What to do in California?
As a Los Angeles native, we love exploring all areas of California! You can do almost anything from wine tasting to hiking to Ice Cream Museums… California has it all!
Northern California
If you haven’t made it to Napa Valley or Sonoma for wine tasting, you’re missing out! There are beautiful rolling hills filled with grape vines as far as the eye can see and fabulous wines to taste!
Forget the summer crowds—there is a secret, sparkling magic to Napa Valley in December that feels like stepping directly into a Hallmark movie. From waking up to vineyard views by your private fire pit at the Alila, to standing in awe of the 36-foot wine barrel Christmas tree at Beringer, this is the 'cozy season' at its absolute finest. Whether you’re chasing the legendary English muffins at Model Bakery or sipping Cabernet at a Michelin-starred lunch at Auberge du Soleil, St. Helena and Yountville offer a sophisticated holiday escape that truly shines once the vines go dormant. If you’re looking for the ultimate 40th birthday itinerary or simply the brightest town in California, here is how to spend a curated, festive three days in the heart of wine country.
Packing checklist for Napa, California. Things you’ll need for a weekend in Napa any season of the year. Style and outfits for Napa Valley wineries. What to pack for Napa and a free downloadable packing checklist.
We found our new favorite place to stay in Napa! We fell in love with the Andaz Napa, charming us with their boutique-style hotel and large guest rooms! Located in Downtown Napa, it was close to plenty of shops and restaurants. See our ratings and why we loved it so much!
We love wine which makes it hard to decide where to go in Napa! See our favorite places to go and best kept secret wineries to visit in Napa, CA. See the most instagrammable spots in Napa! #wine #napa
While in search of the best winery in Napa and Sonoma, I discovered Chappellet atop Pritchard Hill with stunning views and some of the best red wine I’ve ever had! Where you must go wine tasting in your next trip to Northern California! #wine #winetasting #napa
After multiple trips to Napa, we’ve come up with the perfect weekend itinerary! See where to go wine tasting in the Napa Valley and Sonoma County region. We also have suggestions where to stay and our favorite restaurants for some grub! #napa #wine #winetasting
Scribe winery is the perfect place for wine tasting (and lunch) in Sonoma, California. Not only do they have generous pours, but a delightful meal that goes along with the tasting and picturesque instagram worthy views of the vineyard. Affordable and perfect for 30 somethings! #winetasting #sonoma #winery
Wine tasting is a must in Northern California! Check out the 5 best wineries for wine tasting in Sonoma Valley just next door to Napa Valley! Best wineries in Sonoma! #Wine #Sonoma #WineTasting
When staying in Nor Cal’s wine country, the Hyatt Regency Sonoma County is the best hotel! Located in the heart of Santa Rosa, this newly remodeled Hyatt is not far from wineries and walking distance to many restaurants and shopping areas. #Napa #sonoma #winetasting #hotel
Things to do in Southern California:
Museum of Ice Cream
Check out the pinkest, happiest, most amazing museum that ever came to Los Angeles!
Los Angeles Travel Inspiration
The Museum of Ice Cream was EVERYTHING! Every room had a different theme: banana, mint, gummy bear, and complete with a SPRINKLE POOL! Although the MOIC LA closed, San Francisco has a permanent location.
Disneyland Musts!
I’ve ALWAYS been a Disney fan and now I work for the company! We go fairly often and I love sharing Disney’s seasonal themes! Also, I’m pretty much an expert when it comes to getting on rides, let me know if you need an itinerary!
Planning a Disneyland trip during Halloween Time? See the best Halloween decorations, seasonal rides, Cars Land Haul-O-Ween, treats, Oogie Boogie Bash and our tips for experiencing Disneyland Halloween with kids.
July is national ice cream month and National Ice Cream Day is Sunday, July 19th, 2026! See where you can celebrate with FREE ice cream and deals at a scoop shop near you or even free delivery! We’ll update this post all month, so keep coming back! Find deals for national ice cream day at your favorite places like Baskin-Robbins, Dairy Queen, Jeni’s, and Coldstone! Hooray for Ice cream deals on National Ice Cream Day!
Planning Disneyland with toddlers? Here are our favorite Disneyland tips, Rider Swap hacks, toddler rides, hotel recommendations, and California Adventure favorites from visiting with our two boys.
