Featured articles
Featured articles
Featured articles
What's next
Featured articles
Featured articles
Featured articles
Ready to know more about San Diego?
SubscribeReady to know more about San Diego?
Where to stay and activities to enjoy in this quaint seaside town
Disclaimer: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others from the coronavirus. Visit their website for the latest updates and advisories.
We couldn’t take it anymore. Wandering around the house between Zoom meetings, half-dressed from the waist down, ingesting our body weight in snack foods daily. Our regularly heavy travel schedules zapped from 60 to 0 in a nanosecond. The kids were climbing the walls, and so were we.
It was time to venture out, so I started researching places within reasonable driving distance of San Diego. A road trip made the most sense—transferring our family bubble from home to another place with minimal risk. Santa Barbara popped up as a top contender, and after looking into its safety protocols and hospitality management in this new world, we chose it as our home away from home from a few days.
Santa Barbara sits in a unique spot along Highway 101, just a three-hour drive north from San Diego on freeways devoid of regular traffic. This quaint burg enjoys a position far enough from the LA sprawl to be isolated, and is surrounded by mountains on one side and beaches on the other. To the south and north, miles of highway hug the coastline with little room for more than the road itself. It’s a rareified vacation spot in good times, and during not-so-good times those same advantages contribute to a safe shelter.
Santa Barbara County had consistently reported a low number of infections. News reports indicated residents were treating the pandemic seriously by adhering to state guidelines for cleanliness, distancing, and of course, mask wearing.
A guest suite at the Hideaway Santa Barbara
Jon Bailey
The next task was to find lodging where we would feel our health was protected. Two places recommended by Visit Santa Barbara passed the smell test when we reviewed their websites. Not fully satisfied, I contacted both to inquire directly.
The Hideaway Santa Barbara is located near downtown, just blocks from the beach and wharf. Quaint and picturesque, this new hotel contains just nine rooms, each set in a different floor plan. The hotel’s stated cleaning procedures checked out, and we felt comfortable choosing to stay here.
We also looked into the Ritz-Carlton Bacara, perched cliffside on the north end of town in the suburb of Goleta. Their cleaning and safety regulations were voluminous and detailed beyond our expectations. Even still, we decided we would decline housekeeping service at both properties and keep the Do Not Disturb sign on our doorknob 24/7.
Did I bring our own cleaning supplies in the car with us? You bet I did. I carried the bag of sanitizers, deodorizers, bleaches, and germ-killers into our rooms at each hotel. Not once did I feel the need to actually use them, but having them there made me feel less vulnerable.
So off we went, departing San Diego on a sunny morning with the kids firmly ensconced in the backseat with Starbucks in one hand and TikTok in the other. As we rolled north, I never once took my foot off the gas pedal. While passing LAX, I made everyone look up from their screens to note that our passage was free of slowing down or braking at all. Historic!
Upon arrival in Santa Barbara we made the obligatory pilgrimage to La Super Rica for our favorite chorizo and melted cheese on warm handmade corn tortillas. From there we did one of our new favorite pandemic activities: driving through neighborhoods and ogling at beautiful houses, nestled into canyonsides and crevices on what Visit Santa Barbara calls the American Riviera. As we pointed out favorites and appreciated different architectural and landscaping styles, Triton kept a running report from Zillow on the value of each home. Some were surprisingly affordable, considering their million-dollar views of downtown, the harbor, and the deep blue ocean beyond.
Off to the hotel for check-in and my obsessive sanitation inspections, while we plotted our course for the next few days.
Artwork in the Funk Zone
Jon Bailey
We’d heard that the city’s main thoroughfare, State Street, had been converted into a pedestrian promenade, eliminating the interruption of through-traffic. Restaurants spilled out into the streets like a more genteel version of our own Little Italy and Gaslamp neighborhoods. But were there other outdoor activities we could enjoy as a family while avoiding crowds? Turns out there are plenty.
Located downtown between Highway 101 and the beach, several square blocks of a former warehouse district have been revitalized as the “Funk Zone.” We left our teens to their own devices (literally) and walked a couple blocks from The Hideaway to explore what makes this neighborhood so funky. Turns out it’s a great collection of artist’s galleries, winery tasting rooms, boutiques, and fun restaurants. We stopped into Margerum Wine Company for a spectacular tasting experience on their outdoor patio, planning our next few steps with a refreshing wine flight and charcuterie board.
