California

Did you know most people who visit Yosemite will NEVER see these places!? 😱 It’s true. The vast majority of park visitors only ever go into Yosemite Valley, and never explore the high country along Tioga Rd. So, here are six but I bet you’ve never seen in Yosemite’s high country, but should! 6️⃣ Tenaya Lake. Tenaya Lake is the largest lake in Yosemite’s front country, and is super easy to access. Tioga road hugs right up against it, so it’s impossible to miss. You can stop and sit on the beach, or go for a hike around the lake. 5️⃣ Tuolumne Meadows. Tuolumne Meadows is one of the largest high elevation meadows in the Sierra. And it’s impossible not to feel its imposing presence while walking through it. Park near the visitors center, then hike through the meadow towards the Soda Springs Cabin to get a sense of just how large these meadows are. 4️⃣ May Lake. I’ve never heard of May Lake. So I went into it completely blind. And it was easily one of the top spots I explored during this trip to Yosemite. 3️⃣ Olmsted Point. This short stop offers a perspective of Half Dome many people never see, and sweeping views of Yosemite’s high country. 2️⃣ Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias. The Tuolumne Grove is one of several places in Yosemite where you can see ancient Sequoia trees. While the Mariposa Grove may be more famous, the Tuolumne Grove is also worth a stop! 1️⃣ Evergreen Lodge. During our last trip to Yosemite, Evergreen Lodge (@yosemite_evergreen) was kind enough to host our adventure! I loved their cozy cabins, beautiful forested grounds, and proximity to Yosemite. Also, get the salmon for dinner after a long day of exploring 😋😋😋 ⚠️ VERY IMPORTANT! Staffing is limited at our National Parks due to the ongoing government shutdown. If you decide to visit Yosemite, or any other parks during this time (and any other time, really), please be sure you practice Leave No Trace principles. Pack out your trash, remain on trails, and respect this beautiful place as if it were your own home. Have you been to any of these spots yet? #yosemite #discovercalifornia

California never ceases to amaze me! I mean... Look at this place. It looks like a postcard 🤯 This is Hot Creek Geological Site, and it’s one of the most surreal places we saw while exploring Mammoth Lakes. 🥾 Hike Details: - Name: Hot Creek Interpretive Trail on All Trails. - Length: 1.6 miles out and back. - Time: 35 - 45 minutes. - Elevation gain: 144 feet. - Type: Out and back. 🐶 Dogs are allowed if on a leash. Fun Fact: As you walk along Hot Creek, you will see areas of geological activity where boiling water actively rises to the surface. 🌋 The process for the water to seep into the ground, get superheated by the earth’s geological activity, then rise back up and seep out into the creek as boiling water is estimated to take about 100 years. How cool is that?! 📸 Pro Tip! If you want to find the spot with the best view, go to “Brees Lookout.” Practice Leave No Trace: Always remember when exploring to leave no trace. Please be respectful of the environment, wildlife, and other visitors by doing your part to keep these places beautiful. #VisitMammoth #TheRealUnreal #KeepMammothUnreal #MammothLakes #DiscoverCalifornia #VisitMammothLakes #visitcalifornia

O.M.G! This place left me SPEECHLESS!!! 🥹🥹🥹 It’s easily, and I mean easily, one of the most incredible hikes I’ve ever done. And with a name like “Twenty Lakes Basin,” I had extremely high expectations. 🏔️ I hiked in the shadows of breathtaking mountains, ran through majestic meadows, and soaked in views of shimmering alpine lakes. As the name suggests, you will see lake after lake, and if you’re anything like me, you’ll love every single one of them. The mountains were still snow-capped in some spots, which made it feel even extra magical! But enough gushing! 🥾 Here are the hike details. - Name: Twenty Lakes Basin Loop. - Length: 7.6 miles. - Time: 3.5 - 4 hours. - Elevation gain: 790. - Type: Loop. - Difficulty: Moderate. - Rating: 4.8 stars on AllTrails. ⚠️ IMPORTANT NOTES 1️⃣ This hike is at high elevation! The altitude WILL AFFECT YOU! Hike carefully and take breaks. Bring plenty of water and food. 2️⃣ Additionally, this hike is not possible during the snowy winter months. My understanding is that it gets completely snowed in. 3️⃣ Check the weather for Saddlebag Lake so you know what to expect. If you’re driving up from lower elevations, the weather will likely be different. 4️⃣ You can navigate to “Saddlebag Campground” to find parking. 5️⃣ Please respect this incredible environment, leave no trace, and stay on trails. 🚗 Driving Distances - San Francisco: 4 hours 45 minutes. - Oakland: 4 hours 30 minutes. - Sacramento: 4 hours 15 minutes. - L.A.: 5 hours 45 minutes 🏠 Where did we stay? We stayed at the @yosemite_evergreen Lodge near the Big Oak Flat Entrance of Yosemite, then drove through Tioga Pass to access this hike. It’s a super cute property with cozy cabins, a nice on-site restaurant, and lovely pool area to relax. 📍 20 Lakes Basin, Inyo National Forest.

Prairie Creek is easily one of my favorite parks in California 🥹 You’ll find some of the oldest and tallest trees in the world here. During the rainy season, there will be mushrooms almost everywhere you look. You might even spot a fairy or two off in the distance! Here’s the hike I’d recommend doing here: 🥾 Hike Details - Big Tree via Karl Knapp and Cathedral Trees Loop - Length: 2.9 miles - Time: 1–1.5 hours - Elevation: 213 ft - Type: Loop This hike will take you along the park’s namesake, the beautiful Prairie Creek, under fallen giants, and up to unbelievably tall redwoods. 🐶🚫 Sorry, no dogs allowed on trails. 🅿️ Parking and entry for day use is free. 🚗 Driving times (Approximate): - San Francisco → ~6 hrs - Oakland → ~6–6.5 hrs - San Jose → ~6.5–7 hrs - Sacramento → ~6.5–7 hrs - Eureka → ~1 hr - Redding → ~4.5–5 hrs The iconic Fern Canyon is also a part of Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, and is a MUST visit while exploring the area. Have you been to Prairie Creek yet? Which hike did you do? 🤔 #discovercalifornia #visitcalifornia #redwoods

The behind the scenes you don’t always see 😂

Is fall the best time to visit Sensorio? It might just be! October is pure magic with crisp evenings, harvest in full swing, and a little extra breathing room to wander through the glowing fields of light. Stroll through seven incredible light exhibits, sip seasonal wines or local brews, and catch live music every night through October. The food and drink menus have been refreshed for fall, and special harvest dinners and pours from Paso’s top wineries make every visit feel new. Slow down, take it all in, and see Sensorio in a whole new light this fall 🥹

The Golden Gate Bridge is the most beautiful bridge ever built. It would take an act of congress to convince me otherwise. However, the Bay Bridge doesn’t look too bad itself 😉 Who agrees? #discovercalifornia #goldengatebridge #baybridge

🚨 NAPA VALLEY GETAWAY GIVEAWAY! [GIVEAWAY CLOSED!] Winner - @linzread This is your last opportunity to join in for a chance to win! Discover California and Vines of Napa have teamed up to give one lucky winner an unforgettable wine country getaway. Here’s what you could win: 🥇 The Prize: - A 2-night stay at the gorgeous Hennessey Estate near downtown Napa - VIP tastings at four incredible wineries: Eleven Eleven, Gandona, Fontanella & Saintsbury - A $100 restaurant gift card to one of downtown Napa’s top spots - Plus two Vines Passes from Vines of Napa so you can keep sipping and exploring 🍷 🎟️ How to Enter: 1️⃣ Like this post 2️⃣ Share it to your story 3️⃣ Tag your wine-loving friends (each tag = 1 entry!) 4️⃣ Fill out the official giveaway form in my bio — look for “Vines of Napa Giveaway” Be sure to complete all the steps to qualify! Note: Two other posts were made about this giveaway. You only need to follow these steps on ONE post to be entered. 🗓️ Giveaway ends 10/14/25. Winner will be announced on @discover_california_ and contacted via DM. Good luck 😊 ‼️ This giveaway is not affiliated with Instagram.

Tuolumne Meadows… I’ve been trying to visit this legendary, almost mythical place for many years. Located nearly 10,000ft above sea level in Yosemite’s backcountry, it’s not an easy place to get to. And considering it’s essentially inaccessible during the winter and early spring months, your window to visit this magical place can be slim. It took me several attempts and many years to finally make it to Tuolumne Meadows, but wow, the wait was SO WORTH IT!!! Rivers, granite cliffs, mysterious “soda springs,” and of course, rolling meadows make this one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been in Yosemite. Dare I say, one of the most beautiful places I’ve been in the entire world? Yes, I’d totally say that. No photos or videos can do this place justice; you just have to see it for yourself. The sad part is most people only go to Yosemite Valley (which is AMAZING), and they miss this pristine meadow that’s sure to leave you in awe! So next time you’re planning a trip to Yosemite, make sure you set aside some time to visit Tuolumne Meadows! I already can’t wait to go back myself 🥹 📍 Tuolumne Meadows, Yosemite.

🚨 NAPA VALLEY GIVEAWAY ALERT!!! [GIVEAWAY CLOSED!] Winner - @linzread It’s been a minute, but I’m back with another massive giveaway, worth around $1,700 🤯 Discover California and Vines of Napa are teaming up to give one lucky winner an unforgettable Napa Valley getaway. Here’s what’s up for grabs. 🥇 One lucky winner will receive: - A 2-night stay at the beautiful Hennessey Estate near downtown Napa. - VIP tastings at four incredible wineries: Eleven Eleven, Gandona, Fontanella & Saintsbury. - A $100 gift card to one of downtown Napa’s top restaurants. - And two Vines Passes courtesy of Vines of Napa, so you can keep the tastings going. 🎟️ How to enter: - Like this post - Share it to your story - Tag your wine-loving friends (each tag = one entry!) - Complete the official giveaway form linked in my bio. look for “Vines of Napa Giveaway” Make sure you complete all the steps to qualify! 🗓️ Giveaway ends 10/14/25. Winner will be announced on @discover_california_ and contacted via DM. Good luck and cheers to an unforgettable Napa adventure! 🍷✨ ‼️ This giveaway is not affiliated with Instagram.

