Kate Orlando
Kate Orlando is a Los Angeles-based travel writer and creator who has spent 19 years exploring LA far beyond its tourist hotspots. After nearly two decades of living in the city, Kate has built deep, firsthand knowledge of Southern California's local food scene, lesser-known neighborhoods, and off-the-radar experiences that most visitors never find. For Only In Your State, she covers SoCal destinations with the conviction that the best travel stories happen when you travel like you live there — not like you're passing through.
Instead of Queenstown, This Hawaiʻi Town Is Where You Should Take Your Next Trip
From emerald cliffs rising above a crescent-shaped bay to a laid-back town surrounded by lush mountain scenery, Hanalei captures the same dramatic energy as Queenstown, with a slower, tropical rhythm.
Visit the Hidden Gem Small Town Right Next Door to Morro Bay State Park
Just minutes from Morro Bay State Park, this laid-back coastal town pairs estuary views and outdoor adventure with a walkable waterfront, fresh seafood, and the iconic silhouette of Morro Rock rising above the bay.
Instead of Zermatt, This Alaska Town Is Where You Should Take Your Next Trip
From glacier-carved peaks rising straight from the sea to quiet streets framed by the Chugach Mountains, Valdez delivers the same dramatic alpine beauty as Zermatt but with a raw, uncrowded Alaskan edge that feels more wild than polished.
Instead of St. Andrews, This California Town Is Where You Should Take Your Next Trip
With dramatic ocean bluffs, historic architecture, walkable streets, and a relaxed coastal atmosphere, Mendocino offers many of the same qualities travelers love about St. Andrews, without the overseas flight.
7 Waterfront Hawai’i Rentals So Stunning They Don’t Feel Real
From rainforest cabins with private waterfall pools to cliffside oceanfront homes and sandy beachfront condos, these waterfront rentals offer immersive island escapes where the sound of water, whether river, rain, or ocean, is always part of the experience.
This Walkable Coastal City in Ohio Is a Must-Visit Gem
From Maumee River waterfront parks and a lively downtown core to world-class museums, breweries, and historic districts all within a short walk, Toledo blends riverfront scenery and urban culture into one of Ohio’s most naturally walkable city experiences.
One of Kansas’ Quirkiest Towns Is Still Flying Under the Radar
From an Oz Museum filled with movie history to a quiet park anchored by a historic windmill, Wamego blends small-town Kansas life with whimsical storytelling in a way that feels both unexpected and authentic.
One of Hawaii’s Quirkiest Towns Is Still Flying Under the Radar
From indie bookstores and neighborhood cafés to shave ice stops and laid-back local charm, Kaimukī offers a refreshingly quirky side of Hawaiʻi that feels worlds away from Waikīkī’s crowds.
One of North Dakota’s Quirkiest Towns Is Still Flying Under the Radar
Learn all about one of the quirkiest towns in North Dakota, filled with unique attractions and small-town charm. A hidden gem worth exploring.
One of Alaska’s Quirkiest Towns Is Still Flying Under the Radar
From quirky local legends and rustic storefronts to glacier-fed rivers and unforgettable views of Denali, Talkeetna blends small-town charm with the kind of offbeat Alaska spirit travelers rarely forget.
This Famous Sandy Hike in Tennessee Has a Feature You Won’t Want to Miss
From wooded lakeside paths and peaceful shoreline views to unexpected stretches of soft sand beside Percy Priest Lake, this scenic Tennessee hike feels more like a hidden beach escape than a typical forest trail.
This Scenic North Dakota Bike Trail Is Better Than Most Hikes
This scenic bike trail in North Dakota offers river views, wildlife, and easy riding without the tough climb.
The Small-Town State Park in California Locals Want to Keep to Themselves
Discover a quiet, small-town state park in California where scenic views, peaceful trails, and local charm make it feel like a hidden gem.
