A leading medical research facility in La Jolla, California, the Salk Institute might be known as much for its unique architecture as for its scientific breakthroughs. Named for Dr. Jonas Salk, the inventor of the polio vaccine, this collection of buildings was designed to have a monumental feel and was inspired by monasteries. Made primarily of concrete, teak, and marble, the campus features a powerful symmetrical layout.
Southern California’s Colorado Desert, part of the larger Sonoran Desert, stretches from Mexico north to the Mojave Desert, covering 7 million acres (28,000 square kilometers of terrain. Hikers, rock climbers, and campers are particularly drawn to the region for the numerous hiking trails and desert scenery to be explored.
Beer lovers rejoice at this beloved San Francisco bar. Pouring from a selection of at least 40 brews on draft and more than 70 different bottled beers at any given time, Toronado Pub is a must-try. The tap list is updated almost daily, keeping even the most discerning beer drinkers coming back for hard-to-find brews.
In a city known for its Victorian architecture, the Haas-Lilienthal House is one of San Francisco’s crown jewels. The only intact private Victorian house open to visitors as a museum, the Queen Anne–style home was built in 1886 and features the period furniture and artifacts of an upper-middle-class Victorian-era life. It is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.
Artists Drive is one of Death Valley National Park’s most popular scenic drives, and you won’t be surprised once you’ve experienced the route for yourself. With 9 miles (14.5 kilometers) of paved road winding around colorful eroded hills formed by volcanic deposits, there’s impressive scenery at every turn—including Artists Palette, an appropriately named collection of striking rock formations.
The ever-bustling Port of San Francisco welcomes 400,000 visitors each year and more than 100 cruise ships. Divided between Port 35 and Port 27 (the latter is also known as the James R. Herman Terminal and was opened in 2014), the port is located at the northeastern edge of the city, within view of the Bay Bridge.
While off the beaten path in Los Angeles, the Nethercutt Museum is likely to be already known by car fanatics. Its outrageous car collection includes relics that you're unlikely to see anywhere else. From antiques like the Ford Model T and 1955 Austin-Healey 100M, plus antique instruments, watches, and more, this museum is a true hidden gem.
Goleta is a small town on the California coast just west of Santa Barbara known as a high-end beach destination and the site of monarch butterfly migrations. With a mild, warm climate, the town is popular with visitors looking for beaches, swimming, and other water sports and activities. Nearby, the Santa Ynez Mountains make for a picturesque backdrop.
For a coastal escape head to Jenner in northern California. Roughly 20 miles (32 kilometers southwest of Sonoma County, this tiny seaside town is situated along the Pacific Ocean at the mouth of the Russian River. It boasts uncrowded beaches and miles of trails in a serene setting. If you are looking to sit back, unplug, and recharge then Jenner is the place for you.
One of the most critically celebrated wineries in the Santa Lucia Highlands American Viticultural Area, Wrath Wines is a popular stop for oenophiles. The winery, established in 1975, makes the most of its region’s distinct terroir, and produces site-driven Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Syrah, and Sauvignon Blanc, sold in three different series.
The James R. Herman Cruise Terminal at Pier 27 is one of the Port of San Francisco's many properties, and this modern station is a welcoming portal to the city with numerous activities nearby. Walk to Fisherman's Wharf for coffee and shopping, catch a baseball game at Oracle Park, or hike to Coit Tower for great views.
One of three main airports in the San Francisco Bay Area (the others being San Francisco International Airport and San Jose International Airport), Oakland International Airport (OAK) welcomes visitors on most major airlines in the US, as well as a few international airlines.
Find out what makes San Diego such a great destination for craft beer lovers at the Ballast Point brewery. Here you can see where the beer is made, grab a bite, and of course, try a variety of different brews.
On display at San Diego’s Museum of Photographic Arts are a collection of over 7,000 images from 850 artists and an exploration of the art of photography in all its forms. The pieces inside this small yet well-designed museum inside Balboa Park run the gamut of photography’s history, from early daguerreotypes to photojournalism and avant-garde photo art.
