Museum Monday: The Exploratorium, San Francisco

closeup view of the Rolling Through the Bay kinetic art sculpture at the Exploratorium, one of the top museums in San Francisco

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 for all ages. Designed as a public learning laboratory for science, art and human perception, […]

12 Beautiful Botanical Gardens in California

A clearing and dry creek bed under a shady oak tree at Santa Barbara Botanical Gardens in California
Santa Barbara Botanical Gardens

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.Ā  There are around 100 botanical gardens in California that are open to the public, according to Botanic Gardens Conservation International. They vary considerably in size and scope, but all have in […]

M.S. Dixie II is Lake Tahoe’s Best Four-Season Experience

The red and white paddlewheel of the MS Dixie II churns the waters of Lake Tahoe with a mountain backdrop

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 year around is the M.S. Dixie II, a 500-passenger paddlewheeler that tours the lake throughout […]

End a Perfect Day in Sausalito with a Sunset Sail 

A views of the San Francisco Bay from the decks of the schooner Freda B on a sunset sail from Sausalito

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 tourist attractions and coasts on its uniquely compelling vibe. Then there’s the Golden Gate National […]

How to Be the Savviest Tourist in San Francisco

A busy street scene in San Francisco's Chinatown with red lanterns strung between brick buildings and storefronts

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 ā€œtourist.ā€ This is especially true for Californians heading to San Francisco for the umpteenth time. You prefer to […]

Where to Stay in Pacifica, CA: Holiday Inn Express Hotel and Suites

A view from above of the coastline, town of Pacifica and Rockaway Beach

Book a night in a restful room just a stone’s throw from Pacifica’s Rockaway BeachĀ  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 vibe, rugged natural landscapes, hiking trails and beaches galore, Pacifica is an ideal spot for […]

Places to Play: Calistoga, California

bikes under a tree next to a vineyard in Calistoga, California

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 rooms, luxury resorts, spas, and some of the finest dining anywhere in the world. Spend […]