Several years ago I wrote a guidebook called Best Places to the Northern California Coast. I started at the Oregon Border and took every road—dirt or paved—that headed toward the sea, all the way to Big Sur. It took me months, but I discovered some amazing places on my journey, some of which I’d like to share with you. More importantly, each of these getaways is a great excuse to spend the weekend exploring our coastline and realizing how lucky we are to be living in California. Read full article »
Beaches & The Coast
Seaside Secrets
Sunday, August 8th, 2010Secret Marin
Sunday, July 18th, 2010
Spend some time in Marin County, at the “other” end of the Golden Gate Bridge, and it doesn’t take long to figure out that the redwood-shaded, coastal hill country north of San Francisco has a ridiculous number of things to do. Miles of coastal wilderness and redwood forests to explore by foot or by bike, farm-to-table restaurants and artisan food-makers, charming towns, theaters and clubs where locals like Robin Williams, Carlos Santana, and George Lucas might be on stage or in the crowd—what’s not to love about Marin? Read full article »
The 7 Natural Wonders of Northern California
Sunday, July 4th, 2010
Sometime we need to remind ourselves how lucky we are to be living in Northern California. We have it all: beaches, mountains, volcanoes, coastal forests, and a host of natural wonders—the world’s tallest and largest trees; the country’s highest peak, tallest waterfalls, and largest alpine lake; and even the continent’s deepest submarine canyon. So consider this week’s theme a wake-up call to everyone who loves the outdoors but has yet to explore all of The 7 Natural Wonders of Northern California. Read full article »
8-Day Dream Getaway – Cruising the Pacific Coast Highway
Sunday, June 27th, 2010
Because the California Coast is so vast and geographically varied—from misty redwood forests to gold-sand beaches and rugged mountain ranges—it would take weeks to see all its major attractions. I’m guessing your summer vacation days are limited, so I’ve put together this recommended itinerary to help you make the most of your time.
This 8-Day Dream Getaway begins with a scenic coastal drive to Pacifica, Half Moon Bay, and Santa Cruz, then continues south to Monterey, Pacific Grove, and Carmel before ending in beautiful Big Sur. And on this getaway the journey is half the fun: The Pacific Coast Highway is one of the nation’s most thrilling drives, twisting and turning, climbing and descending along Highway 1 as it takes you past coastal redwood forests, ocean cliffs, and secluded coves battered by the dazzling Pacific Ocean. Read full article »
Memorial Day Getaways
Sunday, May 23rd, 2010
Memorial Day Weekend is coming up next week and you still haven’t made any plans yet, have you? I didn’t think so. Well, now’s a great time to start, so pour yourself another cup of coffee and take a few minutes to comb over my top suggestions for fun and affordable Memorial Day getaways in Northern California: exploring petrified forests, kayaking with sea otters, hiking along the coast, and many more. Read full article »
My Memorable Family Getaway to Monterey
Sunday, May 16th, 2010
Which of the following words does not belong: a) kids, b) travel, c) relaxation? Any parent who has traveled anywhere with kids knows that c) relaxation is the answer. Sure, it can be enjoyable to watch the smiles on your kids’ faces as they explore new places and experience new adventures, but what about you? If you’ve ever experienced the “I need a vacation after that vacation” let-down, read on. Read full article »
Amazing Adventures in MENDOCINO COUNTY
Sunday, March 28th, 2010
If you’re the type who likes to hop in the car on Saturday morning and hit the backroads for some fun and adventure, keep reading. Just a couple of hours north of San Francisco is one of my favorite playgrounds in California: Mendocino County. With more than 4,000 square miles of unexplored wilderness, breathtaking coastal vistas, towering redwoods, adorable towns and villages, and world-class food and wine, Mendocino County offers endless discoveries. Here are a few of my top picks. Read full article »
Half Moon Bay
Sunday, November 1st, 2009
A leisurely 45-minute drive from the busy streets of San Francisco is the heavenly little hamlet of Half Moon Bay, one of the finest—and friendliest—communities on the California coast. With its pristine beaches, mild climate, diverse eco-attractions, and close proximity to the Bay Area, Half Moon Bay combines the
best of Northern California all in one convenient location, making it the perfect solution for anyone in need of a memorable weekend getaway.
What I like best about Half Moon Bay is that it’s refreshingly free of tourist-tacky shops you’ll find in other coastal towns such as Monterey and Santa Cruz. Rather, you’ll discover some of the most enlightening and eco-friendly attractions on the California coast: redwood forests, nature preserves, hiking trails, tide pools, fishing harbors, horse ranches, organic farms, and a host of superb inns and restaurants. I’ve been coming here since I was a kid and I still haven’t experienced everything Half Moon Bay has to offer, such as… Read full article »
Romantic Getaway: A romantic 2-night Santa Cruz getaway package to 
