California
Tips from the community
morganthomasbernard 2 years ago
California Lists
Road Trippin' the California Coast
chiefseeker (Jody Vandergriff) Looking to explore the Central and Southern California coastline? This road trip along Highway 1 (aka Pacific Coast Highway, PCH) covers my favorite spots to soak up the sun and relish in some of California's most quintessential views. Convertible required.Things to Do Near Yosemite
nicolejordan (Nicole Jordan)San Francisco Must Sees
chiefseeker (Jody Vandergriff) A list of must sees in the city by the bayBest Places To Eat in San Francisco
lauren (Lauren P. Reyes) Must try places to eat in SF from someone who lived there for a decade.Bay Area Day Trip - Sacramento
michele (Michele Humeston) The city capital and only 2 hours away from San Francisco, "the city's history is readily on display at places like Old Sacramento, near the waterfront. This historic district dates back to the mid-1800s and the California Gold Rush."Most photogenic spots in San Francisco
chiefseeker (Jody Vandergriff) Whether you are seeking the money shot of the Golden Gate Bridge or the perfect selfie for instagram, these spots will not disappoint.Bay Area Day Trip - Martinez
michele (Michele Humeston) “This old fishing village, where the waters from Suisun Bay and Carquinez Strait meet, has changed a lot over the past seven years, and the downtown is home to many exciting new ventures on the east side of the Caldecott Tunnel.“Gilroy Taco Trail 🌮
visit_gilroy (California Welcome Center Gilroy) Looking for authentic Mexican food at affordable prices? Follow the Gilroy Taco Trail! You’ll find delicious tacos, burritos, enchiladas, tamales and more at casual taquerias and sit-down restaurants throughout Gilroy. visitgilroy.com/tacotrail/San Francisco Hikes and Trails
chiefseeker (Jody Vandergriff) There is no better way to see San Francisco than on foot. The views are epic and the hills will make you feel like a bad ass.Dog Parks on the SF Peninsula
macthedog (Macabbee Rabkin)3 days in Joshua Tree
chiefseeker (Jody Vandergriff) Staying at the Joshua Tree House (airbnb) for our anniversary in October!San Diego Staycation
michele (Michele Humeston)Places to Stay Near Yosemite National Park
nicolejordan (Nicole Jordan)Soup Season - Bay Area Addition
michele (Michele Humeston) Warm your tummy and your soul with the best soups in the bay area.Event Spaces in the Bay Area
chiefseeker (Jody Vandergriff) We are planning our son's bar mitzvah. Creating a list in case it's useful to others.Hometown Guide to Los Altos
chiefseeker (Jody Vandergriff) Welcome to Los Altos! I’ve lived here for over 20 years, and I’ve been lucky to explore the best my hometown — and the Greater Bay Area— has to offer. Here are my all-time favorite restaurants, bars and attractions. Whether you’re a local or tourist, these are places you absolutely can’t miss.Best Day Hikes in Yosemite
nicolejordan (Nicole Jordan)Day Trip - Chinatown SF
michele (Michele Humeston)Best things to see and do in Sequoia National Park
chiefseeker (Jody Vandergriff) From the world's largest tree to the world's tallest peak, there is no shortage of memorable things to do in this land of the giants - Sequoia National Park. We'd allow at least 2-3 days to explore all its grandeur before heading down the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway to take in Sequoia's sister park - Kings Canyon National Park.Hotels near Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
chiefseeker (Jody Vandergriff) From wilderness cabins just minutes from the Giant Forest to affordable motels in the neighboring town of Three Rivers, there are plenty of hotel options in and around Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.
