We stayed at the Sheraton Universal Hotel during a December weekend trip centered around Universal Studios Hollywood and CityWalk’s Christmas lights. Since our plan was to spend nearly all our time at the park, convenience was the top priority, and the Sheraton sits just up the hill from Universal with both a free shuttle and a walkable path to the entrance. We paid $456.30 total for two nights , which came out to about $228 per night before taxes and fees . For a hotel locat

Universal Studios Hollywood transforms every winter into a park-wide holiday celebration filled with lights, music, and exclusive seasonal entertainment. The biggest highlights, Grinchmas  and The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle , bring special shows, character meet-and-greets, and festive décor that make the park feel completely different from any other time of year. We visited last holiday season and are updating this guide with 2025 pricing, hours, and seasonal offer

The Nevada City Victorian Christmas Market is one of Northern California’s most charming small-town holiday events, transforming this historic Gold Rush town into a Dickens-style Christmas village. Hosted by the Nevada City Chamber of Commerce, the streets fill with artisans, vintage-costumed performers, carolers, mulled wine stands, and holiday lights, all creating a warm and nostalgic December atmosphere. This guide covers everything you need to know for 2025, including eve

The National Exchange Hotel in Nevada City , California, is one of the oldest continuously operating hotels west of the Rockies and remains the most atmospheric place to stay in Gold Country. Fully restored in recent years, the property blends Victorian-era architecture with modern touches, offering a boutique stay right in the center of downtown. National Exchange Hotel Ready For Christmas! We booked a stay here during the Nevada City Victorian Christmas Market , which made

Christmas in San Francisco is one of our absolute favorite times of the year, and after spending last December hopping between light shows, Christmas markets, Victorian-themed fairs, and waterfront celebrations , we couldn’t wait to update this guide for 2025. The city comes alive in a way that’s hard to capture unless you’ve been here, street choirs echoing through Union Square, the scent of roasted chestnuts at the Dickens Fair, projection-mapped buildings glowing across do

Visiting the San Francisco Bay Area for Super Bowl 60 in 2026?  Whether you’re heading to Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara or planning to explore San Francisco and San Jose during Super Bowl Weekend, this guide covers it all. From the best restaurants near the stadium, navigating BART and Caltrain, to can’t-miss Bay Area attractions, we’ll help you plan a trip that’s truly worth your wallet. We’ve lived and worked across the Bay Area and know local tips, hidden gems, and time-sa

San Francisco is one of those cities that surprises you, yes, it’s known for being pricey, but some of the best experiences here are...

We’ve explored San Francisco from every angle and made it our mission to find the best Golden Gate Bridge viewpoints . These 10 spots...

The San Francisco Ferry Building  is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, standing proudly along the Embarcadero waterfront at the...

Muir Woods National Monument  is one of the most beautiful and serene nature escapes near San Francisco. Located just 30–45 minutes north...

Thinking about staying at the LINQ Hotel Las Vegas?  This mid-Strip property is connected to its casino, has multiple on-site bars and...

The Sphere is one of the most unique and talked-about attractions on the Las Vegas Strip. This modern engineering marvel blends...

If you’re searching for California’s Great America reviews  or wondering if it’s worth visiting in 2025 , you’re not alone. With rising...

South Lake Tahoe is a popular summer destination on the California and Nevada state line. Multiple casinos, resorts, beaches, and plenty...

When you think of Los Angeles , what comes to mind first? For us, it’s Hollywood, where the glitz and glamour of the entertainment world...

Why San Diego Is One of the Best Places to See Blue Whales Each year from mid-June through September , an enormous and elusive visitor...

On a spur-of-the-moment trip to San Diego to see the blue whales migrating, we needed a place to stay, and we had only about a day's...

Just south of Laguna Beach sits Orange County a region known for its iconic coastline, upscale neighborhoods, and some of the most famous beaches in Southern California. Perched on a hill overlooking the Pacific, the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach  is a luxury coastal resort featuring ocean-view pools, a full-service spa, multiple dining options, and even a nine-hole golf course. Room rates at this property are typically steep, with standard rooms often starting around $900 pe

Wynn Buffet Entrance The Wynn Buffet in Las Vegas is often regarded as one of the best buffets in the city. With a wide variety of luxury...

Alcatraz is one of San Francisco’s most popular tourist destinations! The once-active prison now serves as a national park and offers...