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California Travel Tips Hi! I'm Veronica. Born in LA. Raised in OC. Like, follow and "see first" to get my daily updates on the best travel destinations and hidden gems in California.

Check out my YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/californiatraveltips All photos and videos are copyright Veronica Hill & California Travel Tips unless otherwise stated. Please do not use without permission.

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.

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Yosemite Travel Guide | California Travel Tips | #RoamatHome

In today's #RoamatHome episode of California Travel Tips, we take a look at Yosemite National Park, from the scenic vistas at Tunnel View to its world-famous waterfalls and giant sequoias. Be sure to like, follow and "see first" so you are notified when we post new videos and content! 🔹Yosemite National Park Travel Guide🔹 To get your bearings, start in Yosemite Village, which is the hub of action in the valley. You can grab Yosemite permits at the Wilderness Center, pick up some a Yosemite map at the Visitor Center, or learn more about the valley's history in the Yosemite Museum. The Valley Shuttle map of Yosemite includes a guide to popular sights, bike trails and campgrounds in Yosemite. The Ansel Adams Gallery has photography walks, classes and workshops. Many are free, and offered year-round. For the best Yosemite pictures, head out at sunrise or sunset, when a beautiful warm glow shines across the valley. No matter where you're standing, the Yosemite view is sure to be breathtaking. Some of the best California hiking is found here in Yosemite. In fact, the park is home to 840 miles of hiking trails, including the famous John Muir Trail. When backpacking or hiking Yosemite trails through the backcountry, be sure to get a wilderness permit. When hiking in Yosemite, you'll need a permit to hike the summit of Half Dome, which is 4,733 feet and about 16 miles round trip. More adventurous souls can brave the 6-day climb to El Capitan, the largest granite monolith in the world at 3,593 feet. One of my favorite activities is hiking to the waterfalls. Yosemite Falls are the tallest waterfalls in North America. Lower Yosemite Falls are easily reached on a short paved trail near Yosemite Lodge at the Falls. The loop is roughly a mile, round trip. Yosemite lodging ranges from the historic tents at Curry Village to countless Yosemite campgrounds throughout the valley. Camp 4 is a Yosemite campground popular with rock climbers, and Housekeeping Camp offers ru

Alcatraz Travel Guide | California Travel Tips | #RoamAtHome

Sitting at home dreaming of traveling again? For the next 30 days, we will release a new #RoamAtHome episode from our California travel video archives. Today's feature takes a peek at Alcatraz Island in San Francisco. Be sure to like, follow and "see first" so you are notified when we post new videos and content!

Santa Monica Pier

Have you been to the Santa Monica Pier? Here's my guide to some of the highlights you shouldn't miss during a visit. What's your favorite thing to do at the Pier? PS: If you are enjoying these videos, please like, follow and share with your friends! Santa Monica Pier is one of the West Coast's oldest pleasure piers, dating back to 1909. Pacific Park is one of the best Santa Monica attractions, serving up all kinds of family fun — from carnival-style boardwalk amusements to fast moving roller coasters. It's the West Coast's only amusement park located on a pier. Be sure to ride on the Pacific Wheel — the world's first solar-powered Ferris wheel — then hop aboard the West Coaster, which travels 35 miles per hour around the pier. At the Playland Arcade, you can play vintage video games or get your fortune told by Zoltar, a famous icon from the movie "Big." While you're touring Santa Monica Pier, be sure to take a spin on the 1922 carousel, which was featured in Paul Newman's movie, The Sting. Featuring 44 hand-carved horses, the Santa Monica Pier carousel is located inside the historic Santa Monica Loof Hippodrome, which was built in 1916. Downstairs, at the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium run by Heal the Bay, you can get a close-up look at moon jellies, moray eels and other Pacific ocean sea life. Most Santa Monica Pier restaurants serve up typical fun park fare — ranging from funnel cakes and churros to Dippin' Dots and Icees. There are several full service restaurants on the pier, or you can head down to the Santa Monica boardwalk for a Hot Dog on a Stick, an icon here since 1946. (This was the first restaurant in the famous chain.) Bring your circus dreams to life at the Trapeze School of New York, or rent a bike for a leisurely ride to Venice Beach. The South Bay Bicycle Trail in Santa Monica is the world's longest beach cycling path, stretching 22 miles from Torrance to Malibu. Santa Monica Muscle Beach dates back to the 1930s. This outdoor gym, which

Star Wars Cantina at Disneyland

How many of you have been to Oga's Cantina at Disneyland? What did you think? This is the first place in Disneyland (outside of Club 33) that serves alcohol! If you're planning a visit, be sure to make reservations ahead of time through the official Disneyland app, and keep in mind that it's just a bar right now. (I hear a limited food menu is in the works). Kids of all ages are allowed, and there are non-alcoholic drinks available. For adults, I can personally recommend the Fuzzy TaunTaun drink, which is made from a Szechuan button foam that actually numbs your mouth! Pretty crazy!

Checking out the @surfingamerica USA Championships in Trestles today!

A little bagpipes for you! #newportbeach #california

And Christmas begins!

Having fun at Comic-con!

Sunset in Long Beach tonight. Had a great day visiting with childhood friends from Orange County, followed by a fun afternoon at Aquarium of the Pacific. And the weather was totally awesome! Is it really November?

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Yosemite Travel Guide | California Travel Tips | #RoamatHome

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