Los Angeles CountyAgoura Hills
Cities
Cities
Explore urban playgrounds framed by iconic architecture, vibrant communities and unique wilderness.
- Orange CountyAnaheimAs the home of Disneyland Resort, the city of Anaheim is a crowd-pleasing destination for visitors from around the globe. The appeal of this Orange County hub extends well beyond its theme parks, however, thanks to magnets such as Angel Stadium and the headliner acts at the Honda Center. Anaheim boasts a reinvigorated downtown and vibrant nightlife, too, making this a vacation haven for everyone from families to foodies. During the 19th and early 20th centuries, Anaheim (named after the neighboring Santa Ana River) was a quiet farming community, dotted mostly with citrus orchards. Then, in 1955, Walt Disney built a theme park here, and the area was transformed. Today, Anaheim’s nerve center radiates from the two theme parks, three hotels, and the Downtown Disney District at Disneyland Resort, as well as the nearby Anaheim Convention Center. Here, along Katella Avenue and Harbor Boulevard, you’ll find most of Anaheim’s hotels, many of which are Disney-designated Good Neighbor Hotels, where you can typically walk or ride a quick shuttle to the parks. While all are family-friendly, a few are luxurious, too, including three AAA Four Diamond hotels: The elegant Radisson Blu Anaheim has a rooftop pool and kid-friendly bunks, while The Westin Anaheim Resort and the JW Marriott, Anaheim Resort both have rooftop lounges with excellent views of Disneyland’s nightly fireworks. The JW Marriott also sits next door to the shops, restaurants, and public art of the Anaheim GardenWalk. There’s plenty to discover beyond the borders of the Happiest Place on Earth, too. Head northeast to Downtown Anaheim to taste your way through the Anaheim Packing District. The center of the region’s once-booming citrus industry, the warehouse buildings have been reborn as a culinary hotbed. Hang out in the multistory Anaheim Packing House food hall, where temptations range from fried chicken to homemade ice cream and a speakeasy-style bar, The Blind Rabbit. Nearby is the historic Center Street Promenade, where you’ll find handmade crafts, chef-driven eateries, and innovative vendors, such as the irresistible House of Chimney Cakes. Or, sip your way through Anaheim’s well-established beer scene. Near Angel Stadium, sample brews at Golden Road Brewery, Brewheim, or Noble Ale Works. Downtown, the La Palma Beer Trail offers more local suds, such as the Belgian-style brews of The Bruery Terreux Tasting Room or the IPAs at Brewery X (including a Quack IPA, named after the NHL’s Anaheim Ducks). West Anaheim, meanwhile, offers a glimpse of the city’s global community. Its Little Arabia and nearby Little Saigon districts showcase the cuisines of the Middle East and Southeast Asia, often at very affordable prices. Try the chicken and beef shawarma plates at Zankou Chicken or browse the spices and produce at Altayebat Market, which feels like a souk transplanted to the middle of Orange County.
