Tag: California

7 Unique Ways to Experience Northern California Wildflowers

Among the sunny slopes and soft, rolling meadows of Northern California, the wildflowers are shaking off the winter doldrums and opening to a hopeful, new spring.

Even if you’ve spent the last two years under a rock (haven’t we all, kind of?) you probably know that there’s no shortage of places to see wildflowers around these parts. But there’s so much more to the season than hiking alone. If you’ve never wildflower-watched from a vintage train or ogled the springtime bounty from a raging river, the time is now.

These seven unique ways to experience the wildflowers are best attempted between March and the end of May.

Wildflowers by Train: Western Railway Museum, Suisun City

(Courtesy of @westernrailwaymuseum)

Climb aboard a historic train for wildflower viewing vintage-style. The Western Railway Museum‘s annual spring journey travels through fields of blooming poppies, goldfields, sheep’s sorrel, and more. Docents on board, as well as a useful printed guide, will help you identify them all. Spend a few extra bucks on a first class ticket for a posh ride in a restored 1914 Salt Lake and Utah Railroad parlor observation car complete with cookies and lemonade. Scenic wildflower trains run from March 26th to May 1st.

// 5848 State Highway 12 (Suisun City), wrm.org

Wildflowers by Faft: Merced River

(Courtesy of @mindego_hillcat)

In the springtime, the banks of the scenic Merced River bloom in technicolor. Tufted poppies, redbuds, and dozens of other species come to life with the snow melt between April and June, coincidentally also one of the most exciting times to ride the river’s whitewater (in spring, the usually Class III-IV rapids can reach Class V intensity). Get paddling on an Oars Merced River trip or an All-Outdoors California whitewater rafting tour, full-day rides that each include lunch.

Wildflowers by Trail: North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve, Oroville

(Courtesy of @whatthehellsie)

Ok, so it’s not the most innovative way to see this year’s blooms, but what good’s a wildflower guide without at least one classic hike. At North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve, the rich volcanic soil and seasonal springs and pools give rise to what is considered one of the best displays in Northern California. The blooms here—lupin, poppies, meadowfoam, purple owl’s clover, goosefoot violet, buttercups—blanket meadows, cascade down rocky ravines, and form colorful fairy circles around mounds of stone. For a long look at the springtime beauty, try the Phantom Falls Trail, a gently rolling, 4.2-mile out-and-back hike; if you’re pressed for time or have little ones in tow, take the 1.5-mile out-and-back Hollow Falls Trail instead. Wildflowers bloom at North Table between late February and late April.

// 2488 Cherokee Rd (Oroville), wildlife.ca.gov

Wildflowers by Car: Highway 1, Half Moon Bay to Santa Cruz

Wildflower sighting along Highway 1.

(Courtesy of @sactownrich)

The wildflowers along Highway 1 in San Mateo and Santa Cruz counties are so prolific you don’t even need to get out of the car to see them—though you might have more fun if you do. You’ll find some of the best fields south of Half Moon Bay at Iacopi Farms where, last year, they decided to welcome flower-frolickers for a $10 fee; in the rural farm village of Davenport; and at Wilder Ranch State Park. The poppies, Bermuda buttercup, and lupine bloom from mid-March through May.

Wildflower Picnicking: Chimney Rock, Point Reyes National Seashore

(Courtesy of @flora_acolyte)

With colorful spring blossoms, barking elephant seals, and miles of California coastline, there are few locations as utterly perfect as Point Reyes National Seashore’s Chimney Rock for a wildflower-inspired picnic. Pick a spot along the easy, 1.75-mile trail—you’ll have an incredible view almost anywhere you choose—and settle in for an afternoon that will feed so much more than your grumbling stomach. The Douglas iris, Indian paintbrush, baby-blue eyes, and Johnny Tucks are on display late March through April.

