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Local Guide to the Grove LA

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Top 5 Scenic Drives 

In California you cannot miss!

TOP STORIES

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Top 3 Most Visited Places In California Summer 2025

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Best Boat  Tours to Stay cool this Summer

Jet Skiing

Guided Jet Ski to Catalina Island

FEATURED

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SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

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7 Unexpected Things To Do In Venice Beach, CA 

Venice Beach is known for its bohemian spirit, but beyond the boardwalk lies a world of hidden gems and creative surprises. From secret art spots to soulful local hangouts, this blog uncovers seven unexpected things to do that reveal Venice’s quirky, offbeat charm.

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Inside the Best Luxury Stays on Coronado Island (That Locals and Celebs Love)

Coronado Island offers legendary luxury, from the iconic Victorian Hotel del Coronado—recently revitalized with oceanfront dining and historic charm—to chic newcomers like The Bower Coronado, boasting rooftop views and artful design. Add serene bayfront resorts and boutique hideaways for a memorable seaside escape.

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Escape the Crowds - 5 Quiet Spaces in Griffith Park

Griffith Park is more than a vista—it hides peaceful pockets where you can escape the crowds and find calm. From shaded fern-lined canyons to secret gardens and high ridge trails with sweeping city views, these five quiet spaces offer surprising serenity within L.A.’s urban wild heart.

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Best Luxe Hotels Near Downtown LA's Art District that Hit Different 

DTLA’s Arts District hotels feel artful and unique—with sleek, industrial-chic designs housed in repurposed warehouses. Think loft-style rooms, rooftop pools, and curated art installations (see Soho Warehouse’s graffiti-draped vibe)

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$25 Off

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Hot Air Balloon Rides!

CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

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What to know before visiting Pfeiffer Beach, in Big Sur California

Pfeiffer Beach in Big Sur dazzles with its iconic Keyhole Arch and rare purple sand, washed in manganese-rich hues. Accessible via a winding two-mile stretch off Highway 1, it’s a dreamy, off‑the‑beaten‑path spot perfect for sunset photography and serene coastal exploration.

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Where Love  Meets the Coast: Quiet Romantic  Getaways

Discover where love meets the wild coast in Big Sur. This guide reveals serene, romantic hideaways—perfect for couples craving ocean views, cozy stays, and quiet moments beneath the redwoods. It’s intimacy, unplugged, along one of California’s most breathtaking coastal escapes.

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Stevenson Falls  – North Fork's Hidden Waterfall Trail Worth Discovering

Stevenson Falls, Fresno County’s tallest cascade, drops approximately 1,200 ft over four dramatic tiers. A moderate 7‑mile round‑trip on the historic “Million Dollar Road” leads through wildflower‑fringed Sierra scenery to this spectacular waterfall. Best experienced in spring when the flow is at its fullest.

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Sun, Style & Serenity: A Perfect Weekend in Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, known as the “American Riviera,” blends Mediterranean-style architecture, sun-kissed beaches, and the Santa Ynez Mountains. Highlights include Stearns Wharf, Mission Santa Barbara, and vibrant wine tasting in the Funk Zone. This laid‑back coastal gem offers culture, outdoor adventure, and year‑round charm.

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Sailing Cruise

Sidecar Wine Adventure

CITY GUIDES

CITY GUIDES

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Stroll, Sip, and Savor: A Perfect Day in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter
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Ride the Vibe: A Perfect Day at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
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Plan the Perfect Trip to Oceanside: From Pier Views to Coastal Brews

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

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Don't Miss these Hidden Gems in Golden  Gate Park for a Relaxing Afternoon

Golden Gate Park is San Francisco’s green heart—1,000+ acres of meadows, lakes, gardens, and museums stretching from the Haight to the Pacific. From bison paddocks to Japanese tea gardens, it blends natural beauty with culture, offering peaceful escapes and iconic sights in one of the city’s most beloved spaces.

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Everything You Need to Know Before Hiking to Mossbrae Falls

Mossbrae Falls, nestled near Dunsmuir, California, is a breathtaking 50‑foot, 175‑foot wide waterfall fed by Mount Shasta’s glaciers. Moss-draped cliffs spill into the Sacramento River in ethereal curtains. Access remains precarious—along active railroad tracks—while plans for a safe trail are underway

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Hidden Romantic Stays in Healdsburg  Wine Country You'll Love

Healdsburg is a charming gem in Sonoma wine country, known for its world-class vineyards, farm-to-table dining, and small-town elegance. Surrounded by rolling hills and tasting rooms, it’s the perfect blend of rustic beauty and refined indulgence—ideal for a relaxing, wine-filled getaway.

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Kings Beach Beyond the Usual: 3 Unique Summer Ideas to Try

Kings Beach sits on Lake Tahoe’s sunniest shoreline, offering wide sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a relaxed mountain-town vibe. With charming shops, casual dining, and easy access to kayaking and paddleboarding, it’s a perfect spot for a laid-back summer escape.

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Aerial Tramway

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Aerial Tramway

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CULTURAL & UNIQUE

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Chicano Park, San Diego

Beneath San Diego’s Coronado Bridge lies Chicano Park—an explosion of color, culture, and resistance. Born from a 1970 community protest, it’s now home to the largest collection of outdoor murals in the U.S. Each painted pillar tells a story of Chicano pride, indigenous roots, and social justice. More than a park, it’s a living symbol of resilience and identity in the heart of Barrio Logan.

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West Hollywood, Los Angeles

West Hollywood is a lively hub of art, nightlife, and LGBTQ+ culture in the heart of Los Angeles. Known for the Sunset Strip, trendy boutiques, and inclusive energy, it blends glamor with authenticity—making it a must-visit for creativity, self-expression, and nonstop entertainment.

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Chinatown, San Francisco

San Francisco’s Chinatown is the oldest in North America and a vibrant blend of culture, cuisine, and history. Beyond the iconic Dragon Gate lies a bustling world of lantern-lined alleys, herbal shops, and dim sum spots—offering an authentic glimpse into Chinese-American heritage and daily life in the city.

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Little Ethiopia, Fairfax

Nestled along Fairfax Avenue between Olympic and Whitworth, Los Angeles’s Little Ethiopia is a vibrant cultural enclave celebrating Ethiopian and Eritrean traditions. Since the early 1990s—with its first restaurants and markets—it now features authentic cuisine, coffee ceremonies, boutiques, and galleries. A flavorful, community-rooted slice of East Africa.

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At Places to Visit in California, we’re your trusted guide to discovering the very best the Golden State has to offer. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, we provide curated insights and expert tips so you can make the most of every trip. We know your time is valuable—that’s why we highlight only the most unforgettable places to explore, dine, and stay, ensuring every California adventure is truly worth it.

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