Unique, Less-Touristy Corners Of Los Angeles, California, Where You Can Skip The Crowds
After years of living in the shadow of the Hollywood sign, I learned a crucial truth: the LA everyone sees on TV is the LA no one actually enjoys visiting….

California is a haven for food lovers and travelers alike. Its vibrant culinary scene spans bustling city restaurants, coastal seafood spots, and beloved local eateries that highlight regional flavors. The state also offers diverse landscapes, with breathtaking beaches and picturesque cities waiting to be explored and enjoyed.
After years of living in the shadow of the Hollywood sign, I learned a crucial truth: the LA everyone sees on TV is the LA no one actually enjoys visiting….
California’s coastline isn’t the only place to enjoy fresh seafood. Tucked throughout the state, all-you-can-eat seafood buffets serve mountains of shrimp, crab, and oysters that taste just as vibrant as…
California glows brighter when the nights get longer, and the best displays turn sidewalks into storybooks. You will find twinkling tunnels, projection spectacles, and trees that seem to hum with…
Forget the red carpets and palm trees for a second, California’s real star power might just be found sizzling on a flat-top grill. Tucked between coastlines, mountain towns, and dusty…
Before California was the land of vegan smoothies and viral food trucks, it was home to a lineup of old-school eateries that built the state’s culinary reputation one plate at…
California’s coastline stretches over 800 miles, offering some of the most romantic dining spots in the country. Finding the ‘perfect’ spot for date night – that sweet intersection of ambiance,…
Picture this: you round Washington Square, the morning fog still yawning, and the line outside Mama’s is already buzzing like a brunch beehive. You are not just chasing breakfast here,…
Blink and you might miss it, but your taste buds will not. At Digger’s Diner Brentwood—located at 2261 Balfour Rd in Brentwood, California— the omelets come out fluffy, packed, and…
Ever shown up to a restaurant in California only to find out they’re closed because they’ve sold everything? It’s frustrating, but it’s also a badge of honor for these spots….
Pull into the gas station on S Main in Santa Ana, California, and you might think you made a wrong turn, but keep going because the smoke tells the truth….
California winters might not bring blizzards to every corner, but they do bring something magical: cozy restaurants that locals have been keeping to themselves. Once the temperatures drop and the…
When winter chills hit California, locals know the best way to warm up is with a feast that never seems to end. From hearty plates to endless comfort classics, these…
If you’ve ever tried scoring a table at a popular Italian spot on a Saturday night, you know the struggle is real. California’s Italian restaurant scene is packed with places…
California has always been a melting pot of flavors, traditions, and unforgettable dining experiences. Some restaurants have stood the test of time, serving hungry crowds for generations with the same…
Stumbling into Tommy’s Joynt in San Francisco feels like finding a holiday tucked inside a busy city corner. The neon sign catches your eye, then the aroma of roasted turkey…
Pie lovers across California have a secret, and it is tucked inside warm bakeries where flaky crusts and rich fillings spark instant nostalgia. Locals lean in with a grin when…
California’s winding backroads are sprinkled with food spots so delightful, they feel like secret rewards for curious travelers. Over the years, I’ve wandered through the Golden State’s quiet towns and…
California BBQ comes with more than smoky flavors and sizzling grills; it has its own language. I listened, asked, and learned as locals tossed around phrases that leave outsiders scratching…
Tallyrand in Burbank feels like a discovery you’re almost protective of the moment you walk in. The old sign on West Olive glows softly in the evenings, and stepping through…
California mornings start with sun, caffeine, and a craving for something spicy and satisfying. I tracked down counters where green-chile burritos are more than a meal; they are a ritual….
I first mapped my California road trips by bread crumbs, chasing whispers of mind-blowing bites tucked into small towns, sun-washed plazas, and easy-to-miss side streets. One stray detour changed everything,…
I still remember the night a soggy roast taught me the true power of a great butcher—the kind of quiet kitchen lesson you never forget. One honest chat at a…
My mom, bless her heart, always said dinner was sacred. In our little California ranch house back in the 60s, there were rules – and not the “eat your broccoli”…
California’s dining scene isn’t just about flashy restaurants and crowded hotspots. Hidden throughout the state are secret patios where locals escape for incredible meals under open skies, away from tourist…
In California, they know how to feed hungry people. Across this massive state, you can find buffets where the plates keep coming, the flavors never stop, and nobody judges you…
California’s small towns have a way of slowing you down before you realize you’ve agreed to it. I’ve pulled off the highway for a quick break and ended up walking…
I still remember the first time I walked into a California Thanksgiving and saw no turkey on the table. Instead, there was a gorgeous tri-tip roast, bowls of cioppino, and…
It was 9 in the morning when I showed up, thinking I had time, but the line already looked like a parade with a carb agenda. At Liguria Bakery in…
I arrived certain I’d pace myself, then the dessert bar at Fresh Grill Buffet stared back like a sweet-toothed siren. Trays of cakes and a chocolate fountain had a longer…
The first time I laid eyes on Hearst Castle, perched majestically above the rolling hills of San Simeon, I realized that fairy tales really do come true. Nestled at 750…
The first clue is the scent-a distant wisp of hickory and caramelizing pork that hooks you from the parking lot. The second is the quiet, anticipatory hum of a crowd…
I remember the first time I tried to book Osteria Mozza for a special celebration. I thought, “How hard could it be to get a table for two?” The ensuing…