Best Places to Visit in California

This Hidden California Beach Has Semi-Precious Gems You Can Take Home

At Sue-meg State Park near Trinidad, Agate Beach hides below forested bluffs — a wild stretch of Northern California shoreline where colorful, ocean-polished agates wash up at low tide.

by Deborah Dennis

on Jun 10

Agate hunter walking on Agate Beach in Sue-Meg State Park

Jun 11

The 7 Best Outdoorsy Towns to Explore in California

Trips & Routes

A couple runs across a sandy beach toward the ocean while holding surfboards in California.

Jun 13

Visit the Hidden Gem Small Town Right Next Door to Morro Bay State Park

Nature

National & State Parks

An aerial view of Morro Bay, California, with numerous boats in the water.

Jun 18

5 Waterfront California Rentals So Stunning They Don’t Feel Real

Stays

Vacation Rentals

Scenic deck at a waterfront rental in California with mountain and lake views, outdoor seating, and a peaceful sunset backdrop.

Find Your Next Adventure

let us do the work

Effortlessly plan your next adventure with AI

More to Explore

Experiences

The One Thing To Do in Southern California Before the End of the Year

Palm Trees with holiday lights in Southern California.

Experiences

There’s a Secret Inn in Marin You Can Only Reach by Trail — and It’s Pure Magic

Experiences

I Rode a Vintage Train Into California’s Redwoods to a Magical Hidden Bar

Trips & Routes

One of Southern California’s Quirkiest Towns Is Still Flying Under the Radar

Trips & Routes

One of Northern California’s Quirkiest Towns Is Still Flying Under the Radar

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com//trip-ideas/texas/quirkiest-town-flying-under-radar-tx

Trips & Routes

This Little-Known Waterfront Town Is One of the Most Charming in Northern California

Nature

The Small-Town State Park in California Locals Want to Keep to Themselves

Nature

Take a Unique Adventure on Northern California’s Best Rail Trail and Kayaking Path

Nature

This Hidden Cave at Point Reyes Feels Like a Secret World Along California’s Coast

Food

Slurp, Savor, Repeat: Discover Northern California’s Best Noodle Restaurant

Chopsticks hold up long strands of ramen from a bowl of noodles, meat, and vegetables.

Food

Celebrate National Noodle Month at Southern California’s Top Noodle Spot

Food

This Is the Best Buffet in Southern California, Known for Its Delicious Breakfast Dishes

Stays

5 Epic Airbnbs in Southern California With Infinity Pools, Hot Tubs, and Unreal Water Views

Stays

5 Epic Airbnbs in Northern California With Infinity-Edge Pools and Unreal Views

Patio furniture sits along the side of an infinity-edge pool at a Northern California Airbnb that overlooks a vineyard and a lake.

Stays

The Unexpected Northern California Vacation Rental You’ll Remember Forever

Bucket List

Trips & Routes

This Walkable Coastal City in California Is a Must-Visit Gem

Santa Cruz is easy to explore on foot, with scenic views, local shops, and must-see attractions all within walking distance.

by Charlie Boyle

on Jun 24

A sign reading, "Boardwalk," sits at the entrance of the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk in Santa Cruz, California.

Nature

Devil’s Punchbowl Sounds Scary, But It’s One of the Best Hikes in California

by Kate Orlando

on Jul 9

A large canyon with unique rock formations as seen from the Devils Punchbowl Loop Trail in California.

Nature

Everyone Always Goes to Santa Monica Beach in California: Go Here Instead

by Kate Orlando

on Jul 11

People walk toward the bright blue ocean and next to cliff walls on Zuma Beach in Southern California.

Food

Sunset Magazine Named This California Highway 101 Burger the Best on the West Coast

by Marisa Roman

on Jul 13

The exterior red building known as The Peg House with the best burgers in California.

Trips & Routes

Flying Out of California? Ticket Prices Vary by $122 Depending On Your Airport

by Only In Your State Staff

on Jul 24

the three-letter airport code at the entrance to LAX, Los Angeles International Airport in California

Discover Local Wonders

All Stories

State Pride

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.

by Kate Orlando

on Jun 8

Path in the Mendocino Botanical Gardens in the spring, featuring red magnolias, flowers the ground and a bench.

Nature

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.

This Little-Known Waterfront Town Is One of the Most Charming in Southern California

Between its laid-back harbor and easy access to nature, Oxnard is easily one of California's most inviting coastal escapes.

by Megan Todaro

on Apr 28

A peaceful view of Channel Islands Harbor in Oxnard, California, showing several white sailboats and yachts docked in the calm blue water.

Nature

National & State Parks

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.

5 Picture-Perfect Nature Trails in Northern California for a Spring Hike

Discover five picture-perfect nature trails in Northern California that come alive in spring—featuring wildflowers, scenic views, and unforgettable hiking experiences.

by Charlie Boyle

on Apr 18