// Chimney Rock Rd (Point Reyes Station), nps.gov/pore

Wildflower Backpacking: Henry W. Coe State Park, Morgan Hill

(Courtesy of @skunky420)

Fully immerse yourself in wildflower season with a beginner-friendly backpacking trip at Henry W. Coe State Park. From March through May, the park, the largest in Northern California, gives rise to flowers of every color, shape, and size including blue witch, buttercups, and checkerblooms. All you need to access a number of backpacking campsites is a first-come first-served $5 permit (plus an $8 parking fee); campsites range between one- and 7.5 miles from the Coe Ranch entrance. Download the Pine Ridge Association’s wildflower album to help you keep track of the flowers you’ll encounter along the way.

// 9000 E Dunne Ave (Morgan Hill), parks.ca.gov

Wildflowers With a Private Guide: Wildflower Walks, Hotel Healdsburg

(Courtesy of @hotelhealdsburg)

See wildflowers the white-glove way with a private guided wildflower walk as part of an overnight stay at Sonoma’s boutique Hotel Healdsburg. The experience, which includes a two-hour hike through the hills where pink wild rose, blue-eyed grass, and buttercups blossom plus a gourmet picnic lunch for two from Dry Creek Kitchen. A local trail maven and certified health coach will guide you, tailoring the experience to personal levels of fitness and flower knowledge; available March through May.

// 25 Matheson St (Healdsburg), hotelhealdsburg.com

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Hang Ten: Learn to Surf (at Last) at 5 California Surfing Schools

Surfing is about as Californian as you can get. For most beachgoers, watching the pros catch waves is a favorite pastime—they make it look so effortlessly fun, who could resist wanting to join in? But when it comes to actually getting on a board yourself, it can be intimidating.

But really all a barney (that’s lingo for new surfer) needs to get up and running is a lesson or two to understand the basics—how to paddle, how to pop up on the board, and how to lean into the ride.

Luckily, there are plenty of surf schools to help. This summer, if you want to finally check surfing off your bucket list, sign up for a class at one of these five spots down the coast. You’ll be hanging ten in no time.

Adventure Out, Pacifica and Santa Cruz

Generally, Southern Californian waters are better for novices, but the Bay Area has a few spots that make for good options, especially during the summer when the water is warmer and waves are smaller. Adventure Out offers lessons to newbs just a short drive away from SF, both in Santa Cruz and Pacifica, where you can book one- or two-day lessons (they highly recommend two days for those completely fresh to the sport). Each day includes three hours of lessons and you can choose private or group instruction. // adventureout.comRichard Schmidt Surf School, Santa Cruz

Just an hour-and-a-half south of the Bay, the Richard Schmidt Surf School runs lessons year-round at ideal beginner surf spots along the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, stretching from Santa Cruz south to Big Sur. The school has been around since 1978 and instructors are world-class surfers with a ton of experience, so you’ll be in good hands. Two-hour lessons cover all the basics, from safety to technique and tips and tricks. // richardschmidt.com

Sea, Surf & Fun, Half Moon Bay

Launched in 2011, Sea, Surf & Fun teaches classes in Half Moon Bay, only half an hour south of the city, at a calm but thrilling spot close to the famous surfing point Maverick’s. Here, you’ll get the chance to learn the ropes and even perhaps meet a seal or dolphin. Choose from 90-minute group lessons, semi private (2-3 students), or private lessons. In addition to the standard courses, the company also offers week-long surf camps for kids 7+. // seasurffun.com

Mary Osborne Surf, Ventura

For a chance to learn from a famous pro, head to Ventura—located on the coast just northwest of Los Angeles—to take a lesson with Mary Osborne, an icon in the surf industry who spent 10 years in competition. In addition to the sport, she’s become an ambassador for both environmental causes and female empowerment, traveling to remote places around the world. You can choose to take a 90-minute one-on-one lesson, a 90-minute group class (resuming in April 2022 on Saturday mornings) or an overnight surf getaway at the beachfront Crowne Plaza, inland at Ojai Valley Inn, or at a rented beautiful private home. // maryosbornesurf.com

Surf House Adventures, Encinitas

In North San Diego County, Encinitas is the ultimate surf town—and Surf House Adventures is the ideal place to soak in the SoCal vibes and conquer the waves for the first time. Surf House Adventures is a boutique hotel on Highway 101 that also offers a surf camp and complimentary access to surfboards to totally immerse you in the surf life experience. Choose from a variety of options including one-off lessons, guided morning surfing and three-day all-inclusive packages. After you get your thrills, head back to relax in your surf-inspired room or the outdoor cabana. // surfhouseadventures.com

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The Best Camping Spots on the Northern California Coast

California’s coastal camping options are nearly limitless.

