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Road Trips15 guides
Road TripsSierra Nevada
The Ultimate 7-Day Highway 395 Itinerary (Mammoth Lakes, Lone Pine, June Lake)
Plan a 7-day Highway 395 road trip from Lone Pine to Bodie with the best stops, hikes, hot springs, lakes, food, and places to sleep along the way.
4 min read
Road TripsCentral Coast
Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1) Road Trip Guide: San Francisco to Los Angeles
A 5-day Highway 1 road trip from San Francisco to Los Angeles: Santa Cruz, Carmel, Big Sur, Hearst Castle, Santa Barbara, and Malibu, with stays and stops.
4 min read
Road TripsDesert
Southern California Desert Loop: Palm Springs, Joshua Tree, and Anza-Borrego
A 5-day Southern California desert road trip through Palm Springs, Joshua Tree, the Salton Sea, and Anza-Borrego, with hikes, stargazing, and stays.
4 min read
Road TripsNorthern California
Northern California Coast Road Trip: Mendocino, Humboldt, and the Redwoods
A 6-day Northern California coast road trip from San Francisco to Mendocino, the Avenue of the Giants, Humboldt, and Redwood National Park, with stays.
4 min read
Road TripsDesert
Death Valley & Eastern Sierra 5-Day Winter Itinerary
A 5-day winter road trip from Lone Pine to Death Valley, Bishop, and Mammoth, with sand dunes, snowy peaks, hot springs, and tips on chains and weather.
3 min read
Road TripsSierra Nevada
Lake Tahoe Scenic Loop: Best Stops in North vs. South Lake Tahoe
Drive the 72-mile Lake Tahoe loop with the best stops at Emerald Bay, Sand Harbor, Tahoe City, and South Lake, plus how North and South Tahoe compare.
3 min read
Road TripsStatewide
The Ultimate 10-Day California National Parks Road Trip (Yosemite, Sequoia, Death Valley)
A 10-day California national parks road trip through Yosemite, Kings Canyon, Sequoia, and Death Valley, with hikes, drive times, lodges, and permits.
4 min read
Road TripsNorthern California
Shasta-Cascade Driving Route: Burney Falls, Mt. Shasta, and Lassen Volcanic
A 5-day Shasta-Cascade road trip from Redding to Mt. Shasta, McCloud Falls, Burney Falls, and Lassen Volcanic National Park, with hikes and stays.
3 min read
Road TripsDesert
Route 66 California Section: Santa Monica to the Arizona Border
Drive the California stretch of Route 66 from Santa Monica Pier to the Colorado River: neon motels, Mojave ghost towns, diners, and where to sleep.
4 min read
Road TripsCentral Coast
The Central Coast Food & Wine Highway: Santa Barbara to Paso Robles
A 4-day Central Coast food and wine road trip from Santa Barbara to Paso Robles: Funk Zone tastings, Santa Maria BBQ, Edna Valley, and Paso wineries.
5 min read
Road TripsSouthern California
Orange County to San Diego Coastal Drive: Best Beaches and Hidden Pull-Offs
Drive the coast from Huntington Beach to La Jolla: the best beaches, tide pools, quiet pull-offs, and food stops on PCH and Coast Highway 101.
5 min read
Road TripsSierra Nevada
Gold Country Highway 49: Historic Towns, Wineries, and River Hikes
Drive Highway 49 through California Gold Country: Columbia, Murphys, Sutter Creek, Coloma, and Nevada City, plus wineries, river hikes, and historic hotels.
4 min read
Road TripsSierra Nevada
San Francisco to Lake Tahoe Driving Guide: Best Pitstops along I-80 & US-50
Driving from San Francisco to Lake Tahoe? Compare I-80 and US-50, dodge traffic and chain controls, and find the best pitstops for food, views, and hikes.
4 min read
Road TripsSierra Nevada
Los Angeles to Mammoth Lakes Road Trip: Scenic Stops Along US-395
Plan the drive from Los Angeles to Mammoth Lakes on US-395: Red Rock Canyon, the Alabama Hills, Manzanar, Bishop bakeries, and Convict Lake.
4 min read
Road TripsCentral Coast
Big Sur Coastal Driving Guide: Must-See Overlooks, Bridges, and Turnouts
Drive Big Sur like a local: the best overlooks, bridges, and turnouts on Highway 1 from Carmel to Cambria, plus closure tips, timing, and driving etiquette.