Grab a bike or trolley rental and scoot along the beaches for a breezy open-air tour.
An industrial-chic space with outdoor patios and wine flights featuring local vineyards.
Like a cross between an art gallery and a high-end thrift store, this place fascinated us longer than we anticipated.
Funky fresh clothing and art makes for a fun and colorful experience.
Field + Fort
Jon Bailey
Summerland is a once-sleepy beach village a few miles south of Santa Barbara, now reborn with an upscale vibe. Old standbys like the Nugget Bar & Grill are still pumping out great burgers (pick-up and delivery only right now), and we ventured down the block for a delicious lunch under the sycamore trees at Field + Fort.
A sweet little café with a delicious menu, combined with a sophisticated design boutique and an impressive collection of furniture, art, and gifts.
A garden shop with amazing outdoor furnishings, fountains, and accents.
A unique garden and home shop with very Zen-like displays of merchandise sourced from around the world.
The lotus pond at Ganna Walska Lotusland in Montecito
Jon Bailey
Santa Barbara is blessed with good weather just like San Diego, but it’s a bit cooler in the winter. This allows for plants and flowers that do not grow happily in our arid climate to flourish, and it’s fun to see what is in blossom here throughout the year.
This 39-acre park is a wonderful collection of gardens featuring plants imported from around the world. It was the brainchild of an eccentric Polish opera singer turned philanthropist.
Bring a picnic to this rolling lawn and rose garden area just in front of the iconic mission, with peaceful views and incredible fragrances.
Occupying a whole city block near State Street in the Garden District, this park features a pond with turtles and ducks, a gazebo, and meandering pathways full of plants and flowers.
This cliff-top labyrinth of stones tucked away on the USCB campus generates tranquility among the coastal sage and wildflowers, and has an outstanding ocean view.
East Beach in Downtown Santa Barbara
Jon Bailey
Santa Barbara wouldn’t be Santa Barbara without its devastatingly gorgeous beaches. There are more Instagrammable backdrops here than can be listed in any one story, but we did manage to jot down our favorites:
Home of volleyball tournaments, rows and rows of palm trees, and postcard-perfect views, East Beach is one of the widest and cleanest in the area.
This beach is family friendly and walkable for quite a way south at low tide. It’s right below the grassy views of the Channel Islands and quaint picnic tables at Lookout Park
Hendry’s is the place to play frisbee, make a sandcastle, and watch the dogs dive into the surf while playing fetch.
Directly below the stunning Ritz-Carlton Bacara Resort, Haskell’s is fantastic at low tide, when a walk north yields solitude, ocean breeze, and warm sun on your face.
Jon Bailey writes the travel blog 2dadswithbaggage.com.
Santa Barbara Harbor
PARTNER CONTENT
Shutterstock
Our editors searched out all the new food, drinks, hotels, and attractions along the state’s iconic coastal highways—the 1 and 101
Mad Libs. License plate bingo. The “quiet game,” a universal parent savior. Long live Slug Bug, where kids with zero self-control punched each other in the arm every time they saw a VW Bug in the wild—an activity no doubt invented by some Volkswagen marketing intern who now quietly runs the world. A family that cruises together bruises together.
So many threats to pull the car over and leave unruly progeny on the side road for good. GenXers are such baddies because our parents actually followed through. But we tracked those boomers down—or just walked into the wilderness and formed angsty flannel bands. We survived.
There were no downloaded movies back then. No seatback entertainment. Just a mythical road, a few bug-gutty windows, and the fast-moving summer world beyond. Seatbelts ignored, hot air whipping a frenzy of hair and beef-stick child scent.
Very few chaoses match being trapped in a moving car with your entire bloodline. It’s unimaginable, but we kinda liked it.
The road trip was always about endurance, discovery, adventure, creativity, and memory. Somewhere between gas station hot dogs, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and musty motels with coin-operated vibrating beds—the bored between moments of mutual expedition sealed our love of the long distance car ride.
