California Travel Tips (2024)

21/03/2022

Cheers from Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar! 🦜

18/03/2022

The Victorian-era Gaslamp Quarter, set in the heart of downtown San Diego, was once home to the area's criminals, prostitutes and charlatans.

Today, it's a hip dining, lodging and shopping area.Be sure to take a stroll at night, when the gaslamps that line the street are aglow. This is when the city's hot young thangs come out to party — heading to one of the area's hottest taverns, sky bars and nightclubs. A few favorites include Altitude, The Nolan, Float , Rustic Root and The Pool House.

Designated a National Historic District, the area (once known as the "Stingaree") is home to several historic buildings, including three gambling halls once owned by Wyatt Earp. Highlights include the 1877 Llewelyn Building, 1874 City Hall, 1881 Marston Building and 1882 Yuma Building.

Guided tours of the Gaslamp Quarter are offered at 11 a.m. Saturdays through the William Heath Davis Historic House Museum. Self-guided museum tours are also offered between 10-6 Tues-Sat and 9-3 Sunday.

Overnight options include some of San Diego's best hotels, including the iconic US Grant, Hard Rock Hotel San Diego and Andaz San Diego.

17/03/2022

For a fun outing this summer, don't miss the 2-hour scenic tour around Lake Tahoe.

From Tahoe City, take Highway 28 north around the lake, joining Interstate 50 near Glenbrook. Continue through South Lake Tahoe until you reach Highway 89, (Emerald Bay Road), which drops you back into Tahoe City.

Along the way, you'll spot pristine forests, migrating Canada Geese, and beautiful beaches.

Highlights include Emerald Bay Overlook, Sugar Pine Point State Park, Cave Rock and Kings Beach/Lake Tahoe Nevada state parks. The lake is one of the world's purest and deepest, dating back almost 5 million years!

16/03/2022

Quainter and slightly more upscale than its neighbor, Big Bear Lake, the Lake Arrowhead mountain resort centers around its posh village of retail shops and charming restaurants on the waterfront.

Be sure to tour the lake on the paddle wheeler, Arrowhead Queen Tour Boat. Other attractions include Wildhaven Ranch Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary, Snowdrift Snow Tubing Park and the Mountain Skies Astronomy Village.

One of the nicest places to stay is Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa, but for a unique overnight head to the historic 1929 Bracken Fern Manor, a former brothel and nightclub once owned by gangster Bugsy Siegel.

While you’re in the village, don’t miss a morning breakfast at Belgian Waffle Works, known for its huge portions of waffles smothered with whipped cream and fresh strawberries.

Annual Lake Arrowhead events include a free Oktoberfest, held between September and October, and the Classic Wooden Boat Show in June. During the summer, the village hosts free summer concerts!

16/03/2022

Located a short ferry ride from Ventura Harbor, the five islands of Channel Islands National Park offer some of the most scenic vistas, archaeological discoveries and unique wildlife along the California coast.

Adventurous spirits will find plenty to do here, whether it's kayaking through the sea caves of Santa Cruz Island, or diving and snorkeling in the underwater kelp forests.

Island Packers (805-642-1393), a concessionaire just south of Santa Barbara, offers daily cruises to the islands. If you don't want to leave the boat, consider their North Shore Wildlife Cruise, which takes you for a 3-hour sail around Anacapa Island. Along the way, you'll see all types of sea life, from migrating gray whales to sea lions, seals and pelicans.

For a full list of authorized outfitters offering guided hiking, sailing, whale watching and kayaking tours, check out Nps.gov/chis/

15/03/2022

Located in the Mojave Desert, Randsburg a Living Ghost Town is one of California's few "living" ghost towns, home to approximately 80 residents.

The Rand Mining District was established in 1895, when gold was discovered in the Rand mountains. It's estimated that Randsburg produced more than $60 million in gold during its boom. One of the most productive gold mines was the Yellow Aster, which yielded $25 million between 1895 and 1933.

Most of Randsburg's surviving Old West buildings and saloons are located along Butte Avenue, where you'll find the popular Randsburg General Store (35 Butte Ave., 760-374-2180), built in 1896 as the Randsburg Drug Store. Today, this popular hangout is a huge draw for motorcycle riders who fuel up on burgers and sandwiches, washed down with a phosphate soda or Black Bart float. The building still has its original tin ceilings, light fixtures and soda fountain.