- El Dorado CountyApple Hill
- San Luis Obispo CountyAtascadero
- Placer CountyAuburn
- San Luis Obispo CountyAvila Beach
- Kern CountyBakersfield
- Madera CountyBass Lake
- Solano CountyBenicia
- Alameda CountyBerkeley
- Los Angeles CountyBeverly Hills
- San Bernardino CountyBig Bear Lake
- Monterey CountyBig Sur
- Inyo CountyBishop
- Sonoma CountyBodega Bay
- San Diego CountyBorrego Springs
- Santa Barbara CountyBuellton
- Orange CountyBuena Park
- Los Angeles CountyBurbank
- San Mateo CountyBurlingame
- Napa CountyCalistoga
- Ventura CountyCamarillo
- San Luis Obispo CountyCambria
- Santa Cruz CountyCapitola
- San Diego CountyCarlsbadThis family-friendly coastal town has feel-good appeal
- Monterey CountyCarmel-by-the-Sea
- Los Angeles CountyCatalina Island
- San Luis Obispo CountyCayucos
- Butte CountyChicoThis college town, historic community, and craft beer pioneer is Butte County’s largest city
- San Diego CountyChula Vista
- Los Angeles CountyClaremont
- Yolo CountyClarksburg
- Fresno CountyClovis
- Placer CountyColfax
- Contra Costa CountyConcord
- San Diego CountyCoronado
- Orange CountyCosta Mesa
- Del Norte CountyCrescent City
- Orange CountyDana Point
- Yolo CountyDavis
- San Diego CountyDel Mar
- Siskiyou CountyDunsmuir
- Sacramento CountyElk Grove
- San Diego CountyEncinitas
- San Diego CountyEscondido
- Eureka
- Solano CountyFairfield
- Ferndale
- Sacramento CountyFolsom
- Mendocino CountyFort Bragg
- Fresno CountyFresno
- Santa Clara CountyGilroy
- Los Angeles CountyGlendale
- Santa Barbara CountyGoleta
- Nevada CountyGrass Valley
- Tuolumne CountyGroveland
- Sonoma CountyGuerneville
- San Mateo CountyHalf Moon Bay
- Sonoma CountyHealdsburg
- Los Angeles CountyHollywoodTinseltown, where starlets are discovered on every street corner (or at least we like to think they are), and the tinted windows of that stretch limo might be hiding a Cruise, Hanks, or Aniston.
- Orange CountyHuntington Beach
- Riverside CountyIdyllwild
- Orange CountyIrvine
- Amador CountyJackson
- Tuolumne CountyJamestown
- Sonoma CountyJenner
- San Bernardino CountyJoshua TreeWhimsical boulders, fascinating flora, and star-studded skies beckon in this dramatic desert park
- San Diego CountyJulian
- Del Norte CountyKlamath
- San Diego CountyLa Jolla
- Orange CountyLaguna BeachWith its art scene and unique coastline, this Orange County town may be literally picture perfect
- San Bernardino CountyLake Arrowhead
- Los Angeles CountyLancaster
- Alameda CountyLivermore
- San Joaquin CountyLodi
- Inyo CountyLone Pine
- Los Angeles CountyLong Beach
- Santa Barbara CountyLos Alamos
- Los Angeles CountyLos AngelesWelcome to the bright lights and big-city allure of California’s largest metropolis. Here, A-list celebrities really do walk the sidewalks, triple-shot machiattos in one hand, cell phones in the other.
- Santa Barbara CountyLos Olivos
- Los Angeles CountyMalibu
- Mono CountyMammoth Lakes
- Los Angeles CountyManhattan Beach
- Los Angeles CountyMarina del Rey
- Marin CountyMarshall
- Yuba CountyMarysville
- Mendocino CountyMendocino
- Stanislaus CountyModesto
- Santa Barbara CountyMontecito
- Monterey CountyMonterey
- Santa Clara CountyMorgan Hill
- San Luis Obispo CountyMorro Bay
- Siskiyou CountyMount Shasta
- Siskiyou CountyMt. Shasta City
- Calaveras CountyMurphys
- Napa CountyNapa
- Nevada CountyNevada City
- Orange CountyNewport Beach
- Los Angeles CountyNorth Hollywood
- Placer CountyNorth Lake Tahoe
- Alameda CountyOakland
- San Diego CountyOceanside
- Ventura CountyOjai
- San Bernardino CountyOntario
- Orange CountyOrange
- Butte CountyOroville
- Ventura CountyOxnard
- Monterey CountyPacific Grove
- San Mateo CountyPacifica
- Riverside CountyPalm SpringsRelax by the pool, hike to a leafy palm oasis, soak in a soothing spa, or soar in a balloon above this chic desert hideaway
- Santa Clara CountyPalo Alto
- Los Angeles CountyPasadena
- San Luis Obispo CountyPaso Robles
- Monterey CountyPebble Beach
- Sonoma CountyPetaluma
- San Bernardino CountyPioneertown
- San Luis Obispo CountyPismo Beach
- El Dorado CountyPlacerville
- Contra Costa CountyPleasant Hill
- Amador CountyPlymouth
- Mendocino CountyPoint Arena
- Marin CountyPoint Reyes
- Sacramento CountyRancho Cordova
- Shasta CountyRedding
- Los Angeles CountyRedondo Beach
- San Mateo CountyRedwood City
- Riverside CountyRiverside
- Sacramento CountySacramentoSacramento is undergoing an energetic renaissance. Young professionals looking for an urban vibe are moving into this low-key city, with microbreweries, gastropubs, and trendy boutiques popping up on every corner.
