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We may have complicated feelings about Californians who head north, claiming they bring big-city traffic and high rents with them, but what they’ve left behind isn’t all bad.

Let’s learn more about this place, and pick some of its ideas to steal for ourselves.

In This Feature:

Three Tried-and-True Ways to Explore LA

For a city this size, narrow your scope.

01/21/2020 By Margaret Seiler

Buckle Up for These Picture-Perfect California Road Trips

Leave from Portland, or fly south and rent a car.

01/21/2020 By Margaret Seiler and Kat Merck

Bookstores and Ball Games in Berkeley and Beyond

Swap MAX for BART with a weekend in the East Bay.

01/21/2020 By Alli Weseman

A SoCal Family Theme Park Survival Guide

A few tips from actual parents for that trip that might cost as much as a semester of college

01/21/2020 By Portland Monthly Staff

Go Off the Grid in the Sierra Nevada

But no Donner Party endings here.

01/21/2020 By Margaret Seiler

Face It, Oregon: On These Topics, California Is Way Ahead of Us

Buckle up, Beaver State. We have some catching up to do.

01/21/2020 By Julia Silverman

San Diego Boasts Harbor Seals, Beachfront Roller Coasters, and All the Tacos

Add sun (there’s always sun), and you have an easy family getaway.

01/21/2020 By Kelly Clarke

The Perks of Traveling from LAX to PDX by Train

The Coast Starlight’s best days may be behind us, but it’s not too late.

01/21/2020 By Margaret Seiler

32 Cinematic Takes on California

Films and shows to better understand the Golden State

01/21/2020 By Margaret Seiler and Portland Monthly Staff

Fires and Floods Can’t Dull the Magic of Sonoma and Napa

Welcome to the land of redwoods, roses, crashing waves, and wine.

01/21/2020 By Cassondra Bird