Exceptional artisan ice cream trucks found in Los Angeles! Soft serve, vegan options, and more can be found in our top 11! Ice cream trucks are fun for catering parties and corporate work functions, but also nice when they are near you so you don’t have to drive across LA to their shop.
Get the best tips for watching 4th of July fireworks in Marina del Rey, CA! Discover ideal viewing spots, where to park, and how to navigate street closures. Avoid the crowds and find hidden gems for a spectacular Independence Day celebration. Your guide to a fun and stress-free Fourth in Marina del Rey!
Looking for a unique ice cream experience? Dolly Llama Ice Cream offers quirky flavors, Instagrammable llama decor, and a fun atmosphere. Discover why this is the perfect spot for a sweet treat and a mood boost. #icecream #llama #quirky #foodie
Get ready to Shamrock your sweet tooth with these St Patrick’s Day treats from your favorite places such as Salt and Straw, McDonald's, Ben & Jerry's, Dairy Queen, and Coldstones! They’re magically delicious and only available for a limited amount of time! Grab a spoon and eat that ice cream!
Hotel review of the Hyatt Regency Westlake location! Perfect for events and overnight stays in Los Angeles. The guest rooms have been recently renovated and are very nice!
Malibu Wines is a wonderful place to go for an outing with friends in LA. We hiked, saw some animals, savored rosé pops, got some wine to go, had some laughs - it was a perfect way to spend the day outside and socially distant. You may remember my Malibu Wines Safari post or the Malibu Wines Tasting Room in West Hills, but this time we tried a new experience, Malibu Wine Hikes!
Amazing organic ice cream flavors can be found at Rori’s Artisanal Creamery in Los Angeles such as Wild berry Chocolate Crisp. YUM! Best ice cream in LA | Ice Cream in Los Angeles | things to do in LA #icecream #LA #losangeles
Love ice cream? Hate dieting? Halo Top’s got you covered - a lower calorie treat yet creamy and full of surprises. They’ve permanently closed most Halo Top Scoop Shop locations but one is still open in the Grove, where you must try their fabulous soft serve ice cream! Read all about it in my review! #icecream #whatdiet #losangeles
Little Damage is located in Downtown Los Angeles and is known for its iconic charcoal black waffle cone! Ice cream flavors are made in small batches with local ingredients from organic dairy farms. Vegan options are available. See our full review of this Instagrammable LA ice cream scoop shop! Grab this gothic cone in DTLA!
Los Angeles has tons of Instagram worthy ice cream shops, you just have to know where to look. Influencers, tourists, LA locals - here is our list for your next perfect social media ice cream pictures! Best Instagram spots in Los Angeles!
LAKE TAHOE
A favorite place to go enjoy some time by the lake! Check out everything you need to know in our Summer Weekend Getaway including things to do and the best restaurants to try! Speaking of restaurants, check out our faves with the BEST lake views!
Planning a Lake Tahoe family vacation with toddlers? As a lifelong Tahoe local, I’ve updated this guide to include Blue Health alpine resets and multi-gen itineraries for grandparents and kids. Discover the best toddler-friendly spots in South Lake Tahoe, from the East Shore Trail to STEM adventures with local helper trucks. Whether you need easy hikes at Glen Alpine Falls or family dining at Riva Grill, this 2026 guide covers everything you need for an unforgettable mountain escape.
Here is a guide to great restaurants that have amazing food and the BEST views of South Lake Tahoe! Some great fine dining options and have you ever had a Wet Woody? Yup, I just said that, see what it is in the post!
Check out the perfect guide to your next Lake Tahoe Summer Weekend Getaway! We list our favorite things to do, favorite hotel resort to stay at, and the best restaurants with stunning LAKE views! Don’t miss our favorite ice cream spot!
Lake Tahoe is a great place for hiking, even for those who casually hike! Here are 2 hiking trails for the whole family to enjoy (dogs too)! Check out the Cascade Falls Trail and the Eagle Lake Trails near Emerald Bay in Lake Tahoe, California. Things to do in Lake Tahoe #Hike #California #LakeTahoe
All California Posts:
Planning a Disneyland trip during Halloween Time? See the best Halloween decorations, seasonal rides, Cars Land Haul-O-Ween, treats, Oogie Boogie Bash and our tips for experiencing Disneyland Halloween with kids.