California Images
California Articles
-
18 of the Craziest New Year’s Eve Ball Drop Events in the US
Read more...Three, two, one…happy new year! Cities around the globe are ushering in the new year with coordinated countdowns and wacky, wild ball drops. Arguably, the most epic New Year’s Eve event is the ball drop in Times Square in New York, but smaller spots host equally exciting countdowns that include dropping quirky objects, like a […]
-
16 Underrated US Cities Worth Visiting
Read more...Sometimes the best cities in the US aren’t household names…or even home to major airports. Beyond capital cities and near major metropolises are lesser-known cities, town and villages waiting to be explored. Beauty, history, and charm make many of the most underrated US cities worth a visit in 2023. From soothing soaks in the hot […]
-
The Most Unique Travel Destinations Around the World
Read more...From rainbow lakes and trees to glowing waters around the world, our planet is filled with so many unique and wacky wonders. When an overcrowded museum or park simply won’t do, add a unique travel destination to your itinerary. Here are a few of our favorite weird, wacky, and wonderfully unique travel destinations around the […]
-
15 Best Places to Celebrate Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos)
Read more...One of the most magical fall festivals in the world is Día de los Muertos: a traditional Mexican holiday where families honor death and celebrate life. Held on November 2, it’s believed that deceased relatives reunite with their families on Day of the Dead. The night is filled with music, processions, and candlelit ofrendas (altars) […]
-
18 Best Oktoberfest Events in the US for 2022
Read more...As autumn approaches, it’s time to don lederhosen and dirndls and raise a beer stein in honor of Oktoberfest. While the Bavarian festival is rooted in 19th-century Germany, the popularity of the fall folk festival is prevalent throughout the US. The original Oktoberfest event was celebrated in 1810 on the wedding day of Crown Prince […]
-
The Best Fall Festivals in the US for 2022
Read more...After a summer of fun in the sun, you autumn know (get it?) about these cozy fall events and festivals. Stretching from the autumnal equinox in late September to the Winter Solstice at the end of December, autumn is the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors by apple picking, leaf peeping, and festival-going. From stargazing to […]
-
List of All National Parks in the US By State | 2022
Read more...From swivel chairs to space rockets, the US has had some darn bright ideas over its short history. But of all the ideas that have changed the world, the national parks system is surely close to the top. It was way back in 1872 that the sulfur-belching lands of Yellowstone were designated as protected lands […]
-
Yosemite National Park: The Complete Guide for 2023
Read more...Massive granite cliffs, majestic waterfalls, and abundant wildlife: Yosemite’s U-shaped valley features profound natural wonders, earning its spot as the most-visited California national park. With more than 1,200 square miles of protected land within its borders, there’s opportunity for endless adventure. Walk amongst Giant Sequoias, explore the high country, swim in alpine lakes, hike up […]
-
Kings Canyon or Sequoia National Park?
Read more...Considering a trip to the land of the giant sequoias but don’t know which park to visit? Well you’re in luck. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are connected by the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway and are both easily do-able in one trip. In fact, the byway runs alongside many of the top attractions in […]
-
50 of the Most Romantic Places in the US by State
Read more...Love is in the air, around the corner, and all over the map. Whether you prefer long walks on the beach at sunset, wining and dining until the wee hours of the morning, or soaring to new heights – literally, we have 50 shades of ways to spark love, rekindle romance, and induce wanderlust. Let’s […]
-
13 Epic National Parks to Visit in Winter
Read more...From tropical islands to winter wonderlands, these sprawling US national parks are brimming with a sense of exploration and wonder. Visit frozen waterfalls and ski down snowy slopes in Montana at Glacier National Park, go snorkeling alongside sandy shorelines at Florida’s Dry Tortugas National Park, or hike volcanic landscapes and lava fields at Hawai’i Volcanoes […]
-
27 of the Most Remote Restaurants in the World
Read more...How far would you travel for the perfect pint, celebrity chef meal, or creatively-crafted cocktail? Some of the most exemplary epicurean endeavors are a long plane, train, or car ride from civilization. Or, in some cases…. multiple modes of transport until you’re literally in the middle of nowhere. From the middle of the ocean to […]
-
Joshua Tree National Park: The Complete Guide for 2023
Read more...Rugged mountains, giant boulders, desert wildlife, and the famous Joshua Tree yucca plants span across the 800,000-acre landscape protected as Joshua Tree National Park. Go hiking, rock climbing, birding, stargazing, or horseback riding to explore the tranquil environment in this Southern California national park. Gaze at impressive panoramic vistas, learn about California’s mining history, explore […]
-
17 of the Most Haunted Places in America