4 min read
Where to Stay20 guides
Where to StayCentral Coast
Where to Stay in Big Sur: Lodges, Cabins and Yurts
Where to stay in Big Sur, from Post Ranch Inn and Alila Ventana to Glen Oaks cabins, Deetjen’s, Treebones yurts and campgrounds, plus when to book.
3 min read
Where to StayCentral Coast
10 Best Oceanfront Hotels on the Central Coast
The 10 best oceanfront hotels on the Central Coast, north to south from Cannery Row in Monterey to Cambria, Shell Beach and Pismo, with who each suits.
3 min read
Where to StaySierra Nevada
Where to Stay Near Yosemite: El Portal, Mariposa or Oakhurst
El Portal, Mariposa or Oakhurst? Compare drive times to Yosemite Valley, the best hotels in each gateway town, and in-park options to pick your base.
3 min read
Where to StayDesert
Best Boutique and Luxury Hotels in Palm Springs
The best boutique and luxury hotels in Palm Springs, from the Parker and L’Horizon to adults-only Sparrows Lodge and Two Bunch Palms, plus when to book.
2 min read
Where to StayNorthern California
Where to Stay in Napa Valley: Best Towns and Hotels
Where to stay in Napa Valley by town and budget: Yountville inns, downtown Napa hotels, Calistoga hot springs resorts and cheaper bases just outside.
2 min read
Where to StayStatewide
Best Treehouses and Glamping Stays in California
The best treehouses and glamping in California: Sonoma redwood treehouses, Big Sur yurts, safari tents and Airstreams near Yosemite and Joshua Tree.
3 min read
Where to StaySierra Nevada
10 Best Cabins in Mammoth Lakes and June Lake
The 10 best cabins in Mammoth Lakes and June Lake, from Tamarack Lodge and Lake Mary classics to Convict Lake and the June Lake Loop, with winter tips.
3 min read
Where to StaySierra Nevada
Where to Stay in Lake Tahoe: North Shore vs. South Shore
North or South Lake Tahoe? Compare each shore’s vibe, the best hotels and resorts on both sides, plus Truckee and the West Shore, and when to book.
3 min read
Where to StayDesert
Best Hotels Near Joshua Tree for Stargazing and Design
The best places to stay near Joshua Tree National Park, from the 29 Palms Inn and Pioneertown Motel to AutoCamp, design rentals and park campgrounds.
3 min read
Where to StayCentral Coast
Where to Stay in San Luis Obispo and Pismo Beach
Where to stay in San Luis Obispo and Pismo Beach: downtown SLO boutique hotels, the Madonna Inn, oceanfront Pismo and Shell Beach, and Avila hot springs.
3 min read
Where to StayCentral Coast
Walkable Boutique Hotels Near the Beach in Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara boutique hotels you can walk to the sand from, grouped by Funk Zone, East Beach, West Beach and Montecito, with parking and booking advice.
3 min read
Where to StayStatewide
Pet-Friendly Hotels and Cabins on the California Coast
Dog-friendly hotels and cabins on the California coast in Mendocino, Carmel, Santa Barbara and San Diego, plus off-leash beaches and pet fee tips.
3 min read
Where to StayNorthern California
10 Best Historic Hotels and Inns in Northern California
The 10 best historic hotels and inns in Northern California: San Francisco grand hotels, Mendocino Victorians, redwood lodges and a Mount Shasta mill town.
3 min read
Where to StaySierra Nevada
Where to Stay Near Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
Where to stay near Sequoia and Kings Canyon: in-park lodges, Three Rivers cabins, Generals Highway stays and Visalia hotels, with real drive times.
3 min read
Where to StayDesert
Best Desert Resorts in Borrego Springs and Palm Desert
The best desert resorts in Borrego Springs and Palm Desert, with dark-sky inns near Anza-Borrego and golf and spa resorts across the Coachella Valley.
3 min read
Where to StayStatewide
Luxury Wellness Resorts and All-Inclusive Spas in California
California’s best all-inclusive wellness programs and luxury spa resorts, including Golden Door, Cal-a-Vie, Big Sur retreats, desert springs and Calistoga.
