{"id":9451,"date":"2013-11-18T17:37:12","date_gmt":"2013-11-18T17:37:12","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/offmetro.com\/sf\/?p=9451"},"modified":"2016-01-12T06:24:42","modified_gmt":"2016-01-12T06:24:42","slug":"local-secrets-california-tourism-boards","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ca\/9451\/local-secrets-california-tourism-boards\/","title":{"rendered":"Roads Less Traveled: Local Secrets from CA Tourism Boards"},"content":{"rendered":"

They are purveyors of place,\u00a0touting their own hometowns to\u00a0tourists, meeting planners, and writers. By trade, they are\u00a0experts on and champions of the iconic places, under-the-radar gems, and newfangled darlings in their areas. But where do the tourism\u00a0board professionals go\u00a0when they’re\u00a0off duty?<\/p>\n

To go hyper-local, oM SF asked\u00a0the representatives of tourism boards throughout California where they get away (at home). Our query was specific: We were looking for the dive bar where locals convene, the off-the-beaten-path path leading to a secluded beach, the hole-in-the-wall restaurant you might pass by if you didn’t know it was there…<\/p>\n

In short, we wanted\u00a0secrets<\/em>, and to our great thrill the lovely experts below obliged\u2014many with amusing personal anecdotes, to boot. Their enthusiasm was contagious, their answers entertaining and inspiring. What’s more, they conveyed the personality of their individual destinations. The list below includes only those we felt were truly surprising or unique (some so much so we struggled to find exact addresses!), and any one of them is sure to make your next trip memorable.<\/p>\n

From forgotten hillside staircases and bizarre botany to beer shacks and riverside jams, we present secret spots throughout California<\/strong>\u2014from Humboldt on down to San Diego. If you have your own favorite places in your hometown or anywhere else, please\u00a0share with us\u2014inquiring wanderers want to know!<\/p>\n

\"humboldt

Richard Stenger, Media and Marketing Manager<\/em>
\nPing pong and PBRs:\u00a0<\/strong>“The<\/strong>\u00a0Shanty<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0(213 Third Street) in Old Town Eureka is a relaxed dive bar.\u00a0Don’t let the rough-and-tumble look of some of the patrons \u00a0fool you. The really cool kids are out back playing ping pong on the patio. (Actually, it’s not just the cool kids. I got creamed the other day by a 55-year-woman who hardly broke a sweat between pints of PBRs and backhands.)”
\nHidden beach:<\/strong>\u00a0“Yes, you can swim in the ocean in Humboldt County! At least the locals do. College Cove<\/a><\/strong>,\u00a0at Trinidad State Beach,offers a perfect combination of shallow water, wind-free beaches, beautiful scenery, and gentle waves. It’s sort of a micro-SoCal experience.”
\nTreasure hunt:<\/strong>\u00a0“The foot trails along the Avenue of the Giants conceal at least six rare albino redwoods, including the picturesque Christmas Tree on an unmarked path in the Women\u2019s Federation Grove<\/strong>. Ask politely at the nearby Humboldt Redwoods State Park<\/a> visitor center, and they just might draw a treasure map for you that leads to the location.”<\/p>\n

Visit Mendocino County<\/strong><\/a>
\nSlogan: America’s greenest wine region.<\/p>\n

Scott Schneider, President & CEO<\/em>
\nWalk away:\u00a0<\/strong>“My favorite outdoor spot is a public access trail called\u00a0Belinda Point<\/a><\/strong>, which is maintained by the Mendocino Land Trust. \u00a0The trail is about a half mile and leads out to some headlands and a rocky beach that is rarely visited.\u00a0My\u00a0second favorite is also on the coast and part of the BLM’s land.\u00a0Stornetta Public Lands<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>contains\u00a0miles of hiking on the headlands between the Point Arena Lighthouse and Point Arena City Hall.\u00a0 Again, hiking, picnicking, etc., with the world to yourself!”<\/p>\n

\"mendocino

Sacramento Convention & Visitors Bureau<\/strong><\/a>
\nSlogan: California begins here.<\/p>\n