One of Death Valley’s most distinct features, the Ubehebe Crater resulted not from a meteor but from volcanic activity. Part of the otherworldly Ubehebe Craters volcanic field, the crater is roughly 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers) wide and 600 feet (183 meters) deep. Several moderate hiking routes are available for those looking to explore.
Indulge in a wine tasting and choose from a variety of tours at this family-owned winery in Rutherford. Located along the Silverado Trail, ZD Wines specializes in chardonnay, pinot noir, and cabernet sauvignon and is a certified organic winery.
Whether you’re a casual drinker, home brewer, or suds aficionado, take a tour at Anchor Brewing Company for a fun blend of history, science, and passion for beer. Most tours include a historical overview of the brewery, a look at the production process—including a glimpse at the impressive copper brewhouse—and a generous tasting of any, and all, of Anchor’s 12 brews on draft.
Part of Los Angeles’ Exposition Park, the California African American Museum (CAAM) spotlights African American art, history, and culture. It celebrates true stories and experiences of Black people from the US West Coast. With three exhibition galleries, a research library, and regular talks and workshops, the museum welcomes everyone who wants to learn about and appreciate the legacy of African Americans.
One of the few institutions in the US dedicated to the art and culture of Asia and the Pacific Islands, the USC Pacific Asia Museum holds thousands of art objects spanning more than 5,000 years of history. The museum building resembling a Chinese imperial palace is almost as noteworthy as the collections, which range from Japanese paintings from the Edo Period to South Pacific bark cloths and Buddhist art from throughout Asia.
Nestled in the rolling hills of Paso Robles is DAOU Vineyards—a true haven for wine enthusiasts. With a passion for Bordeaux varieties, this California winery offers tasting sessions inside its elegant tasting room, and boasts endless valley views across its 100-acre (40.5-hectare) estate grounds.
Thriving for more than 70 years in Fresno, this art museum houses a variety of modern and contemporary pieces, and honors the diverse cultures that have shaped the San Joaquin Valley. Alongside the permanent collection of over 3,600 works, the museum hosts temporary exhibitions, lectures, and films.
Home to historical exhibits about the city of San Francisco and the rest of the Golden State, the California Historical Society dates back to 1871 and is headquartered in the former home of the San Francisco Builders Exchange—a historic building painted orange as a nod to the Golden Gate Bridge during its 75th anniversary in 2012.
In recent decades San Diego has become closely associated with an excellent craft beer scene, and you can learn just why it has become so popular at the Green Flash Brewing Company.
There's no need to travel to New York to experience fantastic theater—the San Francisco Playhouse hosts several mainstage productions yearly, in the heart of San Francisco's theater district. The intimate space seats fewer than 200 guests, so it's the perfect place to take in a show. Buy tickets in advance to get great seats.
Building on the idea that collaboration and creativity are the basis of fun and learning, the Children’s Creativity Museum offers a range of engaging activities for kids. Visitors to the museum will find a multimedia experience focused around art and technology to support the inventive side of youngsters.
Nestled in the heart of Sonoma County and best known for its Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley offers more than a century of grape-growing history and is one of the first California growing regions recognized as an official American Viticultural Area (AVA. With more than 9,000 acres of vines and 70+ wineries to choose from, the Dry Creek Valley is an oenophile's paradise.
An ideal place for family outings, the Fresno Discovery Center offers outdoor exhibits with play structures, gardens, and even animals, as well as an indoor science center. All of the exhibits have thoughtful, hands-on components, for an experience that encourages wonder and excitement when it comes to learning.
Located in the heart of Monterey, Custom House Plaza is rich in history. It is named after the Spanish Colonial–style adobe Custom House, California’s oldest government building. The plaza is part of the Monterey Old Town Historic District, which is itself a part of Monterey State Historic Park and includes several other adobe structures.
Discover the diverse Pacific ecosystem and engage with marine animals at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center. Located on the historic Stearns Wharf, the family-friendly educational space features interactive exhibits, a theater, and life-size replicas of gray whales.
Get a taste of the San Diego beer scene at Karl Strauss Brewing Company. The longest operating brewery in town, it’s often credited with helping to kick off the city’s craft beer movement.