You Can Explore This Stunning Alabama City Entirely on Foot—and It’s Beautiful
From Auburn University’s shaded oak-lined campus and historic landmarks to a lively downtown filled with cafés, shops, and gathering spots just steps away, Auburn blends college-town energy with Southern charm in a way that feels both seamless and naturally walkable.
The Small-Town State Park in South Dakota Locals Want To Keep to Themselves
Discover a peaceful small-town state park in South Dakota that locals love for its quiet trails, scenic views, and hidden gem appeal.
The Small-Town State Park in Alaska Locals Want to Keep to Themselves
Discover a quiet, small-town state park in Alaska where scenic views, peaceful trails, and local charm make it feel like a hidden gem.
This Scenic Pennsylvania Rail Trail Is Better Than Most Hikes
From quiet river valleys and historic railroad tunnels to long stretches of easy riding through mountain scenery, the Great Allegheny Passage delivers the beauty of Pennsylvania’s outdoors without the steep climb of a traditional hike.
5 Epic Airbnbs in Hawaii With Infinity Pools, Hot Tubs, and Unreal Water Views
From infinity pools that melt into the Pacific to hot tubs perched above dramatic coastlines, these Hawaii stays turn every moment into a front-row experience of water, light, and island beauty.
4 Epic Airbnbs in Wyoming With Dreamy Water Features
From mountain-view pools near Jackson Hole to riverside hot tubs and scenic retreats beneath Wyoming’s wide-open skies, these unforgettable stays pair dramatic landscapes with elevated ways to unwind.
5 Epic Airbnbs in Southern California With Infinity Pools, Hot Tubs, and Unreal Water Views
From cliffside infinity pools overlooking the Pacific to desert villas and mountain hot tubs under the stars, these Southern California Airbnbs turn water, views, and design into an unforgettable escape.
Take a Unique Adventure on Northern California’s Best Rail Trail and Kayaking Path
From smooth riverside rail trails and shaded oak-lined paths to calm kayak access points along the American River, this Northern California corridor offers an easy, immersive outdoor escape shaped by water, trees, and open sky.
Take a Unique Adventure On Montana’s Best Bike Path
From calm river stretches and forested canyon walls to easy, flat paths that follow the Clark Fork River, this Missoula bike trail delivers Montana’s wild beauty without the uphill climb.
Skip the Hikes and Try This Biking Alaska Trail Instead
From glacial-blue waters and towering mountain views to a smooth, easy path stretching for miles, this Alaska trail delivers all the beauty of a hike without the climb.
Take a Unique Adventure On Southern California’s Best Secluded Skating Path
From smooth, winding pavement and peaceful reservoir views to iconic glimpses of the Hollywood Sign, this secluded Southern California path offers a scenic adventure without the strain of a hike.
The Small-Town State Park in Wyoming Locals Want to Keep to Themselves
Discover a quiet, small-town state park in Wyoming where scenic views, peaceful trails, and local charm make it feel like a hidden gem.
The Small-Town State Park in Nevada Locals Want to Keep to Themselves
Discover a quiet, small-town state park in Nevada where scenic views, peaceful trails, and local charm make it feel like a hidden gem.
The Small-Town State Park in Idaho Locals Want to Keep to Themselves
Discover a quiet, small-town state park in Idaho where scenic views, peaceful trails, and local charm make it feel like a hidden gem.
The Small-Town State Park in Northern California Locals Want To Keep to Themselves
Discover a quiet, small-town state park in Northern California where scenic views, peaceful trails, and local charm make it feel like a hidden gem.
This Little-Known Waterfront Town Is One of the Most Charming in Hawai’i
From historic storefronts and friendly local shops to sweeping views of sea cliffs and misty green valleys, this charming Big Island town offers a nostalgic slice of Hawaiʻi that feels both peaceful and timeless.