For a stiffer drink, head across the street to the White House Saloon (168 Butte Ave., 760-374-2464) for some burgers and brews, or check out The Joint (165 Butte Avenue; 760-374-9913), a local watering hole that's been in business since the 1950s. Photo opportunities abound in this California ghost town, from the Randsburg Jail, located at the entrance to town, to the Old Randsburg Post Office (31 Butte Ave., 760-374-2143), dating back to 1896. In the Randsburg Desert Museum (161 Butte Ave., 760-374-2359 or 760-374-2400), you'll find mining exhibits, memorabilia, artifacts, and historic photos of the Rand Mining Company.

Want to spend the night? The Randsburg Cottage Hotel, built in 1930, offers a B&B and cabin rentals. Call them at 760-495-2069.

Tip: The best time to visit is on the weekend, when most businesses are operating.

12/03/2022

🌼 Spring has sprung in the Antelope Valley! 🌼

Join the County of Los Angeles Department of Parks & Recreation for a special look at nature in Littlerock on Saturday, March 12 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Stop by Jackrabbit Flats to learn about local wildflowers, go on a guided walk, and meet animal ambassadors. The event will begin at the corner of East Ave. T and 116th St East in Littlerock. Call (626) 223-7718 for more information.

10/03/2022

The vast El Mirage Dry Lake, set a few miles off Highway 395 and Interstate 15 in the Mojave Desert, is a favorite place for Hollywood and fashion houses, who film countless music videos, movies and car commercials here. But it's also a fun place to spend a few hours!

Time your visit for one of the SCTA Southern California Timing Association trials, where the world's fastest cars race across the hard-packed clay in an attempt to join the 200 mph club.

You can also take your car out on the lakebed (weather conditions allowing) for a fun drive. Don’t miss a stop at the Friends of El Mirage Visitors Center, where docents will tell you the history of the lakebed and you can shop for souvenirs, take some fun photos, and learn more about the region.

If you care to do your own thrill-seeking, join one of the guided landsailing adventures and motorcycle tours offered by third-party vendors.

09/03/2022

For a beautiful tour of California, consider a ride on Amtrak , which offers eight routes throughout the state.

Prices vary considerably, depending on your destination, but one of the most popular routes is the Coast Starlight, which traverses the coast from San Diego toward Oakland.

Another popular route is the Pacific Surfliner , which serves areas between San Diego and San Luis Obispo.

From the Midwest, you can reach California via the California Zephyr, Sunset Limited, Southwest Chief and Texas Eagle. The Capitol Corridor serves the Northern cities of San Jose, Oakland, San Francisco, Sacramento and Auburn. The San Joaquin route travels between Bakersfield and Sacramento.

Once you arrive at your destination, grab one of the California Thruway Motorcoaches, which are available on the Pacific Surfliner, Capitol Corridor and San Joaquin routes. The buses travel to many popular California sights, from Yosemite National Park, Napa Valley, Monterey, Santa Cruz and Palm Springs.

04/03/2022

One of our nation's most scenic and celebrated hikes, the Pacific Crest Trail runs 2,650 miles from Mexico to Canada.

Annually, only about 180 people complete the hike, which takes 4 to 6 months from beginning to end. Most hikers begin the trek between March and early May. More than 90% of thru-hikers head northbound.

In Southern California, the route of this National Scenic Trail runs from Campo at the Mexican border up north through the Anza-Borrego State Park, Cleveland National Forest, San Jacinto Mountains and Big Bear Lake.

After passing through Lake Arrowhead, Silverwood Lake and Wrightwood, the trail continues north through Agua Dulce and Tehachapi Mountains.

One of the most beautiful stretches of the Pacific Crest Trail is in Central California, which includes stops in Walker Pass, the Kern River, Sequoia National Park and Yosemite National Park.

Finally, in Northern California, the PCT traverses through the Cascade Range, Lassen Volcanic National Park, Mount Shasta, McArthur-Burney Falls and Castle Crags State Park toward the Siskiyou Mountains.

Most thru-hikers are continually sending supplies and food to their next Post Office stop, which is sent to General Delivery. It can cost a Pacific Crest Trail hiker upwards of $3,000 to $9,000 to complete the trail when adding up the price of hiking gear and trail food, not to mention occasional motel stays and restaurants!

03/03/2022

Cal-Earth Institute, a sustainable cluster of SuperAdobe buildings in the Mojave Desert, is revered around the globe for its Earth-friendly materials and methods.

It was the brainchild of the late architect Nader Khalili (1936-2008), who developed his revolutionary designs for possible lunar use by NASA, and as a freely available housing option for the world's homeless.

Dubbed among the most "environmentally friendly homes" on Earth, Khalili's adobe creations are warm in the winter, and cool in the summer.