- Monterey CountySalinas
- San Bernardino CountySan Bernardino
- Orange CountySan Clemente
- San Diego CountySan DiegoAs if all that sunshine weren’t enough, San Diego is a waterfront city with top-notch restaurants and beautiful ocean-sprayed vistas (often at the same time), neighborhoods that are steeped in history and culture, and beer that's perfectly hoppy to enjoy after a day of Southern California fun.
- San Francisco CountySan FranciscoIt may measure less than 50 square miles and have a population that doesn’t even crack a million, but San Francisco justly ranks as one of the greatest cities in the world. Famous for grand-dame Victorians, cable cars, a dynamic waterfront, and a soaring golden bridge, this city truly has it all. With trend-defining cuisine ranging from Michelin-starred dining to outrageous food trucks; world-renowned symphony, ballet, theater, and opera; plus almost boundless outdoor adventures, San Francisco justifiably stands out as one of the ultimate must-visit cities on any traveler’s wish list. The hardest part may be deciding where to go first. (Well, that and packing for the city’s famously unpredictable weather.) The Golden Gate Bridge is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks; you can walk or bike across the span to the Marin Headlands. Or stay on the San Francisco side and stroll over to the San Francisco Palace of Fine Arts, the Presidio, or Lands End, a rugged, windswept playground where you can watch for whales and check out the ruins of the Sutro Baths. Fisherman’s Wharf beckons with its seafaring vibe and amazing seafood restaurants; look out across the water and you’ll see another fascinating destination not to be missed, Alcatraz Island. The bustling plazas of Union Square and Ghirardelli Square offer shopping and more great dining options. The city’s patchwork of distinct neighborhoods—the Mission District, Chinatown, North Beach, Haight-Ashbury, Nob Hill, and so many more—offer endless diversions both day and night. Despite its famously steep hills, San Francisco is remarkably easy to get around. Clanging cable cars are beloved icons and a convenient way to travel between the waterfront and Union Square. Historic streetcars run along the Embarcadero with stops for Fisherman’s Wharf, the Ferry Building Marketplace, and Oracle Park, home of the Major League’s Giants baseball team. For an easy, affordable ride, look for one of hundreds of bikeshare stations and hop on a Bay Wheels bike (or ebike) and go. The underground BART metro system travels within and beyond San Francisco, with routes south to San Francisco International Airport and east to Berkeley, Oakland, Pleasanton, and other communities. And San Francisco’s local MUNI buses travel citywide. Insider tips: If you plan on visiting several of the attractions it can cover, consider getting a CityPASS; it allows prepaid admission to the California Academy of Sciences; a Blue & Gold Fleet Bay Cruise Adventure; a choice between the Aquarium of the Bay or the Walt Disney Family Museum; and a choice between The Exploratorium or San Francisco Zoo and Gardens. Another economical option is the San Francisco C3; with it, you can visit any three attractions, choosing from the above CityPASS options plus SFMOMA, Bay City Bike and Parkwide Bike Rentals, and the de Young Museum + Legion of Honor.
- Santa Clara CountySan JoseArrive by plane and San Jose’s unmistakable techy-ness starts right off the bat.