3 min read
Where to StayCentral Coast
Where to Stay in Monterey and Carmel: Inns, B&Bs and Resorts
Where to stay in Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea: Cannery Row hotels, Pacific Grove B&Bs, Carmel village inns and Carmel Valley resorts compared.
3 min read
Where to StaySouthern California
Best Beachfront Airbnbs and Rentals in Southern California
The best beachfront rental neighborhoods in Laguna Beach, San Clemente, Oceanside, Carlsbad and Encinitas, plus beach hotel backups and booking tips.
3 min read
Where to StayDesert
Where to Stay Near Death Valley: Best Bases Compared
Where to stay near Death Valley: Furnace Creek, Stovepipe Wells, Panamint Springs, Beatty and Tecopa compared, with drive times and heat safety tips.
3 min read
Where to StaySierra Nevada
Ski-In/Ski-Out Condos and Lodges in Mammoth and Tahoe
The best ski-in/ski-out and slopeside stays at Mammoth, Palisades Tahoe, Northstar, Heavenly, Kirkwood and Sugar Bowl, with booking and driving tips.
3 min read
Weekend Getaways28 guides
Weekend GetawaysCentral Coast
Weekend in Carmel-by-the-Sea: A 2-Day Itinerary
A 2-day Carmel-by-the-Sea itinerary: Carmel Beach at sunset, Point Lobos trails, the village courtyards, 17-Mile Drive, Carmel Valley wine and where to stay.
4 min read
Weekend GetawaysSierra Nevada
3 Days in Yosemite: A First-Timer’s Itinerary
A 3-day Yosemite itinerary for first-timers: Tunnel View and the Valley, the Mist Trail, Glacier Point or Tioga Road, plus entry rules and where to stay.
4 min read
Weekend GetawaysCentral Coast
Weekend in Santa Barbara: Wine, Beaches and Hikes
A Santa Barbara weekend plan: Funk Zone tasting rooms, a foothill hike, the best beaches, a Santa Ynez Valley wine day, and where to stay and eat.
3 min read
Weekend GetawaysSierra Nevada
Yosemite Firefall Guide: Dates, Parking and Viewing
How to see Yosemite Firefall at Horsetail Fall: best February dates, entry reservation rules, where to park and watch, winter driving and what to pack.
3 min read
Weekend GetawaysSierra Nevada
Summer in Mammoth Lakes: Lakes, Hikes and Hot Springs
Plan a summer trip to Mammoth Lakes: which lakes allow swimming, the best hikes, Devils Postpile shuttle tips, nearby hot springs, and where to stay and eat.
3 min read
Weekend GetawaysSierra Nevada
Eastern Sierra Fall Colors: Where and When to Go
Eastern Sierra fall colors: when the aspens peak, the best canyons from Bishop Creek to Lundy, a 3-day Highway 395 route, and where to stay along the way.
3 min read
Weekend GetawaysCentral Coast
Weekend in Ojai: Hikes, Wine, Spas and the Pink Moment
A slow weekend in Ojai: watching the Pink Moment, easy hikes and bike rides, downtown tasting rooms, spa soaks, the Sunday market and where to stay and eat.
3 min read
Weekend GetawaysDesert
2 Days in Joshua Tree: Hikes, Stargazing and Pioneertown
Two days in Joshua Tree National Park: the best short hikes, Keys View, Cholla Cactus Garden at sunrise, dark sky stargazing, Pioneertown and where to stay.
3 min read
Weekend GetawaysNorthern California
Napa vs. Sonoma: A 3-Day Wine Country Itinerary
Napa or Sonoma? This 3-day wine country itinerary covers both: Carneros bubbles, St. Helena, Calistoga mud baths, Sonoma Plaza, Healdsburg and where to stay.
3 min read
Weekend GetawaysDesert
Death Valley in Winter: A 3-Day Itinerary
A 3-day Death Valley winter itinerary: Zabriskie Point at sunrise, Badwater Basin, Mesquite Dunes, Golden and Mosaic canyons, dark skies and where to stay.
3 min read
Weekend GetawaysCentral Coast
Paso Robles Weekend Guide: Wineries, Hot Springs, Sensorio
A two-day Paso Robles plan: west side and east side wineries, Tin City tasting rooms, a mineral springs soak, Sensorio’s Field of Light and where to stay.
