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