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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
  • A scenic road along Highway 395 in California in the fall
    Northern California,  Sierras

    10 Best Fall Drives in California For Incredible Scenery

    September 9, 2026 /

    There’s something magical about going for a scenic road trip in the fall. From the crisp air to the fiery leaves and endless photo opportunities around every corner, everything just feels a bit more magical. If you’re dreaming of an autumn getaway, my guide covers 10 of the most scenic fall drives in California. With these incredible road trip ideas, fall is bound to become your favorite new season! 1. June Lake Loop Known for golden aspens, turquoise alpine lakes, and dramatic mountain peaks, the June Lake Loop is hands down one of the best places to visit in California in the fall months. This drive is best done in…

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    15 Top Cheap Places To Visit In California

    15 Top Cheap Places To Visit In California

    September 8, 2025
    Various Caverns And Caves In California

    13 Fascinating Caverns And Caves In California

    April 14, 2025
    Various locations with giant sequoia trees in California

    12 Best Places To Visit Sequoia Trees In California

    August 14, 2025
  • 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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    A windy road traveling through redwoods in California

    15 Best State Parks To Visit In California

    May 6, 2026
    Woman and a dog standing on a rock overlooking the California Coast

    15 Top Dog-Friendly Hikes On The California Coast

    February 27, 2025
    15 Top Cheap Places To Visit In California

    15 Top Cheap Places To Visit In California

    September 8, 2025
  • 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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    A group of people horseback riding in Agoura Hills with Malibu Riders

    Horseback Riding In Agoura Hills With Malibu Riders

    February 20, 2024
    15 Top Cheap Places To Visit In California

    15 Top Cheap Places To Visit In California

    September 8, 2025
    Places to stay in Malibu

    10 Wonderful Places To Stay In Malibu Near The Beach

    August 12, 2024
  • 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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    Woman sitting on a rock overlooking a lake in California in winter

    California Winter Packing List (By a Local)

    November 13, 2023
    Wildlife in California

    15 Best Places For Viewing Wildlife In California

    March 15, 2024
    VRBO Morro Bay

    10 Best VRBO Morro Bay Vacation Rentals In California

    October 5, 2023
  • 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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    Cass Hill Cayucos Hiking Trails

    Cayucos Hiking Trails: Cass Hill

    September 26, 2023
    Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park

    9 Top Things To Do At Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park

    August 25, 2023
    Best Hotels in Santa Barbara

    10 Best Hotels In Santa Barbara For a Seaside Escape

    August 28, 2023
  • 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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    Ventura River Preserve Trail

    Hiking Ventura River Preserve Trail In Ojai

    May 27, 2024
    Turquoise kayak in the ocean near the Santa Barbara coast

    15 Best Santa Barbara Water Tours To Book In 2026

    December 29, 2025
    Yosemite Falls in the mountains surrounded by trees, one of the best waterfalls in Central California

    20 Best Waterfalls In Central California (By a Local)

    December 1, 2024
  • 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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    VRBO Lake Tahoe

    10 Of The Coolest VRBO Vacation Rentals in South Lake Tahoe

    March 30, 2021
    Hilltop Hot Springs

    How To Visit Hilltop Hot Springs In Mammoth Lakes

    October 30, 2023
    A scenic road along Highway 395 in California in the fall

    10 Best Fall Drives in California For Incredible Scenery

    September 9, 2026
  • 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 beachfront boardwalk in California

    13 Of The Most Scenic Boardwalks In California

    June 6, 2024
    Places to stay in San Simeon

    18 Best Places To Stay In San Simeon, California

    March 21, 2024
    Things to do in Ventura

    26 Best Things To Do In Ventura, California (By a Local)

    October 22, 2024
  • 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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    View of a walkway at a park in Camarillo California

    10 Best Parks In Camarillo, California (By a Local)

    June 24, 2024
    Ventura Botanical Gardens Trail

    Ventura Botanical Gardens Trail In Ventura

    March 6, 2025
    Scenery of Napa Valley on a wine tour from San Francisco

    12 Best Wine Tours From San Francisco (2026)

    December 30, 2025
  • 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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    Campervan parked in Big Sur while camping on Central California Coast

    15 Best Places To Go Camping On Central California Coast

    October 23, 2023
    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
    A view of a beach and pier in Carpinteria California

    13 Wonderful Things To Do In Carpinteria, California

    April 30, 2024
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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

  • 10 Best Fall Drives in California For Incredible Scenery
  • 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

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