<\/strong>Steve Hammond, President and CEO<\/em>
\nRiver run:<\/strong>\u00a0“Swabbies<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0(5871 Garden Highway) on the river is a dose of good old-fashioned Americana, a true Sacramento hidden treasure. It’s a chill place a few miles away from the bustle of downtown, with grass for carpet, picnic tables for ‘fine dining,’ and live music for your listening pleasure. It’s the kind of place where shorts and flip flops are the recommended attire. The famous fish, shrimp, and prawn tacos are so addictive they ought to come with a warning label.\u00a0Seriously.”<\/p>\n

Lucy Steffans, Director of Travel Media<\/em>
\nBrew’s Clues:<\/strong>\u00a0“Located in Curtis Park just south of downtown,\u00a0Pangaea Two Brews Caf\u00e9 and Bottle Shop<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0(2743 Franklin Boulevard)\u00a0is a beer-lover’s Mecca with a host of hard-to-find beers both foreign and domestic. The caf\u00e9 has great food, and across the street is Gunther\u2019s Ice Cream, a Sacramento institution.”<\/p>\n

Sonoma County Tourism<\/strong><\/a>
\nSlogan: Do you speak Sonoma?<\/p>\n

Tim Zahner, Chief Marketing Officer
\n<\/em>Park perks:\u00a0<\/strong>“Riverfront Regional Park<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0(7821 Eastside Road) features a stand of Redwoods, picnic areas, and two lakes for hiking. Secret trails run off to the other lakes (former quarries, now used for fishing) and the Russian River itself. My son had his ninth birthday party there, and we had to take a 30-minute break from capture the flag for the wedding of two guys named Eric and Hector. My wife was worried that we were having a birthday party next to the wedding, as she felt bad for the grooms. Eric and Hector were totally cool, however, and the two parties got along swimmingly. So, in Sonoma County, our parks are perfect for professions of love, games of tag, and quiet recreation. Bonus: Parts of ‘The Bachelor’ were filmed at the park.”
\n\"sonoma

Birgitt Vaughan, Public Relations Manager
\n<\/em>Bon app\u00e9tit<\/em>.:\u00a0<\/strong>“Chloe’s French Cafe<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>(3885 Airway Drive Suite 145, Santa Rosa)\u00a0comes straight from St. Tropez to the first floor of a medical facility (Sutter Health Center). You’d never expect this caf\u00e9 to have some of the best quiches, salads, and hot and cold sandwiches. (Open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.)”<\/p>\n

Marin Convention & Visitors Bureau<\/strong><\/a>
\nSlogan: Just a little out there…<\/p>\n

Shannon Bohlke, Sales and Marketing Director<\/em>
\nWatering hole:\u00a0<\/strong>“Locally known as the Seventh Wonder of Marin County,\u00a0Inkwells<\/strong>\u00a0in West Marin is closer than the coast and warmer than the beach. It has tall rocks, perfect for jumping in to the swimming holes on the Lagunitas Creek. And it’s a great place to gather with friends since only locals know of its location.”<\/p>\n

Visit Oakland<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Lindsay Wright, PR and Communications Manager
\n<\/em>Viewfinder:\u00a0<\/strong>“The best views<\/a> of the San Francisco Bay can be found at\u00a0Middle Harbor Shoreline Park<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0(2777 Middle Harbor Road),\u00a0a location that many of the locals in Oakland have yet to discover. From the park’s location on the tip of the Port of Oakland, you can watch the cranes in motion, and the sailboats cruising past Oakland to San Francisco. It’s a perfect spot for a barbecue and a fantastic place to get away from the urban landscape.”
\nDo the shuffle(board):\u00a0<\/strong>“You can’t go wrong with a tagline like ‘Where shuffleboard is King.’ The low ceilings and quirky decor at Kingfish Pub & Caf\u00e9<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0(5227 Claremont Avenue) make this dive bar homey, and I love the fisherman’s touch\u2014a marine green exterior with white trim. You can’t buy fishing supplies now, but the bar originally sold bait when it opened in 1922. Today it’s a favorite among locals who know where to find the best dives in town.”<\/p>\n

\"oakland

Santa Cruz County Conference & Visitors Council<\/strong><\/a>
\nSlogan: Find your flow and follow it…<\/p>\n

