California Road Trips

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 […]

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

A picturesque vineyard with neat rows of grapevines stretches across the gently rolling hills of Anderson Valley under a clear blue sky. In the background, forests and trees frame the lush green landscape, while a wooden trellis supports the vines in the foreground.

California Roadtrips: Anderson Valley

An Anderson Valley winemaker once told me, “If you see redwoods growing, Pinot Noir can’t be far away.” Thanks to the cooling influence of the

California Roadtrips: Anderson Valley Read More »

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

NorCal Winter Wildlife Watching Read More »

A historic mission-style building reminiscent of the central California missions, featuring a central bell tower and two smaller towers on each side. The facade includes ornate details, a large wooden door, and a cross at the top. Palm trees and lush greenery surround it, with a pathway leading to the entrance.

Central California Missions: From Mission Carmel to Mission Santa Inez

Looking for a whopping dose of California state history? There’s likely no better entry point than the missions. Here’s a look at seven of the

Central California Missions: From Mission Carmel to Mission Santa Inez Read More »

A spread of Sonoma County artisanal food on a wooden table features sliced bread, a bunch of grapes, crackers, bowls of dip, cheese, olives, yellow bell pepper, and some lemons. The background includes a green potted plant.

Cheese, Bread, Honey, Olive Oil: Sonoma County Artisanal Food Scene Has It All

I know, it’s a tired phrase, but so many of us here in the Bay Area are food-obsessed and can’t get enough of the creamy

Cheese, Bread, Honey, Olive Oil: Sonoma County Artisanal Food Scene Has It All Read More »

A small white mission-style church with a bell tower topped by a cross. The front entrance is an arched wooden door. Nearby is a tall tree and a signpost that reads "Historic Mission Santa Cruz," one of the iconic Northern California Missions. The sky is clear and blue.

Northern California Missions: From San Juan Bautista to San Francisco Solano de Sonoma

Looking for a whopping dose of California state history? There’s likely no better entry point than the missions. Here’s a look at seven of the

Northern California Missions: From San Juan Bautista to San Francisco Solano de Sonoma Read More »

Aerial view of downtown Oakland, California on a sunny day, featuring a mix of modern high-rise buildings and historic structures. The landscape stretches towards the San Francisco Bay, with the Oakland Cannabis Trail weaving through the scenery, hills in the background, and water bodies at the horizon.

The Perfect Day Trip Along the Visit Oakland Cannabis Trail

A visit to the sunny side of the bay now offers a curated cannabis adventure that any seasoned traveler would appreciate. I recently blazed Visit

The Perfect Day Trip Along the Visit Oakland Cannabis Trail Read More »

A vintage steam locomotive with the number X-45 on its front leads a red passenger car through a lush forest in Northern California. The train engine has a shiny brown and black exterior and is enveloped by tall green trees. Smoke is billowing from the chimney as the train moves forward, creating a scene like those featured in trains and museums.

Historic Train Rides and Museums in Northern California

The Golden State owes almost as much to the “iron horse” as to the yellow mineral that spurred the nation’s westward expansion in the mid-19th

Historic Train Rides and Museums in Northern California Read More »

A view of tall trees with slender trunks and green foliage from the forest floor, looking up towards the sky in Redwood National Park. The trees form a circular canopy with patches of blue sky visible through the leaves, truly showcasing the Land of the Giants.

Redwood National Park: Land of the Giants

I take an annual pilgrimage up Highway 101 to revisit one of my favorite places to be on the planet: Redwood National and State Parks

Redwood National Park: Land of the Giants Read More »

A nighttime view of the Tower Bridge, one of the iconic California bridges, illuminated with golden lights in Sacramento. The bridge features two prominent towers connected by a central span reflecting on the calm river below. The sky is a dusky blue with a hint of dusk's last light.

The Bridges of California Counties

California, with almost 40 million people, has over 400,000 miles of highways. But when it comes to bridges, most think it’s thin pickings. There’s the

The Bridges of California Counties Read More »

Local Getaways Newsletters

Local Getaways