Guides
California Guides
Independent California planning guides for driving the Highway 1 coast, choosing a wine-country base, deciding between the Northern and Southern California coasts, and planning the classic aquarium-and-pier coast with kids, each tied to the checked coast, wine-country, island, mountain, and desert places it recommends.
Region decision Northern vs Southern California: which coast to plan your first trip around 14 checked places - checked July 13, 2026 Coast route planner Driving Highway 1: Monterey, Big Sur, and the coast south to Santa Barbara 11 checked places - checked July 13, 2026 Wine-country base planner Where to base in Napa wine country: Yountville vs St Helena and Calistoga 8 checked places - checked July 13, 2026 Family coast planner California coast with kids: aquariums, piers, and easy beach days 9 checked places - checked July 13, 2026