Natasha Kayes
Natasha Kayes is a Southern California native and Only In Your State writer who grew up on the West Coast and has never lost her passion for it — even after years living in Southeast Asia. Based in SoCal, she covers local destinations with a traveler's instinct for hidden gems and authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences, always with a camera nearby. Her years of global travel give her a uniquely calibrated appreciation for what makes the places she writes about genuinely special.
Southern California’s Rising Star: This Underrated City Is Ideal for Any Traveler
Visit this quietly amazing destination in Southern California for food, shopping, and adventure.
The Can’t-Miss Washington Hike for Every Nature Lover’s Bucket List
Immerse yourself in nature all year long when you explore this beautiful Washington hike.
Turn Back Time With a Stay at a Charming Retro Hotel and Drinks at This Vintage Bar in Hawai‘i
This retro itinerary takes you to a 1957 Waikīkī hotel and a mid-century tropical bar for the ultimate throwback trip in Honolulu.
The Scenic Road Trip That Leads to 5 of Northern California’s Most Charming Small Towns
Take in the views from the mountains to the coast as you visit and explore five delightful towns in Northern California.
Sleep in a Storybook Cottage When You Book a Stay in This Small-Town Airbnb in Washington
Step into your own fairytale at this whimsical storybook cottage vacation rental in Olalla.
The Natural Wonders in California That No One Talks About
Few people realize California has volcanoes, but these natural wonders exist across the state.
Skip the Crowds: Explore Southern California’s 5 Quietest Trails and Parks This Month
Enjoy the great outdoors and a bit of solitude at five of the lesser-visited parks and hiking trails in Southern California.
The Scenic Road Trip That Leads to 5 of Oregon’s Most Charming Small Towns
Explore some of the most charming little towns along the western edge of Oregon.
This Blink-And-You’ll-Miss-It Town in California Is So Worth Exploring
Once you discover the itty-bitty town of Harmony, CA, you'll want to return again and again.
Turn Back Time With a Stay at a Charming Retro Motel and a Meal at a Vintage Diner in Washington
Escape the grind and enjoy a vintage-inspired getaway in the charming town of Walla Walla.
The Tiny Small-Town Pizzeria That Has Won International Acclaim
One bite and you'll understand why Palo Mesa Wood Fired in Arroyo Grande has won multiple awards.
This Secluded Airbnb Cabin in Southern California Is the Perfect Place for a Digital Detox
Disconnect and unwind in your cozy hilltop cabin retreat surrounded by nature in Escondido.
The One Washington Ranch Where You Can Make Friends With Baby Wallabies
Fall City Wallaby Ranch lets you get up close and personal with amazing wallabies and kangaroos.
This Secluded Airbnb Cabin in Northern California Is the Perfect Place for a Digital Detox
Get away, disconnect, and recharge in the woods at this A-frame Airbnb with views of Lake Shasta.
The Up-and-Coming City in Northern California That’s Perfectly Sized
Enjoy a suburban feel and city amenities in Dublin, one of our fastest-growing cities.
This Massive Flea Market in Southern California Has Its Very Own Bar
Discover cool finds at Los Feliz Flea Market and refuel with coffee, drinks, and food.
This Montana Literary Road Trip Leads To 6 Incredible Bookstores And Libraries
Indulge your inner book lover on a road trip to some of the charming libraries and bookstores in Montana.
The Remote Destination in Northern California Where the Drive Is Worth the Final Views
Explore stunning rugged bluffs, beaches, and tide pools at the remote town of Fort Bragg.
The Scenic Road Trip That Leads to 5 of Washington’s Most Charming Small Towns
Grab the keys and discover small towns and scenic views on this road trip across Washington.
The Audubon Center in Southern California Where You’ll See More Than 140 Bird Species in a Single Afternoon
Hike through a nature preserve and search for scores of incredible birds at this Audubon Center in Los Angeles.
11 Lesser-Known Historically Significant Places Scattered Across America
Venture off the beaten path to discover some significant historic sites you may not know about.
This Former Naval Station Is Now One of Southern California’s Coolest Walkable Destinations
Ditch the car and explore Liberty Station, San Diego's massive community hub for commerce, culture, and art.
I Enjoyed a Perfect Coastal Retreat at This Mid-Century Hotel and San Diego’s Newest Restaurant
The new Ponyboy restaurant in San Diego makes The Pearl hotel a perfect place to chill for a weekend.
The 3-Mile Hiking Trail in Northern California That is a Fall Foliage Wonderland
Enjoy stunning colorful foliage, waterfalls, and more on an epic fall hike through Lundy Canyon.
Hike the Montaña de Oro Bluff Trail in California for an Unforgettable Adventure
Explore rocky bluffs, tide pools, and more on the magnificent Montaña de Oro Bluff Trail in Los Osos, CA.
How Traveling the World Made Me Fall in Love With My Home State
It is amazing how much experiencing the world can heighten your appreciation for your own home state.
Step Into A World of Plants At This Cozy And Enchanting Cafe In Southern California
Get your caffeine fix, enjoy the ambiance, and discover the power of plants at Coffee and Plants in Pasadena, CA.
The Desert Community in Southern California That Has Long Become Abandoned
Desert Center was once a bustling town and rest stop thriving in the harsh Southern California desert.
Our 5 Favorite College Towns in Southern California Are Perfect for a Weekend Getaway
Plan a fun, relaxing, or activity-filled weekend in one of our favorite Southern California college towns.
Book an Extraordinary Stay at the Coolest Airbnb in Southern California
Stay at this secluded Airbnb in Southern California to enjoy high-end amenities, stunning views, and epic stargazing.
This Southern California Dining Experience Has Been Called One of the Best Restaurants in the U.S.
An unassuming family-run restaurant, Alps Village in Palm Desert, CA, serves up traditional European favorites in a cozy atmosphere.
Plan the Perfect Fall Getaway in the Small Southern California Town of Oak Glen
Book an Oak Glen getaway full of fall color and fun activities with your ideal home away from home.
The Scenic Road Trip That Leads to 5 of Southern California’s Most Charming Small Towns
Grab the keys and hit the road to explore small towns in Southern California full of history, culture, and more.
Spend The Night in a Renovated 1892 Water Tower in Southern California
You'll enjoy a one-of-a-kind stay and unbelievable views when you book this historic Airbnb in Seal Beach, CA.
We Can’t Wait to Attend Southern California’s Most Charming Harvest Festival This Fall
Join a centuries-old tradition and enjoy family fun at the annual Apple Butter Festival in Oak Glen, CA.
This Southern California Restaurant Is the Most Beautiful Place To Enjoy Mezcal and Mexican Food
From its lush, art-filled interior to its expertly crafted mezcal cocktails and refined Mexican dishes, Mirate offers a dining experience that’s as beautiful as it is flavorful.
A Historic Packing House Is Now One Of Southern California’s Best Food Halls
Housed in a historic 1919 citrus packing house building, this incredible food hall in Anaheim, CA, features over 30 local artisans.
Few People Know About This Iconic Piece Of History Hiding In Plain Sight In Southern California
Thousands of locals and visitors pass by this spot without ever realizing there are 10 segments of Germany's Berlin Wall in Los Angeles.
This Enormous Antique Mall In Southern California Will Bump Your Thrifting Game To 11
Discover over 125 vendors selling vintage treasures across two floors at Orange Circle Antique Mall in Orange, California.
The Completely Free Museum Hiding In Southern California’s Balboa Park Is A Must-Visit
