California

My complete collection of California travel guides, road trip itineraries, and personal stories. This category covers the incredible diversity of the Golden State, from the sun-drenched beaches and Hollywood glamour of Southern California to the rugged coastline and giant redwoods of Northern California. Here you will find in-depth posts on exploring iconic national parks like Yosemite, Death Valley, and Joshua Tree; tips for navigating vibrant cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego; and my favorite discoveries along the scenic Pacific Coast Highway. I’ve poured my heart into these guides, sharing my best seasonal tips, hidden gems, and can’t-miss experiences to help you plan your own unforgettable California adventure.

Hiking to Alamere Falls at Point Reyes: My Journey to California’s Rare “Tidefall” (A Challenging But Rewarding Trek!)

Most folks think of California’s famous waterfalls like Yosemite Falls, but not many have actually heard about Alamere Falls. It’s ...
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When to See Whales & Wildflowers at Point Reyes? My Seasonal Wildlife and Bloom Guide!

Point Reyes National Seashore really stands out as one of California’s best spots for watching whales and wildflowers, but honestly, ...
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7 Unforgettable Experiences I Had at Point Reyes National Seashore (My Must-Do List!)

Point Reyes National Seashore completely changed how I see the California coast. Just an hour north of San Francisco, this ...
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Point Reyes National Seashore: My Windswept Adventure to a Historic Lighthouse, Tule Elk Herds, and a Waterfall on the Beach!

Point Reyes National Seashore juts out like a wild finger into the Pacific Ocean, carving one of California’s most striking ...
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My Search for Treasure at Fort Bragg’s Glass Beach: A Story of Nature’s Beautiful Recycling

Standing on the shores of Fort Bragg’s Glass Beach, I felt like I was in a world of my own. ...
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When is the Best Time to Visit Mendocino & Fort Bragg? My Guide to Whale Watching Season (Winter/Spring) & Sunny Summers

Honestly, the best time to visit Mendocino and Fort Bragg really depends on what you’re after. If you’re hoping to ...
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Things to Do Mendocino Fort Bragg, Mendocino Listicle, Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, Skunk Train Experience, Point Cabrillo Light Station, Russian Gulch State Park, North Coast Highlights

Most folks heading to the Northern California coast have heard about Glass Beach, but Mendocino County has so many outdoor ...
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Mendocino & Fort Bragg: My Charming Escape to Quaint Villages, Rugged Headlands, and a Famous Glass Beach on the North Coast

The Mendocino Coast, tucked about three hours north of San Francisco, is honestly one of Northern California’s most jaw-dropping escapes. ...
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Is the Lost Coast Trail California’s Most Challenging (and Rewarding) Coastal Hike? My Personal Verdict

After hiking hundreds of miles along California’s coastline, I have to admit—nothing compares to the Lost Coast Trail when it ...
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Hiking the Lost Coast: My Wild & Rugged Backpacking Adventure on California’s Most Undeveloped Shoreline (Permits & Prep!)

California’s Lost Coast Trail is honestly one of the wildest, most remote backpacking trips you can take in the lower ...
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Driving the Avenue of the Giants: My Scenic Detour Through an Ancient Redwood Wonderland in Northern California

A recent detour completely changed how I see Northern California’s natural wonders. The Avenue of the Giants isn’t just another ...
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Feeling the Misty Magic of the Redwood Forest: Why a Foggy or Rainy Day Was My Favorite Time to Visit

Most folks head to the redwood forest hoping for clear skies and sunshine. But honestly? I found the real magic ...
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How to See the Best of Redwood National Park in Just One Day: My Whirlwind Itinerary!

Most folks assume you need several days to do Redwood National Park justice, but honestly, you can hit the park’s ...
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My Top 5 “Must-Do” Hikes in Redwood National and State Parks (For All Fitness Levels!)

There’s just something unforgettable about wandering beneath the tallest trees on Earth. Redwood National and State Parks in California have ...
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Walking Among Giants in Redwood National Park: My Humbling Journey Through the World’s Tallest Trees (A UNESCO Treasure!)

Standing under the redwoods in Northern California, I suddenly felt tiny. These ancient giants—some shooting over 300 feet skyward and ...
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When is the Best Time to Visit California’s North Coast? My Guide to Summer Fog, Autumn Sun & Moody Winter Storms

California’s North Coast isn’t your typical sun-drenched beach scene. This wild, rugged stretch—where ancient redwoods stand guard above crashing waves—feels ...
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My Top 7 Most Enchanting Stops Along California’s North Coast (Redwoods, Quaint Towns & More!)

California’s North Coast just grabs you with its wild beauty. There’s something about the way those redwoods tower overhead and ...
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California’s Wild North Coast: My Road Trip Through Giant Redwoods, Misty Shores, and Rugged Beauty

California’s Wild North Coast just might be one of the most jaw-dropping road trip routes in the country. I’ve cruised ...
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5 Tips for the Perfect Visit to Burney Falls (From Best Photo Spots to Beating the Summer Crowds!)

Burney Falls really is one of Northern California’s most jaw-dropping natural wonders. People from all over the country come here ...
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Burney Falls: My Awe-Struck Visit to the “Eighth Wonder of the World” in Northern California (It’s Breathtaking Year-Round!)

Burney Falls rises 129 feet in Northern California’s McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park, and honestly, it deserves the hype as ...
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Is Summer the Only Time for Lake Shasta? My Thoughts on Quiet Autumn Fishing & Spring Lake Levels

Most people assume summer is the only time worth checking out Lake Shasta, but honestly, that’s just not the case. ...
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