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Guidebooks are great and travel videos can tell you part of the story, but when it comes to truly experiencing a destination, nothing beats the advice of a local. That’s why we reached out to the insightful insiders assembled here—shop owners, tour guides, restaurateurs, and many others—and asked them to share their favorite aspects of the communities they call home, giving them a voice to tell their story. Their collective passion shines through in the recommendations collected here. Take our advice and follow their advice—you’ll be glad you did.
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- SponsoredCorey Menotti: Exploring a San Diego IconThe guest services manager of the historic Hotel del Coronado shares tips for visiting the resort and its surrounding Coronado Island
- Akash Patel Raves About the Local SceneryThe owner and director of Akash Winery in Temecula can’t get enough of this Inland Empire destination
- Terrance Thibodeaux Cooks Up Local AdviceWhen he’s not serving vegan dishes to hungry guests, the restaurateur loves to explore the surrounding Inland Empire region
- Lance Murphy: Life’s a Beach for This Ocean EnthusiastWhether you’re seeking the perfect break or the perfect burger, this Southern California native can point you in the right direction
- Ann Pridipun: Finding Fashion and Haute CuisineThe director of sales for The Beverly Hilton loves to introduce travelers to the indulgent side of life
- Lourdes Ramos-Rivas Reveals Her Local FavoritesThe president and CEO of the Museum of Latin American Art raves about Long Beach’s sense of community and diverse offerings
- Kathy Cervantes Points Out Multiple Area HighlightsThe restaurateur loves living in Anaheim, and is always ready to share recommendations with anyone who asks
- Date Farmer Joan Smith Offers Up Coastal FavoritesThe Newport Beach-based entrepreneur opens up about the top spots in this idyllic Orange County town
- John Kukreja's Death Valley Must-SeesThe Oasis at Death Valley manager shares where to find the unexpected delights of his desert paradise
- Elexia de la Parra Doles Out Great Area AdviceThe Artelexia founder can’t get enough of her North Park community, and wants you to try all of her favorites
- Kurt Cyr Shares Stylish Sites and Tasty TreatsThe Palm Springs Mod Squad tour operator is a one-man recommendation engine who has plenty to say about his town
- Kerry Dunne: Foodie Finds and Sunny Day AdventuresThe Irish-born senior event manager for Hilton San Diego Bayfront adores exploring San Diego’s hip neighborhoods and cultural sites
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- SponsoredDamien Giliberti Shares Hidden Gems of His Coastal DestinationThe executive chef at Zachari Dunes on Mandalay Beach recommends the under-the-radar spots to visit in his Ventura County city
- Katie Hayward Has an Endless Supply of SuggestionsThe Paso Robles tour operator has turned a talent for smart recommendations into a booming business
- Renoda Campbell Puts Area’s Top Spots in FocusThe San Luis Obispo wedding photographer puts positive energy into the world—including a collection of essential experiences in the region
- Cristi Quesada-Costa Points Out Her Local FavoritesThe Puerto Rico native has become a Mammoth Lakes enthusiast, dishing out great bites and great advice for residents and visitors
- Evan Oakes Points to the Tastiest Treats in TownThe guiding force behind Ag Venture Tours knows every nook and cranny in Monterey County, and is eager to share his knowledge
- Tara Jones Haaf Focuses on Tasty Area HighlightsThe Santa Barbara tour guide and photography specialist loves telling people about great bites, cool neighborhoods, and more
- Enrique Meza Keeps His Neighborhood Favorites in FocusThe Fresno filmmaker loves the Central Valley, and has all sorts of advice for curious visitors
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- SponsoredJeromey Lopez: Ocean Activities and Redwood ForestsSee all the sides of Santa Cruz with these recommendations from the assistant general manager at Hilton Santa Cruz/Scotts Valley
- SponsoredSammy Haile Guides Guests to the Best Silicon Valley SpotsTake his tips to explore San Jose’s museums, diverse cuisine, and quirky attractions
- SponsoredFatima Sousi Appreciates the Multicultural Side of Her CityStart your exploration of the Bay Area city with a walking tour, recommended by the senior sales manager for Hilton Hotels of San Francisco Union Square
- Mona Bahraini Shares Her Sacramento FavoritesThis succulent-obsessed entrepreneur reveals the top spots to eat, sip, and wander in California’s capital city
- Crystal Razon Talks About the Best Bites and Top SitesThe reservations supervisor for Embassy Suites by Hilton Napa Valley loves to point visitors to her favorite haunts in wine country
- Juan Barajas Loves His Tight-Knit CommunityThe Woodland restaurateur has plenty of great advice for anybody heading to this agriculture-forward Central Valley destination
- Paul Bush Wants to Point Out His Top Local SpotsThe El Dorado County winemaker is an unabashed advocate for the region, and is eager to guide visitors to his favorites
- Local Douglas Dale Serves Up Tahoe City TipsThe chef and owner of Wolfdale’s Cuisine Unique knows the area well, and has plenty of suggestions for year-round fun
- D.J. LaCap Shares Essential Tips for Urban ExplorationWalking tours, amazing views, and inspired dining all help make Berkeley an unforgettable destination
- Brewer Barbara Groom Loves Her HometownWhen she’s not seeking solitude on an area beach, the owner of Lost Coast Brewery might be exploring Eureka’s shops and restaurants
- Scott Gatz Urges Everyone to Explore This Special TownThe owner of Q.Digital loves life in San Francisco, and he’s a true expert when it comes to making local recommendations
- Margaret Lindgren Shares Her Passion for the CoastThe owner of Unbeaten Path Tours and Yoga loves to introduce visitors to the many delights offered up in this remote region
- Chris Carr Calls His Community a ‘Special Place’The co-owner of Shasta Mountain Guides finds year-round pleasure in and around the town of Mt. Shasta
- Marcia Eymann Celebrates Both the Past and PresentSacramento’s city historian can point you toward Gold Rush landmarks, hip new spots, and anything in between
- Crista Luedtke Knows All of the Best Spots in TownThe chef-hotelier helped put Guerneville on the map, and wants you to experience all that this river town has to offer
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