Author Archives: Krista Simmons

The Pickett Fire in Napa Valley Has Now Been Declared a State of Emergency

The Pickett Fire in Napa County, which started on August 21 in the town of Calistoga, has now burned nearly 7,000 acres,… Read More

These Are the Travel Trends You Need to Pay Attention to this Fall

It’s hard to imagine that autumn is on the horizon with all the heatwaves the West is experiencing right now, but believe it or… Read More

This Is the Ultimate Guide to Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara’s nickname as “The American Riviera” isn’t just marketing speak. This coastal town truly embodies Mediterranean elegance with a decidedly California vibe. The red-tiled… Read More

Tonight Is the Most Powerful Perseids Meteor Shower—These Are the Best National Parks for Stargazing

Astrotourism has been an emerging travel trend for some time now, and the fascination with the night sky doesn’t seem to be slowing down. No… Read More

Cabo’s Most Celebrated Chef Is Opening a Napa Restaurant with Cottagecore Vibes

A historic Yountville train station from the 1800s has been given new life as a playful new restaurant called Clementine… Read More

5 New Ways to Explore Yosemite

It’s hard to contemplate the idea of newness when it comes to a place that’s been around for millions of years like Yosemite National Park. Read More

This New Floating Sauna in the Bay Area Is the Wellness Escape of Your Dreams

The sleepy seaside hamlet of Sausalito has historically been known for its unique houseboat community and stunning views of the San Francisco Bay. Though… Read More

I Was Terrified to Fly with My Senior Dog for the First Time. This Air Carrier Made It a Breeze.

For the past 15 years, I’ve had the world’s best travel companion. But despite the thousands of miles we’ve clocked on… Read More

The Raging Megafire in One of the National Parks Has Grown to the Largest in the Country

According to the National Park Service, the Dragon Bravo Fire has continued to balloon in size, and is now contained at… Read More

You Can Visit Your Favorite National Park for Free Next Week. Here’s How.

Mark your calendars and get ready to lace up your Danners. The National Park Service is waiving entrance fees for Great… Read More

These Skincare Products Are Powered by the Sea and Will Heal Your Tired Skin

The ocean has long been a source of healing and renewal, and these days the beauty world is diving deep into marine-powered skincare. We’ve long… Read More

These Are the Ultimate Budget-Friendly Travel Hacks You Need in This Economy

According to a recent survey by Bankrate, summer vacation spending is expected to drop by 25 percent this year as Americans… Read More

Fall Is the Secret Festival Season for Live Music—Don’t Miss These

Each year, festival season seems to officially kick off with Instagram feeds flooded with desert dust from Coachella and neon lights from EDC in… Read More

Grab a Book and Go: Reading Retreats Are the Newest Travel Trend

Beach reads have long been an integral part of a great vacation. While not technically a formal genre of literature, these page-turners are ideal… Read More

Here’s Where You Should Travel Right Now Based on Your Zodiac Sign

If you’ve got some summer travel FOMO and are wanting to plan a vacay, we feel you. But with the world being our oyster,… Read More

The Gear You Need to Take Epic Travel Photos, According to a Professional Photographer

For the past 25 years, Sunset staff photographer Thomas J. Story has crisscrossed the West, camera in hand, tripod slung over shoulder, capturing everything… Read More

This Is Why Sandwiches Taste Better at the Beach, According to Science

There’s something magical about unwrapping a sandwich at the beach. With sun kissing your shoulders and waves undulating rhythmically in the background, suddenly the same… Read More

Raging Wildfires in Grand Canyon National Park Destroy Historic Lodge

The White Sage Fire and the Dragon Bravo Fire exhibited extreme and volatile fire behavior the evening of… Read More

These Are the Essential Safety Tools Every Traveler Needs in the Car for a Road Trip

Before you embark on your epic summer road trip, you’ll want to make sure your car is stocked with the right gear. A little… Read More

Here’s Exactly How to Beat Fourth of July Holiday Traffic (Plus Other Essential Travel Tips)

This Independence Day promises to be one of the busiest travel periods on record, with AAA’s annual projections estimating that 72.2 million Americans will… Read More

These Are Hands Down the Easiest (and Tastiest) Camping Meals

Recently, we’ve been obsessing over the majorly hunger-inducing mukbangs from HelloItSoap over on TikTok. (I mean Korean fried chicken and oysters… Read More

These Are the Worst Airlines to Fly in 2025

Flying can be a less-than-relaxing experience, to say the least. But some airlines undoubtedly make that experience more pleasant than others. We all have our… Read More

This Outrageously Pretty Purple Tile Is Actually Made out of Sea Urchins

If you’re a surfer or avid tidepooler, you likely have been irked by the reality of a sea urchin prick. But there’s more reason… Read More

Calling All Tinned Fish Girlies and Yachtcore Enthusiasts—These Are the Coastal Tastemakers Worth Following

Marine motifs and nautical flair are making a splash in the zeitgeist every which way you look these days—from interior design to fine dining… Read More