California Road Trips

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 […]

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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

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Three people are hiking on a trail overlooking a scenic view of a coastal town and hills. Doug McConnell from "Bay Area Backroads," the older man, and the younger man use walking sticks, while the third person gestures toward the vista. Trees and shrubs line the hillside pathway.

King of the Road: Bay Area Backroads’ Doug McConnell

If California was a sovereign kingdom — we can dream! — there is little doubt who would be crowned “King of the Road.” Douglas Gene

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A person stands behind a wooden cutting board holding a shucking knife, wearing a blue glove. The board displays various opened oysters, an unshucked oyster, and a lemon wedge. The scene suggests preparation of fresh Sonoma Coast seafood.

Seafood Hotspots Along the Sonoma Coast

One of my oldest memories as a kid is piling the family into our dad’s Volkswagen bus and driving from Sacramento to Bodega Bay to

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A red Rivian R1T electric truck navigates a rocky, off-road trail in a mountainous area surrounded by sparse pine trees. Embracing the spirit of California road trips, the terrain is rugged, with hills and mountain peaks visible in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

3 Electric Vehicle-Friendly California Road Trips

Are you ready for a road trip in your EV, but experiencing “charge anxiety” about where and when you’ll find charging stations? Year by year, month

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A small, fluffy brown puppy with floppy ears bounds toward the camera on a stone patio. The background shows stone steps and a blurry glimpse of a house or building. The happy and energetic pup looks ready for pet friendly adventures, perfect for dog-friendly getaways in Sonoma County.

Dog-Friendly Getaways in Sonoma County

There are few places in California that are prettier than springtime in Sonoma County. Vineyards are awakening with leafy canopy, blazing yellow mustard flowers are

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A vibrant meadow filled with blooming purple wildflowers stretches into the distance. Rolling hills covered in lush green trees bask under a clear blue sky, epitomizing the beauty of NorCal in spring. Small groups of people can be seen walking and enjoying the breathtaking scenery.

Spring Wildflower Viewing in NorCal

Now that springtime is here, it’s time to get outdoors and pay homage to Mother Nature’s handiwork. Blooming orchards, bright swaths of field mustard, and

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A rugged coastline with rocky cliffs and a prominent, triangular rock formation extending into the ocean. The clear blue water contrasts with the brown and yellow hues of the cliffs under a bright, cloudless sky. Mendocino County getaways promise sparse vegetation visible on these breathtaking cliffs.

Mendocino County Getaways

If you’re the type that likes to hop in the car on Saturday morning and hit the backroads for some fun and adventure, keep reading.

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Outdoor view of a serene courtyard featuring a pool surrounded by lush palm trees and vibrant green ferns. Reminiscent of Hot Springs in Northern California, the scene includes elegant columns and large windows on an adjacent building, conveying a sense of tranquility and luxury.

Heavenly Hot Springs in Northern California

We may be the among the most powerful and influential nations in the world, but when it comes to the art of relaxing, America lags

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A person gracefully performs a yoga pose, balancing on one leg while holding the other leg behind them with one hand. The sun is setting or rising in the background, creating a golden, serene glow around the silhouette. The sky is softly clouded, reminiscent of Yoga Trikonasana's calm and balance.

Truck Stop Yoga: Trikonasana

Find your moment of zen anywhere on the road, at a truck stop of otherwise. Here is home trikonasana can get you there. Trikonasana (tri-ko-NAH-se-na), Triangle

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