The California Blog
Everything California, written down
Guides to the food, stays, shops and back roads that make this state what it is — with the local businesses to match.
Santa Monica · California-owned
Support Local: The Best of Santa Monica
Looking for that authentic Santa Monica vibe? Skip the chains and grab a bite or a brew at these local gems that keep our coastal spirit alive.
Santa Barbara · California-owned
Supporting Santa Barbara: The Best Local Gems to Visit
From sunset sips to local treasures, here is your guide to the best California-owned spots that keep the Santa Barbara spirit alive and thriving.
San Jose · California-owned
San Jose California-owned businesses worth supporting
A local's look at California-owned businesses worth supporting in San Jose, California.
San Francisco · California-owned
San Francisco California-owned businesses worth supporting
A local's look at California-owned businesses worth supporting in San Francisco, California.
San Fernando Valley · California-owned
Support Local: Best of the San Fernando Valley
Discover the hidden gems of the San Fernando Valley. From local sushi spots to community gardens, here is where to spend your money locally.
San Diego · California-owned
Support Local: Best San Diego Stays and Services
Looking for a place to stay in sunny San Diego? Skip the cookie-cutter corporate vibes and check out these local-friendly spots for your next trip.
Sacramento · California-owned
Support Local: The Best of Sacramento’s Small Businesses
Looking to shop small in the Capital City? Here is your guide to the Sacramento-owned gems that make our river city truly unique.
Palm Springs · California-owned
Palm Springs Local Gems: Eat, Shop, and Support!
Looking for the best of Palm Springs? We’re diving into the homegrown spots that keep our desert oasis thriving, one delicious slice at a time.
Orange County · California-owned
Supporting Local Orange County: Gems You Need to Know
Looking to keep your dollars in the community? Here is our guide to the best California-owned businesses worth visiting in Orange County today.
Napa · California-owned
Shop Local: The Best Independent Gems in Napa
Support California dreamers by choosing these fantastic, locally-owned spots in Napa, from artisanal bakeries to beloved neighborhood bookstores.
Los Angeles · California-owned
Shop Local: Supporting California-Owned Gems in Los Angeles
Looking to keep your dollars in the neighborhood? Discover the best ways to support authentic, California-owned businesses across Los Angeles.
Long Beach · California-owned
Supporting Long Beach: Our Favorite Local Gems
Looking for the heartbeat of Long Beach? From community-driven theater to local spots for a bite, here is how to keep our California spirit thriving.
Lake Tahoe · California-owned
Shop Local: Supporting Lake Tahoe's Small Business Gems
Discover the heart of Lake Tahoe by supporting the independent, California-owned shops and cafes that keep our mountain community thriving.
Hollywood · California-owned
Supporting Local Gems: The Best of Hollywood, CA
Looking for the real Hollywood? Skip the tourist traps and dive into these locally-owned spots that keep our community vibrant and delicious.
Santa Monica · Hidden gems
Santa Monica Hidden Gems: Beyond the Pier
Think you know Santa Monica? Look closer. Discover the secret spots and neighborhood haunts that most visitors walk right past on their way to the beach.
Santa Barbara · Hidden gems
Santa Barbara’s Best Kept Secrets: Hidden Local Haunts
Think you know Santa Barbara? Skip the main tourist drag and discover the quiet, authentic corners where the real locals spend their evenings.
San Jose · Hidden gems
Hidden San Jose: Gems You’re Probably Walking Past
Think San Jose is just tech campuses and strip malls? Think again. We’re pulling back the curtain on the secret corners locals love most.
San Francisco · Hidden gems
San Francisco’s Hidden Gems You’re Probably Walking By
Think you’ve seen it all? Discover the quiet courtyards, secret stairways, and local haunts in San Francisco that most tourists completely overlook.
San Fernando Valley · Hidden gems
Hidden Gems of the San Fernando Valley You Missed
Think you know the Valley? Look closer. Beyond the sprawl lie secret gardens, lush parks, and culinary institutions hiding in plain sight.
San Diego · Hidden gems
San Diego Hidden Gems: Secrets Locals Keep
Think you’ve seen all of San Diego? From quiet neighborhoods to secret views, here is how to skip the tourist traps and live like a true local.