Highlights of Khalili's sustainable architecture buildings include the Moon Cocoon (a 400-square-foot dome house with four pods which can be used as a living room, kitchen, bathroom and bedroom); Emergency Sandbag Shelters (beehive-like structures made with sandbags and barbed wire); and the Earth One House (made to withstand California's strict earthquake building codes, harsh summer temperatures, and floods).

“Superadobe is an adobe that is stretched from history into the new century," said Khalili. "It is like an umbilical cord connecting the traditional with the future adobe world.”

Cal-Earth workshops, where you'll learn the fundamentals of building your own eco-friendly dome home, are scheduled throughout the year. Mini Open Houses are scheduled for March 5 and April 2, 2022. Cost is $15.

Cal-Earth is located at 10177 Baldy Lane, Hesperia. For more information, go to CalEarth.com or call 760-486-2031.

02/03/2022

The vast inland Salton Sea State Recreation Area is filled with quirky roadside oddities, bubbling mud pots and all manner of sea birds. And it’s oddly popular, drawing roughly 100,000 tourists a year.

During the winter, the sea is home to approximately 400 species of birds, who come here to rest during their trek along the Pacific Flyway.

Located 227 below sea level, the sea, which sits on ancient Lake Cahuilla, is actually a sink basin from the Gulf of California. It was created in 1905 when the Colorado River was diverted here by mistake.

As the world's largest inland sea, it's 30 percent saltier than the ocean due to the area's limited rainfall.

There are more than 1,500 campsites throughout the park, ranging from primitive beach camping to full-hookups at Headquarters Camp. Mecca Beach and Corvina Beach are popular primitive camping areas, with their own toilets and running water.

During your visit, be sure to check out the Visitor Center, where you can learn about the sea's history and origins, or check out Salt Creek and Bombay Beach for a day of kayaking. Anglers with a current license can fish for common catches like tilapia, mullet and bass.

You'll find the park's famous bubbling mud volcanoes in the geothermal area near Davis and Schrimpf roads. Guided walks and talks are offered during the winter and spring, including several kayak tours, offered through the Sea and Desert Interpretive Association. Sign up at 760-393-3810.

01/03/2022

Tucked on a lonely stretch of Route 66 — part way between Barstow and Needles — Bagdad Cafe needs little introduction.

As the site of the critically acclaimed movie starring Jack Palance, this Newberry Springs eatery is a pilgrimage of sorts for European and Japanese tourists. Located along National Trails Highway, the restaurant (formerly Sidewinder Cafe) serves up a traditional American menu named after characters in the movie. Buffalo burgers are a specialty, as are the Philly steak sandwiches and cream pies.

The cafe is located at 46548 National Trails Hwy., Newberry Springs. Call 760-257-3101 for info.

28/02/2022

Tucked along busy Laguna Canyon Road, en route to world-famous Laguna Beach, the Pacific Marine Mammal Center is home to a variety of rescued California seals and sea lions.

Since 1971, the center has been a sanctuary for injured and sick sea mammals — many who come here malnourished, dehydrated or wounded by sharks.

A small handful of dedicated volunteers and staff members tend to the critters each day, preparing medication, chopping fish, and washing out the pinniped pens.

After rehabilitation, most of these marine mammals are returned to their homes in the Pacific Ocean. When you visit, be sure to walk quietly and don't make eye contact with the mammals. This ensures that they don't become attached to humans and can have a safe return to the wild.

In addition to free public tours, the center offers a variety of programs and classes, including several Marine Mammal School Programs for all age groups. Camp Pinniped is a summer day camp geared toward 8- to 12-year-olds.

For more information, call 949-494-3050 or visit them at pacificmmc.org

27/02/2022

For approximately 6 weeks during the spring, The Flower Fields of Carlsbad in are awash in a sea of pink, yellow, red and orange ranunculus flowers.

You can stroll through the 50-acre fields on your own, or join a narrated tractor ride. Several events are held during the spring bloom, from yoga and wine tasting to photography and flower arranging workshops.

If you've been in need of a new family or couples portrait, this is your chance. In fact, they even have photographers who will shoot souvenir sessions by appointment.

After the tour, browse the garden center, which is filled with flowers, lawn decor and — you guessed it — ranunculus bulbs.

The Flower Fields are open between March 1 and Mothers Day. For more information, call (760) 431-0352. Tickets must be booked through theflowerfields.com

26/02/2022

Every spring, the cheerful California poppy paints the barren Mojave Desert with brilliant hues of orange and gold. One of the best places to view these beautiful California poppies is at the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reservepy Reserve. When you arrive, check out the Interpretive Center, where you can watch a video and enjoy the natural history displays.

