Go west young man. The left coast, the best coast. California is the state of vacation paradise. Zillions relocate to the golden state to experience the wonderful weather and more life out doors. It is one of the top US destinations in terms of number of people visiting.
Beautiful, fantastic and scenic; there is something for everyone, unique coastline, wild terrain, mountains, deserts. Camp for free, or find a luxury RV resort. We have accommodations listed for every type of traveler.
Small towns, big cities, freeways, farms, and lots of mountains. Weather is always the biggest draw, attracting millions to the sunshine on the West Coast. Another major factor in the population is diversity. Come for college and never want to leave. Near perfect weather, locally grown food, great wine, alpine lakes, freeways and earthquakes too.
Whether you are out for a week long road trip, living on the road full time or just planning a one day escape from the city, you are bound to find it here in California.
Drastic desert landscapes, extreme mountain peaks, granite rock walls, raging rivers, volcanic landscapes, and plenty of adventures. Follow the images above and below to discover new spots & explore hidden secrets. We have thousands of pages just on California.
US Hwy 395 runs up the eastern side of California, with the highest Sierra peaks towering on the west side of Owens valley. Fossil Falls, Mount Whitney, Alabama Hills and Death Valley NP, all easily accessible. This main artery, a north-south route from LA to Reno, offers some of the best sightseeing and outdoor recreation in the whole state.
wine country, gold country, river canyons, oak hills, reservoir lakes, hot springs, wildflowers, covered wooden bridges, suspension bridges, mountain foothills, railroads, ranchlands, historical parks, museums, tribal reservations
California Country Terrain Baja California
Southern California
High Desert California
Coastal Foothills
Central Valley:
San Joaquin & Sacramento Valley
Central Coast Inland
Central Sierra
Eastern Sierra
Southern Sierra
Western Sierra
Cascade Mountain Range
NorCal: North State California
PDF Smith River Map & Guide 6.5 MB download
20 page river guide w/ trailheads mileage and information, navigable runs detailed, campgrounds, picnic sites, fire lookout tower, plus cabin rentals
When it comes to the holiday season, California has epic destinations and outdoor recreation. There’s more to do outdoors than look at the holiday lights!
Snowy winter wonderlands span the Sierra Nevada mountains; palm desert oasis can be found in Southern California, ghost towns in the deserts to remote hot springs, there is something for everyone.
These particular locations go ‘all out’ with holiday decor, lights, craft shows, street fairs, and maybe a Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony. Most events are focused around the downtown areas.
Yes, you can! Cut down a Christmas Tree out of the forest. Get a tree cutting permit from your nearest National Forest ranger station.
This half-day adventure is best done with company (more people to help haul the tree). Hot cocoa in a thermos!
Buy a forest map and bring a sturdy hand saw. Be prepared to hike on hillsides and physically haul your chosen pine tree back to the rig. Make sure your vehicle can accommodate the size of your tree; a pick-up truck would be ideal.
Measure the height of the indoor space before you leave, so you know how TALL of a tree to cut. When standing in front of the tree in the forest, there is no reference point for your living room ceiling. May need to cut additional length off the bottom, when you arrive home.
New Years Eve
Everyone knows about the Rose Parade, otherwise known as the New Years Day Parade, held in Pasadena, CA – but few know that you can view these floral floats lining up the night before.
the scent of flowers fills the air
Annually on New Years Eve, the public can stroll along tree-lined Orange Grove Blvd to watch the “finishing touches” being placed on the impressive parade floats.
Be prepared to walk miles for the FREE viewing. Many streets are blocked off (closed) for the upcoming event- so public parking can be tight.
Dress warmly and wear good walking shoes; bring a flashlight and expect chilly temps. Large lights are erected along the boulevard for this last minute finale.