Tacos + knights + horses… welcome to Horsetown USA! 🌮⚔️🐎 Coco and I spent our Tuesday night at Taco Tournament Tuesday at Medieval Land in Norco, and this was definitely one of the most unique things we’ve found in Southern California! The craziest part? This isn’t at a theme park or big attr

🍎 I thought I was just visiting an Apple Store… but this one was completely different! At the Apple Park Visitor Center, I got to use an iPad to explore an interactive model of Apple Park, check out exclusive Apple Park merchandise, visit the café, and get a glimpse of Apple’s famous headquarter

One of my favorite breakfast stops along the California coast. 🌊 There’s just something about eating Cinnamon Roll French Toast while looking out at the Pacific. 😍 Definitely one of those simple mornings I could do over and over again. 📍 Crystal Cove Shake Shack 7703 East Coast Hwy, Newport Coa

Exploring Sherman Library & Gardens turned into an unexpected adventure! 🌸🐶 Coco and I had so much fun searching for all 6 colorful dog installations during Dog Days of Sherman. We completed the Circle Quest and each won a sunflower seed packet and a wildflower seed packet! Such a fun activity

Spend your Sunday exploring the Garden Grove Farmers Market! 🌿🍓 Shop farm-fresh California produce, artisan foods, handmade crafts, and support local vendors in the heart of Historic Main Street. It’s the perfect way to spend a relaxing Sunday morning! 📍 Historic Main Street Main St. & Gard

I came to Alta Vista Botanical Gardens expecting flowers… but I wasn’t expecting metal sculptures hiding around every corner. 🌿✨ This hidden gem combines beautiful gardens, peaceful walking paths, and whimsical metal artwork that makes every turn feel like a treasure hunt. If you’re looking for

I created a FREE California Historian Passport Checklist PDF to go along with California’s free Historian Passport! 🎟️🏛️ I already got my Historian Passport, and now I’m on a mission to see how many of these amazing historic sites I can visit before the end of 2026. The FREE checklist is avai

California is giving away a FREE State Parks Historian Passport! 🎟️ I just got mine, and now I’m challenging myself to visit as many participating historic parks as I can before the end of 2026. The pass normally costs $50, but it’s currently free and includes admission for up to 4 people at

Sometimes the best places are the ones you stumble upon without any expectations. ❤️ Benicia completely surprised me with its charming waterfront, historic downtown, beautiful church, former California State Capitol, and my favorite find of the day—One House Bakery with its storybook-like treeho

I wasn’t expecting to find a treehouse inside a bakery! 🌳🥐 One House Bakery in Benicia is one of the cutest bakeries I’ve ever visited. Hidden in the back is a storybook-like treehouse surrounded by gardens, plus a beautiful patio that feels like a secret escape. I visited late, so most of the b

This small town once ran the entire state of California! 🏛️ I visited the former California State Capitol in Benicia, California’s third capital from 1853–1854. The building is normally open for tours, but it was closed when I visited, so I explored the grounds and admired this piece of Californ

Looking for your next southern California adventure I created a FREE Historic Towns and Day Trips printable checklist for your next road trip FREE PDF download Link in my bio. Come wander with me. Subscribe forr. adventures! #freetrips #hiddengem #historictown #roadtrip

Gifted Collaboration ✨ I was invited to Fragrance of Elegance for a candle-making experience and brought Coco along for a mommy-and-me date. From the beautiful cherry blossom tree at the entrance to the amazing fragrance of handcrafted candles throughout the shop, I instantly fell in love wit

I had no idea the luffa in my shower started as a vegetable! 🤯 Coco and I took a free tour of The Luffa Farm and learned how luffas are grown, left to ripen on the vine, and transformed into the natural sponges we use every day. Such a fun and unique stop on the Central Coast! 📍The Luffa Farm

📍Harmony, California A town of just 18 people, a tiny chapel, a historic post office, local pottery, and the smell of freshly roasted coffee drifting through the entire town. ☕️✨ I watched artists create beautiful glass pieces, explored the charming shops, and discovered why this tiny town is

If the La Brea Tar Pits are on your bucket list, now’s the time to go. 🦣 I wanted to take Coco before the museum closes on July 7 for a major two-year renovation. We explored bubbling tar pits, saw Pit 91, an open fossil excavation site, and visited Project 23, where scientists continue studying

Making the drive to Lake Tahoe and had to stop at the legendary Pea Soup Andersen’s in Santa Nella! 🥣🚗 A bowl of their famous pea soup and a grilled cheese hit the spot before continuing the journey north. 💚 📍12411 South Hwy 33, Santa Nella, CA 95322 #VannyWanders #PeaSoupAndersens #Sa

Did you know San Diego almost lost these 1800s buildings? At Heritage Park, historic Victorian homes — and even the original Temple Beth Israel — were relocated here to preserve a piece of the city’s early history. Walking through this park feels like stepping into the 19th century… and it’s

I just visited one of the most beautiful Apple Stores I’ve ever seen — and it’s inside a 1927 movie palace in downtown LA. 😍✨ The historic Tower Theatre has been beautifully restored, blending Old Hollywood glamour with modern innovation. Soaring ceilings, dramatic arches, and intricate details mak

Some of my favorite FREE things to do in Orange County — all places I’ve actually been to and loved 🤍 From peaceful architecture and modern art to hidden gardens, quirky sculptures, ocean views, and kid-friendly spaces, OC has so many experiences that don’t cost a thing. These are perfect for solo