Horseback riding down the beach is everyone’s dream come true, right? 😍 Well, you can do exactly that in Mendocino County with Ross Ranch Horseback Rides. They also offer rides through the forest if that’s more your vibe! The first few minutes where you’re riding down the bluffs to the beach are crazy (in a good way). And even though it was foggy, the views were stunning! The best part is you can ride side-by-side with your riding buddy, and you can walk through the waves, too! ⏱️ Ride length: 1.5 hours. 💵 Price: $70 per person. 🗓️ Times: They run rides at 10 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m. 🚗 Driving Distances - San Francisco → Ross Ranch: ~3 hrs 30 min - San Jose → Ross Ranch: ~4 hrs 15 min - Oakland → Ross Ranch: ~3 hrs 30 min - Sacramento → Ross Ranch: ~3 hrs 45 min Would you try this? 😊 📍 Ross Ranch Horseback Riding. This reel was made in collaboration with @visitmendocino

‼️ EPIC GIVEAWAY ALERT!!! [GIVEAWAY CLOSED!] Winner - @linzread It’s been a little while, but I finally have another amazing giveaway for you with a value of ~$1,690. So yeah, it’s a BIG one! 🥹 Discover California and Vines of Napa are coming together to bring one lucky winner a chance to win an incredible Napa Valley getaway. Vines of Napa (@vinesofnapa) is a new wine passport that just launched a few months ago. It gets you discounts at 23 boutique wineries throughout Napa Valley. All of which have been hand-selected by a Certified Sommelier, so you can be sure they live up to the hype 😉 Now let’s talk about the giveaway! 🥇 One lucky winner will get - A two-night stay at the historic Hennessey Estate close to downtown Napa. - VIP tastings at four Napa Valley wineries. (Eleven Eleven, Gandona, Fontanella, and Saintsbury) - $100 gift card at a TOP downtown Napa eatery. - And two Vines Passes compliments of Vines of Napa so you can explore more winery options. 🎟️ How to enter - Like this post. - Share it to your story. - Tag your friends (More tags = more entries) - Fill out the official giveaway form at the link in bio! The link is called “Vines of Napa Giveaway!” Make sure you complete ALL steps. Giveaway runs until 10/14/25 A winner will be selected and announced on @discover_california_, and will be contacted via DM. Best of luck!!! 😊 ‼️ This giveaway is not affiliated with Instagram.

Could Texas be right?! Nahhh!!! 😆😆😆

B. Bryan Preserve is one of those places you’d never expect to exist, and yet, here it is! 😱 If you travel along California’s remote Mendocino Coast, you’ll eventually hit Point Arena, a small (extremely small) town with a few shops, restaurants, and giraffes? I know, it sounds crazy! But there are actually zebras, giraffes, and other hoofed African animals on this quaint preserve 🤭 🦒 This isn’t a zoo, it’s a wildlife preserve dedicated to protecting endangered African species. You’ll get up close(ish) with zebras, kudu, and yes… giraffes that you can feed at the end! 🛻 Tours last about 1.5 hours and cost $35 per adult / $20 per child. Advance reservations are required. It’s easily one of the most unique and unexpected experiences you can have on California’s Mendocino coast. 🏠 They also offer several cabins for anyone looking for overnight accommodations in the area! 🚗 Driving times: - San Francisco: ~3 hrs 45 min - San Jose: ~4 hrs 30 min - Oakland: ~3 hrs 45 min - Sacramento: ~4 hrs Are you as shocked about this as I am!? This reel was made in collaboration with @visitmendocino #discovercalifornia #visitmendocino #mendocinocounty

Hike 5 Magical California Parks in One Weekend 🥹 From dramatic coastlines to hidden redwood groves, Mendocino County is pure magic! You’ll get waterfalls, enchanted forests, and some of the most unique beaches in California, all within a few miles of each other (with the exception of Bowling Beach). Here’s where to go: 5️⃣ Mendocino Headlands State Park – You’ll get incredible ocean views, sea caves, and a relatively easy/flat hike. There is a spot where you can go down to Portuguese Beach at low tide, and yes, you totally should! 4️⃣ Russian Gulch State Park – A perfect mix of beach, redwood forests, fern-lined canyons, and a hidden waterfall. 3️⃣ Bowling Ball Beach – This is such a unique spot in Mendocino County! Just make sure you go at low tide; otherwise, you won’t see the “bowling balls.” 2️⃣ Jug Handle State Natural Reserve – Hike the Ecological Staircase through 5 distinct ecosystems. You can actually see the forest change as you gain elevation; it’s crazy!!! 1️⃣ Van Damme State Park – Make sure you hike the beautiful fern canyon trail here! It’s gorgeous, and you’ll love it. Save this list for your next Mendocino adventure! Which one would you hike first? 🤔 This reel was made in collaboration with @visitmendocino

Kayaking through sea caves has been on my bucket list for YEARS, and I finally got to try it the other day in Mendocino 🥹 - Was it amazing? YES! - Was it a bit scary? YES! - Was it amazing!? YESSSSS!!!! First, you’ll pick if you want a single or double kayak (Double is way easier if you go with a friend/partner). Next, get a brief rundown of your guide’s plan. 🛶 And then, launch off a small beach into the ocean! I’m not gonna lie, it’s a bit scary paddling out towards the ocean; however, our tour guide and the cove we stayed in made me feel safe and comfortable. We kayaked through two separate sea caves, and that was easily the best part! The sense of place you’ll feel while in them is incredible, and make sure you look out for wildlife, like sea stars! 💵 $80 per person. ⏱️ 1.5-hour excursion. 🅿️ Free parking at the beach. 🚗 Travel times - San Francisco → ~3 hr 15 min - San Jose → ~3 hr 30 min - Oakland → ~3 hr 15–30 min - Sacramento → ~4–5 hr - Redding → ~5–5 hr 30 min Kayaking through sea caves needs to be on your itinerary for your next Mendocino trip! 😊 📍Kayak Mendocino (Check their site to book!) This reel was made in collaboration with @visitmendocino #discovercalifornia #visitmendocino #mendocinocounty

I was curious how ChatGPT would do if I yelled at it to edit my photo in the redwoods, and this is how it did. How would you rate its edit from 1-5? 🤔 It’s not bad in my opinion. Of course, it looks very “A.I. though! Don’t worry, I’m not going to start posting A.I nonsense! I just thought this was a fun experiment 😁

One of California’s most beautiful waterfalls! 🥾 Hike details - Length: 1.1 miles. - Time: 0.5 - 1 hour. - Elevation: 167ft elevation gain. - Type: Loop. - Difficulty: Easy 🚗 There is a $10 fee to enter the park. 📍 Burney Falls.

Happy Friday, California ☺️

7 of my favorite views in Yosemite 🥹 1️⃣ Half Dome from Glacier Point The view of Half Dome from Glacier Point is easily one of the best in the world. 2️⃣ Nevada Fall from the John Muir Trail At full force, you can’t even imagine how imposing this waterfall is. 3️⃣ El Capitan from Tunnel View The most iconic first glimpse of Yosemite Valley. 4️⃣ Taft Point Get ready to pick your jaw up off the floor. Seriously. 5️⃣ Vernal Fall from the Mist Trail You’ll want to sit and stare for hours. 6️⃣ Nevada Fall from the Mist Trail Even more powerful up close, with spray in the air and rainbows in the mist. 7️⃣ Half Dome from the Valley Floor The classic postcard shot, towering right above you. Which one is your favorite? 😊 Mine is probably Vernal Fall! #discovercalifornia #yosemite #visitcalifornia

Carlsbad is a California gem you may not have heard of, but you need to visit ASAP! Here are some of the things we did on our last trip down: 🚴‍♂️ Rent and ride e-bikes along the coast. Nothing beats that warm ocean breeze while cruising (safely) in a bike lane. 🛶 Paddle across the calm waters of Agua Hedionda Lagoon. We rented kayaks, found a small beach, and called it a successful day. 🏊‍♀️ When it’s time to unwind, the pool at The Cassara Carlsbad is basically a built-in reset button. 🌅 No trip is complete without catching a Carlsbad sunset! 🍦 When your sweet tooth kicks in, go hunt for an ice cream shop downtown. Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream is 👌🏽 🦚 Finally, wander through Leo Carrillo Historic Park, where rustic ranch vibes and peacocks strutting across the grounds transport you back in time. Adventure, relaxation, history, flavor, it’s all here! Have you been to Carlsbad yet? What’s your favorite thing to do? This reel was made in collaboration with @visitcarlsbad.

Fern lined private hot tubs are waiting for you up in Northern California! 🧘🏽 Sit back, relax, and enjoy this one of a kind experience inspired by California’s famous Fern Canyon. @thefrontporch.arcata has several private hot tubs and a beautifully crafted sauna for you to enjoy. 🏨 Each of their rooms is completely unique! And they are all constructed from reclaimed material! Another thing I love about The Front Porch is its proximity to so many beautiful parks/hikes! 🚗 Driving Times 45 min - Redwoods National & State Parks 1 hour - Fern Canyon 1 hour - Humboldt Redwoods State Park 15 min - Redwood Skywalk in Sequoia Zoo 30 min - Humboldt Lagoons State Park 20 min - Suemeg State Park Check out @thefrontporch.arcata for your next NorCal adventure! 😊 📍The Front Porch Inn, Arcata.

Lassen Volcanic National Park doesn’t get nearly the love it deserves, and with winter snow shutting most of the park down soon, you’ve got about two months left to see it. Here are 4 spots you gotta visit! 😊 4️⃣ Devil’s Kitchen — A wilder, less-traveled geothermal rim where mud pots simmer and steam vents hiss. - Distance: 4–4.6 miles round-trip. - Time: ~2–2.5 hours. - Difficulty: Moderate. 3️⃣ Kings Creek Falls — One of Lassen’s best waterfall payoffs: the trail drops through meadows and firs, then rewards you with a beautiful cascade. - Distance: ~2.3 miles round-trip. - Time: ~2 hours. - Difficulty: Moderate (steep stone staircase on return). 2️⃣ Summit Lake — Calm, glassy alpine water framed by pines and peaks. Ideal for a picnic, quick swim, or easy stroll. - Distance: ~0.7-mile easy loop (optional longer routes) - Difficulty: Easy - Bonus: The Summit Lake → Cluster Lakes loop is ~10.8 miles if you want a bigger adventure 1️⃣ Bumpass Hell — The crown jewel: boardwalks through steaming fumaroles, boiling pools, and sulfur-streaked earth. - Distance: ~3 miles round-trip - Time: ~1–1.5 hours - Difficulty: Easy–moderate - Tip: Parking fills early. Arrive in the morning or midweek 📍 Getting there - Approx. 4–4.5 hours from San Francisco - Approx. 3 hours from Sacramento - Approx. 1 hour from Redding 💵 Entrance fee - 30 per vehicle (7-day pass) 🏨 Where to stay - Timber House Lodge in Chester. Cozy, stylish, and a perfect base for early starts into the park. They have a nice on-site restaurant for dinner after you get back from a long day of hiking! Lassen’s window is short! Save this post, plan a long weekend, and hit Bumpass Hell first thing in the morning 😊 Have you been to Lassen Yet? What hikes have you done? 🤔 #discovercalifornia #lassen #bumpasshell #upstateca

A few shots from our visit to San Francisco the other week 🥹 Locations: 1️⃣ Powell St cable car turnaround 2️⃣ Andy Goldsworthy’s Wood Line, Presidio 3️⃣ Sentinel Building, North Beach 4️⃣ Looking out over Lombard St 5️⃣ Palace of Fine Arts 6️⃣ Fisherman’s Wharf 7️⃣ Powell St cable car turnaround again 8️⃣ Palace of Fine Arts, again 😅 I’m going back next time the forecast shows a beautiful sunny day!