4 min read
Weekend GetawaysCentral Coast
48 Hours in Solvang: Danish Bakeries, Wineries and Hotels
Spend 48 hours in Solvang: the Danish bakeries worth the line, aebleskiver, Los Olivos and Sta. Rita Hills wineries, Buellton eats and where to stay.
3 min read
Weekend GetawaysNorthern California
Mendocino Weekend Guide: Headlands, Hikes and Cozy Inns
A weekend in Mendocino: headland walks, Russian Gulch and Fern Canyon, Big River canoeing, Point Cabrillo, Fort Bragg, the best food and the inns to book.
4 min read
Weekend GetawaysSouthern California
3 Days in San Diego: Beaches, Hikes and Neighborhoods
A 3-day San Diego itinerary: Balboa Park, Little Italy, Torrey Pines, La Jolla Cove, Cabrillo tide pools, Ocean Beach, Coronado and where to stay.
4 min read
Weekend GetawaysSouthern California
Laguna Beach Weekend Guide: Coves, Tide Pools and Hikes
Plan a Laguna Beach weekend: the best coves and tide pools by tide, Crystal Cove, Thousand Steps and Victoria Beach, ocean-view dinners and hotels.
4 min read
Weekend GetawaysSierra Nevada
Nevada City and Grass Valley: A 2-Day Gold Country Guide
Two days in Nevada City and Grass Valley: Empire Mine, Cornish pasties, South Yuba River swimming holes, Malakoff Diggins, historic hotels and local eats.
3 min read
Weekend GetawaysSouthern California
Catalina Island Weekend Guide: Ferries, Avalon and Hotels
Plan a Catalina Island weekend: which ferry to take, golf cart rules in Avalon, snorkeling at Lover’s Cove, interior tours, Two Harbors and where to stay.
3 min read
Weekend GetawaysNorthern California
3 Days in San Francisco: Sights, Viewpoints and Local Eats
A 3-day San Francisco itinerary: the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, Lands End, North Beach, the Mission, quiet viewpoints, local food and where to stay.
3 min read
Weekend GetawaysSouthern California
Julian Weekend Guide: Apple Pie, Gold Mines and Hikes
A weekend in Julian: where to get apple pie, the Eagle and High Peak mine tour, apple picking, Volcan Mountain and Cuyamaca hikes, cider and cozy stays.
3 min read
Weekend GetawaysNorthern California
How to Visit Mt. Shasta: Lakes, Waterfalls and Scenic Drives
Plan a Mt. Shasta trip: the Everitt Memorial Highway, Panther Meadows, Castle Lake and Heart Lake, McCloud Falls, Castle Crags, climbing permits and stays.
4 min read
Weekend GetawaysCentral Coast
A Weekend in Morro Bay and Cayucos: Hikes, Otters and Eats
Plan a weekend in Morro Bay and Cayucos: Morro Rock, paddling with sea otters, Montaña de Oro hikes, Cayucos pier, whale watching and where to stay.
6 min read
Weekend GetawaysCentral Coast
How to Visit Hearst Castle: Tours, Tickets and Nearby Stops
How to visit Hearst Castle: which tour to book, Grand Rooms vs Upstairs Suites, visitor center tips, elephant seals, Cambria and pairing with Paso Robles.
5 min read
Weekend GetawaysNorthern California
Muir Woods and Sausalito Day Trip from San Francisco
Plan a Muir Woods and Sausalito day trip: parking and shuttle reservations, the best redwood trails, Muir Beach Overlook, houseboats, ferry and bridge views.
5 min read
Weekend GetawaysNorthern California
Russian River and Sonoma Coast Weekend Guide
Plan a Russian River and Sonoma Coast weekend: Armstrong Redwoods, paddling from Guerneville, Jenner and Goat Rock seals, Bodega Bay, and where to stay.
6 min read
Weekend GetawaysSouthern California
Things to Do in La Jolla: Seals, Sea Caves and Beaches
The best things to do in La Jolla: sea lions at the Cove, Children’s Pool seals, sea cave kayaking, La Jolla Shores, Torrey Pines, Windansea and parking tips.
5 min read
Weekend GetawaysCentral Coast
Pismo Beach and Avila Beach Weekend Guide
A Pismo Beach and Avila Beach weekend: the pier, Oceano Dunes, monarchs, Shell Beach tide pools, the Bob Jones Trail, hot springs and Edna Valley wine.
