California

What the actual f*** is going on in Sequoia National Park?! 😅 I mean… - How does a tree get that big? - Why does a tree get that big? - HOW DOES A TREE GET THAT BIG!?!? California is a place of superlatives, and omg, it really delivers on the “largest trees on earth” angle. You absolutely must plan a visit to Sequoia National Park, and I promise, it will leave you awe-struck. 📍 All of this footage was filmed hiking in the Giant Forest. Here are the exact locations. - 1st shot: Driving into the park from Three Rivers. - 2nd shot: Squatters cabin. - 3rd shot: Junction Washington Trail (That’s all I know, I wish I could be more specific) - 4th shot: Founder Group. - 5th shot: Black Arch Tree. Have you seen any of these places yet?

Looking for a beautiful and easy hike? You’ve got to check out Point Lobos State Preserve in Carmel 😊 There are many excellent trails to hike at Point Lobos. The last time we went, we did the full loop, which is about 6 miles. 🌲 You’ll hike through beautiful forests. 🏖️ Find beautiful beaches. 🦦 And spot amazing wildlife! Weather it’s sunny or gloomy, you’ll have a great time. In fact, a foggy day can make the experience so much more intense and moody. In a good way! Layer up though! It can get cold! Especially when blanketed in fog. Have you hiked Point Lobos yet? Do you prefer it on a sunny or gloomy day? 🤔 🚗 Parking is $10 per vehicle, and can fill up fast! There is free street parking outside the reserve. 🐶🚫 Sorry! No dogs allowed! Want more amazing spots to explore? Get my free ultimate California Adventures Bucket List at the link in my bio!

Finally! It only took 3 years 😭😭😭 But Highway 1 through Big Sur is officially re-open. And I prepared a complete guide you can download to help you plan your trip! Just follow the link in my bio to have the guide automatically sent to you! Enjoy - Jordan

This hike through the cypress trees is short, sweet, and way more rewarding than you’d expect. You’ll get sweeping ocean views and the opportunity to walk through a gorgeous cypress trees tunnel. 🥾 Hike Details: - Name: Fitzgerald Marine Bluff, Dardanelle Trail. - Rating: 4.7/5 stars in AllTrails. - Difficulty: Easy. - Length: 0.8mi. - Elevation gain: 55ft. - Estimated time: 0.5-1hr. - Type: Loop. It’s beautiful on a sunny day for sweeping ocean views. And a foggy day creates this otherworldly vibe in the cypress tree tunnel. Either way, you can’t go wrong! 🅿️ There is a dedicated parking lot with access to real bathrooms. 📍Fitzgerald Marine, Moss Beach.

Five fairytale hikes among the tallest trees on Earth. Places where everything feels quieter, smaller, and a little unreal. 1️⃣ Rockefeller Forest Home to the largest remaining stand of old-growth coast redwoods in the world. Walking here feels endless in the best way—towering giants in every direction. 2️⃣ Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias Some of the most massive trees on Earth, including the famous Grizzly Giant. The scale here is hard to comprehend until you’re standing at the base. 3️⃣ Lady Bird Johnson Grove A peaceful, almost ceremonial loop tucked inside Redwood National Park. Misty, serene, and one of the best places to truly feel the redwoods. 4️⃣ Tall Trees Grove A permit-only hike that leads you deep into one of the tallest tree stands on the planet. Remote, quiet, and absolutely worth the extra effort. 5️⃣ Founders Grove Perfect if you want awe without a long or strenuous hike. Keep yours eyes out for the unbelievably massive fallen Dyerville Giant. Save this for when you’re ready to feel very, very small in the best way.

One of the best views of the Golden Gate Bridge can be found at Marshall’s Beach 🥹 Park at the Golden Gate Overlook lot, then take the Batteries to Bluffs trail down to this iconic spot. The sunsets here are magical. So plan around staying for golden hour if you can. Go at low tide if you want to walk up as close as possible to the bridge. During high tide, you can’t walk past the rocks in the first photo. Note: This is a clothing optional beach. If that matters to you for any reason, well, now you know. Photos shot with @katyandryanroam

Happy Friday 😊

Here are four hikes in California is that feel like walking through a world of pure imagination 😊 1️⃣ Mendocino Headlands - Windswept cliffs, turquoise coves, and (seasonal) wildflowers in every direction. - Distance: ~2–4 miles (mix & match coastal trails) - Elevation: Minimal. - Difficulty: Easy. - Right in town — park and explore. - Best time: Spring–summer for flowers, sunset year-round. - Parking: Free 2️⃣ Point Lobos (Carmel-by-the-sea) - Emerald coves, sculpted cliffs, and cypress groves that look unreal. - Distance: ~2 miles (Cypress Grove Trail via South Shore Trail). - Elevation: ~125. - Difficulty: Easy. - Entry: Paid entry or free street parking available. - Best time: Arrive before 8:00am on busy weekends to beat the crowds. 3️⃣ Mossbrae Falls (Dunsmuir) - A fairytale waterfall spilling over bright green moss. - Distance: ~1 mile out & back. - Elevation: Minimal. - Difficulty: Easy - Access note: Requires hiking along an active railroad right of way. BE CAREFUL! - Best time: Spring or early summer for peak flow 4️⃣ Henry Coe State Park (Morgan Hill) - Rolling hills, oak woodlands, and moody vibes on foggy days. - Trails: There are 80 trails to pick from on AllTrails. So, pick one that fits your style and enjoy! - Best time: Late winter–spring (before the heat hits) Have you done any of these hikes already? Which ones do you think should be on the next list? ⚠️ Get my free ultimate California Adventures Bucket List at the link in my bio!

This trail ruined most other redwood hikes for me 😅 You’re walking alongside a peaceful creek, surrounded by some of the tallest and oldest trees on Earth. The redwoods here have serious personality, with The Big Tree stealing the show. If you’re up for a quick side quest, don’t skip the corkscrew tree. It looks straight out of another planet. Hike details: 🥾 Big Tree via Karl Knapp & Cathedral Trees Loop - 2.9 miles - 213 ft elevation gain - ~1–1.5 hours - Loop - Free entry - Moderate - 4.8 on AllTrails Have you explored this one yet? 📍 Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park.

My favorite redwood hike in California, no contest 🥹 You’ll hike through some of the tallest and oldest trees in the world along a beautiful creek. The redwoods here seem to have more character than any other grove. With The Big Tree being one of the highlights. And with a short detour, you can find the alien looking corkscrew tree. Here are the hike details! 🥾 Big Tree via Karl Knapp & Cathedral Trees Loop - 2.9 miles. - 213ft elevation gain. - 1-1.5 hours. - Loop. - Free entry. - Moderate difficulty. - 4.8 stars on AllTrails. Have you hiked this special trail yet? 📍 Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park.

After 3 LONG years, Highway 1 through Big Sur is finally open 🥹 To celebrate, we drove it from Carmel to just north of Ragged Point this weekend. Omg, I’m now more convinced than ever this is the most beautiful drive in the world. Get my free weekend playbook at the link in my bio with detailed hiking info, can’t miss view points, and how to best structure your day. In the meantime, here’s all the locations in the reel. 1️⃣ Bixby Creek Bridge pullout. 2️⃣ Paul’s Slide 3️⃣ Just south of Gamboa Point Beach 4️⃣ Big Creek Bridge Overlook 5️⃣ Partington Cove 6️⃣ Limekiln State Park 7️⃣ Random overlook across from Tin House Road If possible, try to do the drive on a weekday. You’ll find much more seclusion than if you go on a weekend. And yes, the seclusion is worth it. Enjoy

Dreamy South Bay trail you shouldn’t skip! This easygoing hike in Saratoga follows Sanborn Creek and packs a lot into a short distance. 🥾 Just 1.5 miles out-and-back with around 225 feet of elevation gain. It’s perfect if you want something quick but scenic. 🌲 Expect lots of shade, young redwoods, a lively creek, and a small seasonal waterfall when conditions are right. You’ll hit a creek crossing right at the beginning. With current water levels, slipping your shoes off and walking across is the simplest option. 📍 Plug these coordinates into your maps app to reach the trailhead (limited parking available): 37.24808° N, 122.06774° W What’s your go-to hike in the South Bay?