Read more...Mysterious and spooky, ghosts have captivated the world for centuries. From ghost stories and seances to haunted tours of the most mysterious places on earth, the fascination with spirits and connecting with the departed skyrockets during autumn with cooler weather, long nights, and, of course, Halloween. The most haunted places in the U.S. are not […]
-
Sequoia National Park: The Complete Guide for 2022
Read more...Lace up your boots and head to Sequoia National Park: Land of Giants, home to the largest trees in the world. Sitting at number 23 on our list of US national parks, Sequoia is famous for its groves of old growth giant sequoias. And the plunging peaks and steep mountain hikes? Those might come as […]
-
17 Delicious Food Factory Tours Across the US
Read more...Ever wonder how PEZ is made? Thanks to food factory tours, hungry travelers can satisfy their curiosities…and cravings. Whether you’re road tripping across the US or exploring your own hometown, take a delicious detour at some of the country’s most beloved snack factories. From learning how ice cream is made at Ben & Jerry’s in […]
-
38 of the Most Unique Hotels in the World
Read more...When it comes to sleeping around the world, we have no reservations. Fancy resorts? Cheap hostels? Quirky hotels? Been there, done that. From planes and trains to a decommissioned oil rig to ice hotels and igloos, we get around, booking unique hotels that come in all sorts of shapes, sizes, and surroundings. We’ve traveled to […]
-
Pinnacles National Park: The Complete Guide for 2023
Read more...As volcanoes erupted throughout central California about 23 million years ago, Pinnacles National Park began to form. Located near the San Andreas Fault, the fault split over time and pushed Pinnacles about 200 miles north. Peaks over 3,000 feet were formed, and the continuing tectonic movement and wind and water erosion formed the unusual rock […]
-
The Top 420-Friendly Hotels in the World
Read more...In decades past, Amsterdam was the sole destination for marijuana tourism. Lucky for us, today, there are dozens of weed-friendly travel destinations around the globe that welcome recreational cannabis users with open arms. Still, in a lot of those cities, especially in the United States, it can be difficult to find safe consumption sites. Unlike […]
-
All 9 of California’s National Parks: Ranked
Read more...California is the stuff of myths, legends, and lore. There’s a sense of fantasy that doesn’t hail from Hollywood, but from the size and scope of its natural wonders. Otherworldly landscapes abound, from colossal, ancient trees to volcanic basins and dangerous deserts, rocky plains and cacti-covered mesas. For those looking to reignite their appreciation for […]
-
List of Recreational Dispensaries in the US By State
Read more...Recreational marijuana has seen exponential growth and acceptance since Colorado first passed Colorado Amendment 64 nearly a decade ago, legalizing recreational use for adults 21 and over. Since that big day, other states have followed suit, falling like dominos in their efforts to legalize and commercialize recreational marijuana use. Today, over 36 states have legalized […]
-
19 of the World’s Best Swim-up Bars
Read more...Departing the deep end for a refreshing cocktail isn’t necessary at some of the world’s most popular resorts, thanks to swanky swim-up bars. Swim-up bars offer classic cocktails, tasty nibbles, and enviable views without leaving the water. Swim-up bars are the perfect respite from the sizzling sun. Often perched poolside, they feature a collection of […]
-
9 of the Most Outrageous Theme Parks Treats in the US
Read more...Theme parks know how to do treats. Everywhere you look there are ice cream cones, cotton candy, pretzels, and popcorn. While those are all perfectly acceptable snacks, they aren’t quite the drool-worthy treats you dream about at night, ya know? This list of over-the-top treats will have you saying things like, “I can’t believe those […]
-
The Best Places to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo 2022
Read more...On May 5, 1862, Mexico celebrated a history-making victory over France in the Battle of Puebla. This win was a source of great pride for Mexico— and for those of Mexican descent around the world. It’s believed that Cinco de Mayo was first celebrated in America just one year later in 1863, and today, it’s […]
-
Top 420 Friendly States: Ranked 2022
Read more...In the last decade, the number of 420-friendly states has increased exponentially, and now, weed-loving travelers have their pick of states where recreational marijuana use is both legal and highly celebrated. With sixteen 420 friendly states (and more added each election cycle), smokers and travelers alike can rejoice knowing that marijuana tourism is alive and […]
-
Channel Islands National Park: The Complete Guide for 2023
Read more...Channel Islands National Park is an archipelago just off the coast of Southern California. It’s a nature lover’s paradise, home to species of plants and animals found nowhere else on the planet. The islands attract eco-enthusiasts from across the globe, and its surrounding waters, aptly named the Channel Islands Marine Sanctuary, are home to hundreds […]
-
Redwood National Park: The Complete Guide for 2023
