Native American Travel Experiences in California

On this episode of the California Now Podcast, host Soterios Johnson explores the deep cultural heritage and vibrant traditions of Native American communities across the Golden State—and how travelers can experience them in meaningful ways.

To begin, Johnson speaks with Tara Gomez, co-owner of Camins 2 Dreams winery in Lompoc and a proud member of the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians. Gomez shares the story behind her boutique winery, which she runs alongside her wife, and how their wines reflect a deep connection to the land and heritage. “I'm always trying to find that connection between the land and the grapes,” Gomez says. “It's like a part of me.” She goes on to describe the unique terroir of the region, her commitment to sustainability, and how visitors can experience her wines for themselves.

Next, Johnson heads north to the Klamath River to talk with Pergish Carlson, a Yurok tribal member and owner of Blue Creek Guide Service. Carlson discusses the significance of the river and how it offers insights into Yurok culture. “It's our lifeline and every meal that we eat— it's usually based on the river,” Carlson says.

He also shares how visitors can experience the river firsthand through his guided salmon and steelhead fishing trips, scenic river tours, eco-cultural tours through the redwoods, and even snorkeling excursions. “You get to snorkel in crystal-clear water and you can take underwater photos that will rival any saltwater clear photos by far,” says Carlson.

Then, Johnson travels to the Capay Valley with Jim Etters, director of land management at Séka Hills, an enterprise of the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation. Etters guides listeners through the tribe’s award-winning olive oil production. “From the time the olives arrive at the mill, to the time oil comes out of the spigot is usually about 45 minutes to an hour,” Etters says. He gives details about the mill’s interactive olive oil tastings and discusses how sustainability and cultural stewardship go hand in hand.

Finally, Johnson chats with Sherry Rupert, CEO of the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association. Rupert offers a broader view of Indigenous-led travel in California, highlighting meaningful experiences like exploring the Anza National Historic Trail, visiting the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum, and attending tribal Pow Wows.

She also shares essential tips on how travelers can respectfully engage with tribes and tribal lands. “I think that when somebody is looking at visiting one of our Indigenous communities or our businesses that it's always good to do some research beforehand, learn a little bit about who you'll be visiting,” says Rupert.

GUESTS

Tara Gomez, owner of Camins 2 Dreams Winery
Pergish Carlson, owner of Blue Creek Guide Service
Jim Etters, director of land management at Séka Hills
Sherry Rupert, CEO of the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association

RESOURCES

Tara Gomez is owner and winemaker of Camins 2 Dreams, a Lompoc-based winery that produces acclaimed Syrahs and Grenaches.

Tara Gomez
Camins 2 Dreams Winery
Lompoc
Lompoc Wine Ghetto
Santa Barbara County
Fresno
Santa Rita Hills

Pergish Carlson is a Yurok tribal member and the owner of Blue Creek Guide Service, offering fishing, snorkeling, and scenic river tours that highlight the cultural importance of the Klamath River.

Blue Creek Guide Service
Klamath River
Klamath
Yurok
North Coast
California’s Salmon

Jim Etters is the director of land management at Séka Hills, where he showcases the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation’s dedication to sustainability through olive oil production and hands-on agritourism experiences.

Séka Hills
Séka Hills Olive Mill & Tasting Room
Séka Hills Midtown Tasting Room
Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation
Capay Valley
Yolo County
Esparto
Sacramento
Woodland

Sherry Rupert is the CEO of the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA).

AIANTA
Juan Batista de Anza Trail
Travel Guide to Tribes Along the Juan Batista to Anza National Historic Trail
Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians
Agua Caliente Cultural Museum
Tahquitz Canyon
California Indian Museum & Cultural Center
Santa Rosa
Morongo Casino Resort & Spa
Native American Cultural Experiences at California’s State Parks—North
Native American Cultural Experiences at California’s State Parks—South
San Manuel Pow Wow
Stanford Powwow
Yosemite National Park
Mono Lake

ABOUT THE HOST

Soterios Johnson, formerly the local host of National Public Radio’s Morning Edition on New York radio station WNYC, has been the host of the California Now Podcast since its inception in 2018.

OUR TEAM

Host, Soterios Johnson
Editorial Director, Jené Shaw 
Producer, Kate Eplboim
Technical Producer, Jessica Marshall
Theme music, Aaron Taos