To respark road lust, we’ve put together a coastal California run up the 101 and Highway 1. The state’s famed road trip siblings, with ocean on one side and possibility in every direction. We analyzed what’s incoming, just-arrived, compelling, or a classic in need of a reminder in almost every county along the way—the kind of places we’d drag our family (or dog or best friend) to.
We start our trip just outside San Diego County lines and work our way through San Francisco. Because, by then, it’s time to turn the car around and do it all again.
The road is still the main character.
A 90-minute drive from downtown San Diego, Laguna Beach is home to serene coves, big-deal art events, miles of hiking trails, and the greatest number of beachfront hotels in California. Among the latter is the newly revamped icon, Surf & Sand Laguna Beach. Along with tweaks to the guestrooms, pool, and onsite Splashes restaurant, the remodel includes a new spa, Aquaterra. Wake up to ocean views, then get outside: Go tide pooling at Shaw’s Cove, or descend to Thousand Steps Beach and spend the day stretched out with a salacious summer read. For dinner, get fancy at the upscale (no swimwear allowed!) Studio Mediterranean at the Montage Laguna Beach hotel. Led by Greek chef Dennis Efthymiou, it serves feta-, phyllo-, and fish-forward cuisine inspired by his heritage.
Head another 15 minutes up the road to Newport, an unlikely destination for adrenaline junkies both relatively tame (family-friendly thrill rides at the Balboa Fun Zone amusement park) and willing to risk life and limb (30-foot waves at the Wedge surf break). It’s also increasingly a killer place to eat, with Luke’s, of international Maine-lobster-roll fame, having recently opened locations in town. James Beard Award winner Tyson Cole just opened his sleek omakase and sushi restaurant Uchi this year. Once you’re stuffed, lay your head at Bay Shores Peninsula Hotel, a midcentury-inspired, 25-room boutique resort overlooking the sea. Watch the waves from beside the hotel’s rooftop fire pits, or paddle out on surfboards provided free for guests.
Huntington Beach has been an icon of California surf culture since the 1910s thanks to Hawaiian Olympic swimmer Duke Kahanamoku. Surfers still chase waves near his old haunts, including the Huntington Beach Pier, where the aptly named Huntington’s on the Pier is scheduled to arrive this fall in the location of the old Ruby’s Diner (RIP, Ruby). It’ll serve seafood, obviously, plus livestreamed videos of groms wiping out just a few feet away. Sports here don’t always require wetsuits: Mini-golf bar Playground is equipped with the obvious, as well as arcade and pinball games. Or bypass physical exertion en masse at the new Holistic Lounge at Hyatt Regency. It’s packed with newfandangled healing tech that uses light, heat, and electromagnetic fields to allegedly repair stressed skin and muscles tired from lifting mojitos.
Amelia Rodriguez is a writer and journalist and winner of the San Diego Press Club's 2023 Rising Star Award and 2024 Best of Show Award, she’s also covered music, food, arts and culture, fashion, and design for Rolling Stone, Palm Springs Life, and other national and regional publications. After work, you can find her hunting down San Diego’s best pastries and maintaining her five-year Duolingo streak.
Your ultimate guide to the state's best oenophile destinations—where to stay, what to sip & what to explore
For some, September signals the bittersweet end of summer. For others, it’s a new beginning: the height of harvest season in California wine country. Vineyard grapes reach optimal ripeness for picking, stomping, and fermenting, while the warm, dry, and temperate weather invites wine lovers across the country outdoors to see the vineyards for themselves. Craving a vino vacation of your own? Here’s what to do, eat, and drink, plus where to stay.
Families, in particular, should start in the Riverside County city of Temecula, where anyone age 6 or above can sightsee from the skies with family-run company Cielo Balloons. Those who prefer to keep their feet firmly on the ground might go for a sunset horseback ride with California Ranch Company before turning in for the night at the ultra-luxurious South Coast Winery Resort & Spa—the first and only five-time winner of the “Golden State Winery of the Year” award, as granted by the California State Fair Commercial Wine Competition—or a room at the Spanish-style Ponte Vineyard Inn, which has its own vineyard and is within walking distance of two more.