So go get cozy around a campfire and enjoy the outdoors every month of the year.

Jedediah Smith Campground

Located on the banks of the Smith River, Jedediah Smith Campground may be the most picturesque of the Redwood National and State Park campgrounds. The campground offers 106 sites nestled among old-growth coast redwoods, about a dozen of which lie adjacent to the Smith River.

PROS: Smith River access. Old-growth redwoods.

CONS: Summer crowds.

REGION: Redwoods + Del Norte Coast

CONGESTION: High

CAMPING FEE: $35

DAY-USE/PARKING PASS REQUIRED: Not Required

TENT/CAR SITES: 106

TENT/WALK-IN SITES: 5

GROUP SITES: 5

PICNIC TABLES: Yes

DOGS ALLOWED: Yes

Albion River Campground

Albion River Campground sits along the mouth of the Albion River. It’s next to the lofty wooden truss structure supporting the Albion River Bridge that crosses Highway 1. The campground caters to RV camping with partial to full RV hookups available, including WiFi, for all of the 117 campsites. Tent and car camping is also available, but the fee is the same regardless of whether you have an RV, car, or tent. The campground layout is split into 4 groups: A, B, C, D. The A group with full RV hookups is nestled against a Eucalyptus covered hillside and offers a bit more privacy. Showers are provided in the camp restrooms. Two boat launches are available for on-site use, as is a fish cleaning station. The Flats Café, a wonderful campground amenity, shares space with the campground office. Try the corned beef hash. It’s fantastic.

PROS: Great river access for recreation and fishing.

CONS: Can get crowded with RVs in spring and summer.

REGION: Mendocino Coast + Clear Lake Area

CONGESTION: High

CAMPING FEE: $35

DAY-USE/PARKING PASS REQUIRED: Not Required

FULL HOOK-UP RV SITES: 17

RV SITES: 90

TENT/CAR SITES: 90

PICNIC TABLES: Yes

Anchor Bay Campground

A local favorite, this campground is ideal for those who want to spend time on the beach. The northwest wind protection is key for sunny days, and it helps to keep the beach much warmer than nearby options. The speardiving, kayaking, abalone diving, fishing and crabbing are some of the best in NorCal. The Stellar Sealion rookery just offshore on the island of Fish Rocks is a sight to see and hear by kayak. Hundreds of sealions gather here to haul themselves out of the water and loaf on the rocks. In the recent years a few elephant seals have also been spotted in and amongst the other pinnipeds.

PROS: One of the best beaches in the area. Perfect wind pertection. Surfing, fishing, crabbing, and abalone diving.

CONS: Lots of trailers. Located on Highway 1.

REGION: Mendocino Coast + Clear Lake Area

CONGESTION: Moderate

CAMPING FEE: $40

DAY-USE/PARKING PASS REQUIRED: General Day Use Fee ($3)

FULL HOOK-UP RV SITES: 52

RV SITES: 45

TENT/CAR SITES: 40

PICNIC TABLES: Yes

Gualala Point Campground

Gualala Point Regional Campground is a great example of the amazing redwood forests that used to dominate the coast of Northern California. It is a very peaceful campground with a relatively small number of campsites. Great hiking trails lead along the scenic Gualala River and link to Gualala Point Park on the west side of Highway 1. It is also possible to hike from the campsites to the Gualala Point Park and then connect south onto the Sea Ranch Coastal Trail System for a much longer beach and cliff hike, an excellent locale for whale watching. During the whale watching season, a hike to the beach might earn the breathtaking sight of the great migration in progress. Try waiting until sunset when whale spouts become a backlit exclamation mark in the sea, making for easy spotting. With amazing access to sunny river banks, swimming holes, beaches, hiking trails, and the nearby town of Gualala, this campground is a great spot for all those interested in relaxing in the redwoods and enjoying the awe of the northern California coast.

