Places Off the Beaten Path

Get off the beaten track with these insider tips on hidden gems. Discover extraordinary places that are off the radar for most travelers.

Beach Towns

Capitola, California – Santa Cruz's more charming sister

• What to see in Capitola Village By The Sea

Carpinteria, California – Santa Barbara's more down-to-earth Pal

• Carpinteria – Hidden Gem on Central California Coast

Dillon Beach – Tiny Beach Houses just north of San Francisco

• Dillon Beach Resort of Tiny Homes in Northern California

Pacific Grove, CA – Monterey's Charming Little Aunt

• What’s it like in Pacific Grove?

Minehead, England – Is it England or Kauai?!

• A Fab Weekend Visit to Beautiful Minehead, England

California Hidden Gems

Arnold – Mountain Hamlet

• Is Arnold California worth visiting?

Alviso – Earth or Mars?

• Is Alviso California worth visiting?

Fresno – The Raisin Capitol of the World

• Is There Anything to Do in Fresno, California?

Los Gatos – Boutiques, Wineries and Top Restaurants

• Solo Female Traveler’s Guide to Charming Los Gatos, California

Palo Alto – More than Stanford University

• What’s the deal with Palo Alto California?

Highlights in each of the 34 towns along the California Zephyr Train Ride

• The Coolest Attraction and Lodging at Each California Zephyr Stop