- San Luis Obispo CountySan Luis Obispo
- San Mateo CountySan Mateo
- Los Angeles CountySan Pedro
- San Luis Obispo CountySan Simeon
- Orange CountySanta Ana
- Santa Barbara CountySanta BarbaraBougainvillea twining across red-tiled rooftops, birdsong mingling with the ocean breeze, islands and whale spouts on the horizon—Santa Barbara’s charms tempt at every turn. Perfect getaways don’t get much more perfect. Take it from the movie stars who sneak away to Santa Barbara all the time—or just straight up move here. Oprah, Brad, Ellen, and other first-name’s-enough A-listers have estates here, many tucked away in the coastal enclave of Montecito. Why not? There’s that legendary Old World beauty that befits the city’s nickname, “The American Riviera.” Bougainvillea twining across red-tiled rooftops, birdsong mingling with the ocean breeze, islands and whale spouts on the horizon—Santa Barbara’s charms tempt at every turn. Perfect getaways don’t get much more perfect. Take it from the movie stars who sneak away to Santa Barbara all the time—or just straight up move here. Oprah, Brad, Ellen, and other first-name’s-enough A-listers have estates here, many tucked away in the coastal enclave of Montecito. Why not? There’s that legendary Old World beauty that befits the city’s nickname, “The American Riviera.” The charmingly small city, 90 miles north of Los Angeles, hugs both the beaches and Highway 101 (and also offers easy access by train): Don’t miss sandy stretches within easy reach—Gaviota State Park, about a half-hour’s drive up the coast, offers camping, and Rincon Beach Park, about 20 miles south of the city, boasts world-class surfing at Rincon Point. In between, from west to east, are such spots as Refugio State Beach; Campus Point Beach, a favorite of college students thanks to being part of the famously gorgeous campus of UC Santa Barbara; and the dog-friendly Hendry’s Beach (where the Boathouse Restaurant has great seaside dining). In Santa Barbara itself is East Beach, which is the perfect place to spend a lazy family afternoon, and just east of the city is Montecito’s Butterfly Beach, which sits across from the Four Seasons The Biltmore Santa Barbara. Lookout Park, another three miles down the road, has picnic areas and hiking trails, as well as cliff-top views of Channel Islands National Park. If you’re looking for beach activity rentals (kayaks, bikes, stand-up paddleboards), surfing lessons, or a cycling tour in Santa Barbara/Goleta/Montecito, local outfitters Cal Coastal Adventures are the go-to. Step across the 101 and the city is comprised of Spanish-style architecture (prime example: the Old Mission Santa Barbara) and rolling hills that stretch east into the Santa Ynez Mountains and wine country, while to the west you’ll find the under-the-radar, quiet appeal of Goleta. But Santa Barbara has a new energy, too—the Funk Zone neighborhood boasts hip restaurants and bars, and the MOXI (Museum of Exploration + Innovation) dazzles with its reimagination what a museum can be—kids especially love the interactivity. Main thoroughfare State Street and leafy streets alike are lined with designer boutiques, a buzz-worthy restaurants and wine tasting rooms. For seafood, a visit to Santa Barbara’s most visited landmark, Stearns Wharf, is in order; if you’re looking for the makings of the perfect Central Coast picnic, the city’s farmers' markets and the Santa Barbara Public Market offer endless ingredients and locally-produced treats. Add to it all a waterfront teeming with sailboats, kayaks, and stand-up paddle-boarders.
- Santa Clara CountySanta Clara
- Los Angeles CountySanta Clarita
- Santa Cruz CountySanta CruzThe ultra-mellow beach town of Santa Cruz along Highway One has a decided split personality, and both sides are cool. First, there’s family fun at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, a yesteryear-style esplanade lined with arcade games, corn dogs, a wooden roller coaster, and a historic carousel. Then there’s downtown Santa Cruz, where college students browse for vintage and boho chic, and down-to-earth restaurants focus on healthful meals made of organic, local ingredients. If you love nature, Santa Cruz makes an excellent launching pad. Board a boat tour from the wharf for whale-watching—grays, blues, or humpbacks, depending on the time of year—or take a winding drive in the Santa Cruz Mountains to see the ancient trees at Big Basin Redwoods State Park. And there’s another nature-inspired gem tucked in these hills: a generous selection of wineries, most specializing in Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon. But at its heart, Santa Cruz is a surf town, dating back to 1885 when three visiting Hawaiian princes rode the local waves on redwood planks, and where today’s top surfers seek out quintessential California breaks at Steamer Lane and Pleasure Point. Need more proof? The late legendary surfer Jack O’Neill, wetsuit pioneer and elder statesman of everything surf-related, made Santa Cruz his home. The O’Neill Coldwater Classic and other international surfing contests take place here every year. The century-old Santa Cruz Wharf is the longest wooden structure of its kind on the West Coast—a staggering 2,701 feet/823 meters long. Walk to the end to get a bird’s-eye view of Steamer Lane surfers to the north, or come at dusk to watch the lights glow on the colorfully lit Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Along the waterfront, you can rent kayaks, standup paddleboards, or motorboats. Stroll past the fresh fish restaurants and souvenir shops and strike up a conversation with fishermen angling for perch, rockfish, and lingcod. Better yet, join ’em. You don’t need a license to fish from the pier, and local tackle shops can get you outfitted.