Read more...Over 2,000 years old, towering over 300 feet tall, and reaching a circumference of more than 90 feet around: the redwood trees at Redwood National Park are a sight to behold. With over 40,000 acres of old-growth forest and fossils dating back to the Jurassic period, Redwood is one of the most sacred national parks […]
-
The Best Cities in the US For Architecture Lovers
Read more...One of the most unquestionably enticing elements of travel is feasting your eyes on the buildings that populate your favorite cityscapes. Beyond New York City’s soaring skyline, San Francisco’s famous Golden Gate Bridge, and Savannah’s iconic oak trees lie city streets lined with skyscrapers, mansions, monuments, and more. Architectural enthusiasts enamored with rich histories, intricate […]
-
9 of the Best Places to See the Sunset in San Francisco
Read more...Something about a West Coast sunset hits differently. Maybe it’s the knowledge that we’re some of the last people to see the sun go down in the U.S., or maybe it’s just the golden glimmer over the Pacific. Either way, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more magical experience than a San Francisco sunset. No […]
-
10 of the Best Theme Park Bars in the World
Read more...Amusement parks aren’t always known as the best place to saddle up to the bar for a frosty beer or fancy cocktail, but most have a hidden gem or two that can hold their own against your favorite local haunt. From hand-crafted mixed drinks to cozy couches and gorgeous scenery, these watering holes will blow […]
-
11 Orange Places You Need to Add to Your Bucket List
Read more...Dreamsicle-colored deserts (not desserts, for once) cover our planet…and they’re not the only show-stopping orange places around the globe. Orange festivals, orange cities, orange monuments —whether you prefer to sweat your way through arid ginger-scapes or dance through a valley of delicate flowers, you’ll have ample opportunity for both. Check out these 11 orange travel […]
-
Death Valley National Park: The Complete Guide for 2023
Read more...Death Valley National Park. Just let that sink in for a moment: Death Valley. What sort of place could possibly inspire such a macabre moniker? Well…how about one of the hottest and driest places in the Western Hemisphere? How about a vast, Mars-like landscape of rust-red dunes and badlands that extends over three million acres […]
-
36 of the Most Colorful Places in the World
Read more...Curiously crimson landscapes that are (somehow) natural and Gatorade-level hues of blue are found in droves across our travel rainbow—along with every other eclectic shade in between. Mother Nature formed and human-made alike, these destinations provide a hearty dose of monochromatic magnificence that’ll have you reconsidering your favorite color left and right. Toss out everything you […]
-
Lassen Volcanic National Park: The Complete Guide for 2023
Read more...There’s no doubt about it: Lassen Volcanic National Park is a weird and wild place. Where else can you lurch from steaming fumaroles and broiling mud plots to idyllic alpine scenery with the turn of a hiking trail? Where else can you scramble up Cinder Cone scree slopes by day and gaze into some of […]
-
Zion National Park: The Complete Guide for 2023
Read more...If you love: crying out of sheer happiness, seeing something so beautiful that you take 80 pictures of basically the same thing, and the Milky Way, Zion National Park is the place for you. From extreme hikes for those who don’t mind heights to leisurely paved strolls along the Virgin River, at this uber-famous Utah national […]
-
Where is General Sherman Tree?
Read more...As the largest tree in the world in terms of volume, General Sherman stands 275 feet tall, is over 36 feet in diameter at its base, and is estimated to be over 2.5 million pounds. This famous sequoia has been thriving for an estimated 3200 years in the Southern Sierra Nevada Mountains of California and […]
-
Which famous trees live in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks?
Read more...California has so much beauty and the sequoias are no exception. Found only in California thanks to the climate of the Sierra Nevada mountains, they are the largest trees in the world, by volume (second to only the redwoods by height). Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park are where the majority of the sequoias have […]
-
What is the elevation at Sequoia National Park?
Read more...Sequoia National Park is in the Southern Sierra Nevada Mountains of California and elevation varies greatly – from 1,300 feet to 14,500 feet at the peak. In the foothills area of Sequoia National Park elevation is around 4000 feet. At the Giant Forest, the location of the General Sherman Tree (the largest tree in the […]
-
What is the tallest mountain in the US?
Read more...Danali National Park‘s Mount McKinley (aka Denali) in Alaska takes the prize for the highest peak in the United States at 6,190 meters (20,310 feet). In fact, Alaska has the top 10 tallest mountains in United States! Coming in 2nd through 10th place we have: Mount Saint Elias on the Yukon, Canada and Alaska border, […]
-
Can you rent cabins in Sequoia National Park?
Read more...There are many different options for lodging in and around Sequoia National Park. Cabins are a great choice if you are looking for comfort and character while still connecting with nature. Cabins typically sell out so if you plan to go this route, book early. For cabins within Sequoia National Park, consider Wuksachi Lodge, located […]