PROS: Quiet, beautiful, and serene. Huge redwoods in most campsites. Swimming holes and beach access.

CONS: Shady and cold in the mornings due to large trees.

REGION: Sonoma Coast + Napa Area

CONGESTION: Low

CAMPING FEE: $32

DAY-USE/PARKING PASS REQUIRED: General Day Use Fee ($7)

TENT/CAR SITES: 20

TENT/WALK-IN SITES: 6

PICNIC TABLES: Yes

Gerstle Cove Campground

Gerstel Cove Campground in Salt Point State Park has 30 drive-in sites located on the ocean side of Highway 1. While other campgrounds are available in the park, Gerstle Cove Campground offers the nearest ocean access and remains open year-round. As the name suggests, the campground is adjacent to Gerstle Cove, a State Marine Reserve that hosts a healthy underwater kelp forest. The rich marine ecosystem makes Gerstle Cove a popular spot for divers staying at the campground.

PROS: Easy access to Gerstle Cove. Exploring Salt Point State Park

CONS: Can be booked weekends March through October.

REGION: Sonoma Coast + Napa Area

CONGESTION: High

CAMPING FEE: $35

DAY-USE/PARKING PASS REQUIRED: Not Required

TENT/CAR SITES: 30

PICNIC TABLES: Yes

Reef Campground

Reef Campground is a cozy little coastal campground located within Fort Ross State Historic Park, that is open between April 1 and November 30 each year. The 21 campsites lie adjacent to the ocean coves near Fort Ross, extending up a narrow, redwood-lined gulch. Sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis and can accommodate vehicles up to 18 feet; there are no hookups.

PROS: Small and cozy campground. Ocean access. Fort Ross.

CONS: Closed in winter. Some sights unshaded.

REGION: Sonoma Coast + Napa Area

CONGESTION: Moderate

PREFERABLE SEASON(S): Summer, Fall

CAMPING FEE: $35

DAY-USE/PARKING PASS REQUIRED: Not Required

TENT/CAR SITES: 21

PICNIC TABLES: Yes

DOGS ALLOWED: Yes

Bodega Dunes Campground

Tucked away in the dunes behind the sand and crashing surf, Bodega Dunes Campground offers a beach access and a tranquil camping option for visitors to Bodega Bay and the surrounding area. The campground is a couple of dunes away from South Salmon Creek Beach, a picturesque setting for beach combing, kite flying, and picnics. There’s also a few surfing spots nearby, such as North Salmon Creek Beach a mile to the north.

PROS: Beach access. Shaded campsites.

CONS: Sounding of a foghorn througout the night.

REGION: Sonoma Coast + Napa Area

CONGESTION: Low

CAMPING FEE: $35

DAY-USE/PARKING PASS REQUIRED: Not Required

TENT/CAR SITES: 98

TENT/WALK-IN SITES: 1

GROUP SITES: 1

PICNIC TABLES: Yes

Doran Beach Campground

Surrounded by the waters of Bodega Bay and Bodega Harbor, Doran Beach Campground offers visitors a beautiful beachside setting and both car/tent sites and RV sites (although with no hookups). It’s a great camping spot for beachcombers and kayakers, with Doran Beach just a stone’s throw away.

PROS: Direct access to Mount Tamalpais’ best hiking trails.

CONS: Limited number of sites.

REGION: Marin

CONGESTION: Moderate

CAMPING FEE: $25

DAY-USE/PARKING PASS REQUIRED: State Park Fee ($10)

TENT/WALK-IN SITES: 16

PICNIC TABLES: Yes

Bootjack Campground

After over 40 years of closure, a renovated Bootjack Campground reopened in the fall of 2013, offering an additional 15 historic campsites within Mount Tamalpais State Park. The campground provides walk-in sites adjacent to the parking and day use area and two sites that meet ADA standards. In an effort to preserve the historic character of the campground, campsites feature grills suspended over rock fire rings that are reminiscent of the Civilian Conservation Corps era.

PROS: Quiet campground. Access to hiking trails.

CONS: Limited number of sites.