- Santa Barbara CountySanta Maria
- Los Angeles CountySanta MonicaWith nearly four miles of beaches and a vibrant urban scene, Santa Monica blends the sophistication of an international coastal city with the laidback vibe of a California beach town. Even though it’s only 15 miles/24 km west of downtown Los Angeles, it feels like a weekend getaway spot. Celebrated for its dining, Santa Monica is home to restaurants helmed by such renowned chefs as Wolfgang Puck (Chinois on Main), Josiah Citrin (Citrin and Mélisse), as well as a pair of spots recently awarded coveted Michelin stars (Rustic Canyon and Dialogue). Many local chefs buy their produce at the bounteous Wednesday and Saturday morning downtown Farmers Market, which ranks with the country’s very best. Shopping hotspots range from open-air Santa Monica Place to the showcases for major brands that line downtown’s Third Street Promenade, an area made all the more lively by street performers. The stylish boutiques on Montana Avenue are perfect for finding the perfect so-L.A. item to take home, and keep your eyes peeled: This is a great place to spot local celebs. On Main Street shop for unique home goods at Lost and Found. A cultural hub for Southern California, Santa Monica boasts numerous art galleries all around the city, with the biggest concentration at Bergamot Station, a former railroad station and industrial site where you’ll find leading 20 galleries. For performing arts, the intimate Broad Stage presents notable jazz, classical, and world music performers in concert, and also stages acclaimed theatrical productions. Fabled Route 66 once traveled along a stretch of Santa Monica Boulevard and reached the terminus of its 2,448-mile/3,940 km run from Chicago near the beach in Santa Monica. A sign commemorates the “end of the trail” on Santa Monica Pier, where you can marvel at amazing coastal views from atop the world’s only solar-powered Ferris wheel at Pacific Park amusement park. Rent a bike and cruise down the Marvin Braude Bike Trail, a.k.a. “The Strand,” which travels for 22 miles/35 km along the coastline between Pacific Palisades and Torrance. And with Santa Monica’s extensive network of bike lanes, as well as outstanding public transportation on its Big Blue Bus system and an easy connection to downtown Los Angeles via the Metro E Line, this environmentally conscious community is one of Southern California’s top car-free destinations.
