Hearst Castle for First-Time Visitors: Tours, Tickets and a Practical Half-Day Plan
Plan a first visit to Hearst Castle with tour choices, advance ticket advice, realistic timing, accessibility, San Simeon logistics and Highway 1 combinations.
Places to Visit
The best places to visit in California, with practical advice on which destinations fit different trips.
Golden Gate Bridge for First-Time Visitors: Best Viewpoints, Walking Tips and Parking Reality
Plan a first visit to the Golden Gate Bridge with realistic advice on walking the span, viewpoints, fog, wind, parking, public transport, accessibility and combining the bridge with Marin or the Presidio.
Big Sur in 2 Days: A Practical Highway 1 Itinerary Without Rushing the Coast
Plan two realistic days in Big Sur with Bixby Creek Bridge, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, McWay Falls, beaches, short walks, lodging strategy and current Highway 1 road-check advice.
Lake Tahoe in Winter: Snow, Skiing, Chains and a Realistic 3-Day Plan
Plan a winter trip to Lake Tahoe with snow-driving advice, chain controls, ski and non-ski options, South Shore vs North Shore bases, families, seniors and a realistic three-day itinerary.
Mammoth Lakes in Winter: Skiing, Snow, Hot Springs and a Practical 3-Day Guide
A realistic winter guide to Mammoth Lakes with skiing, snow play, scenic options, hot-spring etiquette, winter driving, where to stay and a flexible three-day itinerary.
Palm Springs with Kids: Pools, Tramway, Desert Nature and a Realistic 3-Day Family Plan
Palm Springs can work surprisingly well with children when you plan around heat. This family guide covers pools, the aerial tramway, desert nature, museums, Joshua Tree and a realistic three-day plan.
Santa Barbara with Kids: Beaches, Zoo, MOXI and a Relaxed 2-Day Family Itinerary
A practical family guide to Santa Barbara with the zoo, MOXI, beaches, Stearns Wharf, playgrounds, stroller-friendly planning, parking and a relaxed two-day itinerary.
Napa Valley Beyond Wine: Food, Nature, Family Stops and a Relaxed 2-Day Itinerary
Napa Valley is more than wine tasting. This practical guide covers food, cycling, parks, towns, family-friendly stops, designated-driver planning and a relaxed two-day itinerary beyond tasting rooms.
Where to Stay in Yosemite: Inside the Park vs El Portal, Mariposa, Oakhurst and Groveland
Choosing where to stay can change a Yosemite trip more than almost any other decision. Compare Yosemite Valley, Wawona, Yosemite West, El Portal, Mariposa, Oakhurst and Groveland.
10 Best Day Trips from Los Angeles: Beaches, Desert, Islands and Small Cities
Compare the best Los Angeles day trips by driving effort and payoff: Malibu, Santa Barbara, Catalina Island, Palm Springs, Joshua Tree, Laguna Beach, Pasadena, Ojai, Ventura and Orange County.