REGION: Marin

CONGESTION: Low

PREFERABLE SEASON(S): Spring, Summer, Fall

CAMPING FEE: $25

DAY-USE/PARKING PASS REQUIRED: State Park Fee ($10)

TENT/WALK-IN SITES: 15

PICNIC TABLES: Yes

Sempervirens Campground

The Sempervirens Club was started by the original founders of Big Basin Redwoods State Park. This campground was a gathering place for the club to host events and meetings. These grounds hold a lot of important history, for if it was not for the actions of this group, these old-growth redwoods may not exist today. Grateful are the many who come to see California’s first state park!

PROS: Camping in old-growth forest.

CONS: Close to Highway 236.

REGION: San Francisco Peninsula + Santa Cruz

CONGESTION: High

CAMPING FEE: $35

DAY-USE/PARKING PASS REQUIRED: Reservation Fee ($8)

RV SITES: 7

TENT/CAR SITES: 27

PICNIC TABLES: Yes

DOGS ALLOWED: Yes

Trail Camp Walk-in Campground

Trail Camp is Andrew Molera State Park’s one and only campground. As a walk-in environmental camp with 24 sites located about a third of a mile from the trailhead, this is more of a gear haul than a backpacking trip. The campground has limited shade and privacy, although a handful of sites are tucked up against sycamore and oak trees that offer some respite from the sun. Sites are limited to four people and have a maximum duration of seven nights.

PROS: Waking up within the park. Easy beach access.

CONS: Hauling gear.

REGION: Big Sur Coastline

CONGESTION: Moderate

CAMPING FEE: $15

DAY-USE/PARKING PASS REQUIRED: State Park Fee ($10)

TENT/WALK-IN SITES: 24

PICNIC TABLES: Yes

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

Located in the heart of northern Big Sur on the forested floor of the Big Sur River Valley, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is one of California’s best kept state parks and an ideal base from which to explore the Big Sur coastline. The park is home to Big Sur’s largest public campground, diverse hiking trails, the rustic yet comfortable Big Sur Lodge, and over 3 miles of Big Sur River access, including the swimming holes of the Big Sur River Gorge.

PROS: Centrally located for exploring Big Sur. River access. Redwoods.

CONS: Campground can get crowded.

REGION: Big Sur Coastline

CONGESTION: Moderate

DAY-USE/PARKING PASS REQUIRED: State Park Fee ($10)

PICNIC TABLES: Yes

Sykes Hot Springs

What better way to relax after a strenuous 10-mile hike than to take a dip in a soothing hot spring? Sykes Hot Springs in Big Sur is one of the most famous and popular backcountry hot springs in California, and it is easy to understand why. Sykes in nestled deep in the Ventana Wilderness, a 234,000-acre protected area that was first established in 1969. Sykes became popular during the counter-culture movement of the 1960s, and it has since has become a favorite destination for backpackers and locals alike.

PROS: Beautiful canyons and forests. Relaxing hot springs. Good introductory backpacking.

CONS: Can be extremely crowded. Trash is an issue. No group restrictions.

REGION: Big Sur Coastline

CONGESTION: High

DAY-USE/PARKING PASS REQUIRED: General Day Use Fee ($5)

Limekiln State Park Campground

Reopened in 2010 following two years of closure after the Chalk Fire, Limekiln State Park’s campground offers a cozy camping experience along a quieter section of the Big Sur coast. A good overnight midway point for those passing through Big Sur country, the park itself is a worthy destination, home to historic limekiln furnaces hidden in a redwood forest, Limekiln Beach, and beautiful trails that explore the creeks and canyons above the campground. The beach offers good fishing access and, when ocean conditions are calm, a put-in spot for kayaks.

PROS: Ocean access. Nearby trails.

CONS: Limited parking.

REGION: Big Sur Coastline

CONGESTION: Moderate

CAMPING FEE: $35

DAY-USE/PARKING PASS REQUIRED: Not Required

TENT/CAR SITES: 28

PICNIC TABLES: Yes

Kirk Creek Campground

Perched on a bluff along Big Sur’s south coast, Kirk Creek Campground is arguably one of the most beautiful coastal campgrounds in California. The campground sits 100 feet above the ocean, and this perspective offers stunning views of the Santa Lucia mountains as they run toward the Pacific.