This is the best Napa Valley deal I’ve ever seen! 😁 Hundreds of you have already grabbed it, and for good reason! The Winter in the Wineries Passport gets you $1,000+ worth of tastings for just $80 🙌🏽 Some of Napa’s most iconic wineries are included, like Sterling, Chateau Montelena, and Markham. Yes, it’s real. And no, there’s no catch. Grab your passport here before it’s too late! 👉 visitcalistoga.com/winter-in-the-wineries-passport/ The link is also in my bio if it’s easier for you to access it that way. ‼️ BONUS: Use code Discover26 for $5 off a digital passport. Here’s every winery included (one tasting per passport): – Chateau Montelena – Sterling Vineyards – Markham Vineyards – Picayune Cellars – Tank Garage Winery – Tedeschi Family Winery – Benessere Vineyards – Bennett Lane Winery – Charles Krug Winery – Clif Family Winery – Elusa Winery – Fults Family Vineyards – Girard Winery – Hans Fahden – Laura Michael Wines – Museion Winery – Pope Valley Winery – Six Sigma Ranch – Tamber Bey Vineyards – The Vault – Wild Diamond Vineyards Did you get a passport last year? Which were your favorite wineries to visit? Note: The castle winery shown is just an establishing shot and isn’t included in the passport. #visitcalistoga #discovercalifornia #winterinthewineries #calistoga #napavalley

Well, can I retire after this shot? 🤔 Spending golden hour here will change your life. Period, end of story. You can access this magical beach via the Batteries to Bluffs trail. It’s almost 300ft elevation gain with LOTS of stairs. This is a clothing optional beach. So, if that matters to you, just take note of what you may or may not see. 📍Marshall’s Beach, San Francisco.

@thefrontporch.arcata is straight out of a fairytale! 🧘🏽 With fern-lined walkways, secluded hot tubs, and a stone-built sauna, you can sit back, relax, and recharge. 🏨 Each of their rooms is entirely unique! And has been constructed using all reclaimed material. One of my favorite parts about The Front Porch is its proximity to so many beautiful parks/hikes! 🚗 Driving Times - 45 min - Redwoods National & State Parks - 1 hour - Fern Canyon - 1 hour - Humboldt Redwoods State Park - 15 min - Redwood Skywalk in Sequoia Zoo - 30 min - Humboldt Lagoons State Park - 20 min - Suemeg State Park Check out @thefrontporch.arcata for your next NorCal adventure! 😊

Who else loves rainy day vibes like this? 😌 📍Mattole Road, Humboldt Redwoods State Park.

Here’s proof California is the most beautiful state in the U.S.! 📍 Locations listed below. 1️⃣ Trinidad State Beach. 2️⃣ Karl Knapp Trail. 3️⃣ Fern Canyon. 4️⃣ Yosemite National Park. 5️⃣ Trinidad State Beach. 6️⃣ Eastern Sierra. 7️⃣ Redwood National Park. 8️⃣ Burney Falls. 9️⃣ Avenue of the Giants. 🔟 Joshua Tree. 1️⃣1️⃣ Brewery Gulch, Bodega Bay, Stanford Inn. 1️⃣2️⃣ Trees of Mystery. 1️⃣3️⃣ Skunk Train Railbikes. 1️⃣4️⃣ Point Lobos. 1️⃣5️⃣ Victoria Beach. 1️⃣6️⃣ Heisler Park. 1️⃣7️⃣ Sonora Pass. 1️⃣8️⃣ Tuolumne Ditch Trail. 1️⃣9️⃣ Solvang. 2️⃣0️⃣ Mammoth Lakes. 2️⃣1️⃣ Los Alamos. 2️⃣2️⃣ Tuolumne Meadows. What spots should be on the next list? 🤔 ⚠️ Get my free ultimate California Adventures Bucket List at the link in my bio!

Dreamy Bay Area hike alert! You’ll love this short and sweet trail that meanders around Sanborn Creek in Saratoga 😍 🥾 The hike is about 1.5 miles long out and back, with approximately 225 feet of elevation gain. 🌲 The hike is mostly shaded, with young redwood trees, a beautiful flowing creek, and there’s even a small (seasonal) waterfall! There is a creek crossing right at the start of the hike. The easiest way to do it with the current water levels is to take your shoes off and walk across. Navigating to these coordinates should get you right to the trailhead with a few parking spots. 37.24808° N, 122.06774° W. What’s your favorite hike in the South Bay? 📍 Saratoga, California.

Happy Friday, California 😁 Here’s a sneak peek at 10 of my favorite California locations: 1️⃣ Trees of Mystery. 2️⃣ Crescent Trail Rides. 3️⃣ Karl Knapp Trail. 4️⃣ Wild Willy’s Hot Spring. 5️⃣ Tall Trees Grove 6️⃣ Karl Knapp Trail. 7️⃣ Mossbrae Falls. 8️⃣ Hawk Hill. 9️⃣ Trinidad State Beach. 🔟 Fern Canyon. The remaining spots are exclusive to my Instagram & Facebook subscribers. Subscribers can also ask me about any specific location, and I’ll give you all the details you need! Can’t wait to hear which ones you’ve visited!

6 Winter Destinations in California That Don’t Feel Real 1️⃣ Snowmobile in Mammoth Lakes Snow-covered forests and wide-open terrain make this one of California’s most unforgettable winter experiences. 2️⃣ Yosemite Valley in winter Snow transforms the valley into something entirely different, and it’s absolutely worth seeing this time of year. 3️⃣ Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias Visit after a snowfall for quiet trails and massive trees rising out of fresh snow. 4️⃣ The Village at Mammoth Lakes A true alpine-town feel, especially when it’s snowing. 5️⃣ Lake Tahoe in winter Iconic for a reason. Snow, mountains, and classic Tahoe scenery. 6️⃣ Snowshoe Lassen Volcanic National Park Join a ranger-led snowshoe hike through the forest, or bring your own and head to Sulphur Works for a completely different side of California.

What!? A wine tasting included with your Napa Valley stay!? 🍷 @visitcalistoga really knows how to do it right. This time, they’ve created something that makes planning a Calistoga getaway even better. It’s called the Welcome Splash, and it’s a great way to enjoy a complimentary wine tasting in Napa Valley. Here’s how it works: Book a stay at @drwilkinsonsresort, and you’ll receive a Welcome Splash card at check-in. That card gets you a tasting at one of four tasting rooms right in downtown Calistoga, all within walking distance of the hotel 🙌🏽 Your options: 1️⃣ Olabisi - Super cozy, relaxed vibes. 2️⃣ Maria Concetto - They have a wine robot. 3️⃣ Romeo Vineyards & Cellars - Surrounded by nature. 4️⃣ Vault Wine & Artifacts - Lots of rustic charm. Each spot offers something totally different, so there’s no wrong choice here. This also makes an easy date-night plan: Wine tasting → dinner in town → back to Dr. Wilkinson’s for a hot spring soak. Don’t forget to spend some time exploring the beautiful parks in the area too! Like Bothe-Napa Valley State Park, or the Bale Grist Mill. You’re welcome 😊 Note: The stay at Dr. Wilkinson’s is not complimentary. This reel was made in collaboration with @visitcalistoga

A hidden Russian fort in California? Just when you thought you saw it all 😱 Fort Ross sits on the rugged Sonoma Coast and is one of the most unexpected landmarks in the state. Built in 1812 as a Russian trading outpost, the windswept bluffs, crashing waves, and preserved wooden buildings feel straight out of another era. Why it’s worth the stop: • Wild ocean views with dramatic cliffs. • One of the most unique historical sites in California. • Quiet, uncrowded, and incredibly photogenic. • Easy stop on a highway 1 road trip. 🎟️ $10 to enter. 🚗 ~2 hours from San Francisco. 📍 Fort Ross State Historic Park. Save this for your next Sonoma or Highway 1 trip!

