California

Hidden in plain sight on a busy stretch of Fountain Valley, The Reptile Zoo is not your average reptile exhibit. This hands-on haven is home to over 600 exotic critters—from towering tortoises and clever chameleons to snapping alligators and camera-ready snakes—and it’s all packed into one lively, interactive indoor space.

They say dinosaurs are extinct—but in the desert sands of Southern California, they’re just getting warmed up. If you’ve ever dreamed of standing in the shadow of a 150-foot-long brontosaurus or climbing inside a giant T. rex head, then buckle up for a prehistoric adventure unlike anything else on I-10.

If you think gravity is a law that can’t be broken, Confusion Hill is ready to challenge everything you thought you knew about physics, perception—and possibly your sense of humor. Nestled beneath the towering redwoods of Northern California’s scenic Highway 101, this quirky roadside gem has been delighting curious travelers since 1949 with optical illusions, slanted rooms, and tales of mysterious forces.

Just off California State Route 74, nestled in the quiet warmth of Sun City, you'll find a place where the engines never truly stop humming and the past feels just a clutch shift away. The Motte Historical Museum isn’t your typical roadside pit stop — it’s a beautifully restored barn turned classic car haven and local history archive. Whether you're a gearhead, a nostalgia buff, or just someone who loves a good story, this museum has something for everyone.

Tucked along El Camino Real in Sunnyvale, there’s a place where dragons guard mini golf holes, castles glow neon after dark, and kids of all ages can live out their arcade dreams. If you’re looking for an afternoon that feels like a slice of childhood wrapped in flashing lights and bumper boats, Golfland USA is calling your name.

Tucked beneath the snowy peak of Mount Shasta, there’s a place where you can paddleboard at sunrise, roast marshmallows by sunset, and sleep under the stars—all in one day. Lake Siskiyou Camp - Resort is more than your average campground. It’s a choose-your-own-adventure playground that mixes classic camping charm with unexpected perks (hello, floating obstacle course!).

If you’ve ever daydreamed about gliding down powdery slopes with bluebird skies overhead or sipping a crisp IPA while gazing at snow-draped peaks, Palisades Tahoe is calling your name. Tucked into the Sierra Nevada just north of Lake Tahoe, this all-seasons resort dishes out old-school Olympic charm, epic outdoor adventures, and more fresh-air fun than your lungs can handle.

Perched above the sapphire waters of Lake Tahoe, Heavenly Mountain Resort isn’t just a ski hill — it’s a full-blown alpine adventure that lives up to its celestial name. Whether you're carving powder in winter or chasing sunsets in flip-flops come summer, this South Lake Tahoe gem has something that makes every visit feel like a high-altitude dream.

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.