California - Islands

Dock on lake within Carbon Canyon Regional Park in Brea, California

By Joe Orovic 3 months ago

Orange County's Only Grove Of Redwoods Hides In A Unique California Park With Serene Lakeside Trails

Admire some of the towering redwoods of California in this hidden grove, where lakeside trails promise scenic views of the Orange County retreat.

By Isabel OToole 3 months ago

California's Hilltop Hideaway Is A Los Angeles Neighborhood Of Jazz-Age Mansions With Skyline Views

Nestled between LAX and Inglewood is View Park, a hidden gem rich in Black history, rolling hills, and beautiful views of the Downtown Los Angeles skyline.

suspension bridge in Oroville, California

By Isabel OToole 3 months ago

California's Canyon Route Weaves Between Wildflower Meadows, Crashing Waterfalls, And Scenic Valleys

This stretch of road in Northern California allows you to drive past incredible wildflower areas, beautiful waterfalls, and other amazing sights.

Aerial view of Three Rivers and the Sequoia National Park entrance

By Stefanie Boe 3 months ago

A Small California Community Just Outside Of Sequoia National Park Is A Picturesque Destination To Retire

If retirement is on the horizon, it may be time to consider settling down in this quaint and scenic California town that sits adjacent to national parks.

Snow-covered mountains rise above Fallen Leaf Lake, while aspens with yellow leaves and pines line the shore.

By Eva Johnstone 3 months ago

Tahoe's Best-Kept Secret Is A Small But Idyllic Lake With Peaceful Camping And Wilderness Trails

Just when you thought you had covered everything California has to offer, a stunning lake unveils itself with idyllic camping and absolute serenity.

View of Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay and the coastline from the air

By Kristin Conard 3 months ago

California's Laidback Coastal City Has Farm-To-Table Dining, Quiet Sandy Beaches, And Outdoor Adventure

Dine on freshly caught seafood and locally sourced burgers while visiting this California gem, where you can also surf, hike, and hit the trails on horseback.

Rocky shores of Lake Tahoe, California, at sunset

By Amy McMahon 3 months ago

The Best Beaches To See Lake Tahoe's Spectacular Sunsets, According To Travelers

Lake Tahoe's beauty needs no introduction, but it sparkles a little more at sunset. Travelers recommend these beaches for a spectacular sundown on the lake.

South Fork of the American River, downstream from Slab Creek in Coloma

By Erynn Ruiz 3 months ago

Hidden In California's Sierra Foothills Is A Secluded Paddler's Paradise In A Dramatic Steep-Walled Canyon

Steep canyon walls crowned by trees with a river in between, this secluded spot in the shadow of the Sierra Nevada is the perfect spot for a day of kayaking.

Aerial view of Surfrider Beach and Malibu Lagoon State Beach with Santa Monica Mountains in background

By Natasha Bernstein 3 months ago

One Of California's Best Surfing Spots Is A Famous Lagoon State Beach With A Historic Wooden Pier

Besides offering world-class waves, this California beach is a must-visit thanks to its place in surfing history. Grab your board and head to this SoCal spot.

The Hale House, a colorful Victorian home built in Highland Park

By Dana Cape 3 months ago

This Bungalow-Lined Los Angeles Neighborhood Is Bursting With Art, Live Music, And Mid-Century Magic

Whether it's iced lattes or specialty donuts, record shops or jazz speakeasies, this vibey Los Angeles neighborhood is where all the cool kids come to hang out.

By Mina Elwell 3 months ago

San Diego's Picturesque Hiking Trail Offers A Peaceful Escape From Crowds With Canyon Views

To escape San Diego’s bustling streets, check out a peaceful canyon trail that provides a natural respite while being easily accessible from the city.

Aerial view over Sonoma County Wine Country in California

By Natasha Bernstein 3 months ago

A Train Network Between San Francisco And Santa Rosa Hits The Best Of California's Sonoma County Wine Country

Enjoy California’s lesser-known wine country, Sonoma County, while riding a train that passes some incredible stops between San Francisco and Santa Rosa.