5 min read
Weekend GetawaysNorthern California
Fort Bragg and the Skunk Train: A Mendocino Coast Guide
Plan a Fort Bragg trip: which Skunk Train ride or railbike to book, Glass Beach rules, Noyo Harbor food, the Haul Road, Jug Handle, and where to stay nearby.
5 min read
Weekend GetawaysDesert
A Weekend in Palm Springs: Architecture, Hikes and Food
Plan a Palm Springs weekend: mid-century homes and Sunnylands, the Aerial Tramway, Indian Canyons hikes, Palm Canyon Drive, and when summer heat gets serious.
4 min read
Hikes & Adventures24 guides
Hikes & AdventuresStatewide
Best Natural Hot Springs in California: Where to Soak
California’s best natural hot springs on 395, in the desert and along the Kern, with road access, current closures, safety rules and soaking etiquette.
4 min read
Hikes & AdventuresNorthern California
Best Waterfalls in Northern California and How to Hike Them
Northern California’s best waterfalls, including Burney, McCloud, Whiskeytown, Feather and Alamere Falls, with trail distances, seasons and parking tips.
4 min read
Hikes & AdventuresSierra Nevada
How to Hike Mount Whitney: Permits, Training and Gear
How to hike Mount Whitney: the Recreation.gov permit lottery, day hike or overnight plans, training and altitude, the gear list and a summit day strategy.
3 min read
Hikes & AdventuresStatewide
California Wildflowers: Where and When to See a Superbloom
Where and when to see California wildflowers and superblooms, with typical peak months for each region, bloom report sources and trail etiquette.
3 min read
Hikes & AdventuresSierra Nevada
Skiing Mammoth for First-Timers: Lessons, Lodges and Tips
A first-timer’s guide to skiing and snowboarding Mammoth: the best base lodge for beginners, lessons, rentals, lift tickets, altitude and winter driving.
3 min read
Hikes & AdventuresSierra Nevada
10 Best Day Hikes in Yosemite, Easy to Strenuous
The 10 best day hikes in Yosemite National Park, ranked easy to strenuous, with distances, elevation gain, best seasons and how to beat trailhead crowds.
4 min read
Hikes & AdventuresSouthern California
Trans-Catalina Trail Guide: Permits, Camps and Itinerary
How to hike the Trans-Catalina Trail: the free hiking permit, booking campsites, ferries, water planning, gear and a 4 to 5 day Avalon to Two Harbors plan.
3 min read
Hikes & AdventuresSouthern California
Best Tide Pools in Southern California and When to Go
The best tide pools in Southern California, with current closures, how to read a tide chart, what you’ll see and the rules at Cabrillo and Laguna Beach.
4 min read
Hikes & AdventuresSierra Nevada
Kayaking and Paddleboarding Lake Tahoe: Where to Launch
Where to kayak and paddleboard Lake Tahoe, with launch spots at Emerald Bay, Sand Harbor and Kings Beach, rentals, wind timing and cold water safety.
3 min read
Hikes & AdventuresSierra Nevada
Where to See Giant Sequoias in California: Best Groves
Where to see giant sequoias in California: Sequoia and Kings Canyon, Yosemite’s groves and Calaveras Big Trees compared, with trails and fire closure notes.
4 min read
Hikes & AdventuresSouthern California
La Jolla Sea Caves and Channel Islands Kayaking Guide
How to kayak the La Jolla sea caves and Santa Cruz Island: tours vs rentals, launch spots, best months, ferry tips and the swell rules that keep you safe.
4 min read
Hikes & AdventuresSierra Nevada
How to Visit the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest
Plan a trip to the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest: the drive from Big Pine, Schulman and Patriarch groves, the best trails, fees and when the road opens.
3 min read
Hikes & AdventuresDesert
California Desert 4x4 Trails: Anza-Borrego to Mojave
The best desert 4x4 roads in California, from Fonts Point and Titus Canyon to the Mojave Road, with the vehicle you need, the season and gear to carry.
4 min read
Hikes & AdventuresSouthern California
Best Beginner Surf Beaches in Southern California
Where to learn to surf in Southern California and where to watch the pros, from La Jolla Shores and San Onofre to Malibu, Huntington Pier and Trestles.
3 min read
Hikes & AdventuresStatewide
California Stargazing Guide: Best Dark Sky Spots
Where to see the Milky Way in California, from Death Valley and Joshua Tree to Borrego Springs and the Eastern Sierra, plus timing and photo settings.