From there, stroll to Bottaia Winery, where creative types looking to play winemaker for a day can blend their own vinos and bring them home as a souvenir to age. Hop in the car for your five-minute drive to lunch at the upper veranda of Flower Hill Bistro at Miramonte Winery. Wrap up your day with a tasting at the nearby Peltzer Family Cellars before heading into town for a last hurrah dinner at the 98-year-old, storied Swing Inn Cafe & BBQ.
Head north and stop for a meal at the Hotel Californian’s Blackbird restaurant in Santa Barbara, where executive chef Travis Watson and his staff host a once-monthly series featuring a different winery or spirits company. Patrons who don’t want to build their schedule around that event can still savor offerings from local wineries like Lincourt and Firestone before checking in at The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern in Los Olivos.
After spending some time in the property’s airy restaurant and renowned spa, continue onwards to Paso Robles, where you should plan ahead to book a table at the Michelin-starred Six Test Kitchen. There, the seating counter—which can only accommodate 12—wraps around the kitchen for a real-time, behind-the-scenes view of the staff whipping up 12 delicate courses using the bounty of the area’s farms. (Traveling next month? You’re in luck— October is the region’s Harvest Wine Month, when many wineries host special events.)
If you’re looking instead to prioritize the “coast” part of the region’s namesake, follow Carmel-by-the-Sea’s free, self-guided wine walk (get the app for discounts on included wineries’ tastings) before holing up at the romantic, 19th-century Seven Gables Inn, which overlooks Lovers Point Beach in Monterey. Admire the stained glass windows and Victorian architecture; plus, every single one of its 25 rooms offers views of the water.
Take the 101 straight to Livermore’s iconic Wine Trolley, which shuttles riders to three local vineyards for tastings. Or sit down for a casual picnic at Del Valle Regional Park with a sandwich from Ofelia’s Kitchen and a bottle from First Street Wine Company. Make a stop at McGrail Vineyards before unpacking your suitcase for a stay in one of The Purple Orchid Resort & Spa’s 10 fireplace-equipped rooms and suites. Nibble on a complimentary, made-to-order breakfast while looking out at the garden or olive orchard from every room. Guests can also enjoy a community event each evening, featuring an olive oil tasting, wine, and cheeses.
Julie Bogen is an experienced writer and digital strategist whose work has been featured in The Atlantic, The 19th News, Cosmopolitan Magazine, and more. She is passionate about storytelling that centers women and marginalized communities, and when not working she's either with her family or in a barre studio.
Explore our list of cost-effective getaways, nearby destinations, activities, and attractions priced at $30 or less
Many people view San Diego as the ultimate vacation destination. But as residents, we need our own getaways, too. Thankfully, living in San Diego means that we’re never too far from our next adventure. With costs across the country on the rise, however, we put together a list of nearby destinations that are less than four hours from San Diego and attractions that won’t break the bank once there. In fact, all activities are $30 or less, so now you really have no reason to escape the city this year. Here’s our list of budget-friendly travel destinations near San Diego:
Less than two hours north of San Diego (traffic permitting, of course) sits the entertainment capital of the world: Los Angeles. In a city that’s bustling with unique and memorable experiences, it’s actually a great getaway that doesn’t have to drain your bank account.
A must-do on the budget-friendly LA itinerary is Griffith Park. With over 4,000 expansive acres, Griffith Park is chock-full of hiking trails and picnic spots. One of the park’s hotspots is Griffith Observatory, an iconic landmark that is free to visit. Close by is Runyon Canyon, a popular hiking destination that is frequented by celebrities and known for its views of the Hollywood sign. LA is also home to a range of museums that offer free admission, including The Broad, the Institute of Contemporary Art, and the California African American Museum.
If you’re looking for a more one-of-a-kind experience, consider checking out the swan pedal boats in Echo Park that cost $13 per hour. Then, just outside of LA is the well-known Huntington Library and Botanic Garden that features a vast library, art museum, and 16 themed gardens. Adult tickets cost $29, while children four and under can visit for free.
Just west of LA is Santa Monica, another easily accessible city that evokes images of sunshine, beach days, and a laid-back attitude. This makes it a great place to spend time if you’re looking for money-saving activities.
