller 8 days 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.

Outdoor performance stage with a curved metal canopy surrounded by tall trees at Sigmund Stern Recreation Grove, California

By Audrey Simons 9 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.

A paved trail through trees, lined with a wooden fence

By Eugenia Lazaris 9 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.

Pond reflects tall evergreen trees and drifting clouds at Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve in California

By Audrey Simons 9 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.

A vista point over the Tehachapi Mountains at Tomo-Kahni State Historic Park

By Eva Johnstone 9 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.

A view of Hawthorne, with residential houses and palm trees stretching into the distance

By Karla Demery 9 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.

Outdoor fountain and statues at Plaza Mexico in Lynwood, California.

By Kristin Conard 11 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.

Towering redwood trees on a misty day on Lady Bird Johnson Grove trail in Redwood National Park, California

By Neha Maheshwari 11 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.

Palm trees on sunny day in Downtown Westminster

By Sara Caskey 11 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.

View of shoreline with cliffs and wildflowers at Bean Hollow State Beach

By Danno Wise 11 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.

Footpaths amid hills covered in greenery at Corriganville Park in Southern California

By Audrey Simons 11 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.

This is an overhead shot of Chino Hills, California

By Kelley Dukat 13 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.

Aerial view of Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia, California with prominent roller coasters and mountains in the distance

By Kristin Conard 14 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.

Boulders line Rocky Peak Park mountain road in Simi Valley, California

By Nola Sarkisian-Miller 14 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.

Acres of dry fields and homes surround Porterville, California

By Eva Johnstone 15 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.