The Palace of Fine Arts is another spot in San Francisco I can see a million times, and never get tired of it 😌

Why do we live rent free in so many people’s heads? 🤷🏽‍♂️

Rainy redwood forest and river ASMR 😌 📍 Rockefeller Forest, Humboldt County.

Happy New Year!!! I hope you have a wonderful year full of growth, adventure, and fulfillment ahead of you! 🥳😊 My resolution is to prioritize my health, wellness, and relationships with the people I love. Care to share yours in the comments? If you put it out there, you’re more likely to stick to it! Let’s make 2026 our best year yet! 🙌🏽

I’ll wait…

Recognize this iconic California mansion? Drop the answer in the comments! 🙋🏽‍♂️

Zoo Lights is officially back in Eureka! And it’s one of the most magical ways to experience the holidays on the North Coast. Now in its third year, this nighttime walk through Sequoia Park Zoo features festive light displays, an illuminated Redwood Sky Walk, and the tallest living holiday tree in Humboldt County 😊 The star is a young coast redwood already over 175 feet tall, and still growing. The idea? Come back year after year and watch it grow alongside you. Zoo Lights runs nightly from December 20, 2025 through January 4, 2026 from 5–8pm. 🎟️ Tickets are just $5 per person. 📍 Sequoia Park Zoo, Eureka.

At long last, I’m back in the redwoods 😌 📍 Ave of the Giants, Humboldt County.

Merry Christmas, everyone 🥳😊😁 I’m looking forward to many more adventures in 2026!

The Presidio of San Francisco is full of incredible gems to explore 🥹 And Andy Goldsworthy’s Wood Line will make you feel like you’re straight-up walking through a painting. In a way, you are, because this is a natural art installation built entirely out of eucalyptus trees. Walk slowly, reflect, and enjoy this short but sweet trail. 🚗 There are a few spots to park for free near the south end of the trail (next to Lovers’ Lane), but you have to get lucky! 📍 Andy Goldsworthy’s Wood Line, San Francisco. #presidio #sanfrancisco

Only 13 days left to see the new Lightscape in SF!!! The lights, the music, everything is done so well. You can tell they pulled out all the stops 😄 Stroll through a mile-long trail past over a million twinkling lights and 12 unique art installations. As you walk, you’ll find that many of the lights are synced to music, which makes it that much cooler. My favorite installation is the one with the moon. When you go, you have to tell me what you think of it! 🚗 There is free street parking near the garden. But it can fill up fast! There’s also a paid parking garage. Or, you can take the N Judah Muni Line if you don’t want to drive like me 😆 🌯 There are several food and drink vendors at the entrance! We got burritos because, obviously? 🎟️ Tickets - Adult: Starts $26 member. - Youth (5 – 17 years): Starts at $16. - Child (4 & under): Free. - Flex Ticket: Arrive any time on your chosen date: Starts at $48. Follow @discover_california_ to keep exploring the best of CA with me! 🙌🏽 📍 Lightscape, San Francisco Botanical Garden.

Well, who’s with me on this? 🥹

Is Texas right? Nope 😆😆😆

I left my heart in San Francisco 🥹 📍 Locations 1️⃣ Battery Spencer. 2️⃣ Powell St cable car turnaround. 3️⃣ Palace of Fine Arts. 4️⃣ Andy Goldsworthy’s Wood Line. 5️⃣ Queen Wilhelmina Garden. 6️⃣ Painted Ladies. 7️⃣ North Beach. 8️⃣ Ferry Building. 9️⃣ China Town. 1️⃣0️⃣ Hyde Line Cable Cars.

The trees, the rain, the vibe. My god I love NorCal’s rainy season 🥹🥹🥹 📍 Shots taken in Humboldt County along Ave of the Giants and Hwy 101.

I’m a sucker for the Golden Gate Bridge! If you’ve been following me for a while, you know that already 😊 So, here are 7 of my favorite spots for the best views! 1️⃣ Battery Spencer 2️⃣ Fort Point 3️⃣ Fort Point again 4️⃣ Hawk Hill 5️⃣ Golden Gate Postcard View Point 6️⃣ Golden Gate Overlook 7️⃣ Bay Cruise (This photo is from the Potomac) What other spots would you put on this list? I’m sure there are still so many others I need to visit!

The new Lightscape in San Francisco is incredible! You can tell they pulled out all the stops 😄 Stroll through a mile-long trail past over a million twinkling lights and 12 unique art installations. As you walk, you’ll find that many of the lights are synced to music, which makes it that much cooler. My favorite installation is the one with the moon. When you go, you have to tell me what you think of it! 🚗 There is free street parking near the garden. But it can fill up fast! There’s also a paid parking garage. Or, you can take the N Judah Muni Line if you don’t want to drive like me 😆 🌯 There are several food and drink vendors at the entrance! We got burritos because, obviously? 🎟️ Tickets - Adult: Starts $26 member. - Youth (5 – 17 years): Starts at $16. - Child (4 & under): Free. - Flex Ticket: Arrive any time on your chosen date: Starts at $48. 📍 Lightscape, San Francisco Botanical Garden.

This is the best deal I’ve ever seen in Napa Valley! 😱 Thanks to the geniuses at @visitcalistoga, you can get $1,000 worth of wine tasting for only $80. It’s called the Winter in the Wineries Passport, and some of the most iconic Napa Valley wineries are included on it! ☺️ Like Sterling, Chateau Montelena, and Markham! All you have to do is pick up a passport on their website. https://visitcalistoga.com/winter-in-the-wineries-passport/ ‼️ BONUS! Use code: Discover26 for an extra $5 off the digital version of the passport! Here’s a list of every winery you get access to (One tasting per passport): - Chateau Montelena - Sterling Vineyards - Markham Vineyards - Picayune Cellars - Tank Garage Winery - Tedeschi Family Winery - Benessere Vineyards - Bennett Lane Winery - Charles Krug Winery - Clif Family Winery - Elusa Winery - Fults Family Vineyards - Girard Winery - Hans Fahden - Laura Michael Wines - Museion Winery - Pope Valley Winery - Six Sigma Ranch - Tamber Bey Vineyards - The Vault - Wild Diamond Vineyards Did you get a passport last year? And what are your favorite wineries on this list? #visitcalistoga #discovercalifornia #winterinthewineries #calistoga

If you’re planning a trip to Carmel, make sure these six unforgettable experiences are on your list! 🥹 1️⃣ Hike Point Lobos – Known as the “crown jewel” of California’s state parks, this coastal paradise has jaw-dropping ocean views, turquoise coves, and plenty of wildlife. 🦭🌊 2️⃣ Explore Downtown Carmel – Wander through a fairytale-like village with beautiful cottages, hidden courtyards, and boutique shops. It’s straight out of a storybook! 🏡✨ 3️⃣ Ride E-Bikes Down the Coast – Cruise along Scenic Road or 17-Mile Drive for an epic ride with unbeatable ocean views. 🚲🌊 (We rented our bikes from Mad Dogs & Englishmen) 4️⃣ Find the Secret Garden – Tucked away behind a hidden entrance on Ocean Ave, this peaceful little garden is a magical escape from the crowds. 🌿💫 5️⃣ Sip Through the Wine Walk – Carmel is home to over a dozen tasting rooms! Grab a Wine Walk Passport and explore some of the best local wines. 🍷🍇 6️⃣ Hike Garrapata State Park – One of Big Sur’s most underrated spots, this trail rewards you with rugged cliffs, wildflowers, and panoramic coastal views. 🌊🌾 Which of these would you do first? 😁

CA haters are gonna have a rough year 😂

Ladies and gentlemen, San Francisco 🥰

Tell them respectfully, of course 😉

Glowfari is one of my favorite light shows in the Bay! And it’s easy to see why 😊 From Nov 7, 2025 – Jan 25, 2026, the zoo transforms into a glowing wonderland with hundreds of giant illuminated lanterns! This year’s themes are insects and sea creatures. Grab a hot chocolate and walk through this magical experience with your family or friends. 🎟 Tickets start around $25, but vary nightly. 🌙 Open nightly until 9 p.m. 🔥 Pro tip: Bundle up and don’t forget to ride the gondola and mini train! If you see the posts every year and haven’t gone yet, NOW IS THE TIME TO GO! Yes, it’s worth the price of admission 🙌🏽 P.S. @visitoakland when are we going to collab? We’re basically neighbors! #Glowfari #OaklandZoo

This might be my new favorite hike in CA 🥹 If you haven’t done the steep ravine trail in Marin County yet, you have to! ⚠️ Please note! The creek (Sorry, I called it a river in the reel) only flows this strong after a good rainstorm! So if you want to hike it when it looks just like my video, plan on going after a good rain! 🥾 Hike Details - Name: Steep Ravine Trail. - Type: Out and back - Distance: 4 miles. - Time: 2 hours and 15 minutes. - Elevation: 1,079 ft. 🚗 Driving Times - San Francisco: 1 hour. - Oakland: 1 hour 15 minutes. - San Jose: 2 hours. - Sacramento: 2 hours. 🅿️ Parking is free, however, you’ll have to find street parking near the trailhead. 📍 Steep Ravine Trail, Marin County.

