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

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 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
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
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)