California

If you think you’ve seen everything Golden Gate Park has to offer, think again. Nestled within its leafy sprawl lies a global garden escape you’d never expect in the middle of a major city. The San Francisco Botanical Garden isn’t just pretty—it’s a full-blown sensory safari that takes you from the cloud forests of Central America to the towering redwoods of California, all in an afternoon.

If you’ve ever wanted to sip world-class sparkling wine while soaking in sun-drenched vineyard views, Mumm Napa is calling your name—preferably with a chilled flute in hand. Tucked along the Silverado Trail in the heart of Napa Valley, this bubbly haven serves up crisp pours with a side of California dreamscape. It’s polished but relaxed, refined but friendly—the kind of place where you’ll find both wine newbies and seasoned sippers leaning into the moment.

What if your next road trip had crashing waves on one side, championship fairways on the other, and picture-perfect overlooks around every turn? Welcome to 17-Mile Drive, one of California’s most legendary coastal routes—and hands down one of the most dazzling scenic drives in the country.

There’s a certain hush that falls the moment you step beneath the towering redwoods of Muir Woods—like nature itself just asked everyone to lower their voices. Located just a short drive north of San Francisco, this majestic grove is more than just a forest—it’s a living cathedral of ancient giants, draped in moss, mist, and mystery.

Tucked between the Pacific Ocean and the northern edge of San Diego, there’s a place where prehistoric trees cling to wind-whipped cliffs, hiking trails wind through golden sandstone, and the air carries the crisp scent of salt and sage. It’s wild, it’s rugged, and it just might be the most stunning stretch of coastline in Southern California you’ve never fully explored.

Think you know the desert? Think again. Indian Canyons in Palm Springs will make you second-guess every dusty stereotype you’ve ever heard. Picture emerald fan palms swaying over crystal-clear streams, slot canyons carved by centuries of water, and rocky cliffs glowing golden at sunset. It’s the kind of place where the line between a hike and a spiritual experience gets blissfully blurry.

San Diego Zoo Safari Park might just be California’s wildest day trip—and we mean that literally. Tucked into the rolling hills of Escondido, this 1,800-acre wildlife wonderland offers something rare in the U.S.: the chance to feel like you’ve stepped onto the Serengeti without ever leaving SoCal.

Step inside Grand Central Market, and you’ll feel like you've been dropped into a sizzling stew of global flavors, local color, and downtown L.A. history. This vibrant indoor market has been fueling Los Angeles since 1917—and today, it’s still a magnetic mix of old-school charm and modern foodie flair.

Looking for a place where art, gardens, music, and sunshine collide in the most joyful way possible? Welcome to Balboa Park, San Diego’s 1,200-acre wonderland that feels more like a European escape than a city park. Whether you're craving a breezy afternoon of strolling among roses or an entire day museum-hopping, this one-of-a-kind destination delivers on all fronts—with palm trees, peacocks, and playfulness in tow.

Ever wondered what it feels like to drive down a street that looks like it was designed by a roller coaster engineer on a garden tour? Tucked into the heart of San Francisco’s Russian Hill neighborhood is a stretch of road so delightfully twisted, it’s become one of the most photographed streets in the world. Welcome to Lombard Street, where bricks, blooms, and bends turn a simple city block into a must-see spectacle.