San Francisco vs. San Diego: Which is the better getaway?

San Francisco vs. San Diego: Which is the better getaway?

Every year, millions of people find themselves craving a vacation from greater Los Angeles. Many of these people don't want to cross state...

Inner Julia Child, please come out now

Inner Julia Child, please come out now

Until recently, the closest thing I'd come to a cooking class was watching the demo station at Trader Joe's. After seeing "Julie & Julia," I...

California's national parks and scenic sites

California's national parks and scenic sites

Find out about historic and scenic sites as well as programs, fees and directions to California's national parks, monuments and recreation...

Budget-friendly weekend escapes

Budget-friendly weekend escapes

Want to travel more but spend less in 2010? It's not wishful thinking. If a cruise or a European tour isn't in the cards, you can tap the...

About California

From beaches to ski slopes, California has it all. Click on the links below to get the essentials on the Golden State.

• What to see and do
• Where to eat
• Best beaches
• Golf courses
• Family lodging options
• Outdoors
• Luxury hotels
• Museums
• Small towns
• Inns and b&bs
• Architecture
• Performing arts

Planning your visit

• When to visit
• Health & insurance
• Tips for travelers with special needs
• Getting to California
• Getting around
• Fast facts
• Lodging tips

Itineraries

• California for wine lovers
• Pacific Coast Hwy.
• Lake Tahoe & Yosemite

Travel Blog

Hand-picked travel deals, tips and advice filtered for restless Southern California.

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More Destinations

California Deserts

California Deserts

Sites includes Anza-Borrego and Palm Springs.

California Wine Country

California Wine Country

Plan your getaway to the state's best wineries.

Spotlights from the Los Angeles Times

From 'The Soloist' to CD

From 'The Soloist' to CD

Nathaniel Ayers makes his debut as a recording artist.

About those nominees

About those nominees

Watch Kenneth Turan and John Horn talk Oscars.

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L.A. Travel Show discount

L.A. Travel Show discount

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More on California

Visiting elk country

Visiting elk country

The Roosevelt elk must not have gotten the memo to be rutting by the time I arrived. Rutting is how male elk impress female elk: They...

Mercey Hot Springs provides a soothing break

Mercey Hot Springs provides a soothing break

In the resort's guest book, filled with many comments of the "relaxing" variety, one particular scribble caught my eye: "There are ghosts!"

10 things you probably didn't know about Southern California's coast

10 things you probably didn't know about Southern California's coast

Summer's here and the time is right for . . . 352 fact-packed pages from the California Coastal Commission.

Following Robinson Jeffers' poetic path in Big Sur

Following Robinson Jeffers' poetic path in Big Sur

He was taken with Big Sur's natural beauty and ruggedness. We let his writings be our tour guide.

Travel section's favorite California beaches

Los Angeles Times Travel editors' picks, from Coronado City Beach north to Trinidad State Beach.

Favorite California parks and wilderness areas

Coming up with a list of California's ultimate parks and wild places is like being asked to choose your favorite family member. Each one...

Best California campgrounds

Want to save money and stay closer to nature? Here are five prime coastal campgrounds.

Mountain biking on Ft. Ord Public Lands: Beware the old explosives

There are grenades in those hills. And mines and mortars. Word to the wise: Stay on the marked trails.

Lake Casitas: Water park makes camping cool

Once known for some of the best fishing in the state, the recreation area's attraction is a great way to spend a weekend up a Lazy River.