Peak bloom for the California poppy is between March and May, but April is usually the best time to visit. Along the trails, you'll spot native wildflowers like red maids, pygmy lupine and wild parsley. The poppies can be found along North and South Poppy Loop trails.

Remember: It's against the law to pick or destroy wildflowers in the park. Rattlesnakes are common at the reserve, so be extremely careful and watch your step. Only service dogs are permitted.

Call the wildflower hotline for updates at (661) 724-1180.

25/02/2022

The historic 1920s The Delta King river boat — which sailed between San Francisco and Sacramento until the 1940s — has a permanent home docked on the Sacramento River.

Now a floating hotel, each room is decorated in a classic nautical theme, with plenty of blues, reds and creams. Amenities include free WiFi, flat screen TVs, complimentary full breakfasts and sweet views of the Sacramento River.

If you're just here for the day, enjoy a meal at the Pilothouse restaurant, or Delta Bar and Grill. Start with a wine sampler flight featuring California State Fair Gold Medal Wines, along with an appetizer of fried calamari or Spanish mushrooms with garlic butter and grilled bread.

The restaurant, which has a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, serves prix-fixe or a la carte entrees. Standouts include their signature pan-roasted Norwegian salmon and braised short ribs.

Learn more at deltaking.com

23/02/2022

Between late February through April each year, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park’s desert landscape is awash in a blanket of wildflowers, ranging from the delicate desert lily to the bright red cactus blooms. Peak season lasts only a couple weeks, so call for the latest Borrego Springs Chamber & Visitor's Bureau wildflower reports at (760) 767-4684.

Plan to stay the weekend, as there's more than wildflowers to see. You can play 18 holes of Borrego Springs golf at Borrego Springs Resort, Rams Hill Country Club or the Roadrunner Golf and Country Club; go hiking on one of 20 amazing hiking trails; or enjoy an informative desert lecture or guided hike through the Borrego Springs Visitors Center.

Here, you can enjoy several free programs, from guided bird walks from Tamarisk Grove to Yacqui Well, to evening campfire programs or hikes to Lower Willows, Harper Flat, Cool Canyon and Warner Springs.

There are just a few hotels in Borrego Springs, but Borrego Valley Inn (405 Palm Canyon Drive; 760-767-0311) offers some of the most lovely accommodations. This 15-room Santa Fe-style boutique inn boasts in-room fireplaces, luxury bed linens, kitchenettes, TV and WiFi. The staff are friendly and hospitable.

Camping is available in Borrego Palm Canyon, Tamarisk Grove and Vern Whitaker Horse Camp. For camping reservations, call (800) 444-7275 or book them online. If you're bringing along the trailer or RV, don't miss a pampering stay at The Springs at Borrego RV Resort and Golf Course.

Tips: Summer weather can reach up to 125 F during the summer, so always carry plenty of water. Proper hiking shoes, a hat and sunscreen are also a must. WiFi service is offered near the Ranger's Office.

22/02/2022

One of the most iconic stops along the Mojave's Route 66, Roy's Motel & Cafe was built in 1938 by Amboy mayor Buster Burris. He dubbed it "the crustiest, dustiest gas stop on all of Route 66."

Originally a successful auto parts house, the building was turned into a cafe in 1945, serving up homemade chili, Route 66 burgers (double meat and double cheese) and old-fashioned lemonade.

Though in the middle of nowhere, Roy's gained a loyal following throughout the years. Fans included Harrison Ford and Clint Black, and its mid-century Googie sign has become a Mojave Desert icon.

In 2005, the entire town (and everything in it) was purchased by Albert Okura, a preservationist who also owns the first McDonald's in San Bernardino. Okura hopes to restore the cafe to its former glory. In the meantime, you're free to snap photos or try these historic Roy's recipes at home.

21/02/2022

One of the hottest spots on the planet, Death Valley National Park is best visited during the fall, winter or spring — when blankets of wildflowers cover the normally barren landscape. Yes, it's a desert, but there's plenty to do here.

Scotty's Castle, built by Albert Johnson between 1922 and 1931, is a 30,000-square-foot mansion that was badly damaged during recent floods. Still, if you keep your eye on the website, you can join one of their flood recovery tours.

Other highlights in the valley include the Amargosa Opera House; Badwater (the lowest point in the western hemisphere, 282 feet below sea level); Dante's View, which offers sweeping views of Death Valley; Ubehebe Crater, a 3,000-square-foot volcanic pit; and Zabriskie Point, which looks out on the camel-back shaped hills of Golden Canyon.

