John Vilja
John Vilja
  • 79
  • 26 782
Southern California Hidden Gems that Exceeded Expectations
Ready to discover Southern California's best-kept secrets? 🌞 From breathtaking fields of poppies to an unforgettable wine safari, this video showcases six incredible experiences that blew us away! Whether you’re a local or planning your next SoCal adventure, these spots are sure to surprise you and make you rethink what this region has to offer. 🌴
🌼 California Poppy Reserve - Antelope Valley: Immerse yourself in a stunning sea of vibrant orange poppies that transform the desert into a living painting. This is a must-see for any nature lover!
🌊 Off-Shore Oil Platform Dive - Long Beach: Dive into an unexpected underwater paradise below a working oil platform, where an artificial reef teems with marine life. Certified divers, this is one for the books!
🎸 Tiny Porch Concert Series - Peter Strauss Ranch: Enjoy an intimate indie concert experience under the trees at one of SoCal's coziest amphitheaters. Bring a blanket and some snacks, and get ready to discover your new favorite band!
🦩 Ostrich Farm - Buellton: Get up close and personal with these quirky, prehistoric birds at Ostrichland USA. It's part petting zoo, part Jurassic Park, and 100% fun for the whole family!
🍖 Cold Springs Tavern - Santa Barbara: Step back in time at this historic stagecoach stop and savor delicious food in a cozy, rustic setting. Whether you're into history or just great food, this hidden gem is a must-visit.
🍷 (Former) Malibu Wine Safari: Experience the best of both worlds with a wine tasting tour that includes meeting Stanley the giraffe! Although the original site was impacted by fire, the experience is being revived in Texas, and we can’t wait to visit again.
✨ SoCal Adventures Beyond Expectations: We're always looking for places that wildly exceeded expectations so if you know of something else, please leave them in the comments!
👉 Subscribe for more travel tips, hidden gems, and unexpected adventures that’ll leave you saying, “I did NOT see that coming!”
Tags:
#southerncalifornia #travel #hiddengems #CaliforniaPoppyReserve #oilrigs #malibuwinesafari #coldspringstavern #TinyPorch #peterstraussranch #OstrichlandUSA #visitcalifornia #SoCalAdventures #travelvlog #underrateddestinations
Contents:
00:00 - Intro
00:25 - CA Poppy Reserve
01:02 - Oil Rig Dive
01:44 - Outdoor Concert
02:27 - Ostrich Farm
03:22 - Stagecoach Stop
03:58 - Wine Safari
04:52 - Location Map
Переглядів: 15

Відео

Epic European Rail Adventure: London, Paris, Cinque Terre & Venice!
Переглядів 3114 днів тому
Join us on an unforgettable European rail journey as we take Mike and Vicki on their first-ever trip to Europe! 🌍🚆 From the historic streets of London to the romantic canals of Venice, we explore iconic cities, hidden gems, and everything in between. This adventure is packed with breathtaking sights, delicious cocktails, stunning art, and a few travel surprises along the way. Highlights: • 🏰 Ex...
Ultimate Key West Adventure
Переглядів 36221 день тому
🌴 Discover the Hidden Gems of Key West | Ultimate Guide to Offbeat Adventures, Local Hotspots, and Epic Diving! 🌴 Welcome to our ultimate Key West adventure! Skip the typical tourist traps and join us as we uncover the lesser-known, must-see spots in this vibrant island paradise. From staying at the serene Eden House to diving on the iconic Vandenberg wreck, this guide is packed with unique exp...
Sailing Charter from Marina Del Rey
Переглядів 2,1 тис.28 днів тому
Join us as four couples beat the scorching Los Angeles summer heat by chartering a luxurious 58-foot sailboat from Marina Del Rey! 🌞⛵ We set sail into the stunning Santa Monica Bay, enjoying breathtaking views, gourmet foods, outstanding wines, and the cool ocean breeze. The incredible gourmet spread included sandwiches from Ghost Sando Shop, Clark St. bakery cookies, cardamom rolls, and a char...
Ultimate Florida Road Trip: Florida Keys Overseas Highway from Key Largo to Key West
Переглядів 81Місяць тому
Join us on an unforgettable journey along the Florida Keys Overseas Highway from Key Largo to Key West! This epic road trip kicks off at the iconic Gilbert's Resort, where we dive into the adventure with scuba diving at the famous wrecks of the Bibb, Duane, and Spiegel Grove off Key Largo. Our next stop is the beautiful Islamorada, where we explore unique shopping at Rain Barrel Village, delve ...
