Chico for First-Time Visitors: Bidwell Park, Downtown and a Practical 2-Day Guide

Chico rarely appears at the top of a first California wish list, and that is exactly why it can work so well. In the northern Sacramento Valley, it offers one of California’s largest city parks, a lively downtown and easy access to foothill scenery. The key is to visit it for what it actually is … Read more

Gilroy for First-Time Visitors: Gardens, Garlic, Wine Country and a Practical 2-Day Guide

Gilroy rarely appears at the top of a first California wish list, and that is exactly why it can work so well. In southern Santa Clara Valley, it offers family attractions, agricultural character, garlic culture and an underrated wine region. The key is to visit it for what it actually is rather than expecting a … Read more

Tiburon for First-Time Visitors: Waterfront, Ferry and a Practical Bay Area Day Trip

Tiburon rarely appears at the top of a first California wish list, and that is exactly why it can work so well. In Marin County on San Francisco Bay, it offers waterfront walking, ferry travel and wide Bay views without the scale of San Francisco. The key is to visit it for what it actually … Read more

Merced for First-Time Visitors: Downtown, Wildlife and a Practical Yosemite Gateway Guide

Merced rarely appears at the top of a first California wish list, and that is exactly why it can work so well. In the central San Joaquin Valley, it offers a practical Yosemite gateway, Central Valley culture and lower-key nature stops. The key is to visit it for what it actually is rather than expecting … Read more

Santa Ana for First-Time Visitors: Bowers Museum, Downtown and a Practical 2-Day Orange County Guide

Santa Ana rarely appears at the top of a first California wish list, and that is exactly why it can work so well. In central Orange County, it offers museum time, Latino food culture, historic urban fabric and a location close to many Orange County attractions. The key is to visit it for what it … Read more

San Mateo for First-Time Visitors: Downtown, Parks and a Practical Peninsula Base Guide

San Mateo rarely appears at the top of a first California wish list, and that is exactly why it can work so well. In the San Francisco Peninsula, it offers a central Bay Area location, strong dining and easier access to both San Francisco and Silicon Valley. The key is to visit it for what … Read more

Stockton for First-Time Visitors: Delta, Haggin Museum and a Practical 2-Day Guide

Stockton rarely appears at the top of a first California wish list, and that is exactly why it can work so well. In the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and Central Valley, it offers Delta geography, a strong regional museum and a multicultural food scene. The key is to visit it for what it actually is rather … Read more