6 Things You HAVE to Do in California Before You Die! 6️⃣ Pedal your way through a magical redwood forest on the Skunk Train railbikes in Fort Bragg. 5️⃣ Hike 100 feet up in the canopy at the Redwood Skywalk in Eureka. It’s the closest you’ll ever get to walking among giants. 4️⃣ Soar across the mountains on the longest zipline in California at Highline Adventure. It might look scary, but it’s actually incredibly peaceful! 3️⃣ Wander the grand halls of Hearst Castle in San Simeon. 2️⃣ Blaze through snowy trails with Snowmobile Adventures in Mammoth Lakes. When we went, a blizzard rolled in and blanketed the entire mountain. Yes, it was as fun and as scary as it sounds! 1️⃣ Hike to Burney Falls, often called the “8th wonder of the world,” and trust me, it lives up to the name. Which one would you check off your list first? 🤔 #discovercalifornia

Sorry haters, clearly, you’re wrong 😉

Did you know some scenes of The Lost World: Jurassic Park were filmed here? ☺️ Yup, Fern Canyon in Redwood National Park is so ancient and untouched, it looks prehistoric! And you can hike right through it. The ferns here have had their lineage traced back hundreds of millions of years, so you really are walking through history here! 🥾 Hike Details - Length: 1.1 miles - Elevation: 127ft - Difficulty: Easy - Type: Loop 🚗 Parking Fees - $12 day use 🐶🚫 Pets? Pets are not allowed in Fern Canyon. 🎟️ You also need to get a free permit online to access Fern Canyon from May 15th to September 15th. This can be done online at: https://redwoodparksconservancy.org/fern-canyon/ ⚠️ Please remember to respect nature by staying on trails and not disturbing wildlife. Have you been to Fern Canyon yet? What do you think? 🤔 📍 Fern Canyon, Redwoods National Park. . . . . . . . . . . . . #ferncanyon #redwoodsnps #redwoodsnationalpark #humboldtcounty #humboldt #discovercalifornia #visitcalifornia #humboldtca #redwoods #prairiecreekredwoodsstatepark

🇯🇵 Did you know you can experience a little slice of Japan right in Napa Valley? Just 90 minutes from the Bay, Okaeri is the kind of place that makes you forget you’re still in California. From the maple trees and koi pond that greet you at the entrance, to the calming design details woven throughout the property, everything here feels intentional and serene. ☀️ Mornings begin with a delicious breakfast and tea (included with your stay), while evenings wind down with a complimentary social hour featuring wine + light bites. 🐟 Naturally, we gravitated toward the koi pond every chance we got, because how could you not? With only 7 uniquely styled rooms, Okaeri leans into intimacy and exclusivity over crowds and noise. Plus, you’re just a 5-minute walk from downtown Calistoga and a quick drive to Napa icons like Chateau Montelena, Castello di Amorosa, and Sterling Vineyards. 🍷 In other words, this is the kind of stay that feels like a true escape. And because I want you to experience it too, you can use my code DSCVR10 at checkout for 10% off your stay! (Link in bio). This post was made in collaboration with @okaericalistoga #discovercalifornia #visitcalistoga #okaericalistoga #napavalley

Happy Friday, California 😊 Here are 37 amazing spots to add to your bucket list: 1️⃣ Fort Point 2️⃣ Hume Lake 3️⃣ Reinhardt Regional Park 4️⃣ Burney Falls 5️⃣ Point Lobos 6️⃣ Pine Cone Treehouse Airbnb 7️⃣ Shelter Cove, Black Sands Beach 8️⃣ Hall of Horrors 9️⃣ Skull Rock, Joshua Tree 🔟 Palace of Fine Arts 1️⃣1️⃣ Castello di Amorosa 1️⃣2️⃣ Chateau Montelena 1️⃣3️⃣ Bass Lake 1️⃣4️⃣ Crescent Trail Rides 1️⃣5️⃣ Yosemite Trails Horseback Adventures 1️⃣6️⃣ Grizzly Falls 1️⃣7️⃣ Mossbrae Falls 1️⃣8️⃣ Hedge Creek Falls 1️⃣9️⃣ Forestiere Underground Gardens 2️⃣0️⃣ Queen Wilhelmina Tulip Garden 2️⃣1️⃣ Japanese Tea Garden 2️⃣2️⃣ Little River Inn 2️⃣3️⃣ Mattole Road 2️⃣4️⃣ Rockefeller Forest 2️⃣5️⃣ Tuolumne Ditch Trail 2️⃣6️⃣ Margarita Adventures 2️⃣7️⃣ Tilden Steam Train 2️⃣8️⃣ Sugar Pine Railroad 2️⃣9️⃣ Western Railway Museum 3️⃣0️⃣ Armstrong Redwoods 3️⃣1️⃣ Karl Knapp Trail 3️⃣2️⃣ Vichy Hot Springs 3️⃣3️⃣ Red Rock Canyon State Park 3️⃣4️⃣ San Francisco Cable Cars 3️⃣5️⃣ California Academy of Sciences 3️⃣6️⃣ Victoria Beach 3️⃣7️⃣ San Gregorio State Beach California really does have it all 🌲🏖️🍷 Which one of these are you most excited to see first?

6 places in California that don’t feel real 🤯 6️⃣ Grove of Titans – One of the most sublime redwood groves in California. This place will truly make you feel small! 5️⃣ Mendocino Headlands – Seriously, you’ll feel like you’re about to walk off the edge of the earth (Don’t though, please stay on the trail to stay alive!) 4️⃣ Zumwalt Meadows – Found in the deepest canyon in the U.S., the granite peaks around Zumwalt Meadows offer pure Sierra magic. 3️⃣ Bumpass Hell – This place is crazy and you have to see it for yourself 😅 2️⃣ Columns of the Giants – Ancient volcanic rock formations frozen in time deep within the Stanislaus National Forest. 1️⃣ Glacier Point – Yosemite’s crown jewel, with panoramic views that will leave you speechless. You’ll never want to leave! California never runs out of natural beauty. Which of these spots is going on your bucket list?

Get a taste of Japan only 1.5 hours from the Bay! 😄 ⚠️ Special 10% discount code below! Okaeri instantly transports you across the Pacific with its thoughtful design, beautiful décor, and of course, its indoor koi pond. 🍁 Walking past the perfectly curated garden and maple trees toward the entrance sets the stage for the type of stay you’ll have here. Mornings start with a prix fixe menu breakfast and tea, which are included in your stay. 🎏 We always sat within viewing distance of the koi fish because… Obviously! Evenings come to a peaceful close with a complimentary social hour that serves wine and light bites. 🏨 There are 7 rooms. Each one is completely unique. The smaller size of Okaeri leads to a much more secluded/exclusive experience than a large resort, which is a vibe I find myself enjoying more and more these days! You can walk to downtown Calistoga in about 5 minutes, which is a huge plus. 🍇 And you can drive to some of the most iconic Napa Valley wineries, such as Chateau Montelena, Castello di Amorosa, and Sterling, in about five minutes too! I could gush all day long about Okaeri, but it’s better to experience it for yourself! Use my special discount code DSCVR10 on their website [LINK IN MY BIO!] to get 10% off when you book your stay! 😊😁 #discovercalifornia #visitcalistoga #okaericalistoga #calistoga

1 in 400 trillion. Those are the odds you have of being born. Can you even comprehend a number that large? No, no we can’t 😅 And yet, those are the odds each and every one of us has of even being born! We are so extremely lucky to be here. Even though “here” might not be perfect. It’s easy to get caught up in our day-to-day lives. I’m certainly guilty of it. But it’s so important to find time to break away from “busy work” and enjoy the things that make life worth living. What are those things for you? - Maybe it’s traveling. - Being with family. - Spending time with friends. - Taking your pet for a walk. - Enjoying your hobbies. There’s no need to feel bad or guilty about doing the things that bring you joy. Because we never know when our last day will be.

Los Gatos gets better and better each time I go 🥹 There are so many enchanting places to discover, whether you’re exploring downtown or venturing off into the mountains. During our last trip, we got to explore Nestldown, and no one will ever convince me this place doesn’t look like a straight-up fairytale. 🚣🏽 The owners built a storybook-like house, a pond with rowboats, and even a mini train. It’s not always open to the public, but if you follow their page @nestldownevents, you’ll see when they’re hosting public events for you to explore the property! 🍇 We also visited several beautiful wineries in the Santa Cruz Mountains, like @regalewinery, @wrightsstation, and @burrellschoolvineyards. Each one can easily soak up a few hours of your day. And lastly, we went on a lovely hike up to the Lexington Reservoir. 🏨 We stayed at @tollhouselosgatos during these adventures, and I can easily recommend it if you’re planning an overnight stay. This reel was made in collaboration with @visitlosgatos 🤗 #visitlosgatos #losgatos #discovercalifornia

