We'll Meet You There family travel blog. The traveling McCarthys, one adventure at a time.

California is where we call home. Its diversity isn't just cultural; it's geographical, from the magical redwood forests of the north to the sunny beaches of the south. Its cities are melting pots, vibrant with culture, cuisine, and chill. Natural beauty abounds from Yosemite to Big Sur, Lake Tahoe to Santa Barbara. You can ski and surf in the same day and have 4 seasons in a week. The heart of creativity and innovation; a kaleidoscope of art, music, and tech. Have an idea or a dream? Come to California, people are nice & the sun always shines.

Blurred image of a colorful sky during sunset with shades of orange, pink, and purple.

Disney Land - the happiest place on earth

A young girl with wet blonde hair smiling at the camera, wearing a black puffy jacket and a glittery Mickey Mouse ears headband, with pink and purple background.

Several tall palm trees swaying against a bright blue sky.

Hollywood Sign hike via Griffith Observatory

People walking along a sandy beach next to large, rocky cliffs under a clear blue sky.

A crab with a rounded shell and reddish-brown claws on a weathered wooden surface outdoors.

A bundle of tangled ropes lying on a sandy surface next to a weathered wooden post, with a small container nearby.

Beach access for all @ Sea Ranch; selfies for days.

The Sea Ranch Lodge - recently renovated by the team at NICOLEHOLLIS

A roller coaster with orange track and light blue support beams against a clear blue sky.

People riding colorful Ferris wheel with multiple gondolas against a clear blue sky.

A close-up of a mural painted on a wall with vertical ridges, featuring a red circle with a stylized dove inside, set against pastel pink, red, white, and teal background with yellow accents.

A young person crouching on the sandy beach, adjusting a surfboard. In the background, there is a lifeguard tower painted blue, the ocean with waves, and several people relaxing and walking on the beach.

Two tall palm trees with green fronds against a clear blue sky.

Bluff walks for 10 miles in Sea Ranch, CA

The Gosby House Inn, Pacific Grove. A gem.

Silhouette of a tall palm tree against a colorful sunset sky with pink, orange, and blue hues.

Inter-mountain Gondola Palisades -- Alpine — Inter-mountain Gondola Palisades --> Alpine

Lake Davis, Tahoe Region - Shaffer's High Sierra Summer Camp

Napa Valley Vintage Home - best at the holidays!

Northern California Favorites - Our Recommendations To Eat

China Live

Best elevated but casual Chinese food - dim sum, green beans & pork buns.

— Chinatown, San Francisco

Pineapple King

Pork buns, pineapple buns, coconut cream buns to die for.

— Sunset District, San Francisco

Phil’s Fish Market

Cioppino, bloody mary’s with shrimp, fish n chips. Long lines, worth the wait.

— Castroville / Monterey

Souvla

Greek potatoes, gyros & yogurt in the sunshine.

— Marin Country Mart, Larkspur

Poggio Trattoria

Great Italian, cozy booths. Nice wine & cocktails. Eloise’s favorite pasta & parm.

— Casa Madrona, Sausalito

Joe’s Taco Lounge

Simple, consistent & delicious.

— Mill Valley

Mister Jiu’s

Best innovative Chinese food and great bar. All the awards, Michelin *.

— Chinatown, San Francisco

House of Nanking

Best food, authentic dive atmosphere. Green beans and mongolian beef.

— China Town, San Francisco

Nick’s Cove

Fish n chips is all you need. Well appointed cabins on site.

— Tamales Bay

Parkside

Loaded fries, tacos, milkshakes, smoothies with the best view.

— Stinson Beach

Sushi Ran

Favorite Japanese food. A real treat.

— Caledonia St, Sausalito

Dalida

Modern Mediterranean, great cocktails.

— The Presidio, SF

Hays Place

Fancy Cali-Mexican. Nachos, tortilla soup & strong drinks with the best view in town.

— Pebble Beach

Stokes Adobe

All you need is a cocktail & the roasted potatoes. Tucked in a charming little adobe house.

— Pacific Grove

California Favorites - Recommendations To Drink & Stay

Wineries:

Scribe, Sonoma - Tastings & special events. Reservations recommended. Rosé, chardonnay, pinot.
Ridge, Healdsburg - Best zins, big cabs, smooth pinots. Sustainably made.
Bella, Dry Creek - Great tours. Known for their zins.
Lynmar, Russian River - Outdoor tasting, gardens, truffle popcorn. Nice chardonnays & pinots.

A few favorite outings (Nor Cal)

Great redwood hike: Baltimore Canyon (Barbara Springs to Dawns Falls loop). Under 2 hours, moderate. Muir Woods is also great but requires a shuttle and reservations everyday.

Amazing views hike: Matt Davis to Steep Ravine (top of Mt Tam to Stinson Beach and back). Lunch at Parkside. 4 hours, moderate+.

Favorite bike loop: Kentfield to Bolinas via Sir Francis Drake, home via Bolinas Ridge.

A nice day out: rent bikes at Demo Sport and take the Tiburon Ferry to Angel Island. Pack a picnic & a beach bag - or camping gear.

Kayak or SUP in Sausalito: SeaTrek - see the seals, birds, houseboats, fancy boats. Eat at Fish.

To stay (off the beaten path):

Carmel Mission Inn, Carmel-By-the-Sea. Outside the tourist area, nice food and nice little pool.
Carmel Valley Ranch & Spa, Carmel Valley. 11/10.
Gosby House, Pacific Grove. Quaint little hidden gem.
The Madonna Inn, San Louis Obispo. Not quaint, no gem. All the fun you need; 24 hours max.
The Steward, Santa Barbara. Close to UCSB. Good for families.
The Sea Ranch Lodge, Sea Ranch CA. Recently renovated by the team at NICOLEHOLLIS. Absolute magic. Air Bnbs are also stunning and often good value. One of our faves HERE.
Surrey Glamping Resort, Guerneville. Casual, family spot near town.
Harmon Guest House, Healdsburg. Terrific service and location. Nice bikes & food.
Cavallo Point, Sausalito. Great hikes, spa, rooms, food. Our favorite staycation.
Marriott @ The Marin Country Mart. For location only. Convenient to SF Ferry, excellent food, great shops, and us.