By J.C. Thomas With the Legoland California resort as its major tourist attraction, plus beautiful beaches and a walkable downtown “village,” the coastal city of Carlsbad is an exceptional destination. Its proximity to San Diego’s countless attractions adds even more…
exterior of the Pelican Cove Inn Bed and Breakfast in Carlsbad, California
Little Lego fans and families who are so, so ready for a fun theme park adventure should know that Legoland California reopened to guests on April 15th. Adding to the excitement, the Carlsbad park just announced that its brand-new Lego…
giant dinosaur statue at Legoland California
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks Highlight America’s Treasures April 17-25, 2021 Visit Visalia is excited to celebrate National Parks Week April 17-25, 2021, in conjunction with the National Parks Service event held annually to highlight America’s treasures. The visitors…
closeup of the base of a giant sequoia tree looking up toward the canopy in Sequoia National Park near Visalia, California
In one prized pocket of La Jolla are three glorious landmarks: Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, Torrey Pines Golf Course, and the Lodge at Torrey Pines. By J.C. Thomas The Torrey pine tree (pinus torreyana), the rarest pine species in…
a brick patio and exterior wood of the Lodge at Torrey Pines with pine trees in the background
Gutenberg Bible No. 36 was printed in Mainz, Germany, circa 1455 on Europe’s first moveable metal type printing press. Today it’s on public display at The Huntington in San Marino, California. By J.C. Thomas Historians estimate that on this day…
Open pages of a Gutenberg Bible on display at the Huntington in San Marino, California
Island Packers, the official boat concessionaire to the Channel Islands National Park, with daily departures to the Channel Islands from Ventura Harbor Village, has now re-opened! The family-owned company founded in 1968 is once again offering daily trips to the Channel Islands National…
gray whale tail emerges from the Pacific waters on a whale watching excursion with Island Packers
Photo by Lottie Keenan, courtesy of Island Packers
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 feels especially real when you find a place to stay that evokes the feeling of…
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 visitors have never been so appreciative of such a safe, scenic and peaceful outdoor space.…
A small child in the distance approaching a redwood tree at the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
California’s Stay at Home Order is still in place. Please enjoy our travel content but remember to recreate responsibly and only in your local area. At the time of publication, outdoor areas of Mount San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness…
A man show-shoes under pine trees at Mount San Jacinto State Park
The first thing to know about the Walt Disney Family Museum, which occupies a prime spot in the Presidio of San Francisco, is that it’s not affiliated with the Walt Disney Company. The museum was founded by Diane Disney Miller,…
A recreated vintage drawing desk with multiple sketches at the Walt Disney Family Museum in San Francisco
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 30 acres and is home to more than 500 animals. Among them are giraffes, western…
Giraffes at the Santa Barbara Zoo, one of the best attractions for kids in Santa Barbara
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