<\/strong>Christina Glynn, Communications Director<\/em>
\nBeachy keen:<\/strong>\u00a0“I adore the beaches in the southern part of Santa Cruz County. My favorites are\u00a0Manresa State Beach<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0(1445 San Andreas Road)\u00a0and Sunset State Beach<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>(Sunset Beach Road and Shell Road), both in Watsonville. Both have wide expanses of shoreline, and neither is heavily trafficked, so at times I feel like I have the beach to myself.\u00a0I can walk in solitude without seeing anyone else\u2014except the dolphins and seals playing in the surf.\u00a0 My fondest memory here is when a low, misty fog rolled in and completely enveloped me.\u00a0 I felt like I was walking on a cloud.”
\nHappy trail:\u00a0<\/strong>“In Capitola Village, there is a little footpath from the village (cross Stockton Avenue) along Soquel Creek. It’s lined with quaint beach cottages that look like doll houses. In one direction, you can walk up to Shadowbrook<\/a> restaurant, which offers some of the best views of Capitola Village.\u00a0 Take the stairs down through the well-tended gardens and stop at lookout points along the way.<\/p>\n

Monterey County Convention & Visitors Bureau<\/strong><\/a>
\nSlogan: Grab life by the moments.<\/p>\n

<\/strong>Jessica Felton, Marketing Communications Assistant<\/em>
\nCarmel-by-the-drink:<\/strong>\u00a0“Visitors don\u2019t often come to Carmel-by-the-Sea for the nightlife, but locals know where to find it.\u00a0Brophy\u2019s Tavern<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>(4th and San Carlos Street)\u00a0is\u00a0well off of Carmel\u2019s main street and offers an\u00a0extensive selection of beers on tap, local wines, and creative cocktails, plus some great late-night munchies.”
\nMonterey\u00a0caliente<\/em>:\u00a0<\/strong>“I’ve been eating at\u00a0Turtle Bay Taqueria\u00a0<\/strong>(431 Tyler Street)\u00a0since high school, and it’s still my hands-down favorite restaurant in town. It’s a healthier choice than your typical Mexican\/Latin American fare, with super-fresh ingredients, and a to-die-for self-serve salsa bar. Try the habanero salsa if you dare!”<\/p>\n

Bakersfield Convention & Visitors Bureau<\/strong><\/a>
\nSlogan: More to Explore!<\/p>\n

Misty Glasco,\u00a0Marketing and Events Specialist
\n<\/em>Spice up your (night)life:\u00a0<\/strong>“Located in the Wall Street Alley,\u00a0Muertos Kitchen and Lounge<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0(1514 Wall Street) is surrounded by bars you would never know. They serve phenomenal fish tacos and specialty burgers, all of which pair well with a delicious Blood Orange Jalape\u00f1o Martini.”<\/p>\n

\"santa

<\/strong>Laura Kath, Media Relations Director<\/em>
\nFall(s) for Solvang:<\/strong>\u00a0“Just just two miles from Solvang Danish buildings is a small park with a name that no one can pronounce. Nojoqui Falls (pronounced NAH-ho-wee) drop nearly 100 feet over a sandstone wall. Maidenhair ferns line the rocks, creating a lush, serene environment that has few visitors. To reach it, take the\u00a0narrow, two-lane Alisal Road, passing\u00a0horse farms and the famous Alisal Guest Ranch before reaching Nojoqui Falls Park<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0(3250 Alisal Road). \u00a0From the park entrance, it’s an easy, 10-minute walk on a hard-packed trail to reach the falls.”<\/p>\n

<\/strong>Santa Barbara Conference & Visitors Bureau<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>
\nSlogan: The American Riviera<\/p>\n