One of the city’s most visited landmarks is Santa Monica State Beach. With over three miles of sandy space, beachgoers can enjoy an inexpensive day lounging in the sun or playing in the water. The iconic Santa Monica Pier also offers plenty of affordable fun, from amusement park rides and arcade games to good old-fashioned people watching. Want to take in more picturesque views? Make the short drive over to the Venice Canals and enjoy a serene walk along the historic waterways.
If you’re looking for an island getaway, then Catalina Island might be the answer you’re looking for. It is one of California’s Channel Islands and offers a welcome blend of adventure and relaxation.
While a one-way ferry ticket does cost more than $30, once you’re on the island, there are plenty of free and reasonably-priced activities. Whether you bring your own gear or rent it, Catalina Island offers great opportunities to snorkel and spend time in the water, or simply just sunbathe on one of the many beaches. For ticketed options, visit Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden that features plants that naturally grow on one or more of the Channel Islands and nowhere else in the world. Adult admission costs $14, with discounts available for seniors, children, students, and veterans. Then, take the family to Mini Golf Gardens where adult tickets are priced at $15 and a child’s ticket costs $12. If museum culture is more your vibe, check out the Catalina Museum for Art & History. Tickets are priced at $12 for adults, while admission for children 15 years and younger is free with a paid adult ticket.
Nestled in the Cuyamaca Mountains is Julian, a charming town that’s overflowing with personality. Located just over an hour east of San Diego, it’s an accessible and peaceful destination away from the hustle-and-bustle of the city.
One of the things Julian is known for most is pie. A slice from Mom’s Pie House costs less than $8, while a majority of the full pies from Julian Pie Company are under $30. For some good family fun, head to Julian Farm and Orchard where, no matter the time of year, you can enjoy budget-friendly activities. Seasonal offerings include daffodils in early spring, berries in the summer, apples in late summer, and pumpkins in the fall, with farm pricing at $5 for general admission and add-ons available. For a truly distinctive experience, look into Eagle Mining Co., with tours priced at $15 for adults and $8 for children aged 5 to 11. If you’re still looking for more plans to fill your day, wander down Julian’s idyllic main street or drive out to nearby Cuyamaca Rancho State Park.
Jordyn Berg is a freelance writer whose favorite topics include food and travel. A Pacific Northwest native, she delights in exploring the best of San Diego, by searching for hidden gems, experiencing must-try restaurants, and soaking in the city’s amazing views.
Yes, Chef! winner Emily Brubaker leads the robust culinary program at Omni La Costa Resort & Spa
For Executive Chef Emily Brubaker, Omni La Costa Resort & Spa feels like home. She grew up just a mile-and-a-half away from the 400-acre property and fondly recalls walking the golf course perimeter as a kid. Though her ambitions led her away from San Diego for nearly two decades in which she honed her craft in some of the highest of high-profile Las Vegas restaurants—including triple Michelin-starred Joël Robuchon at MGM Grand—they ultimately brought her back to North County.
Today, the classically French-trained chef, who’s fresh off a victory on NBC’s Yes, Chef!, judged by Martha Stewart and José Andrés, oversees Omni La Costa Resort & Spa’s seven distinct dining concepts. Her goal is to elevate the resort’s culinary program with her creative, hyperlocal ingredient-driven approach while maintaining the Spanish- inspired flavors and fresh California coastal cuisine that are the bedrock of its culinary identity.
“The San Diego food scene is really growing, and in North County alone, it’s really exploded in the last five years,” Brubaker says. “There are Michelin stars, beautiful tasting menus, craft bakers, and all this food—when I was growing up in La Costa, it was fish tacos. Now there are really cool things popping up, and I’m so happy to be here to see where it’s going to go.”
Brubaker gives chefs de cuisine at each individual restaurant autonomy, however, her influence is evident across the resort.
For example, lobby restaurant Bar Traza serves as Omni La Costa’s culinary centerpiece and features bold Spanish flavors in a lively, social atmosphere. Brubaker overhauled the menu to be more consistent and centered on casual bites with that signature vibe. Think smoky paprika, vibrant citrus, and Spanish meats and cheeses.
