Bryan Shelmon, Staff Writer

Touch down in Santa Barbara to experience the coastal charm of the ‘American Riviera.’ From its origins as a Spanish Mission to boasting a maritime heritage, Santa Barbara has transformed itself over the generations to now serving as a middle ground for the Northern and Southern California lifestyles. Here are 19 things to do in Santa Barbara that you’re not going to want to miss!

From a quiet farming community in Northern California to becoming a top-tier city to visit in the state, San Jose is a place that will surely captivate you with its history, culture, and fun for all ages. Here are 37+ things to do in San Jose that you and your crew are going to love.

Home to some of the world’s most iconic cities, white-sand beaches, and the largest trees in the world — California is a place where culture-savvy travelers, nature-enthusiasts, and artsy explorers all meet. Pull out your bucket lists, here are 52 things to do in California that you’re not going to want to miss.

The capital city of Sacramento, California, is filled with fun things to do. With museums, historical parks, landmarks, family-friendly activities, outdoor adventures, and so much more — this is a city worth visiting. Here are 25 fun things to do in Sacramento that we know you and your crew are going to love.

From surfing some of California’s biggest waves at Maverick’s Beach, to hiking below some of the world’s biggest trees at the Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve, to spotting one of the biggest species of seals at Año Nuevo State Park, there are plenty of things to do in Half Moon Bay, drawing visitors from around the world.

As the cool SoCal breeze blows, the iconic Danish windmills turn gently above the tranquil streets of Solvang, California. Instead of enduring a more than 12-hour flight to Copenhagen, Solvang makes a great day trip from Los Angeles! Here are some of the top things to do in Solvang that genuinely make it California’s “Little Denmark.”

Sitting like a crown jewel of California’s Inland Empire, Temecula is a popular day trip destination from Los Angeles or San Diego for tourists looking to trade in the modern metropolises for an old western lifestyle. From wandering the antique buildings lining Old Town’s Front Street, contemporary farm-to-table dining, and wine tasting in the famed wine region, these are some of the best things to do in Temecula.

The sparkling sapphire waters of Lake Arrowhead, surrounded by lush pine trees, look like a screensaver snapshot. But this mountain lake retreat is a real-life paradise for travelers in Southern California escaping the crowded cities for a slice of tranquil nature. Here are 11+ of my favorite things to do in Lake Arrowhead that you’re going to love!

Located near San Diego, the iconic Carlsbad sign will welcome you to this charming city in Southern California. There’s something for everyone — white sand beaches, museums, beautiful natural sights, and more. Add a few of these top things to do in Carlsbad to your itinerary to see the best it has to offer!

Enjoy the Long Beach, CA lifestyle at its finest by visiting culturally-rich museums, palm-tree-lined beaches, and even a verdant island just off the coast. Here are 13+ of the best things to do in Long Beach for some coastal fun!

Visit Monterey to immerse in its vibrant coastal atmosphere that sits at the crossroads of nature, culture, and history. Located about 2 hours south of San Francisco, this coastal gem has something to do for everyone. So, let’s check out the best things to do in Monterey!

Discover some of the best Lake Tahoe camping destinations near the north and south shores! Pack your tent, grab your hiking shoes, and get ready for s’mores, here are some of the best campgrounds in Lake Tahoe.

Santa Cruz is a popular coastal destination south of San Francisco in California that offers lots of exciting things to do for everyone. Spend some time exploring the vibrant atmosphere to discover the best things to do in Santa Cruz – from the scenic beach and boardwalk attractions to exploring the massive redwood forests. Here are some of the best things to do in Santa Cruz.

Whether you’re looking for an upbeat travel destination full of outdoor adventures, or want a leisurely vacation relaxing on pristine beaches, Lake Tahoe has something for everyone. Here are 15+ things to do in Lake Tahoe that we know you’ll love.