Sharing the best of California travel from a native Californian
One of the most iconic stops along the Mojave’s Route 66, Roy’s Cafe, Gas and Motel was built in 1938 by Amboy mayor Buster Burris. He dubbed it “the crustiest, dustiest gas stop on all of Route 66.” Originally a successful auto parts house, the building was turned into a cafe in 1945, serving up …
Perched on a hilltop 1,600 feet above the crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean, the magnificent Hearst Castle estate was built by William Randoph Hearst in 1919. During its heyday, the castle played host to Hollywood’s hottest stars, from Howard Hughes to Marion Davies (Hearst’s mistress). The castle is located halfway between LA and San …
The Victorian-era Gaslamp Quarter, set in the heart of downtown San Diego, was once home to the area’s criminals, prostitutes and charlatans. Today, it’s a hip dining, lodging and shopping area. Be sure to take a stroll at night, when the gaslamps that line the street are aglow. This is when the city’s hot young thangs …
Cal-Earth, a sustainable cluster of SuperAdobe buildings in the Mojave Desert, is revered around the globe for its Earth-friendly materials and methods. It was the brainchild of the late architect Nader Khalili (1936-2008), who developed his revolutionary designs for possible lunar use by NASA, and as a freely available housing option for the world’s homeless. …
Built in 1857, San Diego’s Whaley House is considered to be “America’s most haunted house.” Not surprisingly, this is a hot destination during the Halloween season, when crowds line up for a glimpse of its famous ghosts. Owner Thomas Whaley is believed to haunt the upper landing, and Yankee Jim, who was hung in the gallows …
Built between 1921 and 1955 by Italian artist Simon Rodia, the Watts Towers are one of LA’s most unique outdoor sculptures. Comprised of 17 non-traditional vernacular sculptures made from steel rods, pipes and mortar, the tallest of the Watts Towers rise 99 feet into the sky. They are considered one of the finest examples of …