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Practical Wanderlust

Responsible Travel on a Budget

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California

Bubbling thermal springs. Volcanic peaks and craters. Pristine turquoise lakes. Lassen Volcanic National Park, located in the northeast corner of California, is an under-the-radar National Park home to a prehistoric landscape dotted with thermal hot spots and volcanoes. Here are the best things to do in Lassen National Park!

28 Epic Things to do in Lassen National Park, California: The Ultimate Guide to Lassen

Bubbling thermal springs. Volcanic peaks and craters. Pristine turquoise lakes. Lassen Volcanic National Park, located in the northeast corner of California, is an under-the-radar National Park home to a prehistoric landscape dotted with thermal … [Read more...] about 28 Epic Things to do in Lassen National Park, California: The Ultimate Guide to Lassen

Napa Valley is a lot of fun, and that's not just the wine talking. But is there anything to do in Napa besides drinking a lot of really good wine? Well, yes! There's rugged mountains, steamy hot springs, rolling vineyards, hot air balloons, incredible food, and even a few spirits - both the drinks AND the ghosts! Here are all the best things to do in Napa.

19 Fabulous Things To Do in Napa Valley, California

Napa Valley is a lot of fun, and that's not just the wine talking. Rugged mountains, steamy hot springs, rolling vineyards, and 260 days of sunshine is as appealing for tourists as it is for vines; although I’m willing to bet that we have more fun! … [Read more...] about 19 Fabulous Things To Do in Napa Valley, California

Monterey is a beautiful town along the California coast, just two hours south of San Francisco on Highway One! Kayaking, hiking, whale watching, wine tasting, a world-famous aquarium, Cannery Row, Fisherman’s Wharf, and more: here’s everything you need to know to plan a trip to Monterey, California.

41 Marvelous Things to Do in Monterey, California

Otters. Wine tasting. Whale watching. Clam chowder. Monterey is one of the most beautiful towns along the California coast - and the most historically important! Famous for its incredible aquarium – part interactive museum, part animal conservation … [Read more...] about 41 Marvelous Things to Do in Monterey, California

Yosemite in winter is just as beautiful (arguably more) in the winter - and MUCH less crowded. Here's everything you need to plan a trip to Yosemite National Park in winter!

12 Stunning Things to do in Yosemite National Park, California in Winter

Freshly fallen snow dusting towering redwoods. A waterfall that looks like lava. A 17th century English feast?? Wait, are we still talking about Yosemite National Park? Yes, y'all: Yosemite in winter is a whole new park! If you've only visited … [Read more...] about 12 Stunning Things to do in Yosemite National Park, California in Winter

14 epic things to do in Yosemite National Park, California!

14 Epic Things to do in Yosemite National Park, California

Towering sequoias. Raging waterfalls. Soaring granite cliffs. Yosemite is one of the oldest National Parks in the country, and in our very biased opinion as Yosemite's Bay Area-based neighbors, it's also the best. And the most beautiful. But hey, … [Read more...] about 14 Epic Things to do in Yosemite National Park, California

Sheer cliffs. Crashing waves. Misty redwoods. Big Sur, California is a rugged stretch of stunning coastline on Highway One between Los Angeles and San Francisco, and it’s home to some of the dreamiest campsites in California! Camping in Big Sur means setting up your tent on ocean cliffs and in redwood groves, next to babbling brooks and lazy rivers, and underneath bright stars and wheeling galaxies. So pack your swimsuit (and maybe a wetsuit) for the beach and your hiking boots for the trails, and read on to find tips for the perfect Big Sur camping trip and the best Big Sur campgrounds.

14 Beautiful Big Sur Campgrounds: The Best Camping in Big Sur, California

Sheer cliffs. Crashing waves. Misty redwoods. Big Sur, California is a rugged stretch of stunning coastline on Highway One between Los Angeles and San Francisco, and it’s home to some of the dreamiest campsites in California! Camping in Big Sur means … [Read more...] about 14 Beautiful Big Sur Campgrounds: The Best Camping in Big Sur, California

Crystal-clear aquamarine water. Sandy beaches. Towering pine trees. Snow-capped mountains. Welcome to Lake Tahoe, California: the most stunning alpine lake in the country! Although many folks think of Lake Tahoe as a world-famous ski destination, summer at Lake Tahoe is completely different - and full of its own charm and outdoor beauty. (And ghosts. Lots of ghosts.) Ringed by white-sand beaches and trails crisscrossing through sequoia and pine forests and along sheer granite cliffs, the best way to experience Lake Tahoe in the summer is outside: on a trail, on a boat, or on a beach. Our travel guide to summer in Lake Tahoe has everything you need to know to plan your trip, and all the best Lake Tahoe summer activities!

The Ultimate Lake Tahoe Summer Guide: 12 Things to Do for the Perfect Summer at Lake Tahoe

Crystal-clear aquamarine water. Sandy beaches. Towering pine trees. Snow-capped mountains. Welcome to Lake Tahoe, California: the most stunning alpine lake in the country, all year round! Although many folks think of Lake Tahoe as a world-famous ski … [Read more...] about The Ultimate Lake Tahoe Summer Guide: 12 Things to Do for the Perfect Summer at Lake Tahoe

The best Napa wineries, by a Sommelier! Napa Valley, California wine tasting is the best in the country, and Napa is the most scenic wine country in California.

36 Amazing Napa Wineries: a Sommelier’s Guide to the Best Wineries in Napa

Rolling vineyards. Misty mountains. Opulent castles. Welcome to Napa Valley, California's most iconic wine country - and for good reason! California makes the some of the best wine in the world (we're biased, but it's also true) and Napa wineries are … [Read more...] about 36 Amazing Napa Wineries: a Sommelier’s Guide to the Best Wineries in Napa

San Diego, California: beaches, Balboa Park, sunsets, and snorkelling!