Sacramento · Hidden gems
Sacramento Secrets: Hidden Gems Locals Keep to Themselves
Think Sacramento is just the Capitol? Think again. We’re peeling back the layers to find the quiet corners and secret spots you usually walk right past.
Palm Springs · Hidden gems
Palm Springs Hidden Gems: Beyond the Usual Hangouts
Ditch the crowded tourist traps and discover the local secrets of Palm Springs. From quiet mid-century corners to the best late-night pizza slice in town.
Orange County · Hidden gems
Hidden Gems: The Secret Side of Orange County
Think you know Orange County? Skip the theme parks and discover these quiet, tucked-away local favorites that keep the O.C. spirit alive.
Napa · Hidden gems
Hidden Gems: The Real Napa Valley Experience
Forget the tasting rooms for a moment. Discover the local secrets, quiet parks, and neighborhood bites that keep Napa Valley moving when the tourists leave.
Los Angeles · Hidden gems
Los Angeles Hidden Gems: Secrets of the City of Angels
Think you know LA? Skip the Hollywood sign and discover these quiet, tucked-away corners where the real magic of Los Angeles actually lives.
Long Beach · Hidden gems
Hidden Long Beach: Secrets the Tourists Miss
Think you know Long Beach? Skip the pier and dive into these local pockets of culture and history that most visitors walk right past.
Lake Tahoe · Hidden gems
Lake Tahoe's Best Kept Secrets Off the Beaten Path
Escape the tourist crowds and discover the quiet, hidden corners of Lake Tahoe that most visitors completely miss while rushing to the beach.
Hollywood · Hidden gems
Hidden Hollywood: Gems You're Walking Right Past
Think you know Hollywood? Step off the Walk of Fame and discover these local secrets tucked away in plain sight.
Santa Monica · Road trips
A Perfect Santa Monica Coastal Road Trip
Ready for some salt air and sunshine? Pack your bags for a scenic journey starting in the iconic heart of Santa Monica and heading up the coast.
Santa Barbara · Road trips
The Ultimate Santa Barbara Scenic Road Trip Guide
Hit the Pacific Coast Highway and discover the best of Santa Barbara. From sunset sips to local haunts, here is your perfect itinerary for a coastal escape.
San Jose · Road trips
Scenic Road Trips Starting in San Jose
Looking for a weekend escape? Discover the best scenic drives starting from the heart of San Jose, from coastal cliffs to winding redwood forest roads.
San Francisco · Road trips
The Ultimate Scenic San Francisco Coastal Road Trip
Ready to hit the road? Discover the best coastal vistas and hidden gems along the San Francisco shoreline for the perfect weekend escape.
San Fernando Valley · Road trips
A Perfect Scenic Road Trip Through the San Fernando Valley
Discover the hidden gems and local favorites that make the San Fernando Valley the ultimate California road trip destination.
San Diego · Road trips
A Scenic San Diego Road Trip Guide
Ready to hit the road? Discover the ultimate scenic route through San Diego, perfect for sun-seekers and coastal cruisers looking for the best local stops.
Sacramento · Road trips
The Best Scenic Road Trips Starting in Sacramento
Ready to explore? From the Sierra Nevada foothills to the river banks, here is how to plan the perfect scenic getaway starting from Sacramento.
Palm Springs · Road trips
The Ultimate Desert Road Trip: Palm Springs Guide
Ready to hit the road? Discover how to turn a trip to Palm Springs into an unforgettable desert adventure with the best views and local bites.
Orange County · Road trips
The Ultimate Orange County Scenic Road Trip Guide
Discover the hidden gems and coastal magic of Orange County with our curated road trip guide. Perfect for a sunny California weekend getaway.
Napa · Road trips
The Ultimate Scenic Napa Valley Road Trip Guide
Ready for a golden state escape? Discover the perfect road trip itinerary through Napa, featuring hidden parks, local bites, and breathtaking views.
Los Angeles · Road trips
Los Angeles a scenic road trip built around this city
A local's look at a scenic road trip built around this city in Los Angeles, California.
Long Beach · Road trips
Long Beach a scenic road trip built around this city
A local's look at a scenic road trip built around this city in Long Beach, California.