At VUE, the focus is on seasonal offerings, California coastal cuisine, and Baja-inspired dishes. She and Chef de Cuisine Cameron Dixon change the menu biannually, which heading into summer, will highlight farm-fresh produce and hyperlocal ingredients—the resort even has its own herb garden and honeybee hives.
Poolside dining options are leaning into the country’s 250th this summer with a selection of classic American dishes with an Omni La Costa twist. And Bob’s Steak & Chop House (Brubaker is a trained butcher) offers a classic steakhouse experience with elevated service.
The chef and company also plan menus for special events at the resort where her creativity can really shine. For an upcoming National Ski Association dinner, the banquet hall will be transformed into an Alpine-themed winter wonderland complete with a snow machine, savory sausages, and melty, decadent raclette. A recent dinner was built around the Carlsbad Flower Fields and each course was matched to a color of ranunculus (Did you know pink dragonfruit are grown in North County? You do now.).
“It’s my zen to be in the kitchen playing with food,” Brubaker says.
Omni La Costa’s culinary program is a key part of the resort experience. And with Brubaker’s leadership, it’s becoming a draw for visitors and locals alike.
“These aren’t just hotel restaurants, these are restaurants that you should go to. They’re destinations, and I’m really hoping for the future that’s where we’re going,” Brubaker says.
Brubaker is also channeling her experience on Yes, Chef! into the culture at Omni La Costa—more emphasis on teamwork and collaboration, empowering her staff to share constructive critiques, and embracing different perspectives. Alongside her leadership role, Brubaker has become an advocate for mental health in the hospitality industry, serving as chief ambassador for the Burnt Chef Project and serves on the Board of Advisors for the Apex Culinary Program, where she mentors and develops future talent.
For more on Omni La Costa Resort & Spa and its dining program, please visit omnihotels.com/hotels/san-diego-la-costa.
Start in San Diego and head up the coast for the ultimate surf vacation
There’s a reason 13 of the 15 surf spots mentioned in the Beach Boys’ “Surfin’ USA” are in California—the Golden State is home to hundreds of legendary breaks across 840 miles of coastline. Though more than one million surfers call the state home, waves still outnumber the groms. If you’re wanting to score some quality swells, a trip up the California coast is your best bet, so pack your boards, dust off your wetsuit, and hit the road.
Start your road trip in sunny San Diego at Black’s Beach, where world-class waves and unapologetically naked hippies converge. The secret recipe for this epic beach break is a massive submarine canyon a thousand feet deep that funnels swells up to the surface rapidly to produce rippable A-frames.
On bigger days, “canyon sets” are a looming threat that emerge from the depths and can clear whole lineups of unsuspecting surfers. In the winter, the spot can produce walls up to 25 feet tall and provide an elusive barrel for the most dedicated of big wave chargers. Black’s is the optimal proving grounds for testing the durability of your shortboard; your tolerance for big wave hold-downs; and your love of traversing tall, unstable cliffs.
Just 45 minutes up the coast (or an hour and a half in Camp Pendleton gridlock) is Trestles, home to arguably the most consistent waves in California. Named for the train tracks that cross the San Mateo Creek, Trestles is a veritable amusement park for surfers, attracting hundreds daily, including the world’s best—Caitlin Simmers, Jack Robinson, and Kolohe Andino among them.
Regardless of your skill level, there is a wave for you at Trestles, which is split into three main sections: Lowers, the home of the WSL finals, where groms bust airs for their sponsorship tapes; Uppers, equipped with fast rights for regular footers looking to carve; and Middles, offering some breathing room for longboarders wanting some mellow waves. No matter what you ride, Trestles is always serving up the goods—if you can dodge the crowds.
Travel another 35 miles north and you’ll reach the third destination in our journey, The Wedge. Reinstate your health insurance policy, limber up, and paddle out into the Thunderdome of California surf spots. Born from the construction of the Newport Harbor Jetty in the ’30s, this mutant of a wave can reach up to 25 feet tall, breaking directly onto dry sand. Surfing out here feels irresponsible.