If you love a good glass of wine (or three), these California wineries need to be on your list to visit in 2025. 1️⃣ Chateau Montelena (Calistoga, Napa Valley) – This historic winery put California’s wine country on the map with its award-winning Chardonnay, served in a stunning ivy-covered château. @chmontelena 2️⃣ Sterling Vineyards (Calistoga, Napa Valley) – Arrive via aerial tram and take in panoramic views before sipping bold reds and crisp whites in a hilltop setting. @sterlingvineyards 3️⃣ Caymus-Suisun (Suisun Valley) – Known for its rich, fruit-forward Cabernet Sauvignon, this sister winery to Caymus Vineyards offers a lush escape just outside Napa. @caymussuisun 4️⃣ Castello Di Amorosa (Calistoga, Napa Valley) – A 13th-century-style Tuscan castle serving up Italian-style wines? You might never want to leave this fairytale setting. @thecastello 5️⃣ Hill Family Estate (Yountville, Napa Valley) – A family-run winery crafting elegant Bordeaux-style wines with deep Napa roots and a cozy, inviting tasting room. @hillfamilyestate 6️⃣ Bennett Lane Winery (Calistoga, Napa Valley) – A small but mighty gem producing top-tier Cabernet Sauvignon and a signature red blend known as “Maximus.” @bennettlanewinery 7️⃣ Raymond Winery (St. Helena, Napa Valley) – A wild mix of theatrical design, biodynamic winemaking, and velvety reds make this one of Napa’s most unique tasting experiences. @raymondvineyard 8️⃣ Navarro Vineyards (Philo, Anderson Valley) – Escape to Mendocino wine country for top-notch Pinot Noir and Gewürztraminer, plus laid-back vibes and vineyard views. @navarrovineyards How many of these wineries have you already been to? And which other ones do you think should be on this list? 🤔

Quiet autumn nights, glowing lights, and live music every evening? Yes, please! 😁 September and October are great times to visit Sensorio. The crowds are smaller (aka, more room to wander and take it all in), the evenings are perfectly crisp, and the F&B menus just got an upgrade. Bonus: Enjoy September wine pours, a Harvest Dinner on Oct 22, and Octoberfest options if you’re feeling festive 🙌🏽 Open Thursday - Sunday through mid-September to early November. 🍂 It’s that “fall shoulder season” sweet spot. Warm enough for daytime wandering, cool enough for cozy nights under the lights. And trust me, the sunsets here? Incredible! 📍 Sensorio, Paso Robles.

The Billy Jones Railroad is a true Bay Area gem! At the heart of Los Gatos, you’ll find the iconic Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad, a miniature steam train with a big story 🚂 Born in 1884, Billy Jones spent a lifetime on the rails. In 1939, he rescued a tiny steam engine headed to the scrapyard and lovingly restored it on his ranch. By 1943, neighborhood families were hopping aboard free rides along his self-built Wildcat line, thanks to Billy’s generosity (he ran it for 25 years on donations only!). After his passing, the railroad found a new home in Vasona Park, with its own depot, engine house, and even a historic flatcar bridge stretching over Los Gatos Creek. 🎟️ A ride is just $4 per person — and even better? Kids under 2 and riders with disabilities ride free! This is the perfect family activity. And you can pair your train ride with a carousel spin, a stroll through the park, and a picnic under the trees. It’s affordable, accessible, and super charming. They run both steam and diesel trains. We got to ride the diesel train, but want to go back for the steam engine! 🚗 Driving distances: - About 1 hour from San Francisco - About 50 minutes from Oakland - Just 20 minutes from San Jose Have you been on the Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad yet? How’d you like it? 😊 #discovercalifornia #losgatos #visitlosgatos #billyjoneswildcatrailroad

Time slips away, and it seems to go by faster and faster every day 😫 So spend it doing what you love, with the people you love. Start that hobby you’ve been thinking about. Call that friend you’ve been meaning to reconnect with. Make that career move. Take those actions you know will lead you to where you want to be. Yes, I know it’s hard. But it’s also hard looking back and saying, “I wish I had done XYZ.” If you’re brave enough, drop something in the comments that you’ve been procrastinating on and wish you’d started last year. Maybe it’ll motivate you to get started! 😁

For all the San Francisco haters out there… This one’s for you 😉 Notice all that natural beauty? Omg, see the people living normal lives? Pay close attention to the streets in the video, filmed on August 30th. Do you see anything on them? Nope, just a street. Huh, it’s not just one giant boarded-up building? Obviously, SF is a big city, and it’s got the usual big-city problems. But I’m extremely hopeful San Francisco will face its challenges, and crush them! Seriously though, let’s give SF the credit it deserves 😊 #sanfrancisco #sf

California’s most beautiful waterfall 🥹❤️ It’s important to note that you’re not technically supposed to hike here because the trail crosses private property. But honestly, it’s just one of those things everyone does anyway, so do with that info what you’d like 😁 We hiked here by crossing the river at the bottom of the trail to Hedge Creek Falls. Cross the river carefully (it’ll be cold!), walk up the hill, then head right. Follow the train tracks (don’t walk ON them, but NEXT to them, as they are ACTIVE). When you see the bridge, turn right and head into the tree line. Mossbrae Falls should soon come into view. The town is working on completing a real public trail to the falls, and I hope that happens soon! ⚠️ Until then, hike this trail at your own risk. 📍 Mossbrae Falls, Dunsmuir #mossbraefalls #dunsmuir

Point Bonita is the only lighthouse in America that you have to access via suspension bridge! ☺️ Sadly, the bridge is currently closed for repairs; however, you can still go on the beautiful hike that leads right up to it! ⚠️ You have to walk through a bored-out tunnel to get close to the lighthouse, which is only open periodically. The last entry through the tunnel is 3:20 pm. And the hours are limited! 🗓️ They’re open Thursday - Monday from 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM 🥾 Hike Details: Point Bonita Lighthouse - Distance: 1 mile - Time: 30 minutes - Type: Out and back - Elevation: 203 Enjoy the beautiful ocean views, San Francisco Bay, harbor seals, and the Golden Gate Bridge. Keep your eyes out for docents who would love to tell you all about this special place’s rich history! Have you visited the Point Bonita Lighthouse before? How did you like it? 😊 #pointbonita #pointbonitalighthouse #marinheadlands #marincounty

The Presidio of San Francisco is full of incredible gems to explore 🥹 And Andy Goldsworthy’s Wood Line will make you feel like you’re straight-up walking through a painting. In a way, you are, because this is a natural art installation built entirely out of eucalyptus trees. Walk slowly, reflect, and enjoy this short but sweet trail. 🚗 There are a few spots to park for free near the south end of the trail (next to Lovers’ Lane), but you have to get lucky! 📍 The Presidio of San Francisco #presidio #sanfrancisco

California has it all 🥹 As much as I love this list, there is so much more to explore in CA! What do you think is missing? And which ones have you done already? Happy Friday! 🎉🥳 #discovercalifornia #visitcalifornia

Here’s how to spend a perfect day in the Bay Area’s most enchanting town, Los Gatos! 🥹 Start off by grabbing an amazing breakfast at @breakingdawnbrunch in downtown. 🚂 Then catch a ride on the Historic Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad and W.E Bill Manson Carousel at Vasona Lake County Park. @bjwrrc Go for a tasting at the gorgeous Regale Winery with panoramic hillside views. @regalewinery 🥾 Take a stroll around the lake at Vasona County Park. Play a round of bocce ball with friends at Campo Di Bocce. @campodiboccelg Enjoy cocktails at @oakandrye followed by dinner at @losgatosparkside. 🏨 Make it a getaway and stay overnight at the charming Toll House Hotel! @tollhouselosgatos. Have you been to Los Gatos yet? What’s your favorite thing to do in town? My favorite is for sure the trains 🙃 This reel was made in collaboration with @visitlosgatos #discovercalifornia #visitlosgatos #losgatos

After years of trying, I was finally able to explore Lassen National Park 😄 And even though I saw many of the highlights, there are still so many more amazing places to see! But here’s what we got to do during our two-day trip. 1️⃣ Bumpass Hell Bumpass Hell is easily one of the closest places to visit in the park. You’ll see boiling mud pots, steam vents, and hot springs oozing from the earth. 10/10, you have to see this! 2️⃣ Kings Creek Falls Hike past a beautiful meadow down to Kings Creek Falls. On the way back up, you’ll pass stunning cascades while ascending a steep stone-step path. 3️⃣ Summit Lake A small lake that you can hike around or stop for a nice lunch break. It’s short and sweet, but worth a stop! 4️⃣ Devil’s Kitchen Devil’s Kitchen is far away from all the attractions on this list. It’ll take at least half a day to a full day to be able to do this hike. It’s out of the way, but very worth it!!! 5️⃣ Sulphur Works Stopping at Sulphur Works is a no-brainer. You’ll drive past it on your way into the park, and it’s an excellent introduction to what you can expect as you head toward Bumpass Hell. Have you explored Lassen yet? How did you like it, and what places did you go? 🤔 Note: The park doesn’t technically “close,” but after the first major snowfall, the vast majority of the park is essentially inaccessible until late spring/summer when the snow melts. Winter does offer limited snow activities such as snowshoeing. #discovercalifornia #lassen #upstateca #visitcalifornia

Am I right though? 🤷🏽‍♂️ 📍The First two shots are along Highway 108 heading towards Sonora Pass. The last shot is driving past El Capitan in Yosemite. #discovercalifornia #visitcalifornia

You’ll find one of the most beautiful hikes in California in Point Lobos State Preserve! 😊 🌲 You’ll hike through beautiful forests. 🏖️ Find beautiful beaches. 🦦 And spot amazing wildlife! 🥾 Hike details: Cypress Grove Trail - Distance: 1.7 miles - Time: About 40 minutes - Elevation: 125 feet - Type: Loop Whether it’s sunny or gloomy, you’ll have a great time. In fact, a foggy day can make the experience so much more intense and moody. In a good way! Layer up though! It can get cold! Especially when blanketed in fog. Have you hiked at Point Lobos yet? Do you prefer it on a sunny or gloomy day? 🤔 🚗 Parking is $10 per vehicle, and can fill up fast! There is free street parking outside the reserve. 🐶🚫 Sorry! No dogs allowed!

Did you know Jurassic Park was filmed here? ☺️ Not the whole thing. But several scenes of the Lost World were! Yup, Fern Canyon in Redwoods National Park is so ancient and untouched, it looks pre-historic! And you can hike right through this stunning 325 million year old canyon! 🥾 Hike Details - Length: 1.1 miles - Elevation: 127ft - Difficulty: Easy - Type: Loop 🚗 Parking Fees - $12 day use 🐶🚫 Pets? Pets are not allowed in Fern Canyon. 🎟️ You also need to get a free permit online to access Fern Canyon from May 15th to September 15th. This can be done online at: https://redwoodparksconservancy.org/fern-canyon/ Have you been to Fern Canyon yet? What do you think? 📍 Fern Canyon, Redwoods National Park.

