California Locals

Summary
Stories
Things to do
Gallery
Podcasts

Guidebooks are great and travel videos can tell you part of the story, but when it comes to truly experiencing a destination, nothing beats the advice of a local. That’s why we reached out to the insightful insiders assembled here—shop owners, tour guides, restaurateurs, and many others—and asked them to share their favorite aspects of the communities they call home, giving them a voice to tell their story. Their collective passion shines through in the recommendations collected here. Take our advice and follow their advice—you’ll be glad you did.

Southern California

Temecula

Akash Patel Raves About the Local Scenery

The owner and director of Akash Winery in Temecula can’t get enough of this Inland Empire destination

San Bernardino

Terrance Thibodeaux Cooks Up Local Advice

When he’s not serving vegan dishes to hungry guests, the restaurateur loves to explore the surrounding Inland Empire region

Dana Point

Lance Murphy: Life’s a Beach for This Ocean Enthusiast

Whether you’re seeking the perfect break or the perfect burger, this Southern California native can point you in the right direction

Beverly Hills

Ann Pridipun: Finding Fashion and Haute Cuisine

The director of sales for The Beverly Hilton loves to introduce travelers to the indulgent side of life

Long Beach

Lourdes Ramos-Rivas Reveals Her Local Favorites

The president and CEO of the Museum of Latin American Art raves about Long Beach’s sense of community and diverse offerings