PROS: One of coastal California’s most scenic campgrounds. Ocean access.

CONS: Difficult to get a reservation. Noise from adjacent Highway 1. No water.

REGION: Big Sur Coastline

CONGESTION: High

CAMPING FEE: $25

DAY-USE/PARKING PASS REQUIRED: Not Required

TENT/CAR SITES: 34

TENT/WALK-IN SITES: 5

PICNIC TABLES: Yes

DOGS ALLOWED: Yes

Plaskett CreekCampground

Set within a grassy, park-like meadow shaded by Monterey pine and cypress tress, Plaskett Creek is a well-kept and comfortable campground along Big Sur’s south coast. Located across Highway 1 from scenic Sand Dollar Beach, the main attraction of the area, the campground is popular with beachgoers and surfers.

PROS: Nearby Sand Dollar Beach. Grassy, park-like camping setting.

CONS: Reservations are needed most weekends.

REGION: Big Sur Coastline

CAMPING FEE: $25

DAY-USE/PARKING PASS REQUIRED: Not Required

TENT/CAR SITES: 37

TENT/WALK-IN SITES: 3

GROUP SITES: 3

PICNIC TABLES: Yes

DOGS ALLOWED: Yes

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3 Places to Ride Horses on the Beach in Northern California

If you’re longing for that ultimate feeling of freedom—you know, the way your hair whips in the wind as you gallop across the sand, sea salt spraying at your heels—make plans for the ultimate California experience.

Here are three places to ride horses on the beach in Northern California.

Pebble Beach Equestrian Center

When you think of Pebble Beach, you think of…horses? Golf yes, polo ponies maybe, horseback rides, not so much. During your 75-minute trail ride through Del Monte Forest and across scenic 17-Mile Drive, you will pass by the requisite golf course and have a chance to stop for the ultimate selfie with the ocean across the street (unfortunately you can’t actually ride on the sand; after all, this is Pebble Beach). Group rides and private rides are offered. // 3300 Portola Rd (Pebble Beach), pebblebeach.com/equestrian-center

Ricochet Ridge Ranch

Located a short but scenic drive north from the rugged bluffs of Mendocino, Ricochet Ridge Ranch in Fort Bragg has plenty to brag about—offering both beach and forest riding on the same day. Guests may opt for a trek through a redwood forest or along Ten Mile Beach (that’s the name of the beach, not the length of the ride). Several one-hour beach rides are offered throughout the day on both English and western saddles. For the “can’t get enough time in the saddle” riders, Ricochet Ridge Ranch offers a full day adventure on the Mendocino coast. // 24201 North Highway 1 (Fort Bragg), horse-vacation.com

Sea Horse Ranch

Half Moon Bay, off California’s Pacific Coast Highway, might be best known for the gnarly waves at Pillar Point and Mavericks, but you’ll find sea horses there, too. No, these aren’t the type of sea horses that swim in the ocean. Instead, they take riders down by the seashore. Driving south on Highway 1 you’ll find them resting under the shade of eucalyptus trees, sand under their hooves. These bomb-proof horses (meaning they won’t spook at flying kites or barking dogs running on the beach) are available seven days a week for 60- to 90-minute rides on Poplar Beach. // 1828 Cabrillo Hwy N. (Half Moon Bay), seahorseranch.org

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6 Northern California Towns You Haven't Heard of but Are Charming AF

If you think you’ve been everywhere worth going in Northern California, chances are you’re sorely mistaken. From the Lost Coast to Monterey Bay, a handful of small communities are just as delightful as their better-known counterparts, minus the crowds.

So, whether you’re looking for a local day trip or a weekend away, you’ll find what you’re looking for at these six under-the-radar towns.

Ferndale, CA: Storybook Vibes + An Old Saloon in Humboldt County

(Courtesy of @killertown)

The Victorian village of Ferndale is so picture-perfect that it’s played starring roles in multiple films and TV shows; Legoland in San Diego even paid the town homage by building its replica in tiny plastic-brick form. Located just south of Eureka, a few miles inland from the Pacific, Ferndale is dripping in storybook homes and bay window–fronted shops.

