On the edge of the San Francisco Bay in Richmond, California, is Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park. The park preserves and explores the history of the “Rosies,” some 6 million women who entered the nation’s industrial…
An exhibit inside Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park visitor center
(Photo by California News Press)
The Exploratorium, an award-winning, science-meets-art museum in San Francisco, checks off a lot of boxes on visitors’ wish lists. It’s one of the best places to go with kids in San Francisco, yet the museum is equally fun and engaging…
closeup view of the Rolling Through the Bay kinetic art sculpture at the Exploratorium, one of the top museums in San Francisco
Here’s an easy way to feel like you’ve cleansed your soul, just a little bit – take a stroll around your local botanical gardens.  There are around 100 botanical gardens in California that are open to the public, according to…
A clearing and dry creek bed under a shady oak tree at Santa Barbara Botanical Gardens in California
Santa Barbara Botanical Gardens
The most popular activities around Lake Tahoe depend greatly on the season: snow sports in winter, hiking and mountain biking in summer, and scenic driving tours when the weather’s clear. One top attraction in South Lake Tahoe that’s available all…
The red and white paddlewheel of the MS Dixie II churns the waters of Lake Tahoe with a mountain backdrop
The city of Sausalito, covering less than 2 square miles of land on the north side of the Golden Gate Bridge, should in theory be overshadowed by its bigger, showier neighbors. San Francisco, just 4 miles away, is packed with…
A views of the San Francisco Bay from the decks of the schooner Freda B on a sunset sail from Sausalito
Combine tourist-friendly deals to get the most out of your San Francisco sightseeing experience By J.C. Thomas When you’re visiting an extremely popular tourist destination like San Francisco, it’s common to want to reject the title of “tourist.” This is…
A busy street scene in San Francisco's Chinatown with red lanterns strung between brick buildings and storefronts
Book a night in a restful room just a stone’s throw from Pacifica’s Rockaway Beach  We’re always eager to sing the praises of Pacifica, a delightful little beach town just a few miles south-west of San Francisco. With its sleepy small-town…
A view from above of the coastline, town of Pacifica and Rockaway Beach
By J.C. Thomas It’s easy to fit all of California’s wine country into a single vision, certainly a charming one. Picture miles of gentle rolling hills covered with neat rows of grape vines, interrupted only by chic cities offering tasting…
bikes under a tree next to a vineyard in Calistoga, California
In the serene Sierra foothills of Calaveras County is Copperopolis, a small town with a lot of stories to tell. Visitors come for the beautiful scenery, the lakes and rivers prime for fishing, hiking trails across rolling hills, top-notch golf…
Sunrise over a pond at Copper Valley Golf Course in Copperopolis, Calaveras County, California
The Golf Club at Copper Valley in Copperopolis, California
Have you discovered Pacifica yet? This beautiful coastal destination is just 2 miles from San Francisco, yet its small-town vibe, unspoiled scenery and abundance of outdoor recreation options feel a world away from the city. It’s a viable base for…
Ocean views from the Coastal Trail near Pacifica, California. (Photo by California News Press)
By J.C. Thomas With vibrant and artsy Oakland as its urban hub, the East Bay is a fantastic destination for a family getaway. Adding to its appeal are dozens of other charming cities set against substantial stretches of wilderness. Whether…
A resident lion at Oakland Zoo
By J.C. Thomas If you have never considered Oakland as a travel destination, may I suggest you think again? National Geographic Traveler recently named Oakland one of the “28 Best Places to Visit in the World for 2019.” The world.…
The view from the Waterfront Hotel on Jack London Square, Oakland.