Yosemite National Park Ends Reservation Requirement
Reservations are no longer needed to drive into Yosemite National Park Read on for an update on other National Park Service properties in California The reservation system put in place from June 11, 2020 to limit entrance to Yosemite National Park is no longer in effect. From November 1, no reservations are required to drive […]
Places to Play: Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad, Fish Camp, California
The Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad is a delightful family-friendly attraction just outside Yosemite National Park. Every day from April through to the end of October, passengers of all ages ride in open-air cars pulled by genuine vintage steam trains. The trains chug along 4 miles of narrow-gauge tracks through the scenic Sierra National Forest, […]
Yosemite in Summer 2020, a Dreamlike Experience
A Review of Yosemite Dreams: Rustic and Refined Lodging Near Oakhurst By J.C. Thomas In 2020, visiting Yosemite National Park in the peak of summer feels like a dream. Weird and lovely, almost eerily serene in the absence of big crowds, experiencing the park in this way is a privilege offered only by the extraordinary […]
Weekly News Roundup for Friday, August 2nd, 2024
A roundup of the biggest news stories in California this week… This July Was Death Valley’s Hottest Month in History Death Valley National Park experienced the hottest month on record this July, with an average 24-hour temperature of 108.5°F. This beats the park’s previous record of 108.1°F set in 2018. The average high temperature during […]
Weekly News Roundup for Friday, July 26th, 2024
A roundup of the biggest news stories in California this week… Park Fire Grows into the Largest Wildfire in California This Year The Park Fire, which started on Wednesday evening near Chico, has grown to 178,090 acres, making it the largest wildfire in California this year. Thousands have been forced to evacuate and 134 structures […]
A Comprehensive Guide to California’s 20 Remarkable National Forests
The National Forest Foundation has declared July 8 to 14, 2024, as National Forest Week. It’s a great opportunity to learn more about the 20 national forests in California, which protect a whopping 20.8 million acres of federal land. The Golden State comes second only to Alaska in national forest acreage. California’s national forests cover […]
Weekly News Roundup for Friday, July 5th, 2024
A roundup of the biggest news stories in California this week… Governor Declares State of Emergency Over Thompson Fire On July 3, Governor Gavin Newsom proclaimed a state of emergency in Butte County to support the response to the Thompson Fire, which has burned 3,002 acres and forced the evacuation of thousands of residents. The […]
The Ultimate Summer-in-California Bucket List
(+ a free printable “Summertime in California” bingo card!) School’s out and summer is officially here, so it’s time to get outdoors and enjoy all that the sunniest season has to offer. In California, we’re spoiled with incredible opportunities for outdoor fun, from beach days to mountain hikes, and sometimes just a nice neighborhood stroll. […]
Travel to These 7 Must-See California Destinations in 2024
New year celebrations have settled and it’s time to look forward to four seasons of California travel experiences. Planning ahead is not only sensible, allowing you to get the best deals and top choices for lodging across California, it also gives you something to be excited about. It all starts with picking a destination or […]
2023 Holiday Gift Guide
The super-organized among us might be done with their holiday shopping by now, but that doesn’t mean you’re short on time. It’s almost 2024 – we buy online and demand speedy delivery as standard, so procrastinate away. Yes, it’s advisable to get started asap, but there are plenty of shopping days left in the season. […]
Where to See Fall Foliage in California
As easy as it is to be boastful about California’s natural beauty, we have to hand it to the eastern United States – your fall foliage is truly incredible. With forests dominated by evergreens, the Golden State simply can’t compete with New England or the Appalachians when it comes to diversity or density of those […]
Places to Play: Modesto, California
Check out the Central Valley city of Modesto for the almond blossom cruise, cool downtown murals and more By J.C. Thomas [Note: This post was originally published in March, 2021 and was updated in March, 2023. Due to this year’s unusually cold, wet weather, Modesto’s almond blossom season is later than average. You might still […]