Bodyboarders, skimboarders, and bodysurfers rule the water (and the sky) in this area producing gravity-defying airs and insane wipeouts, but surfers are known to sneak a few amid the chaos. This isn’t the place to take out your favorite board; opt for one of Costco’s finest $100 petrochemical watercrafts instead.
Just eight miles up Highway 1, you’ll arrive at the epicenter of California surfing: Huntington Beach. Known as “Surf City USA,” this spot holds over 100 years of surfing history. Duke Kahanamoku visited often in the 1920s, helping popularize surfing in the mainland, and the US Open of Surfing got its start here. Huntington has also been an incubator of surfing culture. It was the launching point for icons such as Jack’s Surfboards, Surfline, the Surfers’ Hall of Fame, and The Endless Summer.
A lot has changed over the years, and it hasn’t always been pretty—until the 1980s, hundreds of oil derricks lined the beach like an industrial forest, and nearby Bolsa Chica was nicknamed “Tin Can Beach” for the 300-plus tons of trash that littered the sand. While oil spills haven’t entirely disappeared (one occurred in 2021), the current vibes are a far cry from the area’s industrial days… except when 500,000 people flood the beach for the US Open, turning it into a new iteration of Tin Can Beach. Nevertheless, Huntington is still California’s shrine to surfing and a worthwhile pilgrimage for any disciple.
Cole Novak is an award-winning writer with a passion for highlighting local figures, small businesses, and nonprofits. Born and raised in San Diego, Cole is passionate about photography, surfing, art, the local food scene, and the great outdoors.
What to know before exploring the Golden State’s natural sanctuaries including fees, best times to visit, and must-see attractions
Franklin D. Roosevelt once said, “There is nothing so American as our national parks.” But one could argue that there is nothing so Californian—after all, we have nine of ’em, more than any other state. Each offers spectacular landscapes for outdoorsy types to explore, whether you’re road-tripping and looking for scenic pit stops, seeking a challenging summit, or wanting to reconnect with nature. From Yosemite’s towering granite peaks to Kings Canyon’s marble caves, here is your complete guide to visiting all of California’s national parks.
As California’s least-visited national park, Channel Islands supplies a near-untouched glimpse of pre-industrial California. Situated across five islands that were historically inhabited by the Chumash people, the park encompasses 346 miles of land accessible by ferry or private boat.
Popular activities include beachside camping, kayaking through sea caves, and hiking to scenic viewpoints like Inspiration Point on Anacapa Island. The park is home to endemic wildlife like the adorable Santa Rosa Island fox, deer mouse, and several species of birds. The underwater ecosystem is equally fascinating—more than 100 shipwrecks and mesmerizing reefs make it a prime spot for divers.
Map of Channel Islands National Park
The hottest place on Earth, Death Valley National Park is a land of extremes, from the lowest point in North America at Badwater Basin to the soaring Panamint mountain range. While much of the park may seem lifeless at first blush, it’s teeming with critters, such as bighorn sheep, jackrabbits, and sidewinder rattlesnakes.
Stargazing, camping, and off-roading are common activities here, and be sure to check out Zabriskie Point at sunrise for an unforgettable view. The Furnace Creek Visitor Center offers an ideal spot for a photo op next to the iconic Death Valley thermostat and is the last vestige of civilization before you lose cell service in deeper areas of the park. Embrace your inner geek and follow the self-guided Star Wars filming location tour, and don’t miss Artists Palette for a striking view of rolling, pastel-colored hills.
Map of Death Valley National Park
Joshue Tree sits wedged between three unique ecosystems: the Colorado Desert, the San Bernardino Mountains, and the Mojave Desert. Known for its iconic Joshua Trees (which aren’t actually trees, but rather a type of yucca), the national park offers more than 8,000 climbing routes, making it the ultimate destination for SoCal rock-hoppers and climbers.
Additionally, the park also houses 300 miles of hiking trails and nine campgrounds (make sure to reserve yours in advance). Joshua Tree is a designated dark sky park, meaning you’ll have the opportunity to get awe-inspiring views of the Milky Way with minimal light pollution. While visiting, you might even spot the park’s wildlife, like desert tortoises, roadrunners, and bighorn sheep hiding amongst otherworldly, wind-forged rock formations.
