Featured Places and Activities
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
Avalon Unpacked: The Essential Travel Tips for Catalina Island
A traveler’s guide to making the most of Catalina Island’s Avalon—from ferry rides and food finds to the little details that make it unforgettable
Don’t Get Caught in June Gloom: Tips for Your First Trip to Los Angeles
Los Angeles will always surprise you—even if you’ve been 100 times. These are Drives & Detours’ tips to make the most of your time in the city
The Top 6 Must-See Attractions in Los Angeles
Los Angeles can feel overwhelming for the first-time visitor. Here’s our top 6 things to do in the City of Angels
Where to Eat in Los Angeles: 4 Must-Try Spots Beyond the Obvious
Los Angeles is more than Hollywood glam and palm-lined streets—it’s a city with a vibrant, eclectic food scene that spans cultures, flavors, and experiences.