Lake Tahoe · Road trips
A Scenic Road Trip Guide to Lake Tahoe, California
Experience the ultimate California road trip with our guide to Lake Tahoe. Discover hidden lookouts, alpine air, and the best ways to explore the Sierras.
Hollywood · Road trips
A Scenic Hollywood Road Trip: Hills, History, and Hidden Gems
Ditch the tour bus and discover Hollywood the local way. From mountain-high views to legendary breakfast spots, here is your ultimate scenic loop.
Santa Monica · Events
Sun, Songs, and Soul: Santa Monica’s Best Local Events
Discover the rhythm of the coast. From pier-side concerts to hidden neighborhood gems, here is your guide to Santa Monica's vibrant seasonal scene.
Santa Barbara · Events
Santa Barbara Nightlife: Festivals, Music & Local Vibes
From sunset sessions to late-night rhythm, here is your guide to Santa Barbara’s best seasonal festivals, live music spots, and community-driven events.
San Jose · Events
San Jose Events: Festivals and Live Music Guide
Looking for the best ways to soak up the San Jose sunshine? From street festivals to live music in the park, here is how to enjoy the city's local pulse.
San Francisco · Events
San Francisco Seasonal Festivals & Live Music Guide
Looking for the best way to soak up the SF spirit? From fog-drenched summer music sessions to autumn street fairs, here is how to enjoy the city's pulse.
San Fernando Valley · Events
Fun in the San Fernando Valley: Festivals & Music Guide
Looking for the best weekend vibes in the Valley? From outdoor concerts to community festivals, here is how to enjoy the SFV like a true local.
San Diego · Events
San Diego Festivals & Live Music: A Local’s Guide
Ready to soak up the San Diego sunshine? From street festivals to harborside concerts, here is how to enjoy the best of America's Finest City.
Sacramento · Events
Sacramento: Your Guide to Festivals and Live Music
Ready to soak up the best of Sacramento’s vibrant social scene? From riverside concerts to street festivals, here is how to enjoy the City of Trees.
Palm Springs · Events
Palm Springs Events: Festivals, Music, and Local Vibes
Discover the best seasonal festivals, live music, and community vibes in Palm Springs. From desert nights to local eats, here is your guide to the fun.
Orange County · Events
Orange County Festivals & Live Music Guide
Discover the best seasonal festivals, live music spots, and community energy that make Orange County the place to be all year round.
Napa · Events
Napa Valley Vibes: Festivals, Music, and Local Community Life
Discover the heart of Napa beyond the vines. From vibrant festivals to live music spots, here is how locals enjoy our town’s seasonal energy.
Los Angeles · Events
Best Seasonal Festivals & Live Music in Los Angeles
From starlit summer concerts to neighborhood street fairs, discover how to celebrate every season like a true Angeleno in Los Angeles.
Long Beach · Events
Long Beach Events: Your Seasonal Guide to Local Fun
Looking for the best music, theater, and community vibes in Long Beach? Here is your local guide to the season’s must-attend events and neighborhood gems.
Lake Tahoe · Events
Lake Tahoe Seasonal Festivals and Community Events Guide
From snowy mountain melodies to lakeside summer concerts, discover the best ways to soak up the local community spirit in beautiful Lake Tahoe.
Hollywood · Events
Hollywood Highlights: Music, Festivals, and Local Vibes
Looking for the best of Hollywood? From live music haunts to community festivals, here is how to enjoy the city like a true local.
Santa Monica · Local services
A Local's Guide to Trusted Santa Monica Services
Tired of guessing which local service providers are actually worth your time? Here is our curated list of trusted Santa Monica pros.
Santa Barbara · Local services
Living Like a Local: Essential Santa Barbara Services
Looking for the pros who keep Santa Barbara running? We’ve rounded up the local-approved services that make life in the American Riviera a breeze.
San Jose · Local services
Living in San Jose: A Local’s Guide to Trusted Services
Navigating the South Bay can be a challenge. We’ve rounded up the tried-and-true tips for finding the local services San Jose residents actually trust.
San Francisco · Local services
San Francisco Local Services: The Best Kept Secrets
Tired of guessing which local pros to trust? From home repairs to neighborhood gems, here is how the real locals handle life in San Francisco.