The dead lie in its creepy but beautiful cemetery, which towers over the village on a hill, while steep-steepled historic churches attract the living. You can easily see the village’s core in a couple of hours but the eclectic Victorian B&B known as The Gingerbread Mansion Inn is well worth an overnight stay. Either way, don’t forget to stop in for a cocktail and a game of shuffleboard at The Palace Saloon, the westernmost bar in the continental U.S.

Dunsmuir, CA: A Historic Railroad Village a Skip From Mt. Shasta

(Courtesy of @seesiskiyou)

By the 1930s, Dunsmuir, a small railroad town just south of Mount Shasta, had developed into a destination for visitors in search of a gateway to the Trinities. By all appearances, that’s where time stopped for this little village, now reached via I-5. It’s so evocative of that period, in fact, that Dunsmuir’s entire downtown is on the National Register of Historic Places.

In recent years, the village’s quaint character has drawn a crop of entrepreneurs who’ve established businesses like the brick-walled coffee shop-cum-pub The Wheelhouse and fine dining restaurant Cafe Maddalena within its historic buildings. Although Dunsmuir’s iconic mid-century movie theater is currently closed, a local group is working to save and reopen it.

Murphys, CA: Big Trees + Gold Rush History

(Courtesy of @visitmurphys)

Murphys popped up quickly in the heat of the gold rush in 1848 and, by the early 1900s, had become a bit of a tourist destination for its proximity to the stately sequoia at Calaveras Big Trees State Park. Over the last century, that slow trickle of visitors has helped to shape Murphys into a destination that’s unexpectedly rich in restaurants, wineries (there are two dozen tasting rooms on Main Street alone), art galleries, and B&Bs, not to mention a solid dose of history in its architecture and landmarks.

Stop by the Ironstone Heritage Museum at Ironstone Vineyards to see the world’s largest gold nugget, then spend the night in the historic Murphys Hotel, which has hosted luminaries like Ulysses S. Grant and Mark Twain since 1856.

San Juan Bautista, CA: A State Historic Park With a Shady Past

(Courtesy of @filmpotato_)

San Juan Bautista began brutally, with a Spanish Mission that destroyed indigenous Amah Mutsen communities and enslaved its people. But while the settlement has evolved into a lovely modern village, it has not forgotten its history, both the dark side and the light.

The original mission church still stands, as do many of the adobe homes and businesses built along the old El Camino Real in the early 1800s. Many of those on The Alameda (Third Street) have been repurposed into modern shops and restaurants and, a block away, some of the town’s 200-year-old buildings—the Plaza Hotel, Zanetta House/Plaza Hall, the Plaza Stables, a historic jail, and more—have been preserved as part of the San Juan Bautista State Historic Park. When you’re done wandering, grab a meal at Michelin-starred chef Jarad Gallagher’s pandemic-born barbecue restaurant and whiskey bar, The Smoke Point, followed by a solid night’s sleep at the hacienda-inspired boutique hotel, Hacienda de Léal.

Niles, CA: A Quiet Reminder of Hollywood’s Silent Film Era in the East Bay

(Courtesy of @zeruch)

Despite sitting smack in the middle of the East Bay, it’s been about a hundred years since Niles was a household name. Back then, the village, isolated from the city of Fremont by the topography of Niles Canyon, rose to fame as the Hollywood of the silent film era; Charlie Chaplin, the king of those early movies, made five films here, including 1915’s iconic The Tramp.

Geography is still in Niles’ favor today. Though it’s far more accessible than it was back then, between Niles’ ubiquitous antique stores, fetching train depot and golden hills, visiting its main street (Niles Boulevard) still feels like stepping back in time. For some real insight into the town’s early days, catch one of its original black-and-white flicks on the big screen at the Niles Essanay Silent Film Museum.

Capitola, CA: Americana in Santa Cruz’s Quainter Neighbor

(Courtesy of @capitolalove)

The colorful seaside village of Capitola is nestled in the shadow of Santa Cruz at the northern end of Monterey Bay. Like its neighbor, Capitola is a laid-back community where surf and sun are paramount. But the town’s bite-sized center runs circles around Santa Cruz when it comes to charm.