- Sonoma CountySanta RosaWith nearly 180,000 residents, this is Sonoma County’s largest commerce hub, but even so, Santa Rosa still feels pretty cozy. Its small-town heart prides itself on a rich agricultural heritage, burgeoning arts and brewpub scene, and two famous native—a horticulturalist and a cartoonist. Experience the city’s casual-warm vibe at the welcoming Railroad Square Historic District. Once the home of bootleggers and ladies of ill repute, the square now hosts 40-plus shops and eateries clustered around the restored 1903 Northwestern Pacific Railroad train depot. Every day the SMART train heads south to Marin County, but there are plenty of reasons to stay right here. Wander the square and admire Santa Rosa’s early 20th-century brick buildings. Order a demitasse of Espresso No. 9 at Flying Goat Coffee. Pop in for breakfast at Omelette Express. Browse through vintage dresses, hats, and period costumes at Hot Couture, or marvel at delicate china teacups perfect for pinky-lifting at Whistlestop Antiques. Have dinner or spend the night at the stately Hotel La Rose, built by Italian stonemasons in 1907. Santa Rosa’s under-the-radar SOFA arts district (South A Street) is a fashionable home for creative types. The Santa Rosa Arts Center and neighboring art studios sponsor events, classes, and concerts. Entrepreneur and chef Liza Hinman has transformed an aging building into the ultra-hip, mid-century-modern Astro Motel, a sister endeavor to her Spinster Sisters restaurant, where nightly specials include eggplant croquettes, roasted bone marrow, and Moroccan-style carrots. A few footsteps away, the Luther Burbank Home and Gardens honors the self-taught horticulturist Burbank, who took advantage of Sonoma County’s rich soil to develop the Shasta daisy and Santa Rosa plum. Take a home or garden tour and visit the Carriage House Museum at this registered National and State Historic Landmark. All around town, you’ll notice larger-than-life statues of Snoopy, often accompanied by Charlie Brown, Woodstock, and Lucy. Cartoonist Charles Schulz lived and worked in Santa Rosa from 1969 until his death in 2000, claiming Sonoma County as an inspiration for his iconic Peanuts comic strip. At the Charles M. Schulz Museum, visit a re-creation of the artist’s studio to see his sketches, then head next door to Snoopy’s Home ice rink for year-round skating. Santa Rosa’s brewpub culture thrives at Plow Brewing Company, Third Street Aleworks, and Russian River Brewing Company, where innovative brewing methods are creating some of California’s most coveted beers, like the triple IPA Pliny the Younger. And you can’t forget you’re in wine country—tasting rooms are located right in the city’s heart. Santa Rosa Vintners Square makes sipping-and-sampling neighbors out of D’Argenzio Winery, Topping Legnon Winery, and Fogbelt Brewing Company—all dotted around a lovely terrazzo-like outdoor setting.
- Santa Barbara CountySanta Ynez
- Marin CountySausalito
- Sonoma CountySebastopol
- Santa Clara CountySilicon ValleyWelcome to California’s tech-centric brain pool. Stretching roughly from the city of Belmont down to San Jose around the south end of San Francisco Bay, Silicon Valley is home to some of the largest technology corporations in the world. The area is marked by sprawling campuses, including that of Stanford University and Fortune 500 companies like Google, Apple, and Facebook. Hike or bike a trail and overhear the next big idea. Visit a museum that blinks and buzzes with what-if innovations. And enjoy the riches of a booming economy, with performance spaces, high-end shopping, and multi-starred restaurants. See where the magic happens by exploring Silicon Valley’s tech hubs. At the Googleplex in Mountain View, you can witness “Googlers” talking, texting, and riding the signature yellow bikes. Only an official badge can get you into the gourmet-food-for-free cafeterias—but anyone can visit the Android sculpture garden with pieces commemorating the release of different operating systems. Just south in Cupertino, pick up logo t-shirts, caps, and mugs at the Apple Park Visitor Center. North in Menlo Park, you’ll find the Facebook campus’s iconic “like” sign in baby blue—a popular selfie backdrop. Don’t miss the modest building in Palo Alto where it all began: the garage at 367 Addison Avenue where, in 1939, Bill Hewlett and Dave Packard forged a partnership that would become HP.