The Unexpected Idaho Mountaintop Hideaway You’ll Remember Forever
From star-filled skies and whispering pines to a cozy off-grid dome that invites slow mornings and peaceful nights, this Idaho vacation rental offers an unforgettable mountain retreat.
This Little-Known Waterfront Town Is One of the Most Charming in Alaska
From quiet harbor views and colorful waterfront buildings to fresh coastal air and a relaxed small-town rhythm, this charming Alaska destination offers a peaceful escape far from the crowds.
5 Picture Perfect Nature Trails in Montana for a Spring Hike
From roaring spring waterfalls and blooming wildflowers to peaceful lakes and towering cedar forests, these Montana trails showcase the season’s fresh energy and unforgettable mountain scenery.
The Unexpected Northern California Vacation Rental You’ll Remember Forever
From sweeping hilltop views and vintage craftsmanship to the peaceful presence of horses below, this Northern California cabin offers a storybook escape that lingers long after your visit.
7 Picture-Perfect Nature Trails in Hawai’i for a Spring Hike
From lush rainforest paths to dramatic ocean views, these nature trails highlight vibrant spring landscapes perfect for hiking, photography, and outdoor adventures.
7 Picture-Perfect Nature Trails in Alaska for a Spring Hike
From rushing waterfalls and vibrant wildflowers to towering glaciers and crisp mountain air, these seven Alaskan trails offer a picture-perfect spring hiking experience for every adventurer.
The Unique Southern California Cabin You’ll Remember Forever
Step into The Faerie House, a magical Southern California cabin where Renaissance-inspired design meets forest serenity.
The Unexpected Wyoming Airbnb You’ll Remember Forever
From sunrise over rolling plains to starlit skies, Heward’s sheep wagon offers a one-of-a-kind Western glamping experience.
Slurp, Savor, Repeat: Discover Northern California’s Best Noodle Restaurant
In the heart of Sacramento, this popular noodle destination serves rich tonkotsu broth, spicy miso ramen, and satisfying bowls packed with bold flavor.
6 Picture-Perfect Nature Trails in Southern California for a Spring Hike
From blooming wildflowers to dramatic coastal cliffs, these scenic trails highlight spring’s beauty across deserts, mountains, and the Pacific coast.
Celebrate National Noodle Month at Southern California’s Top Noodle Spot
From the rich tonkotsu broth to springy noodles and perfectly balanced toppings, Tatsu Ramen has earned its reputation as one of Southern California’s top noodle destinations.
5 Reasons Why Montana Is the Best Place To Retire
This scenic state offers retirees a peaceful lifestyle surrounded by rugged mountains, quiet communities, and endless outdoor adventure, making it one of the most rewarding places in the U.S. to slow down and truly enjoy retirement.
6 Places in Southern California That Feel Like a Caribbean Paradise in the Summer
From the turquoise coves of Laguna Beach to the crystal-clear harbor of Santa Catalina Island, these Southern California destinations, plus nearby escapes like Lake Havasu, deliver bright blue water, sunny skies, and laid-back energy that feel surprisingly close to a Caribbean getaway.
Celebrate National Noodle Month at Hawaii’s Top Noodle Spot
Just a short walk from Ala Moana Center, this cozy ramen shop has become a go-to destination for rich tonkotsu broth, hearty tsukemen dipping noodles, and comforting Japanese flavors that showcase Honolulu’s vibrant food scene.
Why Travelers Are Falling for This Small Historic Town in Washington
Surrounded by rugged mountain peaks, the Bavarian-style village of Leavenworth blends alpine architecture, festive celebrations, and walkable streets filled with bakeries and shops, creating one of Washington’s most charming and unexpected historic mountain towns.
Why Locals Love Waialea Bay in Hawai’i for Summer Swimming
Tucked along the sun-drenched Kohala Coast, Waialea Bay Beach is known for its crystal-clear water, calm summer surf, and peaceful shoreline near Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area, making it one of the Big Island’s most underrated spots for swimming and snorkeling.