3 min read
Hikes & AdventuresDesert
Best Slot Canyons in California: Borrego to Death Valley
California’s best slot canyon hikes, from The Slot and Ladder Canyon to Mosaic and Sidewinder in Death Valley, with road access, season and flood safety.
3 min read
Hikes & AdventuresSierra Nevada
Mist Trail Guide: Hiking to Vernal and Nevada Falls
How to hike Yosemite’s Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls: distances, the granite steps, parking and shuttles, the best season and what to pack.
3 min read
Hikes & AdventuresCentral Coast
Best Coastal Hikes in Big Sur: Point Lobos to McWay
The best coastal hikes in Big Sur, from Point Lobos and Soberanes Point to Andrew Molera and Partington Cove, with trail stats and Highway 1 tips.
3 min read
Hikes & AdventuresSierra Nevada
Mammoth Lakes Basin Guide: Hiking, Fishing and Kayaking
Plan a summer day in the Mammoth Lakes Basin: which lakes to paddle and fish, hikes like Duck Pass and Crystal Lake, boat rentals and the free trolley.
3 min read
Hikes & AdventuresSierra Nevada
How to Visit Mono Lake: Tufa, Sunrise and Kayaking
Plan a Mono Lake visit: South Tufa and the best sunrise spots, kayaking from Navy Beach, bird nesting rules, and what to see nearby in Lee Vining.
3 min read
Hikes & AdventuresCentral Coast
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve: Trails, Parking and Tips
Plan a visit to Point Lobos near Carmel: where to park, the best trails, China Cove, Whalers Cabin, dog rules, the best time to go and what to pair it with.
4 min read
Hikes & AdventuresSierra Nevada
Emerald Bay, Lake Tahoe: Vikingsholm, Hikes and Parking
How to visit Emerald Bay in Lake Tahoe: Inspiration Point, the Vikingsholm Trail, Eagle Falls, the Rubicon Trail, kayaking, parking and Highway 89 closures.
5 min read
Hikes & AdventuresStatewide
California Whale Watching Guide: Best Seasons and Ports
When and where to go whale watching in California: gray, humpback and blue whale seasons, the best ports, picking a boat, seasickness tips and shore spots.
4 min read
Hikes & AdventuresCentral Coast
Moss Landing and Elkhorn Slough: Sea Otters and Kayaking
See sea otters in Elkhorn Slough: kayak rentals, pontoon wildlife tours, reserve trails, Kirby Park, harbor food, and how to pair it with Monterey.
3 min read
Trip Planning15 guides
Budgets, permits, packing lists and road conditions, answered before you leave.
Trip PlanningStatewide
California Road Trip Cost: A Realistic Budget Breakdown
What a California road trip really costs: gas, lodging, food, park fees and rental cars, with daily ranges for three travel styles and a sample week.
3 min read
Trip PlanningStatewide
America the Beautiful Pass: Is It Worth It in California?
Is the America the Beautiful pass worth it in California? What it covers and doesn’t, the discounted versions, and the math for Yosemite and Sequoia trips.
3 min read
Trip PlanningStatewide
California Road Trip Packing List for Every Season
An all-season California road trip packing list: layers for coastal fog and desert heat, car essentials, snow gear, and what you can leave at home.
2 min read
Trip PlanningStatewide
Car Camping in California: Free Sites, Permits and Gear
How to car camp in California: booking campsites, where free dispersed camping is legal, the campfire permit, bear rules and gear for a comfortable night.
3 min read
Trip PlanningSierra Nevada
How to Book Yosemite Camping and Curry Village Cabins
How to book Yosemite campsites on Recreation.gov and Curry Village tent cabins on Travel Yosemite, with release dates, Camp 4 tips and backup plans.
3 min read
Trip PlanningCentral Coast
Driving Highway 1 in Winter: Big Sur Closures and Tips
Driving Highway 1 in winter: Big Sur slide closures, where to check road status, detours, storm driving tips, and the elephant seals and whales you’ll see.
2 min read
Trip PlanningStatewide
Renting an RV or Campervan for a California Road Trip
How to rent an RV or campervan in California: rental companies, the real costs, vehicle length limits on park roads, where to camp and first-timer tips.
