Southern California

Long Beach is a city of half a million residents located on the southern fringe of Los Angeles County. It’s a busy port with a laid-back vibe that is pure California coast. Long Beach welcomes visitors whose preferred mode of exploration is cycling like few others. This two-wheeled utopia’s hidden charms, urban flair and beach town friendliness are best explored from the perch of a bicycle. Pedal-Friendly Initiatives With 345

Despite the name, there are many good-for-you experiences to be had in Carlsbad. United Airlines offers nonstop flights from San Francisco that can get you to San Diego International Airport—about 30 minutes from Carlsbad—in about an hour and a half. Here are some suggestions to help you have a healthy and happy vacation that’s good for you, the community and the environment. 1. Stay at West Inn & Suites (especially

Even in a state enviable for a laid-back culture and countless natural and culinary assets, San Diego is a place apart. The sprawling, sun-drenched city has a paradisaical feel, with a number of attractions (including zoos and beaches) that often rank among the very top in the nation. Indeed, California’s southernmost city offers so much it would be impossible to see it all in one weekend, but we’ve outlined the nuts and

Kids or no kids, there’s something, well, magical, about the Magic Kingdom. From the old-fashioned charms of the Happiest Place on Earth to the newfangled thrills of the updated California Adventure Park, the Disneyland Resort offers up diversion, delight, and then some. And the pleasure is all the richer when you don’t have to contend with lines, hassles, and high temps. Enter, “off-season.” While Disneyland technically does not have such

We interrupt your healthy New Year’s resolutions with this message: It’s California Restaurant Month. We know, it seems like cruel and unusual punishment (or at least a serious test of willpower) to time a month’s worth of delicious deals with fresh starts and shiny new vows to work off that holiday gut. But think of it this way: Restaurant Month doesn’t have to be about gorging, and it can even help

The O.C. might be known for its beach culture and “real” housewives, but it’s also a great place for a family getaway (hold the sigh—we’re not talking Disneyland). Rich in agricultural history (“Orange County” comes from the acres of orange trees that once grew here) and teeming with marine life, the area is a “magic kingdom” in its own right, with myriad family-approved activities, from farm tours to pirate ships,

The electric car movement is in full force throughout California, with chargers popping up in parking garages, grocery stores, museums, and more. It’s no surprise that hotels have caught on too; some even offer special discounts for their electric vehicle driving guests. While we ordinarily go the car-free route, we know that sometimes it’s just easier to have wheels, especially in Los Angeles. And since energy-efficient, low-emission electric vehicles are

A familiar road sign stands guard at the start of the Santa Monica Pier, signifying that this beach playground is the final spot to “Get your kicks on Route 66.” But the town known for being the terminus of the famous American roadway also happens to be incredibly easy to navigate without a car. Plus, it’s hard to beat a place with more than 300 sunny days a year. Here,