Ben Lomond, California

A drive “over the hill” takes you from the hustle and bustle of Silicon Valley to the lively coastal city of Santa Cruz, lined with forested mountains and surf-ready beaches. With my Gerber Gear ComplEAT Camp Cook Collection in tow, I headed through the windy Highway 17 for an overnight trip. Da...

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...

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 ...

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...

Stay Fresh The upside to modern adventuring is that almost everything can be found in preserved form. The downside of modern adventuring is the same. Grocery stores and outdoor retailers abound in assortments of dehydrated meals and quick foods that can be carried nearly everywhere without refrig...

Ah, San Francisco. What a beautiful place to live, right? The Bay Area is the perfect combination of thriving city life and immediate access to world-class outdoor adventures. Of course, the whole thriving urban thing means that once in awhile, you need to escape the hustle and bustle, get the he...

If you live near the San Francisco Bay Area, you may have noticed just a little bit of rain recently. And by a little bit, we mean a whole lot. While rainy days aren't the most inspiring for lacing up your hiking boots, the good news is that all these rainy days mean when you do finally get out a...

The Bay Area is home to some of the best food, drink, and adventure on the West Coast and while it'd be hard not to find a great trail to tavern combo on your adventure in the Bay, we've made it easy on you. These are some of the best places to play and refuel across the whole area. Explore the ...