The Niles Canyon Railway offers a magical holiday train of lights that you’ll never forget 🤩 Each car is decorated inside and out, and it’s stunning! ☕️ Hot cocoa and snacks are available onboard. ⏰ 1.5-hour ride round trip. 💵 $40 general admission. 🎟️ Tickets for this can sell out so fast it’s crazy! 🤫 HOWEVER! I know a secret: You may still be able to ride even though it’s sold out. Yell at me if you must. I get it. However, I will only be sharing this secret with my Discover California subscribers on Facebook to show my appreciation for their support 😊 So, if you want in on the secret, go join my exclusive subscriber group on Facebook, then shoot me a DM!

Reminder that Yosemite will look like this again soon 🥹 Shots taken at the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoia’s, Yosemite Falls, and valley view. 📍 Yosemite National Park.

But seriously if anyone has figured it out, please let me know 😅

Here are 9 amazing hikes you have to do in California! I know; two of them aren’t “hikes,” but they’re amazing and should totally be on your list anyway! ☺️ 📍 Locations - Vernal Fall - Steep Ravine Trail - Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park - Fern Canyon - Bumpass Hell - Royal Palms Beach (Very short, but stunning!) - Skunk Train Rail Bikes - Grove of Titans - Fort Ross - Twenty Lakes Basin, Eastern Sierra If you’re new here, follow @discover_california_ for the best of the Golden State!

Here are 6 hidden gems to explore along the California Coast 🥹 1️⃣ Find the Glen Blair Bar Did you know you can take the Skunk Train to a hidden bar in the woods? Well, you can, and yes, it’s awesome! 2️⃣ Canoe Through the Forest Taking a canoe or kayak up the big river is a wonderful experience on a clear day! Catch-a-canoe offers rentals right next to the Stanford Inn. 3️⃣ Hike at Russian Gulch (More redwoods!) Russian Gulch is one of my favorite state parks along the California coast! You’ll find redwoods, a beautiful beach, and a secret waterfall if you look hard enough! 4️⃣ Discover Bowling Ball Beach You MUST go at low tide to see the bowling balls, but this spot feels magical with all the “bowling balls” on display. 5️⃣ Hike the Fern Canyon Trail at Van Damme More redwoods, a nice creek, and lush ferns… What else could you ask for in a hike? 6️⃣ Get Pampered at the Stanford Inn - @stanford_inn All of these exciting spots are super close to the Stanford Inn! With the exception of Bowling Ball Beach. So you should totally stay with them while exploring! ⚠️ I’ll be posting AllTrails links to the specific hikes I reccomend, tips on how to find the hidden waterfall at Russian Gulch, and a link to the Glen Blair Bar excursion in the Facebook Subscriber group! If you’re not a member already, join today to get access to insider tips, additional content I don’t post anywhere else, and access to our exclusive group of California super fans! 😉 👉🏽 Join at the link below https://www.facebook.com/discovercaliforniaofficial/subscribe/ 📍Mendocino County. This reel was made in collaboration with the Stanford Inn.

EPIC California Coast Hotel Giveaway!!! Giveaway CLOSED! Winner - @athens76 🥳🎉🥳 Yup, I’m back with another incredible giveaway opportunity. This time, it’s for the beautiful Stanford Inn on the Mendocino Coast. You don’t want to miss this one, so let’s jump right into the details! 🎟️ How to Enter 1️⃣ Like this post. 2️⃣ Share this post to your story. 3️⃣ Tag your friends you want to go with. One tag per comment, please. More tags = more entries! 4️⃣ Fill out the official giveaway form, which can be found at the link in my bio. It’s called “Stanford Inn Giveaway.” 5️⃣ Follow @stanford_inn 🥇 The Prize - It’s BIG! Nothing but the best for my followers 😉 1️⃣ Accommodations for two adults for two nights with a wood-burning fireplace. 2️⃣ Experience dinner all nights of your stay at the Ravens Restaurant, the Stanford Inn’s award-winning plant-based restaurant. 3️⃣ A pet is included in your stay. 4️⃣ Explore Big River, California’s longest undeveloped estuary, by canoe or kayak, or take along a pet in a custom Canine Canoe. 5️⃣ Mountain Bike through Big River State Park (not suitable for young children). 6️⃣ Enjoy breakfast each morning, cooked to order at Ravens, specializing in sustainable, organic gourmet cuisine. Make sure you enter now for a chance to win this fantastic stay on the California coast! 🗓️ The giveaway will close 12/12/2025 ⚠️ This giveaway is not affiliated with Instagram, but is being hosted on Instagram. Please follow all steps on IG to be entered! NOTE: Subject to conditions/blackout dates/availability, and must use by June 30, 2026.

Let’s find out where everyone is from! I can only fit four options, so don’t yell at me for not including all the other regions of CA 😅

The Bay Area is full of holiday light shows, and here are four of my favorites! 😊😊😊 1️⃣ Holidays at Filoli Filoli puts on an amazing light show every year where the gardens come to life with awe-inspiring light displays. 🎟️ Starts at $49 for adults. 2️⃣ Glowfari A Bay Area staple at the Oakland Zoo. You’ll see hundreds of beautifully themed lanterns. 🎟️ Starts around $25/adult on weekdays. 3️⃣ Lightscape (New! Just launched in 2026) Not explicitly “holiday themed,” but this new Lightshow pulled all the stops! Walk a mile-long trail through the San Francisco Botanical Gardens and prepare to be amazed. 🎟️ Starts at $32 for adult general admission. 4️⃣ Niles Train of Lights Another East Bay tradition! The Niles Train of Lights is one of my all-time favorites 🥹 🎟️ Starts around $40/adult. NOTE! The Niles Christmas Train usually sells out so fast! But I know a secret that lets you get on even if they are sold out (High potential, but not gaurenteed). But I’m only sharing that secret within my Facebook subscriber group. I know I know… I’m sorry, but hey! I gotta do something to make the subscriber group worth it 😉 You can join here, then shoot me a DM. And I’ll share the secret with you. https://www.facebook.com/discovercaliforniaofficial/subscribe/ ⚠️ Some videos may be from previous years’ shows.

Who could you sit here with for hours? 🤗 I was thankful to spend time with @katyandryanroam at the Sunol Wilderness Regional Preserve a few days ago. I don’t know about you, but a good hike with great friends is one of my favorite ways to spend my days 😊

The new Lightscape in San Francisco is AMAZING!!! The lights, the music, everything is done so well. You can tell they pulled out all the stops 😄 Stroll through a mile-long trail past over a million twinkling lights and 12 unique art installations. As you walk, you’ll find that many of the lights are synced to music, which makes it that much cooler. My favorite installation is the one with the moon. When you go, you have to tell me what you think of it! 🚗 There is free street parking near the garden. But it can fill up fast! There’s also a paid parking garage. Or, you can take the N Judah Muni Line if you don’t want to drive like me 😆 🌯 There are several food and drink vendors at the entrance! We got burritos because, obviously? 🎟️ Tickets - Adult: Starts $26 member. - Youth (5 – 17 years): Starts at $16. - Child (4 & under): Free. - Flex Ticket: Arrive any time on your chosen date: Starts at $48. Follow @discover_california_ to keep exploring the best of CA with me! 🙌🏽 📍 Lightscape, San Francisco Botanical Garden.