Michelle Rodriguez, Director of Communications<\/em>
\nQuick ‘n’ gourmet:\u00a0<\/strong>“Tucked in with the tack trucks on Milpas is the\u00a0Shop Caf\u00e9<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>(730 N Milpas Street), a gourmet truck with the motto is ‘Slow food fast.’ They have these blueberry muffins that I call ‘crack muffins’\u2014snag on early or they’ll sell out. A similar concept, the\u00a0Blue Owl<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>(5 W Canon Perdido) serves up gourmet food that you order at the counter. They are only open for lunch or late-night, not dinner, which is unheard of in Santa Barbara.”
\nArt corner:<\/strong>\u00a0“By name, the\u00a0Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>(653 Paseo Nuevo, Upper Arts Terrace) sounds\u00a0anything but hidden, but the gallery’s location\u00a0(upstairs at the Paseo Nuevo shopping center) means you have to know it’s there to enjoy its amazing exhibits.”
\nStairways to heaven:<\/strong>\u00a0“Up in Santa Barbara’s Riviera is\u00a0Franceschi Park <\/strong>(1510 Mission Ridge Road), named for the 19th-century botanist Francesco Franceschi, who owned the Riviera and is responsible for the area being so lush (and bringing zucchini to California). His old house is beautiful to see, and there are hidden staircases all over, some of them really overgrown.\u00a0There is also little round-about from the days when a trolley ran up here.\u00a0It’s fascinating to wander around, and the views (and sunsets!) are incredible.”<\/p>\n

\"los

<\/strong>Andy Keown,\u00a0Director of Communications<\/em>
\nPeople-watching perch:\u00a0<\/strong>“My favorite spot for breakfast is a small and humble corner caf\u00e9. Beyond delicious and health conscious food, the highlight of Joey\u2019s Caf\u00e9<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0(8301 Santa Monica Boulevard) is sitting outside and watching the people along Santa Monica Boulevard. Plus, I love that it\u2019s dog-friendly<\/a>.”
\nLaidback and local:\u00a0<\/strong>“In a city\u00a0full of flashy\u00a0nightlife venues, one of my favorite spots is also one of the oldest and least glamorous. \u00a0Mother Lode\u00a0<\/strong>(8944 Santa Monica Boulevard) is\u00a0dive-y without being scary, and the drinks are always strong. While people flock from miles around to the big bars like the Abbey, the Mother Lode is usually packed with locals. It\u2019s where I\u2019m most likely to run into people I know from my 15 years of living in LA. The only downside is that it’s cash-only, so stop at an ATM first.”
\nThe wine library:\u00a0<\/strong>“V Wine Room<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>(903 Westbourne Drive) is just a year or so old and tucked away in a historic building (WeHo\u2019s first library). It doesn’t have much in the way of signage, but if you can find it you’ll be glad you looked. The owner rehabbed the entire building and themed this wine tasting room around an old library, with a card catalog system visitors can use to keep track of their favorite wines. Most of the wines here are from local and regional wineries that distribute in small quantities, so these are not wines you would find just anywhere.”<\/p>\n

Beverly Hills Conference & Visitors Bureau<\/strong><\/a>
\nSlogan: Love Beverly Hills<\/p>\n

<\/strong>Julie Wagner, Executive Director<\/em>
\nDesigner Bagels:<\/strong>\u00a0“You may not think about\u00a0Barney Greengrass<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>(9570 Wilshire Boulevard), located on the fifth floor of Barneys New York, if you’re not shopping, but the views are great and the food excellent. The s lox and New York bagels are my favorite!
\nDesigner handbag magic:\u00a0<\/strong>“The pros at\u00a0Progressive Shoe Repair<\/strong>\u00a0(9418 Dayton Way) can make any designer shoe or handbag look new again.”<\/p>\n

<\/strong>Mary de Hoyos, Director of Business Development<\/em>
\nExquisite cheese:\u00a0<\/b>“Norbert Wabnig. proprietor of\u00a0The Cheese Store of Beverly Hills<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>(419 N. Beverly Drive) is almost always at the shop and will put together something special if you ask.”
\nExquisite architecture:<\/strong>\u00a0“Hidden up in the hills,\u00a0Greystone Mansion<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0(905 Loma Vista Drive) has\u00a0a storied past and beautiful gardens that are free and open to the public.”<\/p>\n

