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6 Laid-Back Ways to Explore the Golden State of Luxury

From eco-friendly wellness retreats to Michelin-star farm-to-table dining, top travel advisors share how to travel in style in California a little differently.

Sponsored by Visit California

Books

The California Road Trip All Book Lovers Should Take

Explore some of the places that shaped America’s most memorable writers on this Golden State pilgrimage.

February 28, 2020 01:12 PM

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Shoshi Parks

The willows and aspen of California's June Lake Loop provide just one the state's many autumnal hues.

Outdoor Adventure

Think New England Is the Only Place for Fall Foliage? Try California

We’re not knocking the Northeast’s fall colors—but the third-largest state has some prime places for vibrant leaves as well.

October 2, 2023 12:13 PM

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Pat Tompkins

Hotels

Enjoy These 13 Free Perks at Hotels Around the World

Vinyl libraries, fashion accessories, winter sleds, and free museum passes—hotels are getting creative with their complimentary perks.

October 24, 2024 08:06 AM

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Cat Sposato

Family Travel

California’s Best Aquariums: Sea Otters, Penguins, and Sharks, Oh My!

You’ve been to the beaches of the Golden State, now discover what’s under those rolling waves and peaceful coves.

April 12, 2019 12:33 PM

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Natalie Stoclet

Visitors at the poppy fields near the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve in Lancaster, Calif., Sunday, April 9, 2023.

Where to Go in Spring

These California Destinations Could Have a Superbloom This Year, Plus Where to Find Wildflowers in the State

From desert blooms in Death Valley to coastal florals in the Channel Islands and popular poppies in the Sierra foothills, here’s where to find California’s wildflowers.

January 29, 2026 01:46 PM

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Deb Hopewell

Food + Drink

These California Restaurants Just Earned Michelin Stars

Six eateries earned a single star and four restaurants were given a “Green star” for their sustainability efforts in Michelin’s 2023 guide.

July 19, 2023 06:43 PM

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Bailey Berg

Restaurants + Cafés

This State Now Has More Michelin Starred-Restaurants Than Any Other in the U.S.

Michelin’s first statewide guide awarded 34 California restaurants with new stars this week, bringing the Golden State’s total to 90.

June 4, 2019 06:03 PM

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Lyndsey Matthews

A blue and grey train traveling along coastal tracks, with ocean and beach grass on one side and trees in the background

Trains

You Can See California’s Beautiful Nature by Train. These Are the Most Scenic Routes to Take.

Hop aboard a family-friendly train ride through redwood forests or an adults-only trip in Napa wine country.

May 14, 2026 05:06 AM

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Alesandra Dubin

History + Culture

10 Distinctive Lighthouses in the California Bay Area

From Point Arena to Pacific Grove, here are 10 lighthouses near San Francisco and the Bay Area you can visit.

June 29, 2020 03:44 PM

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Pat Tompkins

overhead view of two gourmet meals on a private jet with champagne bottle and two glasses

Air Travel News

How Much Does it Actually Cost to Fly in a Private Jet?

There are ample ways to charter a private jet or book a seat on a semi-private flight. And the cost varies more than most travelers probably realize.

September 23, 2024 12:11 PM

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Michelle Baran

Where to Travel Next

8 Unmissable Places in California to Make the Most of Your Trip

California dreaming? Make it a reality at one or more of these unmissable spots.

December 1, 2023 01:02 PM

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Dana Rebmann

Road Trips

The 14 Most Scenic Drives in the United States

A change of scene is as good as a rest.

August 31, 2023 02:00 PM

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Tim Chester

Lands End offers a patch of rugged wilderness on the edge of San Francisco.

Style + Design

Where to Find California’s Most Inspiring Landscapes

Three creative Californians share the landscapes, neighborhoods, and lesser-known places that inspire their work.

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