San Jose CA

Nestled just outside the vineyards and wine trails of Temecula, there’s a place that smells like warm fudge, sounds like baby goats bleating, and feels like stepping into a holiday card come to life. Sugarplum Farm, a family-run gem, blends the magic of a petting zoo, the indulgence of a fine chocolate shop, and the charm of a whimsical country escape—all on one delightfully quirky property.

If you’ve ever wondered what it might feel like to time-travel through several decades without leaving the building, Granny’s Attic Antique Mall in Temecula, California might be your kind of magic. Tucked just a short drive from Temecula’s famous vineyards, this charmingly named spot is far more than your average antique store—it’s a 30,000-square-foot labyrinth of nostalgia, oddities, and rare finds just waiting to be discovered.

If you’ve ever dreamed of standing atop a snow-dusted peak, gazing out at shimmering blue waters below, Heavenly Mountain Resort makes that fantasy real—and then some. Perched high above South Lake Tahoe, this all-season wonderland combines jaw-dropping alpine views with big thrills, cozy après-ski vibes, and family-friendly fun.

If you’ve ever dreamed of striking it rich—not with gold, but with glittering quartz treasures—you’re going to want to pack up your rock hammer and head to Crystal Mine near Loyalton, California. Nestled deep in the Sierra County forest, this off-the-beaten-path destination isn’t your average roadside attraction. It’s part natural wonder, part dig-your-own adventure, and entirely unforgettable.

Tucked into a quiet corner of Santa Rosa, California, lies a delightfully nostalgic treasure that will tug at your heartstrings and tickle your funny bone. The Charles M. Schulz Museum is more than just a gallery—it’s a vibrant, charming journey through the world of Peanuts, crafted with love, detail, and plenty of “Good Grief!” moments.

Tucked deep within Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park near the foggy shores of Orick, California, lies a place that feels straight out of a fantasy novel—or maybe a Spielberg blockbuster. Fern Canyon is a lush, narrow gorge where ancient walls drip with vibrant green ferns and a babbling stream winds between them like nature’s red carpet. One minute you're walking through a redwood forest, and the next, you're stepping into a scene that’s almost otherworldly.

Hidden among Napa Valley’s rolling vineyards and sun-drenched hills, there’s a sight you absolutely don’t expect—an authentic, stone-by-stone medieval castle complete with towers, a drawbridge, and even a dungeon. No, you haven’t stumbled into Tuscany—it’s Castello di Amorosa, a real-deal Italian-style fortress that’s serving up world-class wine with a whole lot of storybook charm.

Tucked into the rocky hills of Riverside, California, there’s a place where prehistoric giants roam, sparkly geodes hide beneath your feet, and kids (and let’s be honest—grownups too) are encouraged to dig, touch, and explore. Welcome to Jurupa Mountains Discovery Center—a nature-science wonderland that feels part museum, part hiking trail, and part backyard fossil expedition.

Tucked along a rugged stretch of Northern California’s coast, there’s a place where wild Pacific breezes mingle with the scent of rhododendrons, and seabirds call out above crashing waves. If you're looking for that sweet spot where nature meets artistry, Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens is your dream stop—part garden oasis, part coastal wonderland.

Picture this: you’re cruising across the sparkling blue waters of Lake Tahoe, cold drink in hand, palm fronds fluttering above you, and the Sierra Nevadas framing the horizon. No, you're not dreaming—you’re aboard the Lake Tahoe Tiki Boat, a floating slice of tropical heaven docked in South Lake Tahoe, California.