- Santa Barbara CountySolvang
- Sonoma CountySonoma
- Tuolumne CountySonora
- El Dorado CountySouth Lake Tahoe
- Napa CountySt. Helena
- San Joaquin CountyStockton
- Lassen CountySusanville
- Amador CountySutter Creek
- Placer CountyTahoe City
- Riverside CountyTemecula
- Ventura CountyThousand Oaks
- Los Angeles CountyTorrance
- Trinidad
- Nevada CountyTruckeeThis charming mountain town is the central hub for North Shore destinations
- Solano CountyVacaville
- Los Angeles CountyVenice BeachEdgy, artsy, stylish, and a little bit odd—welcome to L.A.’s out-there beach town
- Ventura CountyVentura
- Tulare CountyVisalia
- Los Angeles CountyWest HollywoodWest Hollywood has been dubbed “The Creative City,” and for good reason. Bordering Beverly Hills and Los Angeles, WeHo is located in the heart of Los Angeles. It’s easily accessible from anywhere in the city, and the area has plenty to see and do packed into 1.9 square miles. In the West Hollywood Design District, fashion and the arts rule. This trendsetting area includes intimate galleries and the massive Pacific Design Center, a decorator’s dream, located on Melrose Avenue. More interior design showrooms line Beverly Boulevard, while the highest of high-end boutiques can be found on the ever-stylish Robertson Boulevard. Keep your eyes out for spendy celebrities dipping in and out of shops and head to the fabled Sunset Strip to experience the allure of gritty music venues like The Viper Room or The Roxy, where such legends as Neil Young and Bruce Springsteen have recorded live albums. If you like to stay where the action is, The Strip is also home to some of the most glamorous hotels in the city—Pendry West Hollywood, with its sumptuous rooftop pool, spa, and two Wolfgang Puck restaurants, takes up an entire block, and boutique hotel The Mondrian Los Angeles is right across the street. Santa Monica Boulevard, the center of WeHo’s LGBTQ community, is packed with bars, clubs, and award-winning restaurants. Dance your heart out at Revolver Video Bar, get a fancy cocktail at The Abbey, or enjoy hipster comfort food in Laurel Hardware. But West Hollywood isn’t all about flash. Tucked away on a quiet side street, there’s an icon of modern architecture: the Schindler House at the MAK Center for Art and Architecture. Tour the stylish structure, which was completed in 1922 and is an early example of California’s indoor-outdoor style of architecture. Another low-key but worthwhile WeHo find is the beloved Book Soup bookstore, with readings and signings by top writers from around the world.
- Yolo CountyWinters
- Yolo CountyWoodland
- Napa CountyYountvilleThe upscale burg of Yountville shimmers with an impressive number of Michelin-noted restaurants, thanks to perennial three-star The French Laundry, the one-star Bouchonbistro, and the Bib Gourmand–rated Redd Wood. While celebrity chef Thomas Keller put the town on the culinary map when he took over The French Laundry in 1994, it has since developed into a world-class destination of dining, shopping, lodging, spas, and wine tasting—sometimes all rolled into one. Consider the ultra-swanky, LEED Platinum–certified Bardessono resort, with its high-end farm-to-table Lucy Restaurant & Bar, a spa, and a lounge showcasing food and cocktails fed by on-site gardens. The resort is also walking distance to notable tasting rooms like Ma(i)sonry Napa Valley, housed in a historic stone building and featuring an art gallery where you can sample wines from more than 20 vintner partners. Indeed, the whole community of Yountville is walkable, with easy access to such covetable items as high-end chapeaux at Montecristi Panama Hats, wine bottles recycled into chic jewelry at Yount Street Glass, and home and culinary niceties from the Domain Home & Garden shop, across from chef Michael Chiarello’s award-winning Bottegarestaurant. For a sign of how this tiny enclave of less than 3,000 souls has evolved into a true lifestyle destination, just look at luxury Silver Trident Winery. The Tuscan-style stone building sits in the heart of downtown and features an elegantly appointed living room, dining room, and library with decor (all for sale) from Ralph Lauren Home. Then, there’s the glittery JCB Tasting Salon from global vintner Jean-Charles Boisset, resplendent with jewels and Baccarat crystal as well as wine. Insider tip: Those on a tighter budget can experience Keller’s culinary genius by making a reservation at Ad Hoc, his more casual restaurant on Washington Street, or by ordering a boxed lunch from his to-go service Addendum, at the same address.
