Featured Places and Activities
The Ultimate Sacramento Food Guide: 5 Local-Approved Spots You Can't Miss
To help you plan the perfect itinerary, we have curated a list of five extraordinary places to eat and drink in Sacramento. These aren't just highly-rated establishments; they are cornerstones of the local community that offer unforgettable experiences.
Step Back in Time: 6 Must-See Attractions in Sacramento for Families and History Buffs
For history buffs and families looking for an engaging getaway, Sacramento offers an incredible mix of immersive museums, stunning architecture, and beautifully preserved historic districts. Here are the six most iconic, can’t-miss attractions in Sacramento, designed to be enjoyed entirely at your own pace.
Savoring the Coast: The Independent Traveler’s Guide to Eating and Drinking in Mendocino
The food in Mendocino is hyper-local. It is stunningly fresh and deeply tied to the surrounding landscape. The chefs here do not rely on gimmicks; they rely on what the fishermen caught that morning and what the local farmers pulled from the earth.
Fog, Food, and Freedom: The Ultimate First-Timer’s Guide to Mendocino
We have gathered the ultimate local tips for your first trip to Mendocino. From navigating the microclimates to finding the most mind-bending ice cream flavor on the coast, here is everything you need to know to experience Mendocino like a true local.
Your Private Off-Road Adventure: A Different Way to Explore San Diego
Everybody knows San Diego for its beaches and famous attractions like Balboa Park and La Jolla. But if you’re looking for something different, all you have to do is head inland and suddenly you’re seeing a completely different side of SoCal.
Planning the Perfect Self-Drive Holiday: The Ultimate Guide
This guide covers everything you need to know about self-drive holiday planning, from routing your journey and pacing yourself safely to using modern technology to unlock the hidden stories waiting for you along the way.
Where to Rest Your Head in the High Desert: Joshua Tree’s Most Unique Stays
We have curated a list of standout boutique properties, historic inns, and architectural gems that embody the authentic Joshua Tree experience. These properties are highly rated by fellow travelers and offer the perfect home base for your desert exploration.
Desert Drama & Dr. Seuss Trees: The Ultimate Joshua Tree Guide for First-Timers
You don't want to be the person being ushered back onto a 40-passenger bus just as the light hits the Hidden Valley rocks in that perfect, golden way. You want to linger. You want to take the detour. You want to know where the locals go when the West Entrance is backed up for two miles.
Why a Self-Guided Tour is the Absolute Best Way to See Joshua Tree
Our Joshua Tree self-guided tour is the perfect marriage of professional expertise and total personal freedom. At Drives & Detours, we believe that the best stories are told at your pace, in your car, with your favorite people.
More Than Aebleskiver: The Independent Travelers' Guide to Eating and Drinking in Solvang
We have bypassed the national chains and the overcrowded tourist traps to curate a list of five exceptional, highly-rated places to eat and drink in Solvang. These are the spots where the locals dine, where the ingredients shine, and where you can truly savor the flavor of the region.
Navigating the USS Midway & San Diego Embarcadero: A First-Timer’s Guide to Avoiding Tourist Traps
At Drives & Detours, we believe travel should happen on your own time. If you want to gain a deep, authentic knowledge of San Diego’s naval history and waterfront culture at your own pace, you need the inside scoop.
Looking Past the Windmills: A First-Timer’s Guide to Surviving and Thriving in Solvang
You don’t need to follow a flag to experience the magic of Solvang. You just need a bit of local know-how, a healthy appetite for carbohydrates, and the freedom to explore at your own pace.
Discover the Magic of the San Diego Embarcadero: 5 Must-See Waterfront Attractions
The best way to experience the Embarcadero is on your own time, with a deep dive into the history that surrounds you. Here are the top five can't-miss attractions along the San Diego Embarcadero, curated for the independent traveler who wants to soak in every detail.
Unlocking Solvang: The 6 Best Sights in Solvang, California’s Little Denmark
Trade the crowded buses and rigid schedules for buttery pastries, hidden histories, and the freedom to explore the Danish Capital of America at your own pace
USS Midway: The Secrets of San Diego’s Floating City & The Embarcadero
The Embarcadero is a place where historic tall ships rub shoulders with modern yachts, and where military history is woven into the very fabric of the city
Eat Like a Local Near the USS Midway: A Foodie's Guide to the San Diego Embarcadero
The Embarcadero is undoubtedly one of the most breathtaking areas in Southern California. But with great views come great crowds—and an abundance of overpriced, underwhelming tourist traps.
How to Hike to the Hollywood Sign in Los Angeles: The Complete 2026 Guide
Every year, thousands of travelers head into the Santa Monica Mountains with visions of that perfect Instagram shot. But the Hollywood Sign sits behind a high-tech fence on the steep slopes of Mount Lee, guarded by cameras, motion sensors, and the LAPD
The Hidden Heart of the High Desert: 5 Secret Spots in Joshua Tree
What if we told you that the true soul of Joshua Tree—its most mysterious, secluded, and awe-inspiring spots—often lies just beyond the edges of the busiest paths?
Discover Avalon’s Must-See Attractions: 5 Iconic Things to Do on Catalina Island
from Art Deco landmarks to ocean adventures and scenic gardens, these are Drives & Detours’ can’t-miss experiences in Avalon
Culinary Gems in Avalon: 7 Standout Spots to Eat & Drink on Catalina Island
Discover the best local flavors in Avalon beyond the tourist traps with Drives & Detours—from fresh seafood to craft cocktails