California Travel Guide

California Travel Guide intro image guy walking with his board along California beach

California Is Home

After moving to the Central Coast, I kept finding my way back to the state’s wildest corners. From kayaking with sea otters to walking beneath ancient redwoods, chasing Sierra fall color, and photographing desert sunrises in Joshua Tree—these landscapes have shaped both my travels and the way I see the world.

This page gathers a growing collection of my favorite places across California, all rooted in firsthand experience and countless miles on foot, by road, and behind the lens.

To date, I’ve explored over 50 parks and protected areas throughout the state—each one offering its own kind of beauty, solitude, or spark of wonder.

Morro Bay Cambria San Simeon Eastern Sierra Author-Inspired Montana De Oro Yosemite Point Reyes Morro Bay State Park Top Experiences

Morro Bay

Wildlife, water, and West Coast charm- is the heart of the Central Coast.

View of Morro Rock and Morro beach

In this Morro Bay travel guide, you’ll find the best things to do in town and on the water, from kayaking and hiking to dining and local wildlife watching—plus tips on where to stay, what to pack, and how to plan your coastal escape.

Cambria

Where pine forests meet the sea—Cambria is all about coastal charm, quiet trails, and cozy small-town vibes.

Sunset at Moonstone beach

Tucked between the Pacific and the pines, Cambria offers a mix of coastal beauty and small-town charm. This guide covers everything from scenic strolls along Moonstone Beach and hikes in the nearby hills to local wine tasting, unique shops, and seasonal favorites like the Cambria Christmas Market—plus tips on where to stay and how to plan your visit.

San Simeon

Dramatic coastlines, castle views, and wildlife encounters make San Simeon feel like a forgotten edge of California.

Eastern Sierra

Welcome to California’s wild side. One of my favorite places to slow down and explore—where every bend in the road leads to something wild and unexpected. The Eastern Sierra is where towering granite peaks meet glassy alpine lakes, ghost towns fade into the desert, and every road leads to something unforgettable. Whether you’re here to summit a peak, soak in a hidden hot spring, or just chase fall colors down Highway 395, this guide has everything you need to plan your perfect adventure. We’ve hiked it, camped it, and road-tripped it—now it’s your turn.

Author-Inspired

From Steinbeck’s Salinas to Kerouac’s West Coast, these journeys follow the footsteps of authors and the landscapes they loved.

Montana de Oro State Park

Rugged trails, tidepools, and sweeping ocean views make Montaña de Oro a must for nature lovers on the Central Coast.

Morro Bay State Park

Where estuary waters, eucalyptus groves, and coastal trails come together in one peaceful, wildlife-rich park.

Yosemite

Granite cliffs, roaring waterfalls, and alpine meadows—this is California’s most iconic wild escape.

Point Reyes

Foggy cliffs, tule elk, and windswept trails—Point Reyes is wild, rugged, and endlessly photogenic.

My Most Loved California Destinations

Morro Bay. Wake up with sea otters, paddle through calm estuary waters, and catch golden hour at the edge of Morro Rock. Morro Bay blends laid-back coastal vibes with outdoor adventure—and it’s one of my favorite places to slow down.

Cambria. This artsy village tucked between pine forests and the Pacific is all charm. Stroll the Moonstone Beach boardwalk, explore indie galleries, or plan a winter trip around the Cambria Christmas Market.

San Simeon. Watch elephant seals laze along the bluffs, then climb the hill to Hearst Castle for views as grand as its halls. San Simeon mixes coastal solitude with a slice of California history.

Montaña de Oro State Park. With rugged cliffs, tidepools, and wildflower-strewn trails, Montaña de Oro feels like the Central Coast in its rawest, most beautiful form. Bluff Trail is a must.

Yosemite National Park. Iconic doesn’t even begin to cover it. From granite domes to alpine meadows, Yosemite is a place where every turn feels like a postcard. I especially love the quieter east-side access via Tioga Pass.

Point Reyes National Seashore. Windswept cliffs, tule elk, and fog-draped trails—Point Reyes is where you go to feel both grounded and far away. Don’t miss the Tomales Point Trail or the historic lighthouse on a clear day.

Monterey & Cannery Row. Where marine life, history, and literature meet the sea. Walk the path Steinbeck made famous, visit the aquarium, or head out on a whale-watching tour.

Big Sur. One of the most breathtaking drives in the world—where the Santa Lucia Mountains plunge into the Pacific and coastal cliffs steal the show. Perfect for a slow, scenic road trip.

Eastern Sierra. From the ancient bristlecones to high alpine lakes, the Eastern Sierra is pure magic—especially in the fall. Think quiet trails, fiery aspens, and star-filled skies.

Literary California. Travel through the words of John Steinbeck and beyond. From Salinas to Cannery Row, these places inspired some of the most enduring American stories—and still hold their own narrative power.