Visiting Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
Located in downtown Los Angeles, the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County is one of the best museums to visit in California, with over 35 million artifacts in its collection. As parents to two little kids, we’re always searching for fun and engaging activities to do in Southern California. From enormous dinosaur displays and interactive exhibits to outdoor hiking trails, there is plenty to keep the little ones occupied for hours! Here is my guide covering everything you need to know for visiting the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. Museum Highlights A quick overview of the Natural History Museum of L.A. County: Entrance cost: Hours: 9:30 am…
15 Best Muir Woods Tours From San Francisco (2026)
Looking for the best Muir Woods Tours from San Francisco to take on your trip? You’ve come to the right place! As a California local, I love visiting redwoods. There is just something magical about walking through an ancient forest filled with towering trees that have endured for centuries. If visiting California redwoods is on your bucket list, Muir Woods is hands down the best place to see redwoods in the Bay Area! Our top pick for a Muir Woods Tour from San Francisco: Muir Woods, Alcatraz, and Sausalito Day Trip (with over 1000 reviews!) Muir Woods is home to a stunning old-growth forest with redwood trees that are 600…
Guide To Visiting Yosemite National Park In Fall (2026)
Planning to visit Yosemite National Park in the fall and not sure when to go? As a California local, I’ve been to Yosemite National Park in the fall many times! Predicting when exactly the autumn leaves will change in the mountains can be a bit tricky. BUT, if you time your trip right, you can visit Yosemite at the peak of fall colors – a memorable California bucket list experience of a lifetime! In this guide, I share insider tips on how to time your Yosemite fall trip, what to do on your visit, and where to stay. I also cover all the best photography spots for capturing Yosemite fall…
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…
25 Best Beaches On The Central California Coast
California has one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world, offering endless adventures for beach lovers. As a California local, I have traveled up and down the California coast many times, finding incredible beach destinations along the way. Whether you’re looking for a place to soak up the sunshine in the summer or somewhere to escape during the colder winter months, here are all of the top beaches along the Central California Coast! I cover these top-rated beaches in order, starting in the south by Malibu and heading north to Santa Cruz. Let’s dive in! 25 Best Beaches On The Central California Coast: 1. El Matador State Beach If…
15 Best Things To Do On A Trip To Ojai, California
Ojai is a small town north of Ventura known for its thriving arts scene, charming local businesses, and all things relaxation. Living in Ventura County, Ojai is one of my favorite quick getaways. Sometimes I stay for a night at one of the cozy boutique hotels, other times I come for lunch in the downtown area or to do an art class. Every time I visit, there is something new that I discover in town! Whether you are looking for a chill escape with a spa day or an active vacation with lots of outdoor activities, Ojai has something that appeals to everyone. Here are 15 of the best things…
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,…
12 Wonderful Things To Do In Felton, California
Tucked away between towering redwood trees and historic logging communities, Felton is a wonderful vacation spot, especially for those who love outdoor activities and small-town charm. Felton welcomes guests seeking a quiet escape in an old-growth forest near Santa Cruz. From serene redwood hikes to wooden covered bridges and exciting steam train rides, there are plenty of adventures awaiting you in Felton! In this guide, I share 12 of the best things to do in Felton that you can easily do over a few days trip. 12 Best Things To Do In Felton, California: 1. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park is the perfect spot for…
7 Wonderful Things To Do At Lake Isabella All Year Long
Tucked away in between mountains and small western-style towns, Lake Isabella is a popular summer vacation spot, especially for those who enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and river rafting. But there are plenty of things to do at Lake Isabella all year long! Located just an hour East of Bakersfield, this beautiful lake is a wonderful destination for Central California locals seeking a relaxing weekend getaway. As a California local myself, I’ve been to Lake Isabella many times, and there is always something fun to do in the area. Incredible scenery, adorable mom-and-pop restaurants, charming vacation rentals, and fun local breweries make Lake Isabella an attractive vacation spot no…
