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25 Best Stops Along Highway 395 In California

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15 Best Places To Go Camping On Central California Coast

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50 Interesting & Unique Places To Visit In California

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Central Coast
Central Coast
Central Valley
Central Valley
Sierras
Sierras
  • 12 Places In California That Look Like Another Planet
    Northern California,  Sierras,  Southern California

    12 Places In California That Look Like Another Planet

    August 6, 2026 /

    California is home to many unique destinations that look like alien landscapes. From towering rock formations to steaming geothermal areas, colorful hills, and black sand beaches, there is so much to explore in the State! In this guide, I cover 12 natural places in California that look like other planets. If you love discovering awe-inspiring natural places that feel surreal, this post is for you. While some of these attractions are quite popular, I have also included a few hidden gems that you might not know exist! 1. Badwater Basin At Death Valley National Park Badwater Basin is without a doubt one of the most otherworldly destinations to visit in…

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    15 Amazing Places To Enjoy Fall Colors In California

    15 Amazing Places To Enjoy Fall Colors In California

    September 15, 2025
    Historical wooden buildings scattered in a ghost town in California

    12 Best Ghost Towns To Visit In California

    December 17, 2025
    Top FREE Things To Do In California

    15 Top FREE Things To Do In California

    July 7, 2026
  • Top Adrenaline-Pumping Activities In California
    Central Coast,  Central Valley,  Sierras,  Southern California

    12 Top Adrenaline-Pumping Activities In California

    July 31, 2026 /

    California is a hot spot for extreme sports and adrenaline-pumping activities. From bungee jumping to skydiving and white-water rafting, there is plenty to do in California for those who like to live on the edge. Over the years, my husband and I have checked off a lot of extreme activities from our California bucket list. I usually book a few fun activities a year for special occasions like our anniversary or my husband’s Birthday. If you’re looking for something exciting and adventurous to do with your friends or your partner, here are 12 of the top adrenaline activities in California! 1. Bungee Jumping Off The Bridge To Nowhere Bungee jumping…

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    Tray of breakfast on a bed at a boutique hotel on Central Coast in California

    15 Best Boutique Hotels On Central Coast In California

    September 30, 2023
    Dog on a beach with waves in the background on Central California Coast

    15 Dog Friendly Beaches On Central California Coast

    February 10, 2025
    Large sea cave during sunset at Laguna Beach in California

    13 Best Sea Caves To Visit In California

    April 28, 2025
  • Top FREE Things To Do In California
    Central Coast,  Northern California,  Sierras,  Southern California

    15 Top FREE Things To Do In California

    July 7, 2026 /

    It is no secret that California is expensive, which prevents many people from exploring the state. If you are constantly dreaming of your next great escape in California, there are ways to lower costs during your trip. Many attractions in California are free to the public, which helps balance out expensive hotels and high gas prices. From iconic landmarks to free gardens, beaches, and museums, here are the 15 top free things to do in California on your next adventure! 1. Griffith Observatory In Los Angeles If you’re visiting Southern California and are looking for free things to do in the area, I highly recommend a trip to Griffith Observatory.…

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    Beautiful beachfront boardwalk in California

    13 Of The Most Scenic Boardwalks In California

    June 6, 2024
    Large sea cave during sunset at Laguna Beach in California

    13 Best Sea Caves To Visit In California

    April 28, 2025
    Historic Loop Trail At The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park

    Historic Loop Trail At The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park

    July 20, 2022
  • 15 Places In California That Look Like Other Countries
    Central Coast,  Northern California,  Sierras,  Southern California

    15 Places In California That Look Like Other Countries

    June 17, 2026 /

    California has always been one of the world’s most diverse cultural melting pots. Because of this, in California, you’ll find architecture, towns, and landmarks inspired by countries from every corner of the globe. You don’t have to book a long flight to feel like you’re stepping into another world. These California locations will transport you to faraway destinations (for a fraction of the price). From charming coastal towns to elaborate temples and gorgeous outdoor destinations, here are 15 places in California that look like other countries! 1. Solvang – Denmark Visiting Solvang truly feels like stepping into another country. Solvang is a small town near Santa Barbara that is designed…

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    Woman and a dog standing on a rock overlooking the California Coast

    15 Top Dog-Friendly Hikes On The California Coast

    February 27, 2025
    Breweries in Ventura Transmission Brewery Ventura

    5 Great Breweries In Ventura For Amazing Local Beers

    December 10, 2021
    San Simeon Bay Trail

    San Simeon Bay Trail On Central California Coast

    March 21, 2024
  • Various images of landscapes from the Gardens of the World in Thousand Oaks, California
    Central Coast

    Visiting Gardens Of The World In Thousand Oaks

    May 27, 2026 /

    Gardens Of The World is a hidden little gem in Thousand Oaks and one of the most beautiful outdoor spaces in Southern California. This garden is a great place to go for a relaxing morning walk or to escape the busy city life for an hour to recharge. I did a self-guided tour of the gardens on my visit, but you can also arrange a docent-guided tour ahead of time from Tuesday through Friday. Here are my tips for visiting Gardens Of The World in Thousand Oaks, California! Gardens Of The World Highlights Here are a few quick highlights to know before you head out there: How To Get There…

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    15 Amazing Places To Enjoy Fall Colors In California

    15 Amazing Places To Enjoy Fall Colors In California

    September 15, 2025
    Best Hotels in Santa Barbara

    10 Best Hotels In Santa Barbara For a Seaside Escape

    August 28, 2023
    Best Pet Friendly Hotels In Ventura

    13 Best Pet Friendly Hotels In Ventura, California

    February 10, 2025
  • Highway 395 winding through the mountains in California
    Sierras