A beach, redwood trees, and a hidden waterfall? Russian Gulch has all this and more, which makes this incredibly diverse park well worth a visit! 😊 You can start the day on the beach exploring tide pools with starfish and abalones (Note you are not allowed to take the abalone) 🌿 Then hike into the dense redwood forest along a fern-lined canyon until you reach a beautiful waterfall. Here are the two hikes I recommend doing. 🥾 Hike 1 Details - Name: Russian Gulch Fern Canyon and Waterfall Loop - Length: 6.2 miles - Type: Loop - Elevation: 544 feet - Time: 2 hours and 20 minutes - Difficulty: Moderate 🥾 Hike 2 Details - Name: Headland Trail (Devil’s Punch Bowl) - Length: 0.4 miles - Type: Loop - Elevation: 12 feet - Time: 10 minutes - Difficulty: Easy 🚗 Driving times - San Francisco: 3.5 hours - Sacramento: 3 hours 50 minutes - Oakland: 3.5 hours - San Jose: 4 hours - Los Angeles: 9 hours Have you been to Russian Gulch yet? How’d you like it? 🤔

‼️ Here are 12 things you have to do in Joshua Tree to get the full desert experience! 1️⃣2️⃣ Explore the narrow slot canyons around Skull Rock. 1️⃣1️⃣ Hike the Arch Rock Trail. 1️⃣0️⃣ Question the shape of this rock 😅 9️⃣ Go stargazing next to the Joshua Trees. 8️⃣ Explore the Hall of Horrors. 7️⃣ Visit the Hall of Horrors again — seriously, don’t miss it! 6️⃣ Soak in the views from the Keys View Trail. 5️⃣ Find the Wall Street Mill. 4️⃣ Discover the petroglyphs along the Barker Dam Trail. 3️⃣ Take in panoramic views from the Barker Dam Trail. 2️⃣ See the actual Barker Dam! 1️⃣ Hike the gorgeous Black Rock Canyon. How many have you done already? 😁

It’s CRAZY how different the same exact thing can look depending on the time of year. - Burney falls summer vs rainy season. - Yosemite winter vs summer. - Hedge Creek Falls rainy season vs summer. The time of year can make a HUGE difference in what you see. So plan accordingly 😊 Which one has the biggest difference in your opinion?

We collaborated with @mazdausa for an incredible road trip through Lassen Volcanic National Park 😍 Here’s everything we got to do! 1️⃣ Our first stop was Sulphur Works, one of the first hydrothermal features you’ll encounter when driving into the park from the south. It’s a short walk from the parking lot, and you’ll see boiling mudpots. Warning, they smell like Sulphur 🥲 2️⃣ Our second stop was the incredible Bumpass Hell! We’ve been trying to go there for years, but it was always closed due to snow. Getting to the iconic hydrothermal area is a bit of a hike, 3 miles with 439 ft elevation to be exact! But it’s so worth it! 3️⃣ Our third stop was Kings Creek Falls. A wildfire several years ago burned much of this area. So many of the trees are burnt out. But the forest is starting to regrow itself! The falls are beautiful, and the one-way trail back up after leaving the viewing area is stunning! 2.8 miles out and back with about 500 ft elevation gain 💪🏽 4️⃣ Stop 4! Summit Lake is a short drive from Kings Creek Falls and a great place to sit and have lunch. We opened the trunk of our fancy Mazda CX - 50 and threw down some sandwiches! 5️⃣ On our second day, we hiked to the Devil’s Kitchen! I recommend you dedicate a whole day, or at least half a day, to this hike. It’s about 1.5 hours away from all the other stops. But it’s so worth it! This 4.6-mile, 528-foot elevation gain out-and-back hike will take you to one of the park’s best but least visited hydrothermal areas. You’ll feel like a true explorer out here! 😊 Another huge thank you to @mazdausa for collaborating with us on this road trip 🙏🏽 The car was super spacious and comfortable, and we’d happily take another road trip with them!

The Devil’s Kitchen. With a name like that, this spot has a lot of hype to live up to! So does it? Yes, yes it does! Not only is The Devil’s Kitchen incredible, but the hike to it is just as mesmerizing 🥹 You’ll start off hiking through a forest, crisscrossing a river, over boardwalks, and then through a breathtaking meadow. When the steam vents of the Devil’s Kitchen finally come into view, it’s impossible not to feel a sense of awe set in! 🥾 Here’s all the details you need to know! - Name: Devil’s Kitchen Trail. - Length: 4.6 miles. - Time: About 2 hours. - Elevation: 528 (mostly gradual!) - Difficulty: Moderate. - Rating: 4.7 stars. - Type: Out & back. 🅿️ $30 fee to enter Lassen National Park. The pass is good for 30 days. You’ll have to buy your pass online before arriving at the trail. 🗓️ Best Time to Visit July – September. The roads to Lassen typically close after the first big snowfall and don’t reopen until late spring or summer. 🐶🚫 Sorry, no dogs allowed. ⚠️ There are a few muddy spots you’ll have to cross. Be prepared with waterproof/sturdy shoes. 🚻 There are bathrooms and tables at the trailhead. 🚗 For navigation, put “Pacific Crest Trail - Warner Valley Trailhead” into your GPS. I’m incredibly grateful to have gotten to hike here while collaborating with @chooseredding and @shastacascade 🙏🏽 I’ve never met anyone who’s hiked this trail yet. Where are my hardcore hikers who’ve already done this? How’d you like it? 😁

Bumpass Hell – Yes, that’s really what this spot is called! And with good reason 😅 The earth here bubbles and boils with a vengeance. You’ll see boiling mud pots, springs, and steam vents. This is one of those spots in California that will literally drop your jaw to the ground when you first see it! 🥾 Here are the hike details - Name: Bumpass Hell Trail - Time: 1.5 hours - Length: 3 miles - Elevation: 439 ft - Type: Out & back - Rating: 4.8 stars Oh, the reason I have “volcano” in air quotes is because the exact spot I’m in is technically a “volcanic basin” or “hydrothermal area.” The official active volcano, Lassen Peak, is behind me! However, Lassen is one of the few places you can see all 4 types of volcanoes in such close proximity to each other. 🗓️ Best Time to Visit July – September. The main road through the park completely closes after the first big snowfall and doesn’t reopen until late spring or summer. 💰 There is a $30 entrance fee to enter Lassen National Park, and the fee gets you in for 7 days. We got to explore Lassen while collaborating with @chooseredding and @shastacascade Such an activity may not be on your radar, but exploring this area could be a great field trip idea (school is almost back in session!) or a group work retreat 😁 📍 Lassen National Park #discovercalifornia

3 Bucket List Horseback Rides to Do in California. Think redwood forests. Wild beaches, and rolling vineyards. These unforgettable rides are some of the most magical ways to experience California, and they’re 100% bucket list worthy! 1️⃣ Central Coast Trailrides — Paso Robles Ride through oak-draped hills and sun-soaked vineyards, with the option to add wine and charcuterie. Feels like a luxury picnic… on horseback. 🚗 ~3.5 hours from SF 💰 Starts at $130 per person ⁣ 2️⃣ Yosemite Trails Horseback Adventures — Fish Camp Winding forest trails, mountain streams, and alpine views. This is Yosemite from a totally different perspective—and yes, it includes cowboy guides and Quarter Horses. 🚗 ~3.5 hours from SF 💰 Starts at $80 per person (1-hour ride) ⁣ 3️⃣ Crescent Trail Rides — Crescent City Ride under towering redwoods or along a wide-open beach with nothing but ocean and sky ahead of you. It’s one of the wildest—and most peaceful—rides in the state. 🚗 ~6 hours from SF 💰 Starts at $110 per person (1.5-hour beach ride) Save this post for the next time you’re craving a different kind of adventure 😁

That’s $200 pounds off for a family of four.

The Grove of Titans might just be the most jaw-dropping redwood hike in all of California 🌲 Tucked deep inside Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, this sublime trail leads you to some of the largest and oldest coast redwoods on Earth. Some of them are between 1,500 - 2,500 years old. The new(ish) built elevated boardwalk keeps the forest floor protected and makes the whole trail feel like a sacred passage through time 🥹 If you’re quiet enough, you’ll hear the forest breathe. 🥾 Hike Details 📍Trail length: 1.5 miles round-trip. 🚶‍♀️Difficulty: Easy. 🐶 Dogs not allowed. 💵 Entry: There is a paid day use area for $8. But there is free parking at many trailheads throughout the park. 🚗 Driving times to the Grove of Titans: - San Francisco: ~6.5 hrs - Sacramento: ~7 hrs - San Jose: ~7 hrs - Oakland: ~6.5 hrs - Los Angeles: ~11 hrs - Eureka: ~2 hrs Save this for your next NorCal road trip! 😊 ⚠️ PLEASE remember to treat this beautiful natural area with respect. Stay on trails and leave NO TRACE!!!

These 4 dreamy hikes in California will make you feel like you’re in a world of Pure Imagination 🥹 Think ancient redwoods, ocean cliffs, and hidden aqueducts. 4️⃣ Tall Trees Grove – Humboldt Redwoods State Park. A forest so deep and quiet, it feels like you’ve stepped into another reality. 🥾 Hike details - 3.6 miles round-trip. - Moderate. - 6 hours from SF You need a free permit to access the trailhead, which you can get online. 3️⃣ Grove of Titans – Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park Massive, ancient redwoods that “magical” doesn’t even begin to describe. 🥾 Hike details - 1.7 miles round-trip (on an elevated boardwalk!). - Easy. - 7 hrs from SF. 2️⃣ Mendocino Headlands Trail – Mendocino Wind-swept coastal bluffs, crashing waves, and seasonal wildflowers as far as the eye can see. 🥾 Hike details - 5 mile loop. - Easy. - 3.5 hrs from SF. 1️⃣ Tuolumne Ditch Trail – Sonora I guarantee you’ve never hiked on something like this! Start at the “Lyons Reservoir Day Use Area” parking lot. Then hike out and back down the ditch trail for as long as you want. 🥾 Hike details - 12 miles out and back (Do as much as you want) - Moderate. - 2.5 hrs from SF. Save this list for your next hiking adventure! Which one are you doing first? 😊

Dreaming of walking amongst the Redwoods? 🌲 The Redwood Skywalk at Sequoia Park Zoo is an incredible way to get up close and personal with these awe-inspiring giants. You can walk from tree to tree across multiple bridges. Feeling brave? The adventure bridges shake, wobble, and sway as you walk over them. Which is sure to make you feel like Indiana Jones! 🎟️ Tickets - General (ages 13-59) - $24.95 - Seniors (60+) - $22.95 - Military: $22.95 - Kids 1-3: $12.95 - EBT, BIC & WIC: $4 - Children under 2: Free - Zoo members: Free 🚗 Driving Times - L.A - 10 hours - San Francisco - 5 hours - San Diego - 12.5 hours - Sacramento - 5 hours Have you been on the Redwood Skywalk yet? Let me know what you think of it! . . . . . . . . . . . . #discovercalifornia #redwoodtrees #redwoodtreescalifornia #redwoods #redwoodsnationalpark #redwoodnationalforest #redwoodnationalpark #redwoodsstatepark