Planning a California coast road trip with kids? After multiple family road trips with our two energetic boys, we’ve discovered the best beaches, playgrounds, hotels, restaurants, and hidden gems from Santa Cruz to San Diego. Whether you’re driving the entire coast or just one section, this guide includes 50+ toddler- and family-friendly stops to help make every mile part of the adventure.
July is national ice cream month and National Ice Cream Day is Sunday, July 19th, 2026! See where you can celebrate with FREE ice cream and deals at a scoop shop near you or even free delivery! We’ll update this post all month, so keep coming back! Find deals for national ice cream day at your favorite places like Baskin-Robbins, Dairy Queen, Jeni’s, and Coldstone! Hooray for Ice cream deals on National Ice Cream Day!
Planning a family trip to Santa Cruz? Here's our exact 3-day Santa Cruz itinerary with toddlers, including redwoods, trains, beaches, playgrounds, restaurants, and hotel recommendations.
Planning a Santa Cruz family vacation? See our Hyatt Place Santa Cruz review, including breakfast, pool, rooms, and nearby attractions.
Planning Disneyland with toddlers? Here are our favorite Disneyland tips, Rider Swap hacks, toddler rides, hotel recommendations, and California Adventure favorites from visiting with our two boys.
Exceptional artisan ice cream trucks found in Los Angeles! Soft serve, vegan options, and more can be found in our top 11! Ice cream trucks are fun for catering parties and corporate work functions, but also nice when they are near you so you don’t have to drive across LA to their shop.
Planning a Lake Tahoe family vacation with toddlers? As a lifelong Tahoe local, I’ve updated this guide to include Blue Health alpine resets and multi-gen itineraries for grandparents and kids. Discover the best toddler-friendly spots in South Lake Tahoe, from the East Shore Trail to STEM adventures with local helper trucks. Whether you need easy hikes at Glen Alpine Falls or family dining at Riva Grill, this 2026 guide covers everything you need for an unforgettable mountain escape.
Think Napa is only for sundresses and rosé? Think again! Winter in the Valley—or 'Cabernet Season'—is a hidden gem of misty vineyard mornings, cozy fireside tastings, and the vibrant yellow Mustard Bloom. As a native Californian who’s explored Napa in every season, I’m sharing my tried-and-true packing secrets to help you stay effortlessly chic (even in 40-degree weather). From the secret to wearing skirts in the cold to the $18 rain boots that saved my trip, here is exactly how to master the 'Wine Country Chic' look this winter.
Forget the summer crowds—there is a secret, sparkling magic to Napa Valley in December that feels like stepping directly into a Hallmark movie. From waking up to vineyard views by your private fire pit at the Alila, to standing in awe of the 36-foot wine barrel Christmas tree at Beringer, this is the 'cozy season' at its absolute finest. Whether you’re chasing the legendary English muffins at Model Bakery or sipping Cabernet at a Michelin-starred lunch at Auberge du Soleil, St. Helena and Yountville offer a sophisticated holiday escape that truly shines once the vines go dormant. If you’re looking for the ultimate 40th birthday itinerary or simply the brightest town in California, here is how to spend a curated, festive three days in the heart of wine country.
Ready for a hotel stay that's equal parts grown-up zen and toddler-approved fun? We're spilling all the tea (and Nespresso!) on the InterContinental the Clement Monterey. From surprisingly spacious rooms with secret zen gardens to a jellyfish-inspired lobby staircase and a prime location next to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, find out why this hotel is a family favorite for all the quirky, comfy reasons. Get ready for gourmet breakfasts, gigantic bathrooms, and just enough space to stash your emergency juice boxes!
Get the best tips for watching 4th of July fireworks in Marina del Rey, CA! Discover ideal viewing spots, where to park, and how to navigate street closures. Avoid the crowds and find hidden gems for a spectacular Independence Day celebration. Your guide to a fun and stress-free Fourth in Marina del Rey!
Looking for a unique ice cream experience? Dolly Llama Ice Cream offers quirky flavors, Instagrammable llama decor, and a fun atmosphere. Discover why this is the perfect spot for a sweet treat and a mood boost. #icecream #llama #quirky #foodie
Hotel review of the Hyatt Regency Westlake location! Perfect for events and overnight stays in Los Angeles. The guest rooms have been recently renovated and are very nice!