I'm really missing the redwoods right about now 😭 📍 Humboldt County, California.

It’s just a joke, don’t take it too seriously 😆 But I am curious! There’s always debate about whether the high cost of living in California is worth it. Are all the amenities California has to offer worth it to you?

$1,000 worth of wine tasting in Napa Valley for only $80?! 😱 Yes, it’s true! And here’s how to get it. No gimmicks, no “catch.” Just an amazing deal offered by @visitcalistoga and the participating wineries. Some of the most iconic Napa Valley wineries are included, too! ☺️ Like Sterling and Chateau Montelana. All you have to do is pick up one of their Winter in the Wineries passports on their website. https://visitcalistoga.com/winter-in-the-wineries-passport/ Use code: Discover26 for an extra $5 off! Here’s a list of every winery you get access to (One tasting per passport) - Chateau Montelena - Sterling Vineyards - Markham Vineyards - Picayune Cellars - Tank Garage Winery - Tedeschi Family Winery - Benessere Vineyards - Bennett Lane Winery - Charles Krug Winery - Clif Family Winery - Elusa Winery - Fults Family Vineyards - Girard Winery - Hans Fahden - Laura Michael Wines - Museion Winery - Pope Valley Winery - Six Sigma Ranch - Tamber Bey Vineyards - The Vault - Wild Diamond Vineyards Did you get a passport last year? And what are your favorite wineries on this list? #visitcalistoga #discovercalifornia #winterinthewineries #calistoga

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it 1,000,000 more times. California is the most beautiful state, and there is no convincing me otherwise 🥹 Queue haters***

📍 Del Norte County, California 🥹

Which do you prefer? Fall or spring vibes? 🤔 1️⃣ Spring 2️⃣ Fall 3️⃣ Spring 4️⃣ Fall 5️⃣ Spring It’s a hard choice for me, but I might have to go with the fall vibes! 📍McCloud Falls.

Afternoon Tea… but make it a train ride? I’m in! 😉 If you’re looking for a unique and relaxing activity to do near Sacramento, the River Fox Afternoon Tea Train is totally worth your time. 🚂 You’ll board a vintage train, sip hot tea, scarf down some pastries/finger sandwiches, and roll past some peaceful farmland. The train rolls along slowly, but it felt good to take things slower, rather than the million miles an hour life can feel like sometimes. Here’s what to know: - Location: West Sacramento. - Available: Weekends only. - Duration: ~1.5 hours. - Cost: Starts at $90 per person. - What’s included: Tea service, pastries, sandwiches, and a scenic ride. - Good for: Birthdays, mother-daughter dates, weekends, and theme lovers. - Kid-friendly: Yes! - Parking: Free and easy. 🎟️ Where to get tickets? You can get tickets using the link in my bio! 1️⃣ Click the link in my bio. 2️⃣ Click the “Afternoon Tea Train” option. 3️⃣ Scroll to the “Afternoon Tea” excursion. 4️⃣ Book your ticket and enjoy! 🚗 Driving distances: - 15 mins from Sacramento. - 1-1.5 hours from the Bay Area. - 1 hr 30 mins from Napa. I’d love to know what you think? Are you a fan of afternoon tea experiences that have been popping up? Have you done one yet? Let’s talk about it! This reel was made in collaboration with @sacramentoriverfoxtrain 📍 River Fox Train, West Sacramento.

Finally, an apartment community for California adventurers 🙌🏽😊 AVE has launched a trailblazing amenity called AVEnture Hub that provides its residents with complimentary gear so they can connect with California’s abundant outdoor resources, and one another. Items include stand-up paddle boards, golf clubs, camping gear, and more. This brand new rental community in Santa Clara offers on-demand business, social, and wellness spaces designed for how you actually live, plus furnished apartments when you need flexibility. 📍 @avesantaclara | #LiveBetter | #AVEPartner For Apartments Rentals: https://bit.ly/4hlZvNb 🔗 Book your stay: For Flexible-stay, Furnished Apartments use Code AVENTURE5 for 5% off: https://bit.ly/4ngq1c0

What!? A free wine tasting in Napa Valley!? @visitcalistoga always comes through! And this time they’ve created something I’m sure you’re going to love! It’s called the “Welcome Splash,” and it’s one of the few ways left to get a complimentary wine tasting in Napa Valley 😄 It’s easy to get, too! Just book a stay at @drwilkinsonsresort, and you’ll be given a free Welcome Splash card upon check-in. Which gets you a free tasting at one of four tasting rooms in downtown Calistoga. Bonus! They are all walking distance to the hotel 🙌🏽 You can pick from: 1️⃣ Olabisi (Super cozy vibes) 2️⃣ Maria Concetto (They have a wine robot!) 3️⃣ Romeo Vinyards and Cellars (So much nature!) 4️⃣ Vault Wine & Artifacts (Rustic charm) Each winery offers something unique, and you really can’t go wrong with whichever one you pick! This could be your next date night idea, too. Have a nice tasting experience, grab dinner, then go back to Dr. Wilkinsons to soak in the hot springs. Yes, I just planned your next weekend. You’re welcome 😉 Note: The stay at Dr Wilkinsons is NOT free. This reel was made in collaboration with @visitcalistoga

Let’s gush about CA for a minute, shall we? 🥹 But before we get started, to all our haters out there, all I need to do is direct you to watch this reel. This is California, and you’ll never, ever, not even a little bit, convince me it’s anything other than stunning. We are so spoiled here! 😅 It’s true when people say you can swim at the beach, snowboard down the mountains, and bask in the desert all in one day! 🏖️ We have incredible beaches. 🏔️Gorgeous mountain ranges. 🏜️ Awe-inspiring deserts. 🌳 Towering ancient forests. 🐟 Incredible lakes. 🌉 World-class cities. 🏡 The cutest small towns. 🌮 Any cuisine you can think of - There are places where good Pho, ramen, and tacos don’t exist! What!? Yes, it’s expensive! That’s one of the biggest hurdles to living in CA. And yes, I’m well aware of the other challenges we struggle with. However, it’s one of the most beautiful, diverse, and exciting places to live! 😊 If you’ve been following me for a while, thank you for tagging along with me! And if you’re new here, you’re in for many new adventures! So make sure you follow @discover_california_ for more! #discovercalifornia

Steal my 3-day Long Beach itinerary 😉 🗓️ DAY 1 — Coastal Adventures - Ride a Slingshot up the Palos Verdes Coast from downtown Long Beach with @adrenalinerushla. - Take a scenic stop at Royal Palms Beach. - Explore the Queen Mary (@thequeenmary) - Lunch at Parkers’ Lighthouse (Amazing sushi!) - E-bike the coast (@wheelfunrentalsofficial) — Ride out to Monty’s Dog Beach & Bar. - Dinner at El Barrio Cantina. Super yummy Mexican! 🗓️ DAY 2 — On the water (The itinerary assumes a stay at Hotel Maya) - Breakfast at Altar Society Brewing Company. - Jet ski with dolphins (@jetski2catalina). - Relax at Hotel Maya (@hotelmaya). Rent a cabana and get a yummy fruit plate. - Rent a Duffy boat for golden hour. - Dinner at Bar Becky. 🗓️ DAY 3 — Explore + Eat Everything - Breakfast at EggBred. - Explore El Dorado Nature Center. - All-you-can-eat sushi at Aikan (@aikansushi_longbeach) to wrap it all up. 📍 Long Beach, California This reel was made in collaboration with @visitlb

Driving on California’s famous Highway 1 is like driving through the ends of the earth 😁 It’s an equal mix of joy, excitement, and terror. What’s your favorite spot along this iconic highway? It’s so hard for me to pick one, but I love The Lost Coast, and Big Sur so much!!! 🥹