This stunning redwood grove is just 1.5 hours from San Francisco 😍⁠ ⁠ And yes, it can hold its own against Muir Woods! ⁠ The 1,400-year-old Colonel Armstrong Tree stands 308 feet tall and will make you feel small in the best way. It’s quiet, peaceful, and way less crowded than Muir Woods.⁠ Does “way less crowded” qualify as “secret” in my opinion? To an extent, yes! 😁 ⁠ 🥾 Hike Info: Armstrong Redwoods Grove Loop - Length: 1.2 miles. - Elevation: 52 ft gain. - Time: About 30 minutes. - Trail Type: Loop⁠. It’s an easy trail that gives you a full redwood experience, towering trees, soft forest floor, and that earthy smell that instantly calms you down. ⁠ ⚠️ A few must-sees while you’re there: - The Colonel Armstrong Tree (1,400 years old!) - The Icicle Tree, with super unique bark formations. - The Parson Jones Tree, the tallest in the grove at 310 feet⁠. 📝 Pro Tips: - Visit early or on a weekday for that dreamy morning light and fewer crowds. - Always bring a layers, even in summer it can get chilly under the canopy. - Guerneville is just down the road if you’re looking for coffee, food, or a cute place to stay⁠. 🚗 Parking fee: $10 per vehicle. 🐶 Dogs allowed? YES, with restrictions. They must be leased at all times, and are only allowed on the main paved road. Have you been to Armstrong Redwoods yet? It’s such a gem 🌲☺️⁠ ⁠ #ArmstrongRedwoods #DiscoverCalifornia #RedwoodGroves #SonomaCounty #HiddenGemsCalifornia #CaliforniaHikes

Here are 7 legendary hikes within 30(ish) minutes of San Francisco. A few are over 30 minutes, but they’re worth it! 😅 1️⃣ Muir Woods – Walk through ancient redwoods just 27 minutes from SF. A must see at least once, even if it’s a bit cliche. 2️⃣ Battery Spencer – That iconic Golden Gate shot? This is where you get it, and it’s about 20 minutes from SF! 3️⃣ Dipsea Trail – A legendary route through Muir Woods to the sea. It’s 45 minutes out, but it’s one of the best hikes in the Bay. 4️⃣ Point Bonita Lighthouse – Coastal views + a secret tunnel? Yes! It’s only 20 minutes from the city. 5️⃣ Hawk Hill – Sweeping Bay views just 16 minutes away. It’s one of my favorite views in the Bay Area! 6️⃣ Alamere Falls – One of only a few rare waterfalls known as “tide falls” that drop right into the ocean. Technically an hour from SF, but it deserves a spot on any “legendary” list. 7️⃣ Mt. Tam East Peak – A classic. 360° views of the Bay and beyond. About 45 minutes away. Which one are you doing first? ☺️ #discovercalifornia

Nothing comes close 🥹

Oh noooo someone please save us from the horror that is San Francisco!!! What ever will we do??? 😩😩😩

California has it all 🥹 Forests, deserts, beaches, mountains, culture, history, food, everything! Here are some of my favorite places I’ve explored over the years. Yes, I know some of them aren’t actually “secret,” but I had to put them on this list anyway! Don’t yell at me about it! Lol. What are some of your favorite spots? 😊 #discovercalifornia

Looking for a beautiful and easy hike? You’ve got to check out Point Lobos State Preserve in Carmel 😊 There are many excellent trails to hike at Point Lobos. The last time we went, we did the full loop, which is about 6 miles. 🌲 You’ll hike through beautiful forests. 🏖️ Find beautiful beaches. 🦦 And spot amazing wildlife! Whether it’s sunny or gloomy, you’ll have a great time. In fact, a foggy day can make the experience so much more intense and moody. In a good way! Layer up, though! It can get cold! Especially when blanketed in fog. Have you hiked Point Lobos yet? Do you prefer it on a sunny or gloomy day? 🤔 🚗 Parking is $10 per vehicle, and can fill up fast! There is free street parking outside the reserve. 🐶🚫 Sorry! No dogs allowed! . . . . . . . . . . . . . #discovercalifornia #california #highway1 #highway1discoveryroute #pointlobosstatereserve #pointlobos #pointlobosstatepark

Staring up into the forest. My favorite pass time ❤️ 🥾 Hike Details Name: Stream, Star Flower, French, Redwood Peak, and West Ridge Trail on All Trails. - Length: 6.1 miles - Time: About 3 hours - Elevation: 1,085 - Type: Loop Have you hiked here yet? ☺️ 📸 Photos by @katyandryanroam

Walk with me under this ancient fallen redwood. ⁠ No music. No talking. Just the soft sounds of the forest. ⁠ You’ll find this magical fallen giant along the Karl Knapp Trail in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. The whole area feels like something out of a storybook 🥹 ⁠ 🥾 Hiking Details - Prairie Creek Redwoods Walk on All Trails. - Distance: 4.1 miles round-trip - Elevation Gain: ~147ft - Type: Loop - Time: 1.5 hours - Difficulty: Easy 🐶 Dogs are not allowed on the trail 🚻 Restrooms are available near the visitor center ⁠ This hike is perfect if you want to be surrounded by towering trees without too much effort. And it’s even better in the early morning when the mist is still hanging low. ⁠ 🚗 Driving times: ~6 hours from San Francisco. ~6 hours from Sacramento. ~7 hours from San Jose. ~3.5 hours from Redding. ~1 hour from Eureka. ⁠ Save this post for your next redwoods trip 🌿 📍Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park ⁠ #DiscoverCalifornia #PrairieCreekRedwoods #KarlKnappTrail #AncientRedwoods #CaliforniaHikes #Redwoods #WanderCalifornia #HikingCalifornia

Stay in a giant pinecone treehouse suspended from the redwoods near Santa Cruz! 🌲 Tucked 60 ft above the forest floor in Bonny Doon’s redwoods, this giant pinecone blends art, architecture, and wilderness. Climb a ladder to a trapdoor entry, cozy up with blankets on chilly nights (layers recommended), and stroll across a catwalk to the off‑grid bathroom in a mini‑treehouse. Yes, it has a hot shower and even a toilet! 😉 Just 15 minutes from downtown Santa Cruz yet worlds away from hustle and bustle, this treehouse invites you to unplug, reflect, and reconnect with nature. Book your stay with the link below! https://o2treehouse.guestybookings.com/en/properties/679841335f80ed0013b467e3?minOccupancy=1&checkIn=2025-04-17&checkOut=2025-04-19 #discovercalifornia #pineconeairbnb #pineconetreehouse

@sparksocialsf works with 200+ food trucks, has super chill fire pits and reservable spaces for you and your friends to relax, and is just a great spot to hang out for a few hours on a nice day. 🍜 We grabbed food from @sf.rasarasa, @locksleycreamery, and Made in Italy. Then played 18 holes of SF-themed mini golf at @stagecoachgreens. 🚊 Thankfully, you can take Muni here if you don’t want to worry about finding and paying for parking, which is always a huge plus. Take the T line to the Mission Rock stop, then it’s a short walk. Unlike other food truck events, SPARK Social SF is open seven days a week! And there’s no cost to enter the park. Just head in and go straight to your favorite food trucks! Have you been here yet? How’d you like it? 😁 #SPARKSocialSF #discovercalifornia

EPIC Mountain Airbnb Giveaway in SoCal! 🤯 [GIVEAWAY CLOSED] Winner @socaltribeof7 🏡 @stayfreewyld has super charming cabins hidden away in the quaint mountain town of Idyllwild. Here’s what you’ll love about it 😌 1️⃣ It’s easy to disconnect, relax, and recharge. 2️⃣ Close to gorgeous hikes, like the Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail. 3️⃣ Four beautiful and cozy cabins to choose from. 4️⃣ Walking distance to downtown Idyllwild. 🥇 GIVEAWAY PRIZE: A 2-night stay in a cabin of the winners choice at @stayfreewyld ⚠️ Restrictions: Excludes weekends and holidays. Subject to cabin availability. Must be booked within one year of winning. ⸻ How to Enter 1️⃣ Follow @stayfreewyld 2️⃣ LIKE and SAVE this post 3️⃣ Share this post to your stories 4️⃣ Tag friends below — one tag per comment, please. More friends tagged = more entries! 5️⃣ Fill out the official giveaway entry form at the link in my bio! It’s called “FREEWYLD Giveaway.” ✅ Make sure you complete ALL of the above steps — we’ll be checking! 🗓️ Ends on 7/23/25 ⸻ The winner will ONLY be announced in the comments and caption on this account. This promotion is not sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with Instagram. 🥇 Prize to be fulfilled by @stayfreewyld Good luck!!! #discovercalifornia #freewyld #idyllwild

Here are 8 of the best spots for views of the Golden Gate Bridge ☺️ 1️⃣ Battery Spencer Battery Spencer is easy to get to and is undisputedly one of the best spots for views of the Golden Gate Bridge. 2️⃣ Fort Point Explore a historic fort with epic views of the bridge. What’s not to love? 3️⃣ Hawk Hill Hawk Hill offers a similar view to Battery Spencer, but from a much higher vantage point. 4️⃣ Round House Café Grab a small bite or coffee and enjoy yet another incredible view of the bridge. 5️⃣ Golden Gate Overlook This spot offers great views of the bridge and some old batteries to explore. 6️⃣ On the bridge itself! Walk or bike across the bridge for an up-close and personal perspective! 7️⃣ A slightly different perspective at Fort Point Seriously, the views of the bridge from Fort Point are amazing! 8️⃣ Cavallo Point A far less popular view, but grabbing a small bite at the Cavallo Point Lodge’s restaurant—with views of the bridge—is unforgettable! #DiscoverCalifornia #GoldenGateBridge

When people tell you California sucks, I give you permission to send them this reel 😉 Most of the scenes were filmed in Mammoth Lakes, Kings Canyon, Humboldt County, and Marin County. #discovercalifornia

