Everyone knows the big hitters in the Golden State, but California is packed with sumptuous mountain towns that remain off the tourist radar.

Set against dramatic mountains, steeped in Gold Rush history, and rich in small-town charm, these towns showcase California magic for surprisingly low prices.

For a hiking and biking haven just outside of Santa Cruz, head to this gorgeous state park full of soaring redwoods and ...

On these hot summer days, families and dogs find cool respite on the 200-yard sandy shoreline of Lake Tahoe’s Kiva Beach. Swimmers head out to floating docks on Fallen Leaf Lake. And backpackers and ...

A long-shuttered stretch of highway that cuts straight through Angeles National Forest above Los Angeles has finally reopened. A roughly 10-mile stretch of Angeles Crest Highway, which runs roughly ...