The redwoods are calling, and I must go… 📍 Locations: 1️⃣ Mottole Road 2️⃣ Ave of the Giants 3️⃣ Karl Knapp Trail 4️⃣ Karl Knapp Trail 5️⃣ Cheatham Grove 6️⃣ Rockefeller Forest Which ones have you visited already? And which redwood hikes should be on the next list? 😊

California is packed to the brim with amazing things to do! 😁 Here are six things that need to be on your bucket list! 6️⃣ Ride a slingshot up the Palos Verdes Coast (@adrenalinerushla) We rented a slingshot out of downtown Long Beach and took it up the Palos Verdes Coast. It was a beautiful drive! And the most scenic stop we made was Royal Palms Beach. Highly recommended! 5️⃣ Explore the Titanic Era Queen Mary (@thequeenmary) We’ve all seen the Titanic movie, but have you ever been on it? (Well, been on a ship just like it.) My guess is no, but you can do just that in Long Beach! It’s also a hotel, so you can book a stateroom just like in the good ol’ days. Don’t worry, this one won’t sink 😉 4️⃣ E-Bike down the coast (@wheelfunrentalsofficial) E-bikes are awesome, the California coast is awesome, so cruising down the beach on an e-bike is extra awesome! We rented bikes from shoreline village and rode to Monty’s dog beach and bar for lunch 😋 3️⃣ Soak in Tulum Vibes at Hotel Maya (@hotelmaya) They told me I’d feel like I was in Mexico when staying at Hotel Maya, and yeah, they nailed it. I felt like I was in Mexico! The views are beautiful, their on-site restaurant is great, and it’s walking distance to number two on this list. 2️⃣ JetSki with dolphins (@jetski2catalina) Jetsking with dolphins… This is going to be the thing I never shut up about 😅 It was AMAZING! And you’ll love it! 1️⃣ All you can eat sushi at Aikan (@aikansushi_longbeach) Sushi is my happy place, and all you can eat sushi is basically heaven. It’s the perfect place for dinner after you wrap up a long day of exploring Long Beach! 📍Long Beach, California. This reel was made in collaboration with @visitlb

Well, it’s rainy season again! And I have mixed feelings about it 🙃 On one hand, I love how the rain brings back the green grass, rivers, and waterfalls. On the other hand, I miss the sun on gray days, get stir crazy when I can’t go outside, and will never be okay with it getting dark at 5:00pm!! UGHHH!!! 😫😫😫 How do you feel about it though? Do you love the rainy/winter season? Can’t stand it? Somewhere in between?

Bay Area traffic. Bay Area parking. And more Bay Area traffic… It sucks, and we all hate it 🤦🏽‍♂️ What’s the solution, you ask? Well, my friends, the short answer is take the Gold Runner, formerly Amtrak San Joaquins.  The longer answer is… 🚈 You may not think about taking the train when you think about getting around the Bay, but you can put together some amazing itineraries that @goldrunnerca can take you to! We took the train from Martinez Station to Jack London Square for a weekend full of adventures and great food. Here’s what we did. 🛥️ Took a bay cruise on the Potomac (former President FDR’s yacht). You’ve probably never heard of this either, but it departs from Jack London Square, within walking distance of the Amtrak station. 🛩️ Explored the U.S.S. Hornet in Alameda, the ship responsible for recovering the Apollo 11 and 12 astronauts after returning from space. 🍜 Grabbed lunch at Farmhouse Kitchen and dinner at NoKA Ramen. And there’s even some hidden gems near Martinez Station, too! Like the John Muir Historic site (we couldn’t go in because it was closed when we got there ) 🍳 Or stop by Copper Skillet Courtyard for breakfast before boarding your train. Enjoy your trip, less traffic, and not having to pay for parking! #goldrunner #amtrak #discovercalifornia

Good morning, afternoon, or evening! ☺️ My name’s Jordan, and I’m the creator behind Discover California! You’ll often see my girlfriend, Cristal, too! I’m so happy you’re here and want to follow along with my California adventures. People always ask, “Why did you start Discover California?” And I usually throw my hands up and say, “Just look around you!” 🙃 After traveling through countless states and countries, California still takes my breath away. I grew up in New York, and I’ll NEVER forget stepping off that six-hour flight from JFK and into SFO. I had never set foot in California before, yet somehow it instantly felt like home. Ten years later, California truly is home, and one of my favorite places in the world. I love exploring hidden gems and sharing my journey to inspire you to get out and explore too 😌 I pour my heart and soul into bringing you the best of California, often on my own dime, and sometimes through brand partnerships. But it’s expensive, that’s for sure! If you want to show some love and support, consider subscribing to my page on Facebook or Instagram. 👉 https://www.facebook.com/discovercaliforniaofficial/subscribe/ It goes a LONG way in helping me keep the adventures coming. Thank you so much. Let’s go explore! 🙌

The Twenty Lakes Basin Trail. It’s one of the Eastern Sierra’s most jaw-dropping hikes! 🥹 Located in the Hoover Wilderness near Saddlebag Lake, this high-altitude loop takes you past a string of alpine lakes surrounded by granite peaks. 🥾 Hike Details: Trailhead: Saddlebag Lake (just outside Yosemite’s Tioga Pass) - Distance: ~8.5 miles loop. - Time: 4–6 hours. - Elevation: ~900 ft gain. - Dogs: Allowed on leash. - Tip: Take the water taxi across Saddlebag Lake (when running) to shave off 2 miles! It’s easily one of the most scenic day hikes in the Sierra But the season for this hike is coming to a close, as winter weather can close it down. So either get out there quick and prepare for cold weather, or add it to your list for next year’s hikes! 📍Trailhead: Saddlebag Lake (just outside Yosemite’s Tioga Pass).

I’m never leaving California, and this is reason 56 out of 479,535 😉 Because this is what a random fall weekend can look like.

Glowfari is back at the Oakland Zoo! 🥹 From Nov 7, 2025 – Jan 25, 2026, the zoo transforms into a glowing wonderland with hundreds of giant illuminated animal lanterns! Grab a hot chocolate and walk through this magical experience with your family or friends. 🎟 Tickets start around $25, but vary nightly. 🌙 Open nightly until 9 p.m. 🔥 Pro tip: Go early, bundle up, and ride the gondola! If you see the posts every year and haven’t gone yet, NOW IS THE TIME TO GO! Yes, it’s worth the price of admission 😊 Pics are from 2024 Glowfari. #Glowfari #OaklandZoo

6 Places in California that don’t feel real 🤯 1️⃣ Eastern Sierra Jaw-dropping mountains, natural hot springs, and shimmering lakes. The Eastern Sierra is one of the most beautiful regions of California! 2️⃣ Shelter Cove, Black Sands Beach I don’t know whether this beach is better on a sunny day or shrouded in fog. But wherever you go, it’ll leave you inspired. 3️⃣ Grove of Titans Close to the border of Oregon, this ancient redwood grove is one of the best in California! 4️⃣ Mendocino County Mendocino County is full of gems to explore, like the Skunk Train Railbikes or bowling ball beach. 5️⃣ Tuolumne County Hiking the Tuolumne Ditch Trail is one of the unique hikes in California. 6️⃣ Bumpass Hell, Lassen Volcanic National Park The ground here bubbles and boils with geothermal activity. It’s a hike you’ll never forget and needs to be on your bucket list!

