Portola Valley, California

If you live in the Bay Area, you’ve probably seen Mt. Diablo looming over from the far stretches of Contra Costa County. As isolated as it is impressive, Mt. Diablo boasts one of the widest reaching views in California. From its summit you can see the Sierra Nevadas to the east and even Mt. Shast...

If you’ve ever explored San Francisco, one thing you might have noticed are all those brutally steep hills. When you’re just trying to get to a friend’s place or grab a bite, they sure are an unwanted pain in the calves. But if you’re looking to get a workout in, the hills all over the Bay Area a...

The fog is just as much a part of life in San Francisco as unbikeable hills, third-wave coffee, and the International Orange peaks of the Golden Gate Bridge. Which is why filmmaker Simon Christen set out to make Adrift, a love letter to the fog.Released in 2013, Christen spent more than two years...

Let me begin this review by saying that I wouldn't exactly call myself a photographer, but I took photo classes in high school with film cameras and my old, super cheap DSLR and I always loved it. Earlier this year I finally decided to get back after by picking up a decent camera, the Sony a6300....

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 ...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Last July I took one of the best road trips with a good friend of mine.  She was working in Oregon at the time so I flew out to meet her and we road tripped it along my favorite coast!  I had worked in the East Bay previously and had spent a little bit of time in Marin County, but not nearly enou...

When you're looking to escape the city, or take a fun day-trip when visiting the Bay Area, you can't go wrong with Muir Woods National Monument, located in Marin County. Only 12 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge, these towering trees will truly take your breath away. Filled with 1,000-year-ol...

We found ourselves in Pacifica CA, known for its legendary September fog that makes you feel like an intruder in the city in the clouds. There celebrating the birth of my first niece, we were in search of a side adventure and planned a trip to Mount Tamalpais State Park, located just north of San...