Kayakers on the Russian River Valley in California

By Kristin Conard 3 months ago

California's Breathtaking River Valley In Sonoma County Boasts Bold Wines And Serene Riverside Picnic Spots

Hop between tasting rooms and riverside beaches in this expansive California valley region, brimming with vineyards and breathtaking nature spots.

Vintage suitcases stacked in front of a Victorian-era hotel in Dutch Flat, California.

By Eva Johnstone 3 months ago

A Perfectly Preserved Gold Rush Town In California's Sierra Foothills Is A Tahoe National Forest Gateway

Memories of California's Gold Rush loom large in this fascinating town that provides the perfect base for exploring all the magic of Tahoe National Forest.

Downtown Placerville buildings and bell tower

By Nola Sarkisian-Miller 3 months ago

Situated Between San Francisco And Lake Tahoe Is 'One Of America's Best Sandwich Shops'

Named one of the best sandwich shops in the country, this California eatery offers creative and offbeat menu items on the way to breathtaking nature spots.

Road view passing through redwood trees in the Nicasio Valley area in California.

By Shaun Melady 3 months ago

Situated Between San Francisco And Santa Rosa Is California's Hidden Valley For A Lush Countryside Escape

Experience the best of the Northern California countryside in this lush valley outside of San Francisco, home to vineyards, cycling routes, and rolling hills.

aerial view of downtown Bakersfield at night, with pink and blue hues in skyline.

By Debra Pamplin-Todd 3 months ago

The California City Called 'Nashville West' Offers A Renowned Music Scene, Outdoor Fun, And Antiques

If you're a fan of Nashville's rich country music history and treks down scenic wilderness trails, a city in California offers the best of both worlds.

By Leslie Veliz 3 months ago

One Of Los Angeles' Most Walkable Destinations Is This Reinvented Suburb Best Known As 'The Jewel City'

Los Angeles has so many neighborhoods to enjoy, but for wonderful walkability, eating, and shopping, it's hard to beat this hidden gem loved by locals.

The dramatic mountain lanscape in Kings Canyon National Park in California

By Maja Proescholdt 3 months ago

California's Secret Hidden Valley Has Yosemite Vibes, But Few Adventure-Seekers Have Ever Been

For views of towering granite mountains that rival those of Yosemite, check out a lesser-known valley in California offering untamed natural landscapes.

By Bridget Gleeson 3 months ago

California's 'Spanish Village By The Sea' Between LA And San Diego Offers Beautiful Beach Camping

This circa-1925 California beach town offers world-class surfing, a historic downtown with Spanish Colonial architecture, and a popular oceanside campground.

By Tess Kazenoff 3 months ago

A Local Shares 12 Of California's Worst Tourist Traps To Avoid (& Better Alternatives)

Want to get the most out of your time while vacationing in California? Replace these tourist traps with local-approved options for maximum fun in the sun.

One of the famous three waterfalls in McCloud

By Rebecca High 3 months ago

This Northern California Lumberjack Town Reinvented Itself As An Outdoorsy Paradise With A Cute Waterfall

This tiny hamlet with under 1,000 residents used to be the hub of the Californian lumber industry, now it's a must-see destination.

The exterior of the half-timbered Tam O'Shanter restaurant in Los Angeles

By Rene Bennett 3 months ago

One Of Los Angeles' Oldest Theme Eateries Is A Dreamy Spot With Scottish Vibes That Inspired Walt Disney

This Scottish-themed restaurant that was a favorite of Walt Disney is full of character, yet it doesn't skimp on service and high-quality food.

Aerial view of the Beverly Hills Hotel and pool

By Lauren Kershner 3 months ago

One Of California's Most Legendary Hideaways Is A 5-Star Luxe Resort Hosting Hollywood Royalty

Once frequented by the likes of Marilyn Monroe and Frank Sinatra, this iconic California hotel is as chic as ever, offering retro charm and luxe amenities.