2 min read
Trip PlanningSierra Nevada
Yosemite Packing List: Summer and Winter Checklist
A Yosemite packing list for summer and winter: hiking layers, bear-safe food storage, tire chains, and what to bring for the Mist Trail and Half Dome.
2 min read
Trip PlanningSierra Nevada
Driving Highway 395 in Winter: Chains, Passes and Roads
How to drive Highway 395 in winter: chain control levels, the summits to watch, which Sierra passes close, where to get gas and how to check conditions.
4 min read
Trip PlanningSierra Nevada
How to Get Yosemite Half Dome and Wilderness Permits
How to get Yosemite Half Dome and wilderness permits step by step: the preseason and daily lotteries, trailhead quotas, backup plans and permit pickup.
3 min read
Trip PlanningStatewide
California Coast Road Trip on a Budget: Camping and Eats
Road trip the California coast for less: free and cheap camping, budget eats up and down the coast, free sights, and ways to save on gas and parks.
3 min read
Trip PlanningStatewide
How to Avoid Crowds in California National Parks
Beat the crowds in Yosemite, Sequoia, Kings Canyon, Joshua Tree and Death Valley with smart timing, quieter trails and entrances, and underrated parks.
3 min read
Trip PlanningStatewide
California Bear Safety Guide: Lockers, Canisters, Trails
California bear safety explained: using bear lockers, canister rules in Yosemite and Sequoia, keeping food out of cars and what to do if you meet a bear.
3 min read
Trip PlanningStatewide
EV Road Trip California: Charging, Routes and Range
Plan an EV road trip in California: charging networks and apps, Big Sur and Highway 395 charging gaps, national park charging and range tips that work.
2 min read
Trip PlanningStatewide
Best Travel Apps for a California Road Trip
The best travel apps for a California road trip: road conditions, offline maps, hiking, campsite booking, wildfire and air quality alerts, tides and stars.
2 min read
Hubs & Deep Dives9 guides
Region hubs, wine country, hot springs, gear, and the bigger adventures.
Hubs & Deep DivesStatewide
California Road Trips: Itineraries by Region and Season
Every California road trip itinerary on the site, grouped by region, with the best season for each route, realistic drive times and how to pick one.
3 min read
Hubs & Deep DivesStatewide
Where to Stay in California: Hotels by Type of Trip
Where to stay in California, sorted by trip type: coastal hotels, glamping and treehouses, ski cabins, desert resorts, park lodges and wine country inns.
2 min read
Hubs & Deep DivesStatewide
California Google Maps Overlay: 800+ Pinned Spots
My California Map adds 800+ saved spots to Google Maps: hikes, viewpoints, hot springs, food and stays, sorted by category and ready to use on your phone.
2 min read
Hubs & Deep DivesStatewide
Best Hot Springs in California: Where to Soak and Stay
Where to soak in California: wild Eastern Sierra pools, developed springs in Avila Beach, Paso Robles and Tecopa, plus etiquette, safety and nearby stays.
3 min read
Hubs & Deep DivesNorthern California
California Wine Country: Napa vs. Sonoma vs. Paso Robles
Compare Napa, Sonoma, Paso Robles and Santa Ynez: what each region pours, how tastings work, when to go, where to stay and how to get around safely.
3 min read
Hubs & Deep DivesSouthern California
Southern California Road Trips: Desert, Coast and Mountains
Southern California road trips by season: desert loops through Joshua Tree and Anza-Borrego, the coast to San Diego, and mountain weekends in Julian.
2 min read
Hubs & Deep DivesNorthern California
Northern California Road Trips: Redwoods, Coast and Shasta
Northern California road trips through the redwoods, Mendocino and Humboldt, Mt. Shasta and Lassen, and wine country, with seasons, drive times and tips.
2 min read
Hubs & Deep DivesCentral Coast
Channel Islands National Park: Day Trip vs. Camping Guide
How to visit Channel Islands National Park: Island Packers boats from Ventura and Oxnard, Santa Cruz vs. Anacapa, day trips vs. camping and what to pack.
4 min read
Hubs & Deep DivesNorthern California
Lost Coast Trail Guide: Permits, Tides and Gear
Plan the Lost Coast Trail: King Range permits on Recreation.gov, tide charts for the impassable zones, required bear canisters, shuttles and a 3-day plan.
3 min read