What is going on here? 🫠🫠🫠

I’m equally obsessed with this song and all the locations featured in this video 😅 Do I need help? Probably… 📍 List of locations in order - Del Norte County coast. - Bumpass Hell, Lassen National Park. - San Gregorio State Beach. - Flying over the Bay Area. - Downtown Paso Robles. - Kayaking up the Big River. - Pope Valley Winery. - Royal Palms State Beach. - Heisler Park. - Big Sur. - Russian Gulch State Beach. - Redwood Skywalk, Eureka Zoo. - Chateau Montelena. - Battery Spencer. Have you been to any of these spots yet? 😄

Incredible Napa Valley Giveaway!!! 😍😍😍 [CLOSED] Winner @bella_bell 🥳 And trust me, you’re going to love this one! Visit Calistoga and I are coming together again to give away the best Napa Valley and hot springs experience you can have this winter. It’s called “The Winter in the Wineries Passport.” This special passport gets you into 21 different wineries for free high-end tastings. 🎟️ How to Enter 1️⃣ Like this post. 2️⃣ Share this post to your story. 3️⃣ Tag your friends you want to go with. One tag per comment, please. More tags = more entries! 4️⃣ Fill out the official giveaway form, which can be found at the link in my bio. It’s called “Winter in the Wineries Giveaway.” 🥇 The Prize - It’s BIG! 1️⃣ Two Winter in the Wineries Passports, which get you and a friend $1,000 worth of some of the best wine tasting in Napa Valley! 2️⃣ A one-night stay at Dr. Wilkinson’s, where you can soak in natural hot springs. 3️⃣ A famous Calistoga mud bath at Dr. Wilkinson’s. The mud bath will be for one or two at the discretion of the spa. 4️⃣ A hydrafacial for one at Dr. Wilkinsons. 5️⃣ $150 gift card to Markham Vineyards. 6️⃣ 3 bottles from Tamber Bey. Make sure you enter now for a chance to win this amazing Napa Valley giveaway! 🗓️ The giveaway will close 11/14/2025. ⚠️ This giveaway is not affiliated with Instagram. NOTE: The stay and spa treatments are subject to availability and must be coordinated with the hotel. #visitcalistoga #discovercalifornia #winterinthewineries #calistoga

The most beautiful lakes in Yosemite 😍 I’ve seen a lot of lakes while exploring California, and these two are easily some of the most gorgeous I’ve ever seen 🥹 Tenaya Lake is easily accessible. You can park right next to it, hang out on the beach, or hike around the lake. 🥾 May Lake is more challenging to reach, requiring a 2.3-mile moderate hike with almost 500ft elevation gain at high altitude (You will feel out of breath!) But it’s absolutely worth the effort! Both of these lakes are along Tioga Road, which takes you through Yosemite’s high country. ❄️ Tioga Road closes after the first major snowfall and doesn’t reopen until spring or summer. So plan your trip soon if you want to go this year! ⚠️ Please note Yosemite is severely understaffed due to the government shutdown. PLEASE do your part to help maintain Yosemite’s beauty. Practice Leave No Trace, stay on trails, and respect wildlife. Our actions do make a difference! 🙏🏽

Would you believe this spot is in San Ramon, and it’s perfect for seeing fall colors? 🍁 Annabel Lake puts on such a show every fall. Between late October and mid-November, the trees around the lake turn the prettiest shades of gold, orange, and red. It’s an easy walk around the lake (less than a mile), and there’s plenty of space to just sit and soak it all in. Grab a seasonal coffee from the cafe (Called Lakeside Coffee) before starting your walk. And keep your eyes out for the cute fish that call the lake home! 📍 Annabel Lake, San Ramon.

This post is a JOKE! I need to put that here because I know someone will think it’s serious and attack me for it 🫠🫠🫠 But what is serious is that if you love our national parks as much as I do, you’ll do your best to help preserve their beauty when you visit. Please respect the rules that have been put in place, even though there may not be rangers around to enforce them. Rules, regulations, and protections are put in place for a reason. Even if they may not immediately make sense to us. Please also remember to practice Leave No Trace principles while exploring our National Parks during this time. We all have a responsibility to care for and protect our beautiful parks. So please take caring for them seriously because our actions do make a difference 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

Kings Canyon National Park lives in the shadow of Yosemite & Sequoia National Parks. But you’d be crazy to pass up this incredible California gem while exploring the Sierra! Here are all the locations in this reel in order: 1️⃣ Kings Canyon Scenic Byway. 2️⃣ Grizzly Falls. 3️⃣ Hume Lake. 4️⃣ View from Boyden Cavern entrance. 5️⃣ Hike to Zumwalt Meadows. 6️⃣ Roaring River Falls. 7️⃣ Hume Lake. 8️⃣ Zumwalt Meadows. Each and every one of these spots is gorgeous - and guaranteed to leave you wanting more! Note: The best time to see the waterfalls is spring, and they may be dry in the summer/fall. And many of these locations are affected by seasonal (winter closures), so plan a trip soon, or put Kings Canyon on your list for early 2026! How many have you been to already? 😄 ‼️⚠️ Please note that staffing is severely limited in our national parks during the government shutdown. Should you decide to explore these wonderful places, please be respectful, stay on trails, and practice Leave No Trace principles to help preserve this delicate ecosystem. #discovercalifornia #visitcalifornia

California is overflowing with awe-inspiring hikes 😊 And here are five of its most magical! 5️⃣ Big Tree Via Karl Knapp & Cathedral Trees Loop - Length: 2.9 miles - Time: 1.5 hours - Elevation: 213 ft - Difficulty: Moderate - Type: Loop - Rating: 4.8/5 4️⃣ Fern Canyon - Length: 1.1 miles - Time: 1 hour - Elevation: 127 ft - Difficulty: Easy - Type: Loop - Rating: 4.9/5 3️⃣ Lady Bird Johnson Trail - Length: 1.4 miles - Time: 1 hour - Elevation: 101 ft - Difficulty: Easy - Type: Loop - Rating: 4.8/5 2️⃣ Tall Trees Grove - Length: 3.6 miles - Time: 2.5 hours - Elevation: 780 ft - Difficulty: Moderate - Type: Loop - Rating: 4.8/5 1️⃣ Founders Grove - Length: 0.5 miles - Time: 1 hour - Elevation: 32 ft - Difficulty: Easy - Type: Loop - Rating: 4.8/5 Have you done any of these yet? Which hikes do you think should be on the next list?

Fall colors and waterfalls?! I don’t think there’s ever been a more perfect combination 😍 And Northern California is brimming with both! Here’s how you can see stunning fall colors and six gorgeous waterfalls all in one weekend. 🥾 McCloud Falls McCloud Falls has three completely distinct and separate sections, and each one is beautiful. The middle section is my favorite, but all three will enchant you with fall foliage and scenic waterfalls. Getting to each section requires hiking less than a mile, so it’s easily accessible. 🥾 Mossbrae Falls You might see a fairy or two at Mossbrae Falls. It’s simply one of those places that exude enchantment and charm. Find a cozy place to sit and relax for a while. It’s easy to forget about the world and all its problems when you find yourself in such a surreal place. Note that hiking to Mossbrae requires walking along property privately owned by the railroad, which you’re not really supposed to do. However, they seem to turn a blind eye to it 🤷🏽‍♂️ 🥾 Hedge Creek Falls is also gorgeous, and is super close to Mossbrae. So make sure you swing by here too to make sure you see all six waterfalls on this list! 🥾 Burney Falls Burney Falls is one of the Crown Jewels of California, and once you see it with your own eyes, you’ll understand why. You can hike the full loop, which is about 1 mile long, or you can just head down to the viewing platform from the parking lot. Either way, you’ll love the fall foliage and powerful cascades. Have you been to any of these falls yet? Which is your favorite? 😁

May Lake may not be the most popular lake in Yosemite, but it certainly is one of the most beautiful. At 9,270 elevation, you’ll have to travel to Yosemite’s often overlooked high country to reach it. ☺️ And yes, it is a journey worth taking.  🥾 Hike Details  - Name: May Lake (Yosemite Nat. Park) - Length: 2.3 miles. - Time: 1.5 hours. - Elevation gain: 485 ft. - Type: Out and back.  - Difficulty: Moderate.  - Rating: 4.8/5 stars.  May Lake is inaccessible during the winter months due to snow closures.  🚫🐕 Sorry, no dogs allowed.  🚽 There are bathrooms at the start of the trailhead.  ⚠️ Please be mindful that Yosemite is understaffed during the government shutdown!  Wherever you are visiting from, please do your part to help keep our beautiful state clean and leave no trace. Pack out your trash, stay on trails, respect wildlife, and seriously, please don’t leave trash lying around. #maylake #yosemite #discovercalifornia

Hidden in the forest just outside Yosemite’s Hetch Hetchy entrance, pulling into the Evergreen Lodge feels like the start of an epic adventure! 🏡 Cozy wood cabins, fire pits, and crisp mountain air that smells like fresh pine trees. What else could you ask for? Spend the day exploring Yosemite’s boundless beauty, then head back to the lodge for a nice dinner at their on-site restaurant. The salmon was my favorite, so I wound up getting it twice! 🌲 By far, what I love most about the Evergreen Lodge is its heavily forested setting. Every cabin is surrounded by beautiful trees. And of course, it’s super close to the Hetch Hetchy & Big Oak Flat entrances of Yosemite. Which makes it feel like a true extension of your mountain vacation, rather than just a place to sleep. 📍 Evergreen Lodge.

