upgrade your california travels with
Live like it's the weekend's ultimate california map
Over the past 13 years as a California local, I’ve explored the Golden State on countless road trips, weekend getaways and unexpected detours—tucking away hidden gems, iconic landmarks, and all my favorite finds along the way. This collection of 800+ saved Google Map pins is your peek behind the curtain: a personal map distilled from 10+ years of research, exploration, and places on my personal bucket list. Think of this map as the ultimate cheat sheet to exploring California!
Discover over 800 unique places in California like…
Stunning luxury hotels, bucket list Airbnbs, treehouse stays, glamping spots, and design-centric roadside inns.
Top-rated restaurants, coffee shops, breweries, wineries, and markets.
Scenic hikes, viewpoints, waterfalls, gorgeous beaches, and other outdoor gems.
The best independent shops to support local throughout the state.
Wellness faves like spas, sound baths, and hot springs.
The best wine country regions and my favorite wineries up and down the coast.
Unique, quirky, and one-of-a-kind places to visit like outdoor sculptures, ghost towns, castles, art installations, and much more.
Want to travel california like a local?
Here's What You'll Get With
the Map
Google Map featuring 800+ on-the-go personalized recommendations across the state of California from my decade plus as a local travel blogger.
Color-coded pins and icons to help you easily find what you're looking for.
Many spots feature my personalized notes to give you quick context and additional insider tips.
Easy-to-use format for both mobile and desktop.
Quick set-up guide with pointers on how to have the best experience using the map.
Real-time updates as I continue exploring and adding to the map.
Easily discover and navigate to all the best spots in California.
Here's a taste of some of the gems you'll find in the map!
How to Use the California Map
Once your purchase is complete, the map will be available in your Google Maps to use either on desktop or on your mobile phone with the Google Maps app.
You can explore the map by region by zooming in on the places you plan to travel to, or you can navigate by category using the lefthand side key and color coded pins.
When you click on each location, more details will pop up including some of my personalized notes to help you better plan your trip.
Meet the Creator
Michelle Halpern
Hi, I’m Michelle! Since 2012, I’ve called California home—living in both Los Angeles and San Diego—while building a career as a full-time travel blogger and creator.
My passion is inspiring people not only to see more of the world but also to embrace the beauty right in their own backyards. I believe that if we keep our hearts and eyes open with a sense of curiosity and wonder, we can always find something worth discovering, even if it's not far from home.
Whether you’re a fellow Californian or visiting for the first time, my goal with the Ultimate California Map is to take the stress out of planning so you can spend less time researching and more time doing what really matters—living like it's the weekend!
Ready to Access the Best of California?
Whether you're a California local or visiting the state for the first time, this map has hundreds of recommendations to help you discover something new and exciting in California.
Get full access for $35
Frequently asked questions
How do you use the Google Map to help with trip planning?
I use Google Maps to plan every single one of my trips, whether in California or around the world. Adding pins of all the places I want to visit allows me to plan my day-to-day itineraries more efficiently by area and ensures I don't miss any of the best spots while I'm visiting.
Is the California Map better for locals or tourists?
Both! If you're visiting California for the first time, the map will take the guess work out of finding the best spots to visit throughout the state. If you're a local, you can use this as a companion guide for every new weekend getaway you embark on.
Can you use the map on both desktop and mobile?
Yes, absolutely. I personally prefer Google's user experience on desktop better, but you can still use the Google Maps app on your phone for on-the-go exploring.
Does the map cover all parts of California?
You'll find pins pretty spread out throughout the whole state, covering all of the places I've personally visited and enjoyed. However since I've lived in Southern California for the last 10+ years there are definitely more recommendations for this region. As I travel to more destinations in California in the future, I will add my pins to the map.
Is the map compatible with both Apple and Android?
Yes, the California Map is compatible with both as long as you have the Google Maps app downloaded.
Can't I just get all these recommendations on your blog?
There are still so many places in California I've never blogged about, or hidden gems I've discovered that haven't warranted an entire blog post, thus there are many many spots on this map that I've never mentioned on the blog or social media.
Will there be any future updates to the map as you discover more places?
Yes! This is a working map that I will continue to add to over time as I discover more and more favorite spots around California. As I add pins to the map, you'll automatically see them updated on your map for FREE!
Do you accept refunds?
Digital downloads unfortunately cannot be returned, thus all sales are final.
I'm so excited to be sharing 10+ years of California research and discoveries, so you can spend less time planning and more time doing the fun stuff—like exploring!