Trips & Routes

The 7 Best Outdoorsy Towns to Explore in California

Check out the most outdoorsy towns in California, from hiking and surfing destinations to charming communities surrounded by natural beauty.

by Courtnie Erickson
on Jun 11
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
Jun 18

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

Stays
Vacation Rentals
Jun 24

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

Trips & Routes

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Experiences

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

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

Food

Food

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

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

An outdoor dining area with a large fireplace, tables, and string lights overhead.

Nature

Nature

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

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

Stays

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

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Come along for the ride

Bucket List

Nature
Hiking

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

Its intimidating name might make you think twice, but Devil's Punchbowl Natural Area rewards hikers with towering rock formations, sweeping desert views, and a surprisingly approachable trail in Southern 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
Nature

Travelers Beware: California’s “Big One” Fear Is More Complicated Than You Think

by Kate Orlando
on Jul 25
A massive crack in the asphalt after an earthquake.

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
Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

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

Reached by a rugged beach hike at minus tide, Skylight Cave on Secret Beach in Point Reyes is one of Northern California’s most unforgettable coastal adventures.

by Deborah Dennis
on May 13
A Rock Archway on Sculptured Beach
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.

by Kate Orlando
on May 6
The Los Angeles skyline during sunset.
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

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.

by Kate Orlando
on Apr 27
Thick trees and a stream in Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park in Northern California