The Monterey Bay Aquarium’s 200-plus exhibits of living ocean animals inspire awe among its 2 million annual visitors. Offering incomparable views into the rich marine…
Collage of photos from the Monterey Bay Aquarium in California
By J.C. Thomas California’s celebrated coastline is 1,264 miles long, yet there are only a handful of true oceanfront resorts in the entire state. Zachari…
A view of the beach and ocean framed by an architectural arch at Zachari Dunes on Mandalay Beach resort in Oxnard, California
Ocean views from Zachari Dunes on Mandalay Beach (Photo by California News Press)
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…
A clearing and dry creek bed under a shady oak tree at Santa Barbara Botanical Gardens in California
Santa Barbara Botanical Gardens
If you’re exploring Santa Barbara with kids, a visit to MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation is a must. This interactive science museum…
The white wall exterior of MOXI museum in Santa Barbara, California, with a giant color mixing machine visible in the entrance
By Jon Bogart Life’s daily demands propel our minds to wander, as we zoom in and out of computer screens and traffic tie-ups, to a time…
The Santa Barbara, California coastline as seen across the ocean from the pier
The coast of Santa Barbara, California, seen across the ocean from the pier
Looking for fun things to do for the whole family in Paso Robles? You’ll never forget the unique experience of a stagecoach ride and ranch…
Tom Harris dressed in western wear walks under a sign reading Happy Trails Ranch in reverse, part of a tour and stagecoach ride in Paso Robles, California
And a Spotlight on Four Fantastic Paso Robles Wineries As the world’s fourth-largest wine producer, California has no shortage of destinations promising a world-class wine-tasting…
rows of large wooden wine barrels in the cellars of Eberle Winery in Paso Robles, California
It’s always fun to imagine living full-time in a destination you’re only visiting, no matter how realistic or far-fetched the idea might be. The fantasy…
the flower-filled courtyard of the Beach House Inn in Santa Barbara, California
Since its founding in 1926, Santa Barbara Botanic Garden has been one of the city’s top attractions. It feels safe to say that locals and…
A small child in the distance approaching a redwood tree at the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
As a destination blessed by an abundance of loveliness, it’s no surprise that Santa Barbara has a superb zoo. The AZA-accredited Santa Barbara Zoo covers…
Giraffes at the Santa Barbara Zoo, one of the best attractions for kids in Santa Barbara
Eat, stay and play at San Luis Obispo’s kitschiest icon The Madonna Inn, a famous hotel, restaurant and bakery just off Highway 101, is a…
Madonna Inn Steakhouse San Luis Obispo Gold Rush Steakhouse
By J.C. Thomas San Luis Obispo is well established as a fantastic destination for foodies. Its Central Coast setting means the city is surrounded by…
Rotisserie porchetta, roasted vegetables and romesco at SLO Provisions