Malibu Wines is a wonderful place to go for an outing with friends in LA. We hiked, saw some animals, savored rosé pops, got some wine to go, had some laughs - it was a perfect way to spend the day outside and socially distant. You may remember my Malibu Wines Safari post or the Malibu Wines Tasting Room in West Hills, but this time we tried a new experience, Malibu Wine Hikes!
Amazing organic ice cream flavors can be found at Rori’s Artisanal Creamery in Los Angeles such as Wild berry Chocolate Crisp. YUM! Best ice cream in LA | Ice Cream in Los Angeles | things to do in LA #icecream #LA #losangeles
Here's how to spend the weekend in Temecula, California, and our wine tasting itinerary - Where to go in Temecula | Best places and vineyards to taste at in Temecula | Where to stay in Temecula | Best wine in Temecula, CA #wine #temecula
Love ice cream? Hate dieting? Halo Top’s got you covered - a lower calorie treat yet creamy and full of surprises. They’ve permanently closed most Halo Top Scoop Shop locations but one is still open in the Grove, where you must try their fabulous soft serve ice cream! Read all about it in my review! #icecream #whatdiet #losangeles
Packing checklist for Napa, California. Things you’ll need for a weekend in Napa any season of the year. Style and outfits for Napa Valley wineries. What to pack for Napa and a free downloadable packing checklist.
Little Damage is located in Downtown Los Angeles and is known for its iconic charcoal black waffle cone! Ice cream flavors are made in small batches with local ingredients from organic dairy farms. Vegan options are available. See our full review of this Instagrammable LA ice cream scoop shop! Grab this gothic cone in DTLA!
Los Angeles has tons of Instagram worthy ice cream shops, you just have to know where to look. Influencers, tourists, LA locals - here is our list for your next perfect social media ice cream pictures! Best Instagram spots in Los Angeles!
STEP RIGHT UP for ice cream and a show! With the magic of liquid nitrogen, this nitro-artisan ice cream is made by hand! They have great flavor options such as Key lime with dark rum, Coconut Chocolate Chip, Coffee Toffee, and Berry Sorbet (dairy-free). Located in Silver Lake, California!
Happy National Ice Cream Month! We’re starting off the celebration with the best ice cream scoop shops (ranked) in Los Angeles! Since LA is so big, I’ve even provided a Google map of Southern California from the SFV to Hollywood to Silver Lake to Beverly Hills to Santa Monica, so you can see what’s in your area! Looking for Vegan or Dairy-free ice cream options? They’re in there too!
Attention Disneyland Foodies! In this post, we’ll tell you all the places you must go to try Disneyland Resort’s best food and dessert options! Want a Mickey-shaped milkshake or sundae? Check-out where to go! Did someone say ice cream?
We found our new favorite place to stay in Napa! We fell in love with the Andaz Napa, charming us with their boutique-style hotel and large guest rooms! Located in Downtown Napa, it was close to plenty of shops and restaurants. See our ratings and why we loved it so much!
Happy St Patty’s Day! See how to celebrate in Los Angeles on St Patrick’s Day! Things to do on St Patrick’s Day in LA | Ice Cream for St Patrick’s Day
Merry Christmas Eve! See where to find the best Ice Cream and Sweet Treats at the Disneyland Resort. See the best finds at the Festival of Holidays 2019, only a few more days left, don’t miss out!
In LA it’s hard to find the leaves turning, but you can find the ice cream churning! Check out the fall ice cream flavors in Los Angeles!
Giving you the who, what, when, where details of Smorgasburg LA’s Ice Cream Alley and why you must visit this summer! Best thing to do in LA on a Summer Sunday!
Think Napa is only for sundresses and rosé? Think again! Winter in the Valley—or 'Cabernet Season'—is a hidden gem of misty vineyard mornings, cozy fireside tastings, and the vibrant yellow Mustard Bloom. As a native Californian who’s explored Napa in every season, I’m sharing my tried-and-true packing secrets to help you stay effortlessly chic (even in 40-degree weather). From the secret to wearing skirts in the cold to the $18 rain boots that saved my trip, here is exactly how to master the 'Wine Country Chic' look this winter.