Stroll the streets festooned with the best of Americana—ice cream and candy shops, taquerias, and bar-restaurants overlooking the ocean—before laying out on one of three beaches: Capitola, Hooper, or Trees. If you just can’t drag yourself away, stay overnight in the historic pastel vacation condos at Venetian Court, and don’t miss brunch at Shadowbrook across Soquel Creek, a classic 75-year old restaurant with a cable car funicular.

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5 California Caves to Take You Deep Inside Planet Earth

California is honeycombed with caves, from the volcanic landscape of the far north to the deserts of the south.

Some have been modified for tourism, with electricity that illuminates crystaline formations on their walls and ceilings. Others are au natural, tailor-made for a dark, daring adventure into Earth. Choose the cavern that suits you best and don’t forget your flashlight!

Lava Beds National Monument

(Courtesy of @lavabedsnps)

At Lava Beds National Monument in California’s far northeastern reaches, you can choose your own adventure from among the park’s 18 large caverns. The least challenging caves are family-friendly, relatively short, and include Lava Beds’ only developed options—Sentinel, Mushpot, and Merrill. But if you’re up for a challenge, skip the “moderate” caves and head straight for those marked with a black diamond. Protective helmets, knee pads, and gloves are a must for these explorations, and they recommend purchasing a map because there’s a real risk of getting lost inside. The longest of them all is Catacombs Cave, a nearly 7,000-foot-long cavern with a ceiling that rarely exceeds three feet in height.

// 1 Indian Well (Tulelake), nps.gov/labe

Black Chasm Cavern

(Courtesy of @fishologistbear)

It’s true that some of the mystique of Black Chasm Cavern was lost when developers added flights of stairs, walkways, and spotlights to facilitate the tourist experience, but not even these man-made accommodations can mar the majesty of this cave in Amador County. It’s especially known for its abundance of helictites, spindly, directionally challenged speleothems found in just five percent of the caves on Earth. The vertical chambers also contain a beautiful blue lake at their heart. Fifty-minute tours are $19 for adults 13 and up, and $11 for ages five to 12.

// 15701 Pioneer Volcano Rd (Volcano), cavetouring.com

Arroyo Tapiado Mud Caves

(Courtesy of @andrewclimbsrocks)

Caves in California—hell, caves pretty much anywhere in the world—are typically formed in limestone karst or lava landscapes. But at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in Southern California, they’re born of mud. In fact, the caverns here make up the most extensive mud cave system in the world; no one even knows how far they extend into the earth. The only way to reach them is on an eight-mile dirt road where only 4x4s go. Be careful once you arrive: Portions of the fragile cave system can collapse after it rains.

// 200 Palm Canyon Dr (Borrego Springs), parks.ca.gov

Bear Gulch + Balconies Caves

(Courtesy of @a.study.in.charlotte)

There are two caves to investigate at Pinnacles National Park: Bear Gulch and Balconies. Both are talus caves, which have a haphazard construction formed by falling boulders lodging into crevices in the rock. Both caverns can typically be seen most of the year (though check for temporary closures before you make the trek), but the lower section of Bear Gulch Cave, which is broken into two passages, is only open around March and April. The rest of the year, it’s closed to protect the endangered Townsend’s big-eared bats hibernating inside. While neither cavern is especially long, both can only be reached on a hiking adventure via the trails that bear their names.

// 5000 East Entrance Rd (Paicines), nps.gov/pinn

Mercer Caverns

(Courtesy of @ashannon95)

Mercer Cavern has been developed for tourism with the requisite viewing platforms, stairs, and electricity. But this cave outside of Murphys is still as fascinating as it was in 1885 when first discovered by Euro-Americans. The cavern has thousands of textbook-perfect speleothems, including spiked orange dogtooth spar crystals, twisting helictites, rootsicles that span from ceiling to floor, and delicate aragonite crystals. Forty-five minute tours are $20 for adults, $13 for ages three to 12.

// 1665 Sheep Ranch Rd (Murphys), mercercaverns.net

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