Matthew Poole, Author at Local Getaways

A scenic coastal landscape features rugged cliffs dotted with windswept trees and lush greenery overlooking a deep blue ocean under a clear sky, ideal for scenic drives in Northern California. In the background, a range of hazy mountains stretches across the horizon.

Top 5 Scenic Drives in Northern California

Some of the best memories I have as a kid growing up in Sacramento include piling into the Country Squire station wagon — seatbelts? What […]

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A snowy egret with bright white plumage is captured mid-flight against a pale sky. Its long wings are spread wide, showcasing delicate feathers, and its legs dangle below. The bird's beak is pointed and dark, contrasting with its light body—a perfect sight for Northern California getaways.

The Tallest Trees, Nude Beaches, Swimming Holes: Hidden Northern California Coast Exposed

Several years ago, I wrote a guidebook called Best Places to the Northern California Coast. I started at the Oregon Border and took every road

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A rocky coastline with several large rocks protruding from the water at Half Moon Bay. Waves crash against the rocks, creating white foam. Birds are perched on the rocks, and a few are flying in the cloudy sky above. The misty atmosphere adds a tranquil, moody touch to this perfect coastal getaway.

Half Moon Bay: The Perfect Coastal Getaway

One of the questions I get asked the most as a Bay Area-based travel writer is “Where’s a great place get away for the weekend?”

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A scenic coastal view with a sandy beach and gentle waves along the shore. A mountainous cliff rises on the left, extending toward the horizon under a clear blue sky. The beach stretches alongside a road with small structures and parked vehicles, capturing the charm of a Four-Days Ventura County Coast getaway.

Four-Days on the Ventura County Coast

I remember as a kid driving north through Ventura County with my parents and seeing nothing but fields and farmland. Coming from L.A., I might

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A scenic view of distant mountains basking in the warm light of an early sunset. The sky is painted with soft pastel hues of pink and orange. Below the mountains, a lush forest occupies the foreground, framed by tall trees on either side—your perfect Ojai Getaway guide.

Discovering Ojai: A 4-Day Dream Getaway

Twelve miles inland from the Pacific Ocean, the city of Ojai lies in a small valley, north of Ventura and east of Santa Barbara. Arrive

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A scenic ocean view at sunset features waves crashing against dark rocks. The shoreline curves gently, with white foam from the waves spreading across the beach. Rolling hills and a mountain range are visible in the distance under a sky with scattered clouds—perfect for a road trip along the Lost Coast.

How to Road Trip the Lost Coast

The Lost Coast is proof that if you don’t build it, they won’t come. What wasn’t built along 90 miles of pristine California coastline north

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Three people stand with their arms around each other, facing a stunning mountain landscape reminiscent of Yosemite with a large lake in the foreground. They are wearing hiking gear, and a lone hiker is seen on the path to the left. The sky is blue with some scattered clouds, evoking the beauty of Gold Country.

Four-Day Road Trip From Yosemite Through Gold Country, An Hourly Itinerary

If it’s been a while since you’ve taken a road trip to Gold County and Yosemite, now is the time to open your calendar and

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Six Affordable East Bay Excursions

I know, it doesn’t sound very sexy, but you’d be surprised how much fun you can have on a weekend getaway to the East Bay.

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A coastal scene with a sandy beach and rocky shoreline, perfect for wildlife watching in Northern California. Numerous seals lounge on the sand near the water as ocean waves gently roll onto the shore, with a grassy cliff rising on the left side of the image.

NorCal Winter Wildlife Watching

If you’re looking for something interesting and affordable to do this winter in Northern California, Mother Nature puts on some pretty good free shows. Much

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A bustling San Francisco street features iconic cable cars in the foreground and background. Pedestrians walk along the sidewalks, with shops and buildings lining the street. The atmosphere is vibrant, capturing the essence of urban life and public transportation adventures.

San Francisco Public Transportation Adventures for the Whole Family

As any parent can tell you, when you’re traveling with kids, getting there is (and better be) at least half of the fun. Fortunately, here

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Matthew Poole