Northern California

There are not too many places in California where you can visit a lake and be the only person there. Owens Lake near Lone Pine is an exception. This once 12-mile long 8-mile wide body of water was all but drained when the Owens River was diverted into the Los Angeles Aqueduct in 1913. Before … [Read more...]

California is known for its vast landscape filled with dozens of state parks and sitting at the top of the list is Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park near Santa Cruz California. The 4,623-acre park opened in 1954 and has been a popular destination for locals and tourists alike ever since. With 15 … [Read more...]

Dirty Sock Hot Spring is located on the southeast side of Owens Lake near Olancha California. The spring consists of a large concrete-lined pool that is fed by an underground spring. The natural hot springs water gives off a distinct odor that smells like dirty socks. While it is not certain how … [Read more...]

With around 100 remaining buildings in  Bodie Ghost Town, you will have plenty of exploring to keep you busy for hours. Be sure to bring water and food as there are no services in town. As a bustling gold mining center, Bodie had the amenities of larger towns, including two banks, four volunteer … [Read more...]

1. Lodi Wine Country Thirty-six miles: Lodi is the perfect destination for a wine-themed Sacramento road trip. Lodi is a significant contributor to California's wine industry, producing nearly 20 percent of its wine grapes. If wine tasting is not your thing, there is plenty to do and see in the … [Read more...]

Explore Historic Old Town District Old Town Sacramento gives a fascinating look into California's past.  Many of the Old Town's buildings national and California Historical Landmarks. There is more than enough to do here to keep you busy for a day. Visit the California State Railroad Museum, take a … [Read more...]

Step back in time and visit the charming city of Ferndale, California. Ferndale is one of the most well-preserved, beautiful historic cities you can visit in the whole state. The entire town is an officially designated California landmark. Known for it’s brightly painted Victorian homes, it’s … [Read more...]

Anthony Chabot Regional Park is located just 30 minutes from downtown Oakland a makes a great day trip from anywhere in the bay area. This park has something for everyone and is ideal for a day of hiking, biking, fishing, kayaking, or camping. Visitors enter the park with a drive through thick … [Read more...]

Formed when a mass of underlying rock was forced up through the earth's surface, Mount Diablo towers 3,849 feet over the San Francisco Bay. On a clear day, from the summit of this California ecological treasure, it is said that visitors can see 35 of California's 58 counties. And while many … [Read more...]

California State Highway 49 runs nearly 300 miles through the center of California Gold Country. Starting in Sierra County the "Mother Lode Highway" winds its way through the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains all the way to the central valley. Malakoff Diggins State Park Malakoff … [Read more...]

Fresh seafood cuisine, candy-painted storefronts along the ocean, local boutiques, and quiet beaches all wait just a few miles away from Santa Cruz in the relaxing and colorful beach town of Capitola, CA. If you’re looking for a classic California beach experience away from the hustle and bustle of … [Read more...]