Latest Articles — Page 2
8 min read
September Events in California: A Practical Travel Guide
September in California has a little bit of everything: warm weather, fewer summer crowds, wine harvest season, and enough Oktoberfest celebrations to make you wonder whether you somehow took a wrong turn and ended up in Bavaria. Across the state, September events fill the calendar with beer gardens, Bavarian food, live music, family activities, coastal attractions, and plenty of excuses to plan one more trip before fall really settles in. This year, you can celebrate Oktoberfest in Santa Cruz, Tahoe City, Benicia, and Santa Clarita, then mix in Boardwalk rides, Lake Tahoe scenery, wine-country stops, or a relaxed weekend by the coast. Whether you are planning a quick day trip or gathering friends for a full weekend, there are plenty of things to do in California in September and thankfully, not all of them require wearing lederhosen.
8 min read
Emmys 2026: Dates, Nominees, Predictions and How to Watch
If your watchlist is longer than your grocery list, September has a night made for you. The Emmys 2026, officially the 78th Emmy Awards, will bring television's biggest names together in Los Angeles to celebrate the shows and performances that kept us saying, “Okay, just one more episode.” The Emmys recognize achievement in television; the Oscars do the same for film. That's the simple difference between Emmy and Oscar and, thankfully, there will be no quiz later.
7 min read
5 Best Lakes in California: Beautiful Places Worth Visiting
California has plenty of famous beaches, but its lakes deserve some attention too. Think glassy alpine water, pine-covered mountains, hidden coves, fishing spots, and the occasional lake day that somehow turns into an entire weekend. The best lakes in California are anything but one-size-fits-all. Think glassy alpine water, pine-covered mountains, hidden coves, and quiet fishing spots. Some lake days can even turn into an entire weekend. So grab the sunscreen, maybe a kayak, and definitely a camera. Each of these five California lakes offers something different. Choosing a favorite may be the hardest part of the trip. There is no objective answer. California's lakes offer very different types of scenery.
7 min read
California Wine Month 2026: Guide to 5 Must-Visit Events
California in September has a serious grape problem in the best possible way. Harvest season is in full swing, tasting rooms get busier, vineyards come alive, and entire towns find creative ways to turn grapes into a reason to celebrate. California Wine Month brings everything from beachside tastings and winery dinners to grape stomps, live music, food pairings, vineyard tours, and full weekend festivals. The best part? No two events feel the same. In 2026, you can taste wine in Los Angeles one weekend, head to Catalina Island for pours by the beach, join a grape-filled celebration in Lodi, explore harvest season in Alexander Valley, and finish in Sonoma with one of the region’s biggest wine traditions. So clear a few September weekends. These are five California Wine Month 2026 events worth raising a glass to.
13 min read
Universal Studios Hollywood Tips: Group Visit Guide
Welcome to the Place Where Dinosaurs Roam, Minions Take Over, and Your Group Immediately Splits Up! Planning a group trip to Universal Studios Hollywood is a little like directing your own blockbuster movie. One person wants to head straight to Super Nintendo World. Someone else is already dreaming about Butterbeer. Another refuses to ride anything that goes upside down. Then, one friend disappears before the group even enters the park. That's why buying tickets is only the beginning.
8 min read
Outdoor Events in August: 5 California Events to Attend in 2026
California in August does not believe in boring weekends. The state goes all in with shiny classic cars, mountain trails, wine tastings, and live music. It also hosts one of the country’s toughest endurance rides. Whether your group prefers horsepower, horse trails, bike races, festival stages, or sunset wine, there is something for everyone. California has plenty of outdoor events in August 2026 worth planning around. This guide covers five California festivals 2026 travelers may want to attend, from Lodi and Folsom to Irvine, Downieville, and the Western States Trail. Before choosing an event, groups should review tickets, schedules, locations, parking, shuttle options, and transportation plans so the day feels organized from start to finish. Travelers looking for things to do in California in August can choose from several event styles. Car lovers may head to Lodi. Equestrian fans can follow the Tevis Cup. Mountain bikers can plan around the Downieville Classic. Wine lovers can attend the Barbera Festival, while music fans can look at Daisy Chain Fields in Irvine. Before leaving, check the official event date, location, ticket availability, daily schedule, parking information, and transportation rules. Search the exact event name with terms such as “2026,” “tickets,” “schedule,” “parking,” and “shuttle.” For group visits, also consider travel distance, group size, meeting points, venue access, and the planned departure time.