The Racetrack features mysterious moving rocks across the slick desert floor.To get your bearings, start your visit at the Death Valley Museum and Visitor Center, which offers ranger-led programs (November to April), guided walks and 30-minute films explaining the history of the valley. You can overnight at several historic lodgings, from the first-class Furnace Creek Inn & Ranch, to the rustic Stovepipe Wells Village (760-786-2387) and Panamint Springs Resort (775-482-7680).

There are also roughly nine campgrounds throughout Death Valley. Some of the most popular are Furnace Creek Campground (open year-round), along with Sunset, Texas Spring, Mesquite Spring (760-786-3200) and Stovepipe Wells — the latter which is home to the only RV hookup site in the valley.

Death Valley’s Dark Sky Festival is planned February 25-27, 2022.

19/02/2022

Robert Mondavi may be the ambassador of Napa Valley, but it was George C. Yount who first put Yountville on the map when he planted the first vineyards here in 1838.

One of the most charming cities in wine country, Yountville is a 1-square mile walking town that just happens to be one of the most gourmet cities in the nation.

Along the main drag of Washington Street, just past a meandering stream, is Thomas Keller's famous French Laundry, a modest stone-and-wood cottage considered to be one of the top restaurants in the nation.

Philippe Jeanty, who first came to Yountville as the head chef of Domaine Chandon, is another local star. His award-winning Bistro Jeanty serves up traditional French countryside cuisine, including an amazing tomato soup en croute.

Yountville's central Napa Valley location makes it an ideal base for touring the wineries. Lodging choices include charming bed and breakfasts such as Lavender or Maison Fleurie to eco-green getaways like the hot Bardessono. Hotel Villagio and Vintage House also draw rave reviews.

After a tiring day touring wine country, treat yourself to a pampering massage at Divine Chakra Spa or the Spa Terra, located in an underground estate cave.

18/02/2022

At 14,505 feet, Mount Whitney is the tallest peak in the contiguous United States. As such, it's understandably popular — open only by lottery each February.

To reach the trail head, head from Lone Pine on the Eastern Sierra Byway to Whitney Portal Road. Along the way, you'll pass the Alabama Hills — a favorite filming site for old west stars like John Wayne and Roy Rogers.

Near the trail, you can enjoy a hearty breakfast at the Whitney Portal Store (known for their ginormous pancakes and moose burgers), check out the waterfall, or spend the night at the campground.

The ascent to Mount Whitney — approximately 10.7 miles (one way) — follows the famous John Muir Trail, which travels 211 miles through the Sierra Nevada mountains into Yosemite. Guided climbs of Mt. Whitney — which is part of Sequoia National Park — are offered through several mountaineering companies, including REI, Sierra Mountain Center and Southern Yosemite Mountain Guides.

Tip: If you score a permit, begin your hike as early as 3 a.m. It takes roughly 10-15 hours to complete the trip and you should be in good physical shape.

17/02/2022

Imagine yourself whooshing through Mammoth's snowy Sierra Nevadas — pulled by a team of barking sled dogs. At Mammoth Dog Teams, you can take your pick of two different tours, departing daily from Smokey Bear Flats.

Here, you can pack into an authentic dog sled, and accompanied by a professional musher, enjoy a 50-minute ride through the quiet snow-capped mountains. Want a more authentic adventure? Two-day dog sled tours through the Sierra back country are offered in January, March and April. You’ll get hands-on training before getting your own sled team for an overnight tour.

The price includes camping gear, dog sledding equipment and all meals and beverages. During the outing, you will feed, water and care for your own sled dogs. You’ll also have the chance to snowshoeing and skijorring at camp.

Be sure you are in good physical condition before joining the overnight tour. Longer extended trips are also available.

Call for reservations at (760) 914-1019.

16/02/2022

Designed by Frank Gehry, this stunning silver building is among the most photographed structures in Downtown Los Angeles.

After admiring its abstract design, check out the Walt Disney Music Hall's urban garden, which features plants favored by Lillian Disney. The 293,000-square-foot music center is best known as the home of The Los Angeles Philharmonic, who plays here almost daily.

Free tours are offered in the center, leaving from the Grand Lobby. The self-guided audio tour is offered daily at 10 a.m. The symphonian tour offers an in-depth look at the hall's historical and architectural highlights. All tours, which run 60-90 minutes, are free for groups of 14 and fewer.

Disney Music Hall is located at 135 N. Grand Avenue, Los Angeles. For more information, call (213) 972-7211.

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