Guides
Every California Wanderer guide, newest first.
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How to Visit Napa & Sonoma Without a Car
Napa and Sonoma weren’t built for public transit, but you don’t need to drive yourself. Here’s…
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Big Bear vs. Lake Arrowhead: Which Should You Visit?
Big Bear Lake is public and built for boating, skiing, and families. Lake Arrowhead’s lake is…
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Where to Stay Near Yosemite (By Entrance)
Yosemite has four year-round entrances on three different highways, plus a fifth that only opens for…
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Truckee vs. Tahoe City: Where to Stay
Truckee and Tahoe City are only 18 miles apart, but they’re genuinely different bases for a…
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Do You Need Chains to Drive to Sequoia & Kings Canyon in Winter?
Sequoia and Kings Canyon can require tire chains any time it snows, on any of the…
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Pinnacles National Park: Condor Viewing & Cave Closures Guide
Condors don’t migrate, but the caves aren’t always open. Here’s when to actually go to catch…
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Catalina Island: Day Trip or Overnight?
Catalina Island works as a day trip or an overnight stay, and the right call comes…
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Do You Need Chains to Drive to Lake Tahoe in Winter?
Chain control on I-80 and Highway 50 catches a lot of Tahoe-bound drivers off guard. Here’s…
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Best San Diego Beaches for Kids: Where to Actually Take a Family
Not every San Diego beach works for young kids. Here’s which ones actually have calm water,…
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Half Dome Permit Lottery: How to Actually Get One
Half Dome’s cables require a permit every day they’re up. Here’s exactly how the preseason and…