Mount Hamilton, 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...

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...

1. Keep it simple. You don’t need much to get started – in fact, a bed in the back of simple set of wheels goes a long way. There’s so many impressive campervans out there, so many different ways to tailor a conversion to your needs, but - to paraphrase the wise Biggie Smalls – there’s a lot you...