The most populated state in the Union and the one with the most National Parks, California offers every terrain imaginable, from snowy summits to golden beaches to the tallest tree and the lowest point. I had the pleasure of calling California home for one year when I lived in Santa Barbara (2021-2022). And it was more idyllic than I ever imagined.

Below, you’ll find all of my articles about the Golden State to help inspire your next trip out West.

California National Parks

a gorgous sunset with a waterfall on the right and granite rocks in the horizon.
Photo Credit: Alec Sills-Trausch

Who’s the best? Ranking The 9 National Parks in California

Guide to Kings Canyon National Park (with Itinerary)

Ultimate Guide to Visit the General Sherman Tree in Sequoia National Park

The 13 Best Hikes in Sequoia National Park

Expert Guide to Fern Canyon Loop Trail in Redwood National Park

Zabriskie Point: Death Valley National Park’s Best Sunrise View

Potato Harbor: The Best Place to Watch Sunset on Santa Cruz Island

How Many Days in Yosemite? Your quick quide to the park

Hiking Moro Rock in Sequoia National Park

Ultimate Guide to Sequoia National Park

These are my favorite places (and photos) to visit in Death Valley National Park

Why Half Dome is the best mile-by-mile hike in the United States

The 11 most Instagrammable spots in Yosemite National Park

Ultimate Guide: Three-day Death Valley National Park Itinerary

Hiking the Juniper to High Peaks Trail in Pinnacles National Park

Your Ultimate Guide to Exploring Castle Crags State Park

The 7 best hikes at Yosemite National Park

The 4 Best Redwood National Park Hikes

Ultimate Guide: Visiting and Camping on the Channel Islands National Park

Amazing six-day Yosemite to Sequoia National Park road trip

Exploring Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park

Beat the Yosemite Valley Crowds with these 3 hikes

Beat the Yosemite Valley Crowds with these 3 hikes

Everything you need to know to hike Half Dome

Santa Barbara

a long panorama photo of east beach in santa barbara at sunset. you can see the beach and the mountains in the background.
Photo Credit: Alec Sills-Trausch

A mini-guide to amazing Santa Barbara whale watching

The 18 best things to do in Santa Barbara

Expert Hiking Guide to the Santa Barbara Hot Springs

The 9 Best Santa Barbara Beaches To Explore In 2024

The Coast

Guide To Beautiful Point Lobos State Natural Reserve In California 

What to see when you visit Big Sur and Monterey

Exploring Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park

The Mountains

training for mount whitney california hiking
Photo Credit: Alec Sills-Trausch

Hiking and backpacking to epic Big Pine Lakes in California

A Guide to Hiking and Training for Mount Whitney in 2025

These hikers carried almost 100 pounds each and had to be rescued below Mt Whitney.

Lake Tahoe Elevation: Exploring the Alpine Jewel of the Sierra Nevada

Spectacular pictures from a single-day summit of Mt. Whitney

Visiting the enchanting McArthur-Burney Falls State Park

14,508 feet – My personal journey to summit Mt. Whitney

Everything you need to know to hike Mount Whitney in one day

California At-Large

best hikes in california big pine lakes north fork

The ultimate guide to the best hikes in California

Outstanding places you need to visit this fall in California

17 California Natural Gems Every Traveler Should Visit

9 Places to Visit in California During Your Next Trip (with professional photos)

Why is California so popular? 15 Reasons Why It’s Fantastic

Four beautiful places to see in Northern California