Survivor’s Jeff Probst knows all about fun and adventure. As he heads into his 49th season of hosting duties for the popular reality series, he’s had the privilege of traveling the world and exploring some of the most exciting and beautiful locales imaginable.
Still, when each season’s contestants are done outwitting, outplaying, and outlasting each other, Probst—who scored the first-ever Outstanding Host for a Reality or Reality-Competition Emmy in 2008—can’t wait to grab his torch and rush home to his and his wife’s own personal base camp in Los Angeles County’s San Fernando Valley.
Here, the successful writer, producer, and former daytime talk show host shares his favorite beaches, festivals, and more around California.
Where do you live? We live in a quiet neighborhood in the Valley. Lots of oak trees and people always walking the streets with their dogs. It’s so quaint I often forget we live in Los Angeles.
Why there? Because it gives us the best of both worlds. We’re very close to everything we need on a daily basis, but at the same time, we feel completely removed from the noise and pace of the city.
Who or what is your greatest California love? The Pacific Ocean. It’s stunning, endless, unpredictable, and unforgiving. I love that contrast of humbling power and incredible beauty. I could sit on Zuma Beach in Malibu and just watch the water crash for hours.
What is the biggest misperception about Californians? The biggest misperception probably comes from reality TV! If you based your impression on the people cast from Los Angeles, you’d think we all live in giant mansions, wear very little clothing, and sip cocktails by the pool all day. And okay, sure, that’s probably half of us. The other half are in sweatpants, trying to find parking, and wondering if Trader Joe’s still has oat milk.
What is the stereotype that most holds true? That we’re health- and vanity-obsessed. And it’s true. Californians will try anything if it promises to make us look younger, stronger, fitter, or more camera-ready. Juice cleanses, infrared saunas, cold plunges—we’re all in! In fact, maybe the mansions and cocktails aren’t a misperception… maybe we all really do want them and we think a green juice is the pathway to both!
What is your favorite Golden State splurge? Dinner at Nobu Malibu. Sitting on that beautiful deck as the sun drops into the Pacific, sushi in front of you, waves hitting the rocks below… it’s one of the all-time great spots in the world.
Time for a road trip—where are you going? Napa Valley. We usually go twice a year with a group of friends, and it’s become a tradition. The highlight is BottleRock, which is one of my favorite music festivals. Where else can you sip world-class wine while listening to everything from jazz to heavy metal in one weekend? It’s the perfect mix of California culture… laid-back, slightly adventurous, and just a little indulgent.
If you could decree an official state culinary experience, what would it be? Mexican food and margaritas. Nothing feels more California to me. Mexican food is everywhere, from taco trucks on a street corner to fine dining downtown, and it’s always good. Fresh tortillas, spicy salsa, and guacamole that tastes like it was made five minutes ago… that’s California. And of course, you gotta have a margarita… because for some reason they just taste better here, with the sun setting and palm trees swaying in the background. Mexican food is one of the things that makes California, California.
What is your favorite way to play in California? Tennis. I love it because you can always get better. There’s no ceiling, you’re constantly learning. And the great thing is, it’s really only on you. Your mistakes, your progress, it all lives with you. Unless, of course, you’re playing doubles… in which case, you probably don’t want to be my partner when I’m working on my backhand.
Where would you go for the ultimate shopping spree in California? Well, “ultimate” is definitively relative. But for me it would probably be somewhere like Abbot Kinney in Venice. I like the mix of boutique and vintage. Plus it’s just a fun place to hang.
Best California song? “California Dreamin’” by The Mamas & The Papas. It’s wistful, it’s romantic, and it captures the magnetic pull of this state. Everyone who’s ever been here has felt that mix of longing… and possibility.
How would your California dream day unfold? If I’m not on location filming Survivor, I love spending my time at home. It starts with a morning coffee in hand, walking our two dogs around the property. Then I come inside and make a cup for my wife. After that, I’ll sit out on our back deck and work on Survivor or whatever else is happening.
At some point it’s always nice to hear from our two adult children who are both living in New York. Then more dog walks and we finally wind down by watching a great show at night. Then we go to sleep, wake up, and do it again the next day. It’s pretty simple and exactly how I want it.