There are many incredible places to visit in California during winter, whether you want a warm beachy getaway or a snowy winter retreat in the mountains.

Santa Barbara is one of those places that is great all year round! Summer is the most popular time to visit, but Santa Barbara in winter might just be my favorite.

After a lifetime of living in and exploring this gorgeous state, I’ve broken down the differences between Northern California and Southern California to help you choose which region to visit!

The best beaches in Santa Barbara range from long stretches of sandy coastline to secluded beaches with a backdrop of tall cliffs.

Santa Barbara restaurants are a treat for the tastebuds! There is an abundance of local restaurants, many of which serve local, farm-to-table dishes and drinks.

An ideal Santa Barbara day trip includes visiting some of the main attractions, eating at some of the best restaurants, and ending the day with an ocean sunset!

Palm Springs in summer is HOT. Despite the intense heat, Palm Springs in summer is a unique trip I recommend experiencing at least once!

Capitola is a tiny, adorable seaside town with a town center, gorgeous beach, and incredible restaurants. Despite its small size, there are still many things to do in Capitola!

Whether you’re looking for something outdoorsy and adventurous, relaxing and luxurious, or something in between, there’s truly an almost endless list of things to do in Santa Barbara.

California’s long coastline makes for an excellent San Francisco to San Diego road trip with ocean views, charming beach towns, and some of the most famous cities in the world.

Find the best things to do on a day trip to Carmel-by-the-Sea. It's one of the cutest coastal towns in California with fairy-tale houses, incredible coastal views, and a quaint, Dutch-style town center.

If you’re looking for the best things to do in Pacific Grove on your weekend getaway, look no further! Discover top hotels, things to do, and the best restaurants in this weekend guide to Pacific Grove.

If you’re having a difficult time picking hotels in Santa Barbara or which areas to stay in Santa Barbara, this guide will help you find the perfect place for your trip!

The best places to stay in Mendocino are the three Inns of Mendocino run by Four Sisters Inns. They’re a collection of boutique, sophisticated bed and breakfasts in downtown Mendocino.

Joshua Tree National Park is just about a one-hour drive from Palm Springs, which makes for an ideal day trip. This one-day itinerary from Palm Springs to Joshua Tree contains things to do in Joshua Tree, places to eat, and activities around Joshua Tree.

If you’re looking for new places to travel to in 2024, this list is for you!

Even if you do not ski or snowboard, there is so much to do and see in Mammoth Lakes! From hot springs to geologic wonders to mirror lakes, Mammoth can sometimes feel like being on another planet.

Find unique things to do in California that you may not have heard of before! From a garden estate to animatronic dinosaurs to a butterfly preserve, there is no shortage of unique California activities on this list.

For the perfect holiday activity in the Bay Area, take a walk through Filoli Historic House and Garden. Admire the Christmas lights, get a mulled wine at the Holiday Bar, tour the mansion all decked out for the holidays, and grab a bite to eat the the Quail Café.

This is a full three-day weekend getaway itinerary of the best things to see, eat, and do in Santa Barbara! You can also use this as a guide for one day in Santa Barbara if you are just visiting for a day trip.