BLOGGER AT LARGE · USA GUIDE
🌉 California
LA’s beaches, San Francisco’s hills, Palm Springs’ pools, Santa Barbara’s architecture, San Diego’s gems and driving the glorious Pacific Coast.
California never gets old — and I keep finding new reasons to go back.
Why California always delivers
California is a wonderful destination in its own right — a state so vast and varied it would take a lifetime to explore properly.
I’ve been visiting for years and I still haven’t exhausted it. From the effortlessly cool LA beach towns of Santa Monica, Venice and Malibu to the dramatic landscapes of Joshua Tree, the cable cars of San Francisco and the retro glamour of Palm Springs — this is a state that does everything brilliantly.
Below you’ll find lots of my California content, organised by city and theme. Whether you’re planning a week in Los Angeles, a road trip up the Pacific Coast or a long weekend in the desert, I’ve got you covered.
☀️ Los Angeles
I’ve spent a lot of time in LA — Santa Monica, Venice, West Hollywood and the beaches that stretch between them. Here’s a few posts I’ve written about the city and its 88 neighborhoods.
Things to Do
29 Fabulously Cool Things to Do in Los Angeles
From iconic landmarks to hidden neighbourhood gems — my guide to the best things to do in LA whether it’s your first visit or your tenth.
25 Things to Do in Hollywood
Beyond the Walk of Fame and the Hollywood sign — here are the best things to do in Hollywood that are actually worth your time.
17 Free Things to Do in Los Angeles
Believe it or not, you don’t need to spend a dollar to have a brilliant time in LA. These 17 ideas will get you started without touching your wallet.
5 Great Places to Shop in LA
From boutique-lined streets to vintage markets and luxury malls — here are five shopping spots in Los Angeles that are genuinely worth packing your credit card.
Hotels and Dining
My Favorite Hotels in Santa Monica
I’ve personally stayed at every hotel on this list — here’s the honest verdict on each, what I loved and why I keep going back to the best ones.
7 Way Cool Hotels in West Hollywood
West Hollywood has some of the most stylish and characterful hotels in all of LA — here are five that are worth every penny.
Great Places to Drink & Dine in Santa Monica
The best bars, rooftops and restaurants for after a hard day on the beach. I was on the hunt for the very best — and here’s what I found.
🌸 Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara is one of California’s most beautiful towns — Spanish colonial architecture, a stunning coastline and a relaxed pace that makes it the perfect escape from LA. It’s an easy drive up the coast and well worth a night or two.
Fun & Unusual Things to Do in Santa Barbara
California’s Riviera delivers on every level — here’s my guide to the best things to do in Santa Barbara, from the mission to the wine country and the beach.
🌉 San Francisco
Hilly, handsome and always a little unpredictable — San Francisco is unlike anywhere else in America. The Golden Gate, the cable cars, the fog rolling in over the bay. Here’s my guide to the city.
16 Things to Do in San Francisco You May Not Have Heard Of
If you’ve already done the obvious sights, these ideas will take you deeper into the Golden Gate City. Some real surprises in here.
36 Hours in San Francisco
Short on time but big on ambition? Here’s how to make the most of just 36 hours in one of America’s most beautiful and walkable cities.
🌵 Palm Springs
There’s a lot more to Palm Springs than retirees and Joshua Tree. The mid-century architecture is extraordinary, the food scene has blossomed and the pool culture is a genuine art form. I went expecting nothing much — and came away completely charmed.
16 Things to Do in Palm Springs, California
From tram rides above the clouds to vintage shops, open-air markets and some genuinely stunning restaurants. Here’s why Palm Springs surprised me.
🌊 San Diego
Relaxed, sunny and seriously underrated — San Diego is California at its most laid-back. Great beaches, brilliant food and a neighbourly vibe that’s a world away from the hustle of LA.
16 Must-Dos in San Diego
San Diego is relaxed, sunny and seriously underrated — here are six things you absolutely shouldn’t miss on your visit to California’s southern gem.