San Diego Weekend Getaway: The Perfect 3-day Itinerary

Sunny beaches. Snorkeling. Watching a vermillion sunset over rugged cliffs and sea caves while listening to the barking of sea lions. That got a bit specific, but hey, welcome to San Diego, the country’s most southwestern city and the perfect place … [Read more...] about San Diego Weekend Getaway: The Perfect 3-day Itinerary

Wondering where to stay in Paso Robles? Here's a roundup of the best Airbnbs in Paso Robles, from vineyard bungalows and olive farm ranch houses to Mermaid mansions.

Where to Stay in Paso Robles, California: 10 Stunning Hotels and Vacation Rentals

Rolling vineyards. Centuries-old oak trees. Hot springs. Paso Robles, California is one of our absolute favorite places in California, and the perfect spot for a weekend getaway! Paso Robles’ name means "The Pass of the Oaks" and that sums up the … [Read more...] about Where to Stay in Paso Robles, California: 10 Stunning Hotels and Vacation Rentals

The best Paso Robles breweries to try barrel-aged sours and stouts and refreshing California IPAs. Plus, the best Paso Robles distilleries & restaurants to round out a weekend getaway!

12 Must-Visit Paso Robles Breweries (& Distilleries)

Rolling vineyards. Craft breweries. Natural hot springs. Farm-to-table food. Paso Robles, California is one of the best weekend getaways in California for foodies & booze travelers, and one of the best places to visit on California's Central … [Read more...] about 12 Must-Visit Paso Robles Breweries (& Distilleries)

42 Places to Go Whale Watching in California: The Ultimate Guide

Ah, whales: these majestic, enormous marine mammals have been immortalized in our culture in everything to Moby Dick to Finding Nemo. There was once a whole industry devoted to murdering them; now there's a movement devoted to saving them. Any way … [Read more...] about 42 Places to Go Whale Watching in California: The Ultimate Guide

The ultimate guide to fall in california: fall foliage, pumpkin picking, apple orchards, grape stomping, and where to go for the best fall activities in California!

Fall in California Guide: 21 Places to Go for California Fall Foliage, Pumpkins, Apples, & More

Crisp autumn air. Crunchy leaves. Brightly colored foliage. Pumpkins and apples and spooky season - I love EVERYTHING about fall! Autumn has always been my favorite time of the year - I was born in Boston and grew up in a Halloween-obsessed city - … [Read more...] about Fall in California Guide: 21 Places to Go for California Fall Foliage, Pumpkins, Apples, & More

The 10 best Southern California hikes near Los Angeles and San Diego, from Joshua Tree to the Channel Islands to Anza Borrego to Mount Baldy to Torres Pines and more. Go hiking in California!

10 Best Hikes in Southern California (a Local’s Guide)

Snow-covered mountains. Rushing waterfalls. Secluded beaches. Otherwordly desert landscapes. If this description of Southern California surprises you, it's time to head out and explore! Stretching from just north of Los Angeles all the way south … [Read more...] about 10 Best Hikes in Southern California (a Local’s Guide)

This guide to the best Pacific Coast Highway road trip stops will help you plan your Highway 1 road trip up the California coast. Includes Pacific Big Sur, Monterey, Morro Bay, Mendocino, Santa Cruz, Santa Barbara tidepools, redwoods, vineyards, beaches, waterfalls, where to stop, what to eat, things to do, California travel tips, and more!

The 32 Best Pacific Coast Highway Stops: California Towns, Landmarks, & Restaurants

Sunny beaches. Foggy coastline. Swaying palm trees. Towering redwoods. Playful otters. Flomping elephant seals. Fresh oysters. Vintage wines. Driving the Pacific Coast Highway is not only one of the best California road trips: it’s one of the best … [Read more...] about The 32 Best Pacific Coast Highway Stops: California Towns, Landmarks, & Restaurants

This 10-day California coast road trip itinerary covers all of our favorite Californian things: sunny beaches and foggy coastline, swaying palm trees and towering redwoods, playful otters and flomping elephant seals, fresh oysters and vintage wines - there's even a clothing-optional hot spring, if you're up for it. Here's everything you need to know about driving Highway One/the Pacific Coast Highway.

The Ultimate 10-Day California Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Itinerary

Barking sea lions. Salty air. Waves crashing on critter-filled tidepools. Rolling hills dusted with bright orange poppies and intersected with redwood-filled valleys. Driving Pacific Coast Highway is the most beautiful road trip in the entire world. … [Read more...] about The Ultimate 10-Day California Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Itinerary

How to plan a Lake Tahoe winter trip on a budget, from Lake Tahoe ski resorts to what to do in Lake Tahoe other than skiing, and more!

How to Plan an Amazing Lake Tahoe Winter Trip (on a Budget)

Living in the California Bay Area means taking Lake Tahoe winter trips is somewhat of a regular requirement. Every year for the past 7 years, we've rounded up a group of our friends, piled them into 2 cars, and headed into the Sierra Nevadas for a … [Read more...] about How to Plan an Amazing Lake Tahoe Winter Trip (on a Budget)

12 rustic and outdoorsy things to do in the charming mountain village of June Lake, California! This Eastern Sierras getaway has some of the best fall foliage in the state, stunning scenery, skiing, snowboarding, fishing, hiking, hot springs, and more.

12 Things to do in the Charming Mountain Town of June Lake, California

Crisp mountain air. Shimmering lakes. Scenic drives. Colorful fall foliage. Welcome to June Lake, California: a rustic little mountain town in the high Eastern Sierra Nevada mountains packed with scenic trails to explore, breathtaking mountain views … [Read more...] about 12 Things to do in the Charming Mountain Town of June Lake, California

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