Northern California
15 Best Fall Hikes To Do In California
Living in California, I can’t wait for the fall season to arrive! The crowds start to thin out, the weather cools down, and the mountain areas turn into a golden autumn paradise. October and November are my favorite months for heading outdoors when you can enjoy beautiful fall foliage and empty trails. This is a great time to go for road trips, check off a few hikes from your bucket list and enjoy stunning scenery. From family-friendly trails to challenging day hikes in the mountains, here are 15 of the top fall hikes in California for incredible views! 1. Convict Lake Loop Convict Lake Loop is one of the most…
10 Best Fall Drives in California For Incredible Scenery
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…
12 Places In California That Look Like Another Planet
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…
15 Top FREE Things To Do In California
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.…
15 Places In California That Look Like Other Countries
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…
15 Best State Parks To Visit In California
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…
12 Incredible Volcanic Destinations In California
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…
12 Best Ghost Towns To Visit In California
California is home to many historical towns that thrived in the 1800s, thanks to the abundance of gold, silver, and oil that was mined in the State. Over time, these towns were abandoned, leaving behind empty houses, streets, and decay. Many of them have since been restored and are open to the public for visitation. If you feel like stepping back in time, I cover 12 of the best ghost towns to visit in California. Whether you’re a history buff or looking for unique stops to see on a road trip, add these ghost towns to your California bucket list! Tip: Be sure to check out my interactive Google Map…
15 Amazing Places To Enjoy Fall Colors In California
Fall is one of my favorite seasons for hiking, going on road trips in California, and getting cozy in a mountain cabin. As a travel photographer, I have been on a mission for years to find all of the best locations for fall colors in our Golden State. There is just something magical about the crisp fall air, changing leaves, moody weather, and fewer crowds. If that sounds like a dream come true, here are 15 of the best places to see fall colors in California! Pssst! Be sure to check out my custom Google Map at the end of this post to see which of these locations is closest…
15 Top Cheap Places To Visit In California
California is one of the most expensive places to live and visit in the United States. There is so much to do here, but certain locations can put a big dent in your vacation budget. If you can, it’s always best to travel in California in the shoulder season from fall to spring. Personally, I prefer traveling in the off-peak times to avoid big crowds, and you’re much more likely to find good deals on accommodations and activities. If that’s not always an option, in this post, I have compiled a list of the best cheap places to visit in California. This list includes charming mountain destinations, low-key beach cities,…