    25 Best Stops Along Highway 395 In California

    May 18, 2026 /

    Planning a Highway 395 road trip in the Eastern Sierra? Get ready for charming mountain towns, dramatic volcanic landscapes, hot springs and some of the best alpine lakes that you can encounter in California! With so many interesting and unique attractions, it can feel a bit overwhelming picking just a few to see on a trip. That’s why I’m highlighting some of my favorites that are a must-see for any traveler in this region. Whether you’re planning a quick weekend trip to Mammoth or going on a longer adventure, here are 25 of the best stops to see along Highway 395 in California! Psst! Be sure to check out my…

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    Places To Stay In Mammoth Lakes

    12 Best Places To Stay In Mammoth Lakes

    January 1, 2025
    Crystal Lake Trail Mammoth California

    Hiking Crystal Lake Trail In Inyo National Forest

    August 2, 2024
    Places To Go Glamping In Central California

    12 Best Places To Go Glamping In Central California

    April 4, 2025
  • A windy road traveling through redwoods in California
    Central Coast,  Northern California,  Southern California

    15 Best State Parks To Visit In California

    May 6, 2026 /

    There are over 280 State Parks that are dedicated to preserving some of the most beautiful natural treasures in California. Some are just as famous as the California National Parks, while others are hidden gems that are often overlooked. I personally love visiting State Parks because they’re cheaper and much less crowded than the National Parks. They are no less spectacular and make for great day adventures and road trip stops. From crystal clear beaches to enormous trees, waterfalls, and scenic desert landscapes, here are 15 of the best State Parks to visit in California! Psst! Be sure to check out my custom Google map at the end of the…

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    Beautiful hotel grounds with hanging lights and green grass at a hotel in Ojai California

    15 Charming Places To Stay In Ojai, California

    September 5, 2023
    Woman sitting on a rock overlooking a lake in California in winter

    California Winter Packing List (By a Local)

    November 13, 2023
    Best Pet Friendly Hotels In Ventura

    13 Best Pet Friendly Hotels In Ventura, California

    February 10, 2025
  • Visiting The Santa Barbara Museum Of Natural History
    Central Coast

    Visiting The Santa Barbara Museum Of Natural History

    March 26, 2026 /

    Visiting the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History is a great weekend outing in Santa Barbara, especially if you have kids. The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History houses regional exhibits covering animals, birds, sea life, minerals, history, art, and so much more. This museum is fairly small, so it only takes a few hours to walk through it and see all of the exhibits. One of the most unique attractions here is the outdoor garden that has moving life-size dinosaurs – so fun for little kids! This museum is also associated with the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center on the Santa Barbara Pier. You could be…

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    Cavalier Oceanfront Resort In San Simeon

    Review Of Cavalier Oceanfront Resort In San Simeon

    March 21, 2024
    15 Incredible Hot Springs To Visit In California

    15 Incredible Hot Springs To Visit In California

    August 25, 2025
    Person sitting in a chair next to a van at Islay Creek Campground at Montaña de Oro State Park

    Islay Creek Campground At Montaña de Oro State Park

    October 12, 2023
  • Volcanic Destinations In California
    Central Coast,  Northern California,  Sierras,  Southern California

    12 Incredible Volcanic Destinations In California

    February 26, 2026 /

    California offers so much diversity when it comes to unique destinations. From towering volcanic peaks to steaming geothermal pools and lava tubes, California is full of landscapes that will simply leave you in awe! In this travel guide, I cover 12 otherworldly volcanic destinations to visit in California. Most of these volcanic landscapes are easy to visit by taking a drive or a short hike to explore them. Whether you’re craving a mountain adventure, love visiting geological wonders, or are looking for road trip ideas, we have you covered! Psst! Be sure to check out my custom Google map at the end of the post with location details! 1. Lassen…

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    Winter camping in California in the forest

    12 Best Spots For Winter Camping In California

    February 16, 2024
    VRBO Pismo Beach

    10 Incredible VRBO Vacation Rentals In Pismo Beach

    May 2, 2021
    Bridge in Big Sur California

    30 Best Central California Coast Attractions For Visitors

    July 12, 2023
  • things to do in sonora california
    Central Valley

    8 Best Things To Do In Sonora, California

    January 21, 2026 /

    Sonora is a small historic town in one of the most popular Gold Rush regions in California that flourished during the 1850s. Located just an hour from Stockton and two hours from Sacramento, Sonora is a wonderful weekend getaway from the nearby cities. With mountains to the East and the New Melones Lake just a few minutes’ drive from Sonora’s downtown, this area offers lots of outdoor recreational activities along with historical attractions. In this post, I cover 8 top things to do on a trip to Sonora, California! Best things to do in Sonora, California: 1. Columbia State Historic Park Tuolumne County is known for having a few historic…

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    Wind Wolves Preserve San Emigdio Canyon Trail

    Hiking San Emigdio Canyon Trail At Wind Wolves Preserve

    May 18, 2023
    Kern River Trail

    Kern River Trail In Sequoia National Forest

    May 18, 2020
    Dot x Ott Bakersfield

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- ABOUT ME -

Welcome to California Wanderland! I’m Laura Sausina, a California local always in search of new adventures around me. California Wanderland is here to help you discover the best hikes, outdoor activities, things to do, and the best places to stay in Central California. Read more about me here!

Recent Posts

  • 12 Places In California That Look Like Another Planet
  • 12 Top Adrenaline-Pumping Activities In California
  • 15 Top FREE Things To Do In California
  • 15 Places In California That Look Like Other Countries
  • Visiting Gardens Of The World In Thousand Oaks

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