Map of Joshua Tree National Park
Arguably the greatest two-for-one deal around is admission into Kings Canyon and Sequoia national parks. To the south is Sequoia National Park, home to five of the world’s biggest trees. The largest of them all is General Sherman, a giant sequoia with a towering 275-foot height and staggering 36-foot diameter. Other beloved attractions include Mount Whitney, which offers a challenge for mountaineers; Crystal Cave, which features beautiful marble stalagmites; and Moro Rock, where a 350-step ascent finishes with rewarding panoramic views of the park.
Cole Novak is an award-winning writer with a passion for highlighting local figures, small businesses, and nonprofits. Born and raised in San Diego, Cole is passionate about photography, surfing, art, the local food scene, and the great outdoors.
sometimes, even us sun-soaked San Diegans need a getaway of our own. Fortunately, unforgettable experiences are just a short trip away.
It’s hard to think of two words that go together better than summer and vacation. Every summer, visitors flock to San Diego to explore our breathtaking beaches and awesome attractions—and who could blame them?
But sometimes, even us sun-soaked San Diegans need a getaway of our own. Fortunately, unforgettable experiences abound, around the world and in our own backyard.
This guide will help you pick the perfect summer escape. Want even more ideas? Check out the Central Coast’s tourism guide here.
Ventura Harbor.png
Relax and unwind at Ventura’s seaside Ventura Harbor Village for waterfront treats, fresh seafood, patio dining, coastal shops, artisans, pampering, dive trips, live music, and fun rentals on the water! Walk from Ventura Harbor hotels to scenic beaches, Ventura Harbor Village, and Channel Islands National Park Visitor Center. SEA you SEAside! venturaharborvillage.com
Solvang
Solvang’s walkable village is brimming with wine tasting rooms and bars, museums, galleries, independently owned shops, and restaurants helmed by Michelin-level chefs. Architecture reminiscent of Northern Europe frames Danish-pastry-filled itineraries. Spot the Little Mermaid, chase windmills, brush up on Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tales— then live one of your own. What’s your Solvang story? Solvangusa.com
Gilroy.png
The super-splashy Water Oasis in Gilroy Gardens is the coolest place to play in Gilroy—but there’s lots more to see and do in the Garlic Capital of the World. Enjoy wine tasting, outlet shopping, golfing, hiking, and more. Visitgilroy.com
Ventura.png
Ventura is your portal to life-changing adventure. The closest of the five islands of Channel Islands National Park are just a 70-minute boat ride from Ventura Harbor, and they offer the wild glory you’d expect from one of America’s least visited national parks. “The Galapagos of North America”? Better. visitventura.com
Paso Robles
Escape to the majestic vineyards, oak-dotted hills, and small-town charm of Paso Robles. It’s where world-class food and wine meet small-town cowboy charm, and it boasts endless lodging options, from historic inns and luxury resorts to rustic vineyard escapes. Recently named a “must-visit region” by the New York Times. travelpaso.com
Pismo Beach.png
It’s all here waiting for you—a gentle climate, where sand, sun, sea, and sky converge to create the ideal getaway. California’s golden past is alive and well in Pismo Beach. Visit experiencepismobeach.com to book your stay. experiencepismobeach.com
Monterey.png
Escape to an inspiring place with striking coastline, secluded redwood forests, and a culinary scene as diverse as the landscape. Now is the moment to embrace the unexpected adventures and natural beauty of Monterey County. Why wait? Plan your trip and join us here. Seemonterey.com
Santa Barbar.png
Discover a gentle crescent of California coast where the sea and mountains meet, the sun feels more golden, and the valleys overflow with a bounty of color. Santa Barbara offers exhilarating outdoor adventure, fascinating arts and culture, an incredible variety of local food and wine, and more. santabarbaraca.com
Buellton.png
#SkipTheBigCities and head to Buellton, nestled in the Sta. Rita Hills wine region, where you’ll also enjoy feeding an ostrich, horseback riding, taking a stroll through the botanic garden, or enjoying the collection at Mendenhall’s Museum of Gasoline Pumps and Petroliana. You’ll find accommodations for all budgets, including “glamping.” discoverbuellton.com