California’s Eastern Sierra is easily one of the most beautiful places in California (Maybe the world?). And if these pics don’t convince you, nothing will 🥹 📍Twenty Lakes Basin Loop, Inyo National Forest.

Did you know most people who visit Yosemite will NEVER see these places!? 😱 It’s true. The vast majority of park visitors only ever go into Yosemite Valley, and never explore the high country along Tioga Rd. So, here are six but I bet you’ve never seen in Yosemite’s high country, but should! 6️⃣ Tenaya Lake. Tenaya Lake is the largest lake in Yosemite’s front country, and is super easy to access. Tioga road hugs right up against it, so it’s impossible to miss. You can stop and sit on the beach, or go for a hike around the lake. 5️⃣ Tuolumne Meadows. Tuolumne Meadows is one of the largest high elevation meadows in the Sierra. And it’s impossible not to feel its imposing presence while walking through it. Park near the visitors center, then hike through the meadow towards the Soda Springs Cabin to get a sense of just how large these meadows are. 4️⃣ May Lake. I’ve never heard of May Lake. So I went into it completely blind. And it was easily one of the top spots I explored during this trip to Yosemite. 3️⃣ Olmsted Point. This short stop offers a perspective of Half Dome many people never see, and sweeping views of Yosemite’s high country. 2️⃣ Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias. The Tuolumne Grove is one of several places in Yosemite where you can see ancient Sequoia trees. While the Mariposa Grove may be more famous, the Tuolumne Grove is also worth a stop! 1️⃣ Evergreen Lodge. During our last trip to Yosemite, Evergreen Lodge (@yosemite_evergreen) was kind enough to host our adventure! I loved their cozy cabins, beautiful forested grounds, and proximity to Yosemite. Also, get the salmon for dinner after a long day of exploring 😋😋😋 ⚠️ VERY IMPORTANT! Staffing is limited at our National Parks due to the ongoing government shutdown. If you decide to visit Yosemite, or any other parks during this time (and any other time, really), please be sure you practice Leave No Trace principles. Pack out your trash, remain on trails, and respect this beautiful place as if it were your own home. Have you been to any of these spots yet? #yosemite #discovercalifornia

California never ceases to amaze me! I mean... Look at this place. It looks like a postcard 🤯 This is Hot Creek Geological Site, and it’s one of the most surreal places we saw while exploring Mammoth Lakes. 🥾 Hike Details: - Name: Hot Creek Interpretive Trail on All Trails. - Length: 1.6 miles out and back. - Time: 35 - 45 minutes. - Elevation gain: 144 feet. - Type: Out and back. 🐶 Dogs are allowed if on a leash. Fun Fact: As you walk along Hot Creek, you will see areas of geological activity where boiling water actively rises to the surface. 🌋 The process for the water to seep into the ground, get superheated by the earth’s geological activity, then rise back up and seep out into the creek as boiling water is estimated to take about 100 years. How cool is that?! 📸 Pro Tip! If you want to find the spot with the best view, go to “Brees Lookout.” Practice Leave No Trace: Always remember when exploring to leave no trace. Please be respectful of the environment, wildlife, and other visitors by doing your part to keep these places beautiful. #VisitMammoth #TheRealUnreal #KeepMammothUnreal #MammothLakes #DiscoverCalifornia #VisitMammothLakes #visitcalifornia

O.M.G! This place left me SPEECHLESS!!! 🥹🥹🥹 It’s easily, and I mean easily, one of the most incredible hikes I’ve ever done. And with a name like “Twenty Lakes Basin,” I had extremely high expectations. 🏔️ I hiked in the shadows of breathtaking mountains, ran through majestic meadows, and soaked in views of shimmering alpine lakes. As the name suggests, you will see lake after lake, and if you’re anything like me, you’ll love every single one of them. The mountains were still snow-capped in some spots, which made it feel even extra magical! But enough gushing! 🥾 Here are the hike details. - Name: Twenty Lakes Basin Loop. - Length: 7.6 miles. - Time: 3.5 - 4 hours. - Elevation gain: 790. - Type: Loop. - Difficulty: Moderate. - Rating: 4.8 stars on AllTrails. ⚠️ IMPORTANT NOTES 1️⃣ This hike is at high elevation! The altitude WILL AFFECT YOU! Hike carefully and take breaks. Bring plenty of water and food. 2️⃣ Additionally, this hike is not possible during the snowy winter months. My understanding is that it gets completely snowed in. 3️⃣ Check the weather for Saddlebag Lake so you know what to expect. If you’re driving up from lower elevations, the weather will likely be different. 4️⃣ You can navigate to “Saddlebag Campground” to find parking. 5️⃣ Please respect this incredible environment, leave no trace, and stay on trails. 🚗 Driving Distances - San Francisco: 4 hours 45 minutes. - Oakland: 4 hours 30 minutes. - Sacramento: 4 hours 15 minutes. - L.A.: 5 hours 45 minutes 🏠 Where did we stay? We stayed at the @yosemite_evergreen Lodge near the Big Oak Flat Entrance of Yosemite, then drove through Tioga Pass to access this hike. It’s a super cute property with cozy cabins, a nice on-site restaurant, and lovely pool area to relax. 📍 20 Lakes Basin, Inyo National Forest.

Prairie Creek is easily one of my favorite parks in California 🥹 You’ll find some of the oldest and tallest trees in the world here. During the rainy season, there will be mushrooms almost everywhere you look. You might even spot a fairy or two off in the distance! Here’s the hike I’d recommend doing here: 🥾 Hike Details - Big Tree via Karl Knapp and Cathedral Trees Loop - Length: 2.9 miles - Time: 1–1.5 hours - Elevation: 213 ft - Type: Loop This hike will take you along the park’s namesake, the beautiful Prairie Creek, under fallen giants, and up to unbelievably tall redwoods. 🐶🚫 Sorry, no dogs allowed on trails. 🅿️ Parking and entry for day use is free. 🚗 Driving times (Approximate): - San Francisco → ~6 hrs - Oakland → ~6–6.5 hrs - San Jose → ~6.5–7 hrs - Sacramento → ~6.5–7 hrs - Eureka → ~1 hr - Redding → ~4.5–5 hrs The iconic Fern Canyon is also a part of Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, and is a MUST visit while exploring the area. Have you been to Prairie Creek yet? Which hike did you do? 🤔 #discovercalifornia #visitcalifornia #redwoods

The behind the scenes you don’t always see 😂

Is fall the best time to visit Sensorio? It might just be! October is pure magic with crisp evenings, harvest in full swing, and a little extra breathing room to wander through the glowing fields of light. Stroll through seven incredible light exhibits, sip seasonal wines or local brews, and catch live music every night through October. The food and drink menus have been refreshed for fall, and special harvest dinners and pours from Paso’s top wineries make every visit feel new. Slow down, take it all in, and see Sensorio in a whole new light this fall 🥹

The Golden Gate Bridge is the most beautiful bridge ever built. It would take an act of congress to convince me otherwise. However, the Bay Bridge doesn’t look too bad itself 😉 Who agrees? #discovercalifornia #goldengatebridge #baybridge