Wow! The @skunktrain blew me away again! I’ve done a lot of their excursions, and the Railbikes on the Noyo is easily my favorite! It’s a 25 mile round trip ride through a lush redwood forest. Where you’ll see towering trees while gliding along the beautiful Noyo river. 🌲 Depending on the season, you can see waterfalls, native California newts, and banana slugs 😄 You’ll stop for about 45 minutes at Camp Noyo to enjoy a nice picnic that’s included with your ticket, then jump into a kayak! It’s a magical experience you won’t soon forget ☺️ 🏨 We were hosted by @innatnewportranch for this adventure! Check them out for your next trip up the Mendocino Coast! 📍Skunk Train Rail Bikes, Fort Bragg . . . . . . . . . . #fortbraggca #fortbraggcalifornia #skunktrain #skunktrainfortbragg #skunktrainrailbikes #railbikes #mendocino #mendocinocounty

@pinesresort needs to be on your summer vacation bucket list! 😊 Here’s what I loved about it. 🏖️ Bass Lake It’s the only year-round resort on Bass Lake and in the Yosemite Area. Many of the suites and chalets have a beautiful view of the Lake. 🏞️ Close to Yosemite The Pines Resort is about 30 minutes from the Southern entrance of Yosemite! Making it a great base camp to explore the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, or venture deeper into the park! 🛶 Watersport Rentals Aren’t Too Far Away There are three marinas and boat rentals on Bass Lake. We chose to get our jet ski rentals at @millerslandingbasslake. 🥩 Ducey’s on the Lake Ducey’s is their onsite restaurant, and it’s excellent! Enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner with sweeping views of Bass Lake. 🏡 The Cabins We stayed in one of their two queen-bed chalets with a lake view and full kitchen. It was spacious and comfortable enough for a couple, small family, or small group of friends. 📍 The Pines Resort, Bass Lake This reel was made in collaboration with @pinesresort and @yosemitemadera. #basslake #pinesresort #visitmadera #maderacounty #visityosemite #discovercalifornia #visitcalifornia

Looking for off-the-beaten-path adventures? Here are five incredible hidden gems to add to your California bucket list! 🏔️ Sonora Pass – A breathtaking high-mountain pass in the Stanislaus National Forest, offering jaw-dropping alpine scenery. Note: This road is usually closed in winter and reopens after snowmelt in spring or summer. 🥾 Tuolumne Ditch Trail – A peaceful trail in Stanislaus National Forest, featuring stunning canyon views, waterfalls, and wildflowers in spring. 🌳 Zumwalt Meadows – A serene spot in Kings Canyon National Park, surrounded by towering granite cliffs and lush greenery. A must-see stop on the scenic Kings Canyon Scenic Byway! 🪨 Boyden Cavern – A fascinating cave inside Sequoia National Forest, featuring stalactites, stalagmites, and stunning marble formations. Tour this underground wonder along Kings Canyon! ☀️ Russian Gulch State Park – A coastal paradise near Mendocino with waterfalls, rugged cliffs, and the iconic Devil’s Punchbowl. A dream spot for hikers and photographers! Which one is going on your adventure list? 🥹 #discovercalifornia #visitcalifornia

The foggy redwood forests of California will always enchant me 🥹 📍 These shots were filmed along Ave of the Giants and the road down to Big Trees Trail. #discovercalifornia

If you haven’t been to any of these places yet, it’s time to start planning a trip! These spots are absolutely breathtaking, and I find myself going back over and over again. 1️⃣ Hot Creek in @visitmammoth This place is just incredible! The way the river snakes along the ground with the mountains in the background is simply stunning. 2️⃣ Avenue of the Giants in Humboldt County You’ll find some of the tallest trees in the world here. Is it life-changing? Yes, yes it is! 3️⃣ The Mist Trail in @yosemitemadera One of the most beautiful hikes I’ve ever done in my life. 4️⃣ Kings Canyon in @visitfresnocounty Massive trees, waterfalls, and the deepest canyon in the U.S. You’ll never want to leave. 5️⃣ Mendocino Headlands in @visitmendocino You’ll feel like you’re standing at the end of the world—because you are! 6️⃣ Hawk Hill Staircase in @visitmarin Views, views, views… and more views. Just sit and stare for as long as you can. How many have you been to already? #DiscoverCalifornia #VisitCalifornia

Skip the car and explore these beautiful Bay Area trails using clean, transit-accessible options! Making cleaner choices helps reduce air pollution and protect our air, especially during the hotter months. Small choices add up when we all make them together!  Sign up for @SparetheAir alerts by texting “START” to 817-57 so you can be informed when air quality is forecasted to be unhealthy, and what steps you can take to help!   #SpareTheAirPartner    1️⃣ Muir Woods Walk the iconic Fern Creek trail among towering redwoods. 🚌 Take the Muir Woods Shuttle. Spring/summer service runs from Southern Marin at $5 round trip for adults, and it’s free for kids 15 and under.   🎟️ Reservation required: gomuirwoods.com  2️⃣ Angel Island Hike the Perimeter Trail (5 miles) for 360° views of SF, Marin, and the Bay Bridge. ⛴️ Catch the Angel Island Ferry from Tiburon. 🕰️ Ferries run daily in summer — check schedules at angelislandferry.com  3️⃣ Dipsea Trail (Start from Mill Valley) 🚍 Take Marin Transit to the Panoramic Highway and Bayview Drive stop, then walk to the Dipsea Trailhead.  4️⃣ Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park   Walk among the tallest trees in the East Bay on the Stream Trail or the Bridle Trail. Cool, quiet, and perfect to beat the heat.   🚌 Several AC transit options take you to Reinhardt Regional park. Check their website for the best route! 🚲 You can also bike in from nearby neighborhoods. 5️⃣ Golden Gate Park   Wander miles of scenic trails through meadows, lakes, and forests.   My favs: Botanical Garden, Conservatory of Flowers, Japanese Garden, and Stow Lake.   🚋 I take the N Judah line after taking BART to the Embarcadero from the East Bay.  6️⃣ Coyote Hills Regional Park  Hike the Bayview Trail for sweeping views of the Bay.    🚇 Take BART to Union City Station, then bike 4.5 miles via Quarry Lakes Regional Park to the Coyote Hills entrance.  This park isn’t as close to a transit stop as the others, but it’s worth the bike ride! #discovercalifornia

Well there goes that 🤷🏽‍♂️

Have you been to Napa Valley’s cutest town? 🥹 @visitcalistoga calls itself the crown jewel of Napa Valley, and I completely agree! 🍷 You’ll find iconic wineries, great biking/hiking trails, and one of my favorites—HOT SPRINGS!!! The mud baths are a mix of awesome, weird, and “what the heck did I just do!?” all wrapped into one uniquely Calistoga experience. Should you do one? Yes, yes you should. Then immediately DM me and tell me what you thought! I’m already looking forward to my next adventure with @visitcalistoga 😊 📍 Calistoga, California #discovercalifornia #visitcalistoga

NorCal hidden gem alert! ☺️ Yes!!! Our friends turned us on to @innatnewportranch in Northern Mendocino County, and we’re so glad they did! The ranch spans over 2,200 acres, blending coastal vibes with forest trails. 🌲 We took the UTV tour, which drove us along the bluffs, shared some interesting history about Newport, and then whisked us through the forest—where we even got to plant a redwood tree! Many of the rooms offer stunning ocean views (weather permitting!). 🐄 Their on-site restaurant sources ingredients from around the ranch, offering a true farm-to-table experience. The inn has only ten accommodations, so you won’t be surrounded by crowds. If you like seclusion, this is the place for you! 📍 Inn at Newport Ranch #discovercalifornia #innatnewportranch

Dreaming of walking through the Redwood canopies? 🥹 Well, you can next time you’re in NorCal! This reel was made in collaboration with @visitcalifornia 🌲 The Trees of Mystery is an incredible way to get up close and personal with these stunning giants. You can walk from tree to tree across adventurous bridges and platforms. There is also a fun gondola you can take to fly through the forest. 🎟️ Tickets - General Admission (13-59): $30.00 - Seniors (60 and over): $25.00 - Kids 3-12: $15.00 - Infants 0-2: Free 🚗 Driving Times - L.A - 11 hours. - San Francisco - 6 hours. - Eureka - 1 hour 15 minutes. - Sacramento - 6 hours. Would you try this? 😁 #visitcalifornia #discovercalifornia

I don’t talk about politics on Discover California because that’s not what this page is about. However, with all the news circulating about lawmakers wanting to put public land up for sale… Well, I’m going to have something to say about it - as someone who believes in sharing nature with everyone. The very first shot in this video is called Convict Lake. It’s one of the most transformational (yes, I’m serious) places I’ve ever been. If you look at a map of the land that may be up for sale for logging, drilling, and relaxing environmental protections, this spot may be up for grabs! Could you imagine a place so special being closed to the public so some company can go in and drill it out of existence!? F*** NO!!!!! 😡😡😡 If that doesn’t infuriate you, I don’t know what will! These places are for all of us to enjoy. ALL OF US! Regardless of our background, beliefs, or ideologies. As a society, we need to be investing in clean sources of energy and learning how to live in harmony with the natural world. Not expanding what we know are destructive practices. Over 95% of old-growth forest has been destroyed in California. Are we really going to make the same mistake again? You can use your voice to speak out against the sale of our public lands for corporate profit! Visit USA.gov, look for your local representatives, and tell them to oppose this ridiculous idea!