\"santa

Kelly Nagle, Communications Manager<\/em>
\nSwim club:\u00a0<\/strong>“A short and refreshing bike ride just north from the Santa Monica Pier,\u00a0the Annenberg Community Beach House<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0(415 E Pacific Coast Highway) is a great place to lounge by the pool, play volleyball, have lunch, take yoga classes, and check out art exhibits and lectures right on the beach. Besides the endless array of activities, what I love most about this unique property is its commitment to history and sustainability. Originally constructed by William Hearst for his beloved Marion Davies in the 1920s, the refurbished original guest house offers free docent-led tours and is a Gold LEED certified property.”<\/p>\n

Downtown Anaheim Association<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Devon Michelle, Webmaster\/Promotions
\n<\/em>Eat real:\u00a0<\/strong>“Located inside of the GOOD FOOD Hall (201 Center Street Promenade) in Downtown Anaheim, HEALTHY JUNK<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>offers vegan comfort food and\u00a0JUNK BAR has reasonably\u00a0priced craft beers and boutique wines. My favorites on the menu are the potato taquitos, pozole soup, and kale chips). On Mondays, you can get a burger at HEALTHY JUNK and a pint from JUNK BAR for only $8.” Bonus:<\/em> Visit on Thursday evenings to partake in Farmers Market and Craft Fair festivities.<\/p>\n

Destination Irvine<\/strong><\/a>
\nSlogan: Center of Orange County.<\/p>\n

<\/strong>Wendy Haase, Director of Tourism Marketing<\/em>
\nNatural habitat: <\/strong>“The San Joaquin Marsh\u00a0& Wildlife Sanctuary<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0(5 Riparian View)\u00a0encompasses more than 300 acres of coastal freshwater wetlands, half of which have been restored to a natural state. The remaining acres are quality habitat and are not in need of restoration.\u00a0Nearly two-thirds the size of New York City’s Central Park, the marsh is a natural respite with 12 miles of trails.”
\nBohemian habitat:\u00a0\u201cParadise Perks Espresso & Tea Bar<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>(15475 Jeffrey Road, #450)\u00a0is a relaxed alternative to the coffee house chains that permeate the SoCal landscape. Bands and other musicians entertain on Friday and Saturday evenings. Poets, comedians, story tellers, and more entertain on Open Mic nights. Artists hang their work for sale on the walls, and writers leave their books on the counter.”<\/p>\n

Palm Springs Bureau of Tourism<\/strong><\/a>
\nSlogan: Like no place else.<\/p>\n

Mary Jo Ginther, Director<\/em>
\nSecret garden:\u00a0<\/strong>“John Henry\u2019s Cafe<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>(1785 E Tahquitz Canyon Way)\u00a0is hidden away behind a ‘have to hear about it to know where it is’ door, which leads into a charming outdoor patio under the trees.”
\n\"san

San Diego Tourism Authority<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Candice Eley, Public Relations Manager<\/em>
\nBait and brew:\u00a0<\/strong>“Located directly above the San Diego Bay on the Shelter Island Fishing Pier,\u00a0Fathom Bistro, Bait & Tackle<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0(1776 Shelter Island Drive) offers 15 varieties of craft beer on tap. I enjoy the selection, but what makes the experience special is sitting on a stool outside the tiny shack, looking out over the bay with the downtown skyline in the distance. And Fathom has an innovative way of chilling the beer\u2014by\u00a0dangling kegs into the Pacific Ocean waters below the pier. The kitchen\u00a0serves sausages, hot dogs, and sandwiches, but if you\u2019re feeling adventurous you can always try to catch your own dinner utilizing the supplies from a neighboring bait shop!”<\/p>\n

