A First Timer’s Guide to Malibu, California
Malibu, a city hugging 21 miles of coastline in Los Angeles County, has a magical appeal that’s far greater than that of its most famous attributes. The millionaires’ homes, legendary surf scene, oceanfront restaurants and the Pacific Coast Highway – these are not the sources of Malibu’s magic. Rather, they
Zachari Dunes on Mandalay Beach Embraces the Beauty and Bounty of the Oxnard Coast
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 Dunes on Mandalay Beach stands out even among such rare offerings – it’s the only all-suite beachfront resort in California. Located on the edge of
Museum Monday: Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park
On the edge of the San Francisco Bay in Richmond, California, is Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park. The park preserves and explores the history of the “Rosies,” some 6 million women who entered the nation’s industrial workforce during World War II. Thousands of these women worked
Enjoy Lake San Marcos, S’mores and More at Lakehouse Resort
By J.C. Thomas San Diego County is known all around the world for its major tourist attractions, near-perfect weather and natural beauty. It’s hard to believe that any hidden gems remain among the region’s immensely inviting cities, beaches and mountains. Yet, the city of San Marcos and its same-named lake
Get Yourself to Graceland, the No. 1 Must-See Attraction in Memphis
Elvis Presley could have lived anywhere in the world, but even at the highest peak of his fame he devoted himself to Memphis. Elvis was born 100 miles away in Tupelo, Mississippi, moved to Memphis with his family at the age of 13, and rose to stardom in the city
Experience the Magic and Music of Memphis, Tennessee
The city of Memphis, Tennessee, has adopted the tourist-drawing tagline “Home of the Blues,” with “Birthplace of Rock ‘n’ Roll” as a close runner-up. Memphis Tourism opts for an all-encompassing “Home of Blues, Soul and Rock ‘n’ Roll.” With a heritage that includes the very genesis of multiple genres, Memphis
A First Timer’s Guide to Santa Monica, California
Santa Monica is the No. 1 place to go for anyone with a rosy, rom-com-like vision of a Los Angeles vacation. It’s a sunny, lively, visitor-friendly beach city that feels familiar even if it’s your first visit. Santa Monica is genuinely walkable and bikeable (a rarity in Southern California). It’s
Explore Exposition Park, a Remarkable Los Angeles Landmark
Exposition Park, a 152-acre urban park in a South Los Angeles neighborhood also named Exposition Park, is one of the top visitor destinations in all of Southern California. The park’s most famous landmark is the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, a historic venue that hosted the Summer Olympic Games in 1932
Museum Monday: The National Civil Rights Museum, Memphis, Tennessee
The third Monday in January is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a federal holiday to honor the life and legacy of the foremost figure of the American civil rights movement. The National Civil Rights Museum, adjacent to and encompassing the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee, memorializes and celebrates Dr. King
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
A Visitor’s Guide to LA’s Miracle Mile and Museum Row
The Miracle Mile neighborhood of Los Angeles scores a spot on many visitors’ itineraries thanks to its biggest draw – Museum Row. The strip of top-notch museums along Wilshire Boulevard includes the La Brea Tar Pits and Museum, the Petersen Automotive Museum and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art
A Visitor’s Guide to Griffith Park, One of LA’s Greatest Assets
Griffith Park is one of the greatest assets of Los Angeles – for locals and visitors alike. Massive and rugged, the municipal park’s 4,310 acres cover the eastern end of the Santa Monica Mountains. Major attractions in Griffith Park, which include the LA Zoo, Griffith Observatory and trails to the
A First Timer’s Travel Guide to Hollywood
An ultimate guide to all the best things to see and do in Hollywood, California Hollywood is the most famous neighborhood in Los Angeles and one of the top tourist destinations in the world. The name alone evokes visions of movie-making magic, Golden Age glamor, and stars. Stars everywhere. Stars
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
Travel Guide: Downtown Los Angeles
A first-timer’s ultimate guide to all the best things to see and do in downtown Los Angeles (DTLA) Downtown Los Angeles, or DTLA, is not like other downtowns. This isn’t a judgment call on its appeal – there is a lot to love about downtown – but rather a useful
Museum Monday: The Exploratorium, 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
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
12 Beautiful Botanical Gardens in California
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 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