California Travel Stories

Feb 13, 2019 • 8 min read

The San Luis Obispo Coast is packed with boutique wineries that are low on crowds and big on flavor and personality.

Nov 15, 2018 • 5 min read

Along California’s scenic Highway 1, nestled high on wild mountain cliffs overlooking the crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean lie the picturesque…

Oct 22, 2018 • 5 min read

An epic road trip is one of America’s favorite pastimes, and few drives are more iconic than Highway 1 through Big Sur. Tight turns hug the rugged…

Aug 23, 2018 • 7 min read

On this large and diverse planet, anywhere can seem odd if you’ve never been there before. But some places are just a little bit stranger than the rest…

Jun 27, 2018 • 5 min read

There are few destinations that so readily call to mind the idea of a road trip as the American West, and in many cases, that brings up mental images of a…

Jun 22, 2018 • 8 min read

A 26-mile hike from one tip of LA’s Sunset Boulevard to the other helps a long-term resident reconnect with his city’s history and uncover the changes…

Jun 1, 2018 • 4 min read

Within the confines of a museum’s walls, children can explore our planet’s rich history, dive deep to the bottom of the ocean, and discover what other…

Apr 18, 2018 • 6 min read

With 284 days of sunshine every year, clinquant deserts, scintillating pools, natural hot springs, organic workouts and unwinds fit for the stars,…

Apr 10, 2018 • 5 min read

While the Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival is known around the world for its picture-perfect image and inspiring festival-fashion, the area…

Mar 15, 2018 • 7 min read

The USA loves its festivals. Every type of music, food, art, craft, fashion, sport and niche hobby seems to have a celebration somewhere in the US, some…

Jan 25, 2018 • 5 min read

From Santa Monica to San Gabriel, Pasadena to Palos Verdes, Los Angeles is in the midst of a restaurant renaissance. With little more than a reservation…

Jan 25, 2018 • 5 min read

Dionne Warwick called Los Angeles a great big freeway, while John Lennon called the city a big parking lot. Daily gridlock remains the norm in this…

Jan 25, 2018 • 5 min read

For decades travelers have journeyed to Big Sur seeking communion with the wild. Artists and writers, adventure-seekers and soul-searchers have looked to…

Dec 15, 2017 • 6 min read

On California's Redwood Coast, the art of de-stressing comes naturally. Under the canopy of California's giant redwoods, each breath seems to restore…

Nov 22, 2017 • 6 min read

Deeper than the Empire State Building is tall and larger than any alpine lake in North America, Lake Tahoe is not a secret. The popular mountain region…

Nov 15, 2017 • 7 min read

In spite of the fact that Northern California recently suffered the worst fires in the state's history, today's views of Napa and Sonoma seem miraculous…

Mar 6, 2017 • 6 min read

Yosemite National Park is a gearhead’s dream. Just spend a few days in Camp Four and you'll see that what makes this a singular destination for climbers –…

Dec 6, 2016 • 6 min read

Every year our Lonely Planet experts scour the states to bring you America’s unmissables. From sweeping mountain ranges, tropical coastline, desertscapes…

Nov 21, 2016 • 5 min read

California’s deserts have always been hot, but nowadays, from Palm Springs to Death Valley, there’s also a coolness to them that hasn’t been felt since…

Sep 27, 2016 • 4 min read

San Diego’s nickname is ‘America’s Finest City’, and with great weather, plenty of attractions and an enviable ocean-side location it’s hard to disagree.

Sep 21, 2016 • 5 min read

Los Angeles' attractions run deeper than its celebrity culture. Its well known movie stars are well known around the world, but the United States’ second…

Aug 31, 2016 • 5 min read

There’s nothing like an American road trip, and the coast road between Los Angeles and San Francisco offers one of the best.