Robert Arends, Public Relations Manager<\/em>
\nMessage in a sand dune:\u00a0<\/strong>“The\u00a0sand dunes on Coronado Island<\/strong>\u00a0<\/b>spell “C-O-R-O-N-A-D-O.”\u00a0It\u2019s really cool, but what I love is that the letters form private little patches of sand, which you can claim and sunbathe all by yourself, with no one around. I especially like the top part of the ‘R’ or any of the ‘O’s. It’s like having your very own little island on Coronado Beach.”
\nPocket park:<\/strong>\u00a0“Also in Coronado is\u00a0Shoreline Park<\/b>\u00a0on First Street (cross street I Avenue). Located right on San Diego Bay, it’s a stunning little shaded spot for joggers\/bicyclists to rest on the benches while looking out over all of downtown San Diego and the US Navy ships. You can usually spot fisherman in their motorboats just off the shore. Locals know this ‘pocket park’ as a secluded respite from the busier parks and walkways by the Coronado Ferry Landing.”
\nDesert dream:<\/strong>\u00a0“Font’s Point\u00a0<\/b>is\u00a0located in the desert oasis of\u00a0Borrego Springs<\/b><\/a>. It’s just a few miles off one of the main roads and one of the most spectacular natural wonders in San Diego, with badlands and slot canyons stretching for hundreds of thousands of acres.\u00a0California Overland<\/a>\u00a0runs off-road trips there (you need four-wheel drive to reach it). It\u2019s seriously like seeing the Grand Canyon or the South Dakota Badlands for the first time. Atop Fonts Point I feel like I’m on top of the world (and it looks like it too!).”\u00a0Editor’s note: That’s Robert in the Font’s Point photo!<\/em><\/p>\n

Photos: Justin Lowery<\/a>, shawnconna<\/a>, humboldthead<\/a>, Loup-Vert<\/a>, Mendocino Land Trust, Tom Hilton<\/a>, blmcalifornia<\/a>, Swabbies, Pangaea Two Brews,\u00a0Chloe’s Cafe, Inkwells, Brooke Anderson<\/a>, neil conway<\/a>, agahran<\/a>, vsmoothe<\/a>, USDAgov<\/a>, Kingfish Pub, Brophy’s Tavern, Shop Cafe, mendolus shank<\/a>, Damian Gadal<\/a>, V Wine Room, Barney Greengrass,\u00a0jonchilou<\/a>,<\/em><\/em><\/em>\u00a0adpowers<\/a>, puliarf<\/a>, Annenberg Community Beach House, HEALTHY JUNK, Paradise Perks, Fathom, Robert Arends<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

They are purveyors of place,\u00a0touting their own hometowns to\u00a0tourists, meeting planners, and writers. By trade, they are\u00a0experts on and champions of the iconic places, under-the-radar gems, and newfangled darlings in their areas. But where do the tourism\u00a0board professionals go\u00a0when they’re\u00a0off duty? To go hyper-local, oM SF asked\u00a0the representatives of tourism boards throughout California where they […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":9621,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[62,154,155,63,48,119,131,60,55,25,66,125,5,102,26,32,41,40,67,30,28,117,64,132,45,29,27,168,109,129,128,82,22,7,153,61],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-9451","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-adventure-weekend-getaways","8":"category-anaheim","9":"category-beverly-hills","10":"category-car-free-weekend-getaways","11":"category-carmel","12":"category-central-coast","13":"category-central-valley","14":"category-culinary-weekend-getaways","15":"category-cultural","16":"category-destination","17":"category-east-bay","18":"category-family-weekend-getaways","19":"category-featured","20":"category-humboldt-county","21":"category-los-angeles","22":"category-marin-county","23":"category-monterey","24":"category-monterey-county","25":"category-north-bay","26":"category-oakland","27":"category-orange-county","28":"category-palm-springs","29":"category-romantic-weekend-getaways","30":"category-sacramento","31":"category-san-diego","32":"category-san-francisco-bay-area","33":"category-santa-barbara","34":"category-santa-barbara-county","35":"category-santa-cruz","36":"category-santa-cruz-county","37":"category-santa-monica","38":"category-sonoma-county","39":"category-southern-california","40":"category-weekend-getaways","41":"category-west-hollywood","42":"category-wine-culinary-weekend-getaways"},"yoast_head":"\nRoads Less Traveled: Local Secrets from CA Tourism Boards - offMetro CA<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ca\/9451\/local-secrets-california-tourism-boards\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Roads Less Traveled: Local Secrets from CA Tourism Boards - offMetro CA\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"They are purveyors of place,\u00a0touting their own hometowns to\u00a0tourists, meeting planners, and writers. By trade, they are\u00a0experts on and champions of the iconic places, under-the-radar gems, and newfangled darlings in their areas. But where do the tourism\u00a0board professionals go\u00a0when they’re\u00a0off duty? 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