OUTDOORS & ADVENTURE

It's hard being an easy rider

12:20 PM PDT, May 22, 2009 , By Dan Neil

If you go on an off-road adventure ride on a dual-sport motorcycle, you will fall. But seeing the terrain may be worth the pain.

FAMILY & KIDS

Newport Beach for kind of cheap family lodging

06:10 PM PDT, May 01, 2009 , By Christopher Reynolds

A studio 'camping cottage' at Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina starts at $69 in the off-season. Bigger cottages start at about $149.

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Catalina Island becomes more like a secret getaway in winter

06:07 PM PST, February 17, 2009 , By Jordan Rane

Low season offers lone hikes in rugged hills, clear vistas and discount hotel rates.

REPORTING FROM THE SESPE WILDERNESS

Sespe Hot Springs in Ventura County: a hot time in the wilderness

05:41 PM PST, December 04, 2008 , By Hugo Martín

Close to home, Sespe Hot Springs is only for the serious hiker. But the site is a sizzler.

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

Hot springs in Northern California: soaking up peace and quiet

07:56 PM PST, December 02, 2008 , By Eric Lucas

A few hours drive apart, Indian Springs Resort in Calistoga, Harbin Hot Springs and Wilbur Hot Springs offer relaxation, restoration and only-in-California experiences.

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

Rich trappings at Nick's Cove on Tomales Bay

06:41 PM PST, November 18, 2008 , By Russ Parsons

Luxuriate in comfort and seclusion at the new complex of cabins and cottages near Point Reyes and San Francisco.

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

Lava Beds National Monument: underground cave exploration

06:40 PM PST, November 18, 2008 , By Vicki Haddock

Few visitors venture into the lava tubes, which means the ones who do find solitude in the dark.

CALIFORNIA | AMUSEMENT PARKS

Legoland's own small world

06:40 PM PST, November 18, 2008 , By Christopher Reynolds

The recently upgraded park offers a gentle intro for younger children. But bring your plastic -- costs stack up fast.

POZOS | MEXICO GUIDE

Mineral de Pozos: A Mexican ghost town lives on as an artist colony

12:54 PM PST, November 13, 2008 , By Christopher Reynolds

The ruins of the former mining town are being reclaimed as new residents and visitors bring the area back to life.

EASTERN CANADA | SKI + WINTER

Quebec's Mont Tremblant earns Ski mag's top rating

11:23 AM PST, November 12, 2008 , By Marshall S. Berdan