Visit Visalia Celebrates National Parks Week with Activities for Families
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 bureau has created several events and activities for anyone looking to learn more about the […]
A Trio of Treasures at Torrey Pines
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 North America, is an intriguing natural treasure. It’s very finnicky about its home, existing only […]
See a Gutenberg Bible – the Printed Book that Changed the World – at The Huntington Library
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 in 1455, Johannes Gutenberg printed his first Bible – the first book ever produced using […]
Island Packers Seasonal Whale Watching & Excursions to the Channel Islands Now Open
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 Park as well as winter whale watching excursions. Winter Whale Watching A winter whale watch […]
Make Yourself at Home at the Beach House Inn, Santa Barbara
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 a home – somewhere like the Beach House Inn in Santa Barbara. This boutique hotel […]
Places to Play: Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
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. At this time, the garden is open to the public seven days a week, and […]
Places to Play: Mount San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness Area
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 Area are open to the public for day use, however the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway […]
Places to Play: The Walt Disney Family Museum, San Francisco, CA
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, the late daughter of Walt Disney, with the mission to chronicle the life and life’s […]
Places to Play: Santa Barbara Zoo
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 lowland gorillas, a flock of flamingos, and this year’s new arrivals (and brand-new parents!), African […]
Places to Play: 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 […]
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: Copperopolis, 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 courses and a burgeoning wine scene. Local attractions include Calaveras Big Trees State Park with […]