Off-Beat Travel Blog
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 beauty you’ll see here…. [read more]
Rolling vineyards. Craft breweries. Natural hot springs. Farm-to-table food. Paso Robles, California is one of the best weekend getaways in California, and one of the best places to visit on the Central Coast! But don’t make the mistake of assuming that wine tasting in Paso Robles is the only option for booze-loving visitors. Here are the best Paso Robles breweries to try barrel-aged sours, malty stouts and porters, and refreshing California IPAs. Plus, the best Paso Robles distilleries & restaurants to round out the perfect (and delicious) weekend getaway!
Ah, whales: these majestic, enormous marine mammals have been immortalized in our culture in everything to Moby Dick to Finding Nemo. California is the best whale watching destination in the United States, with about 20,000 gray whales making their annual swim down the coast. In this post, you’ll discover the best destinations for whale watching in California, plus everything you need to know to plan your trip!
Crisp autumn air. Crunchy leaves. Brightly colored foliage. Pumpkins, apples and spooky season – I love EVERYTHING about fall! Just one problem: we live in California, where October is obnoxiously hot and sunny. Thankfully, over the last decade I’ve learned where to find fall in California (and to ignore the fact that it’s also tarantula mating season). So here’s the ultimate guide to where to go for fall foliage, pumpkin picking, apple orchards, and a California specialty – grape stomping!
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! Whether you’re looking for good views at the top of a mountain, cacti explorations, or breezy coastal walks next to the ocean, the hiking in Southern California is diverse, scenic, and one-of-a-kind. This guide to the best hikes in Southern California was contributed by a SoCal local.
Sheer cliffs. Towering redwoods. Playful otters. Foggy beaches. Driving the Pacific Coast Highway is not only one of the best California road trips: it’s one of the best road trips in the world! And for Jeremy, it’s home: the Pacific Coast Highway runs through the middle of his hometown. Although we’ve driven Highway One dozens of times, on each road trip we stumble upon new hidden spots, points of interest, towns to explore, and restaurants to return to again and again. We’ve included them all in our massive guide to the best Pacific Coast Highway stops!