Here are seven ancient redwood forests you should explore in California 🥹 This reel was made in collaboration with @visitcalifornia 1️⃣ Big Trees Loop in Humboldt Redwoods State Park - The shot was taken on Mattole Road close to the hike trailhead. 2️⃣ Rockefeller Forest, also in Humboldt Redwoods State Park. 3️⃣ Karl Knapp Trail - Redwoods National Park. 4️⃣ Lady Bird Johnson Grove - Redwoods National Park. 5️⃣ Grove of Titans - Jedidiah Smith State Park. 6️⃣ Founders Grove - Humboldt Redwoods State Park. 7️⃣ Montgomery Woods State Reserve. #visitcalifornia #discovercalifornia

10 Hidden Gems to Explore in California! This post was made in collaboration with @visitcalifornia Each of these spots offers something beautiful, unique, or both, to discover 😌 1️⃣ Montgomery Redwoods. 2️⃣ Fern Canyon. 3️⃣ Trillium Falls. 4️⃣ Trinidad State Beach. 5️⃣ Arcata Community Forest. 6️⃣ Trees of Mystery. 7️⃣ Radar Station B-71. 8️⃣ Stout Grove. 9️⃣ Crescent Trail Rides. 🔟 Vichy Springs. Fern Canyon and Stout Grove may not technically be “hidden,” but they deserve to be on an epic NorCal list 😉 How many of these spots have you been to already? #visitcalifornia #discovercalifornia

Horseback riding down the beach? YES!!! 🥹 This reel was made in collaboration with @visitcalifornia. I saddled up with @crescent.trail.rides and spent the afternoon riding through mossy forest trails and right onto the beach. If you think horseback riding down the beach would feel like an absolute dream, well, it does!!! They even offer a redwood trail ride if you want to wander deeper into the forest beneath the giants. Which I hope to do next time I’m in the area! 🌲 Forest & Beach Ride: Starts at $110. 🌊 Redwood Ride: Starts at $130. ⏱️ Rides vary between 1.5 to 3 hours. Would you try this? 🤔 📍Crescent Trail Rides. #visitcalifornia #discovercalifornia

7 Places in California That Don’t Feel Real! 🤯 Made in collaboration with @visitcalifornia. 1️⃣ Fern Canyon – Walk through towering, fern-covered walls you’ll never want to leave. 2️⃣ Trees of Mystery – Giant redwoods you can actually walk through via an adventurous skywalk. 3️⃣ Montgomery Redwoods – I bet you never heard of this redwood grove! It’s awesome, and you should visit it. 4️⃣ Trinidad State Beach – The small town of Trinidad is hiding a beautiful beach you’ll love! 5️⃣ Arcata Community Forest – A lush fairytale forest in the heart of a quaint NorCal town. 6️⃣ Vichy Springs – Natural “Champagne” hot springs where Mark Twain and Jack London once soaked. 7️⃣ Panther Swimming Hole – Hidden, emerald waters perfect for a plunge. The shot for Panther flat was take a few miles up the road from the actual swimming hole! But it looks pretty darn close to this! Which one would you explore first? 🌿 #visitcalifornia #discovercalifornia

Need I say more? 😉 [AD] This reel was made in collaboration with Visit California. California really is the ultimate playground. Everything you could possibly want is probably here. 🏖️ Do you love the beach? We got you covered! 🏔️ Summiting epic mountains? Got it! 🌲 Fairytale like forests? Check. 💧 Alpine lakes? You bet. ☀️ What about deserts? Obviously! 🌁 World class cities and culture? We have that too! Throw a dart at a map, and I bet you won’t be too far from something amazing. Outdoorsy types, foodies, urban explorers, there is something for everyone! But be careful! California has a way of hooking its claws into you and making you not want to leave! 😊 📍 @visitcalifornia #ad #visitcalifornia #discovercalifornia #mendocino #humboldtcounty #delnortecounty

Giveaway Alert!!! Get Ready for an Unforgettable Santa Maria Valley Getaway! [CLOSED!] Giveaway winner selection in progress. We’ve teamed up with @santamariavalley to give one lucky winner the ultimate Central Coast experience. Imagine vineyards, horseback rides, and Santa Maria Style Barbecue! One lucky winner will get: ✨ A beautiful horseback estate tour and tasting at Presqu’ile. 🥩 Dinner at the legendary Hitching Post steakhouse. 🏨 A two-night stay at the Historic Santa Maria Inn. This is your chance to unplug, unwind, and explore California’s Santa Maria Valley. Here’s how to enter: 1️⃣ Like this post. 2️⃣ Share this post to your story. 3️⃣ Tag your travel buddy in the comments (one tag per comment. More tags = more entries!) 4️⃣ Fill out the official giveaway form via the link in my bio! And that’s it! Don’t miss any steps, we’ll be checking. 📅 Must redeem before Dec. 31, 2025 ⚠️ Restrictions and blackout dates may apply. The giveaway will close on June 22nd, and a winner will be announced shortly after, with the announcement made here in the description. Best of luck! #discovercalifronia #visitsantamariavalley #santamariavally #visitcalifornia

We joined @yosemiteadventureco for their Fresno Dome and Bass Lake Vista UTV Tour, and it was an awesome way to explore the Sierra backcountry! Granite peaks, forest trails, and panoramic views you just can’t reach any other way. This 2-hour tour is just one of several off-road adventures they offer. You can also choose from: - Sequoias & Bass Lake Vista Tour – 5.5 hours, includes a hike to the famous Mariposa Giant Sequoia Grove. - The Grand Adventure Tour – 8 hours of full-throttle exploring in the Sierra National Forest. - Sunset Vista Tour – a golden hour ride with epic views (offered seasonally). - Iron Lakes Tour - You’ll ride to several alpine lakes in the Sierra. All tours depart from Oakhurst, and prices start at $449. No experience needed, just show up ready to drive, get dusty, and see a wilder side of Yosemite. 📍 Yosemite Adventure Co. Part of our larger collaboration with @yosemitemadera 😊 #discovercalifornia #maderacounty

I explored Yosemite’s backroads on horseback earlier, and now it’s time to push deeper into the forest with an e-bike! I joined @pedalforwardbikes for their Big Sandy eBike Ride & Waterfall Hike, and it was the perfect mix of easy riding and hidden-gem adventure. Here’s why it’s a must-do: 🚴🏽‍♂️ Cruise along a quiet forest service road on powerful e-bikes. 🌿 Minimal elevation gain = all the scenery, with a relatively easy ride. 💧 Take a short guided hike to a secret seasonal waterfall. 🤫 When we went, we didn’t see a single other person, so there’s a good chance you’ll enjoy some quiet seclusion too! This ride is just outside Yosemite and ideal for families, beginner bikers, or anyone who wants an unforgettable outdoor experience without an intense workout. ⏱ ~2.5 to 3 hours 🎟 Book through Pedal Forward Bikes 🏠 Where to stay We stayed at @pinesresort for our recent Yosemite adventures! 📍Pedal Forward, Oakhurst, CA #YosemiteAdventures #DiscoverCalifornia #VisitYosemite

🚨Yosemite bucket list alert: Ride through the Sierra on horseback! Yosemite Trails Horseback Adventures offers guided rides through the forest just south of Yosemite National Park - and it’s one of the most peaceful, scenic ways to take in this iconic region. Here’s what they offer: ✨ Big Creek Ride (1 hour) – A great intro ride through pine forests and across a small creek, perfect for beginners or families. 🏞 Vista Pass Ride (2 hours) – Climb to sweeping views of the Sierra Nevada mountains on this scenic loop. Ideal for adventure-seekers who want more time in the saddle. 🌲 Grizzly Giant Ride (5 hours) – Starting June 19, 2025, this epic half-day ride takes you right into Mariposa Grove to see the legendary Grizzly Giant sequoia tree up close. We did the Big Creek ride since we’re beginners, but one day I’d love to do the full ride to Mariposa Grove! 🎟 Book in advance—spots fill up fast during peak season! 🏠 Where to stay We stayed at @pinesresort for this trip to the Yosemite area. A super nice resort right on Bass Lake. Check them out when planning your trip! 📍Yosemite Trails Horseback Adventures. #YosemiteHorsebackRiding #DiscoverCalifornia #BucketListAdventures #VisitYosemite #YosemiteNationalPark

Flying through a lake at 40 miles per hour on a perfect, sunny California day? Yes, all I can say is yes 😉 Most people who visit Yosemite will never visit Bass Lake; however, Bass Lake shouldn’t be slept on! The lake is currently full (or close to it), and the jet skis from @millerslandingbasslake are waiting for you! And I promise you, there is a 100% chance you’ll have some of the most fun you’ve ever had on a lake! 🚗 Driving Distances - San Francisco: 3 hr 30 min - San Jose: 3 hr 10 min - Oakland: 3 hr 15 min - Sacramento: 3 hr 15 min - Los Angeles: 4 hr 40 min - San Luis Obispo: 3 hr 45 min 🏡 Where to Stay @pinesresort hosted our stay while exploring Bass Lake and Yosemite. Check them out when planning your trip! Note: Please make sure you follow all the Bass Lake boating safety guidelines during your adventure! #discovercalifornia #visitcalifornia #visityosemite #maderacounty

This underrated Central Coast town is a mix of wine country and unforgettable adventures. Here are four things you’ll want to do when you visit @travelpaso 1️⃣ Wander the charming streets of Downtown Paso Robles. Boutique shops, tasting rooms, cozy cafes, and a buzzy town square that comes alive at night with hundreds of string lights. 2️⃣ Sensorio is pure magic. Walk through acres of glowing art that lights up the rolling hills like a dream. Don’t miss their new exhibit, FOSO, that makes you feel like you’re walking through a living orchestra. 3️⃣ Saddle up at with Central Coast Trail Rides for a horseback ride through vineyards, oak-lined trails, and a historic ranch. 4️⃣ Tin City is a foodie’s paradise! From small-batch wineries to craft breweries, artisan eats, and ice cream that’s worth the wait. Trust me, this place is cool as heck and I wish something like it existed in the Bay Area! Paso Robles is easily 12/10. Which one’s going on your bucket list first? 📍 Paso Robles #discovercalifornia #pasorobles #visitcalifornia #travelpaso

Standing at the top of Nevada Falls has been one of the highlights of my year so far 🥹 Not only are the views amazing, but my sense of accomplishment was running high! I’ve been wanting to complete Yosemite’s iconic Mist Trail for years, and I finally got to thanks to @yosemitemadera! 🥾 Hike Details: Vernal & Nevada Falls Via Mist Trail - Length: 6.4 miles. - Elevation: 2,208ft. - Time: 4 hours 10 minutes. - Type: Loop. - Difficulty: Hard 🏡 We stayed at the @pinesresort for this trip to Yosemite, which is always a pleasure! #discovercalifornia #visitcalifornia #visityosemite #maderacounty

Yosemite during the spring = pure magic ❤️ Photos from the Mist Trail on 5/21/25. We stayed with @yosemitemadera / @pinesresort for this wonderful adventure 😌

Kings Canyon National Park lives in the shadow of Sequoia National Park and Yosemite. But wow, you’d be crazy to pass up this incredible California gem while exploring the Sierra! Here are all the locations in this reel in order: 1️⃣ Grizzly Falls 2️⃣ Roaring River Falls 3️⃣ Bridge to Zumwalt Meadows 4️⃣ Hume Lake 5️⃣ Zumwalt Meadows 6️⃣ Hume Lake 7️⃣ Grizzly Falls 8️⃣ Hume Lake Each and every one of these spots is gorgeous - and guaranteed to leave you wanting more! How many have you been to already? 😄 #discovercalifornia #visitcalifornia