Aptos, California

We can’t get enough of Santa Cruz — this mellow beach town has everything you need to make for a jam-packed weekend of outdoor adventure. There’s killer surf — for beginners and experts alike — memorable hikes, mountain bike trails, and oh yeah, a glut of microbreweries where you can reward your ...

There's nothing like a great meal after a day of exploration, am I right? Something about being out in nature makes the food taste richer, the beers more refreshing, and calling for seconds on dessert less embarrassing. Or maybe it's just me on that last one. Santa Cruz, on California's Central C...

Sunny beaches, trails winding through old-growth forests, refreshing rivers, and picturesque coastline — Santa Cruz has it all. Whether you’re into adventures on land or on the sea, this hip city on California’s central coast delivers. Travel Tips Best Time to Visit: Year-round Weather: Average t...

From coastal campgrounds to elegant digs surrounded by towering redwoods, this laid-back central California city has it all. Dreaming of life on the coast? This spring, Visit Santa Cruz County is giving away a two night, three day stay in Santa Cruz. The winner will receive a stay in a two-bedroo...

1. Sea Lions at the Santa Cruz Wharf The California sea lion population has tripled in the past 40 years, and the Santa Cruz Wharf, built in 1914, is a common resting spot for these gorgeous pinnipeds. Park anywhere on the wharf (first 30 minutes are free, then there's a small fee) then walk out...

Nicolette and I decided we needed a weekend away. We decided one of our days was going to be spent at Big Basin State Park. I had seen a friend's Instagram story and decided I had to make my way out to the forest. We knew the hike was long, but we read in a few different places that it was prett...

Looking for a spot to cozy in for the holidays by the sea? Look no further than Asilomar Hotel and Conference Grounds, a 107-acre property whose lodges and cabins shine during the festive winter months. Go solo, go with your special someone, bring the whole family, meet a group of friends. No mat...

Beautiful beaches, whales, forested hills, and famous writers all converge at Monterey Bay in central California. Just two hours south of San Francisco, Monterey Bay feels a world apart from the fast-paced life of the city. When a break from the everyday grind is what you need, book yourself a st...

Asilomar translates to “refuge by the sea,” a phrase that accurately depicts the Asilomar Conference Grounds. The area started as a YWCA women’s empowerment camp in 1913 and has since transitioned into a well-preserved state beach. It is located in the beautiful Monterey Peninsula. 1. Bird Watchi...

Pebble Beach, Monterey Bay, and the Monterey Bay Aquarium are some of the first things that come to mind when Monterey County is mentioned, but those who truly know it, understand Monterey is home to a massive and ever-growing collection of public land and outdoor adventure assets. From Pinnacles...

To make the most of a trip to Monterey, you don't need to go overboard on the gear. With beautiful weather, easily-accessible adventures, and so much good food to eat (see what I'm talking about here), you really just need a few go-to's to take advantage of all this area has to offer. Here are fi...

The greatest meeting between land and water I remember going to Pfeiffer State Park as kid and having such a great time in the river with my family. I remember those drives back to my hometown, Seaside, used to seem like forever but now seem so short. Big Sur is a place where you could go with an...

Tucked between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Lucia Mountains, and only three-hours from San Francisco, Big Sur is the perfect escape from the norm.  As you drive down Highway 1, the ocean crashing on one side and tree-covered mountains towering on the other, you'll feel the world melt away. Onc...

The Big Sur coast, just south of Monterey, California, has a reputation. A really good one. Sandwiched between the Pacific Ocean and the beautiful Santa Lucia Mountains, Big Sur is wild and rugged, packed full of the kind of elemental beauty that both poets and adventurers crave. Its tricky topog...

Every person will experience Big Sur differently in every single trip. It's never the same driving along the coast due to the dramatic effects permitted by the coast's ever-changing weather. The Pacific's fog bank veils the historical Bixby Bridge and gives a hint of the far off location where la...

On May 20, 2017 a massive mudslide wiped out a large section of California's Pacific Coast Highway, cutting off travel to some of the most scenic destinations along the famous highway. Local businesses struggled as tourism was virtually completely cut off and travelers were forced to take inland ...