- Sutter CountyYuba City
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- Los Angeles CountyAgoura Hills
- Orange CountyAnaheimAs the home of Disneyland Resort, the city of Anaheim is a crowd-pleasing destination for visitors from around the globe. The appeal of this Orange County hub extends well beyond its theme parks, however, thanks to magnets such as Angel Stadium and the headliner acts at the Honda Center. Anaheim boasts a reinvigorated downtown and vibrant nightlife, too, making this a vacation haven for everyone from families to foodies. During the 19th and early 20th centuries, Anaheim (named after the neighboring Santa Ana River) was a quiet farming community, dotted mostly with citrus orchards. Then, in 1955, Walt Disney built a theme park here, and the area was transformed. Today, Anaheim’s nerve center radiates from the two theme parks, three hotels, and the Downtown Disney District at Disneyland Resort, as well as the nearby Anaheim Convention Center. Here, along Katella Avenue and Harbor Boulevard, you’ll find most of Anaheim’s hotels, many of which are Disney-designated Good Neighbor Hotels, where you can typically walk or ride a quick shuttle to the parks. While all are family-friendly, a few are luxurious, too, including three AAA Four Diamond hotels: The elegant Radisson Blu Anaheim has a rooftop pool and kid-friendly bunks, while The Westin Anaheim Resort and the JW Marriott, Anaheim Resort both have rooftop lounges with excellent views of Disneyland’s nightly fireworks. The JW Marriott also sits next door to the shops, restaurants, and public art of the Anaheim GardenWalk. There’s plenty to discover beyond the borders of the Happiest Place on Earth, too. Head northeast to Downtown Anaheim to taste your way through the Anaheim Packing District. The center of the region’s once-booming citrus industry, the warehouse buildings have been reborn as a culinary hotbed. Hang out in the multistory Anaheim Packing House food hall, where temptations range from fried chicken to homemade ice cream and a speakeasy-style bar, The Blind Rabbit. Nearby is the historic Center Street Promenade, where you’ll find handmade crafts, chef-driven eateries, and innovative vendors, such as the irresistible House of Chimney Cakes. Or, sip your way through Anaheim’s well-established beer scene. Near Angel Stadium, sample brews at Golden Road Brewery, Brewheim, or Noble Ale Works. Downtown, the La Palma Beer Trail offers more local suds, such as the Belgian-style brews of The Bruery Terreux Tasting Room or the IPAs at Brewery X (including a Quack IPA, named after the NHL’s Anaheim Ducks). West Anaheim, meanwhile, offers a glimpse of the city’s global community. Its Little Arabia and nearby Little Saigon districts showcase the cuisines of the Middle East and Southeast Asia, often at very affordable prices. Try the chicken and beef shawarma plates at Zankou Chicken or browse the spices and produce at Altayebat Market, which feels like a souk transplanted to the middle of Orange County.
- El Dorado CountyApple Hill
- San Luis Obispo CountyAtascadero
- Placer CountyAuburn
- San Luis Obispo CountyAvila Beach
- Kern CountyBakersfield
- Madera CountyBass Lake
- Solano CountyBenicia
- Alameda CountyBerkeley
- Los Angeles CountyBeverly Hills
- San Bernardino CountyBig Bear Lake
- Monterey CountyBig Sur
- Inyo CountyBishop
- Sonoma CountyBodega Bay
- San Diego CountyBorrego Springs
- Santa Barbara CountyBuellton
- Orange CountyBuena Park
- Los Angeles CountyBurbank
- San Mateo CountyBurlingame
- Napa CountyCalistoga
- Ventura CountyCamarillo
- San Luis Obispo CountyCambria
- Santa Cruz CountyCapitola
- San Diego CountyCarlsbadThis family-friendly coastal town has feel-good appeal
- Monterey CountyCarmel-by-the-Sea
- Los Angeles CountyCatalina Island
- San Luis Obispo CountyCayucos
- Butte CountyChicoThis college town, historic community, and craft beer pioneer is Butte County’s largest city
- San Diego CountyChula Vista
- Los Angeles CountyClaremont
- Yolo CountyClarksburg
- Fresno CountyClovis
- Placer CountyColfax
- Contra Costa CountyConcord
- San Diego CountyCoronado
- Orange CountyCosta Mesa
- Del Norte CountyCrescent City
- Orange CountyDana Point
- Yolo CountyDavis
- San Diego CountyDel Mar
- Siskiyou CountyDunsmuir
- Sacramento CountyElk Grove
- San Diego CountyEncinitas
- San Diego CountyEscondido
- Eureka
- Solano CountyFairfield
- Ferndale
- Sacramento CountyFolsom
- Mendocino CountyFort Bragg