North Carolina Blue Ridge Fun
Переглядів 32Місяць тому
We visited North Carolina for a wedding and had some time to see the sights. We got to experience about a third of the Blue Ridge Parkway and visit Mount Airy, the former home of Andy Griffith and inspired the much rerun Andy Griffith Show's city in the fictional town of Mayberry. We were somewhat limited by the smoke of fires in Canada and some rainy weather but there was still plenty to exper...
Adam Ezra at Tiny Porch Concerts
Переглядів 31Місяць тому
This video presents a cover song performed by Adam Ezra for Tiny Porch Concerts at the Peter Strauss Ranch recorded on July 14, 2024. We loved this song and I'm publishing it at the request of friends who attended the concert. Tiny Porch Concerts at Peter Strauss Ranch is the favorite concert venue I've attended in California because it presents the perfect blend of outstanding talent, gorgeous...
Cinque Terre Frozen in Time
Переглядів 98Місяць тому
Visiting Cinque Terre in Italy is like stepping into a time machine in that the five villages are part of a national park that preserves them as a living monument to their past as fishing villages. We stayed at Riomaggiore and visited both Vernazza and Manarola when we visited in October 2018. Contents: 00:00 - Introduction 00:59 - Riomaggiore 04:12 - Vernazza 05:12 - Manarola 05:29 - Ferry to ...
Perfect LA Weekend Road Trip? Cambria, CA
Переглядів 2772 місяці тому
Our perfect weekend road trip is under a half days drive, offers stunning beauty, has many places of interest to stop along the way, while ending up at a place that's both scenic and relaxing. From our home in the Los Angeles suburb of Agoura Hills it's difficult to find a better year round destination than Cambria on California's central coast. This video documents our March 2022 visit and sug...
Unexpected Idaho
Переглядів 1002 місяці тому
Our quick weekend visit to Coeur d'Alene, Idaho was NOT what we were expecting. Our notions of visiting a wilderness lodge was completely misguided. What we found instead was a beautiful lake adorned with every luxury we could imagine. Most surprising was the quality of the food, led by a couple of wonderful dinners at "Candle in the Woods" located in nearby Athol. It's a great place for a luxu...
Dry Tortugas National Park's Weird Lesson
Переглядів 603 місяці тому
Visiting Fort Jefferson in Dry Tortugas National Park is something anyone visiting Key West must do. It's like going back in time to witness a military blunder of epic proportions while seeing the Florida Keys like they were before being connected by roads or developed for habitation. While it is one of the less visited National Parks, it definitely leaves an impact on anyone who dares visit. T...
A Better Way to Visit the Long Beach Grand Prix
Переглядів 463 місяці тому
In this video we walk through what we've learned over the years visiting the amazing Long Beach Grand Prix. Where else can you see cars that participate in the two biggest races in the world (Indy 500 & 24 Hours of LeMans) and isn't Detroit? We used to think that driving there was the best way to visit but now we know better, by boat! We've tried several levels of admission tickets and each has...
Mazatlan, Mexico for the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse
Переглядів 333 місяці тому
We visited Mazatlan, Mexico for the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. We took the opportunity to see the city as well as enjoy some of the attractions in the area including Mazaquario Tour, King David Jungle Cruise, Huana Coa zip-line and Las Osuna mezcal tasting. #eclipse #mazatlan #djipocket3 #sonya7s3 #sonya7rv #huanacoa #mazatlanaquarium
Mazatlan Eclipse 2024
Переглядів 924 місяці тому
Here's a quickly slapped together video of the April 8, 2024 eclipse viewed from Mazatlan, Mexico where it first made landfall. More from Mazatlan later here's a taste. #eclipse #mazatlan #totalecipse
8 Recommendations for Yosemite Valley in December 4k
Переглядів 2067 місяців тому
In this video we visit Yosemite Valley in December 2023, one of the least crowded times to go and provide our list for the eight things we would do with first time visitors. Yosemite Valley is the most crowded part of the National Park so it's ideal to visit there when the crowds are among their smallest. Despite so much of the park being closed during winter there's still plenty of things to s...
Florida Space Coast & 1st Vulcan Rocket Launch
Переглядів 1497 місяців тому
Florida Space Coast & 1st Vulcan Rocket Launch
Jan 7&8, 2024 Falcon and Vulcan Launch Footage
Переглядів 2487 місяців тому
Jan 7&8, 2024 Falcon and Vulcan Launch Footage
2023 Napa Road Trip
Переглядів 1208 місяців тому
2023 Napa Road Trip
Monterey, California Last Minute Road Trip Gems 4k
Переглядів 25810 місяців тому
Monterey, California Last Minute Road Trip Gems 4k
Washington State RoadTrip 2023 4k
Переглядів 13111 місяців тому
Washington State RoadTrip 2023 4k
2022 SW Road Trip 6 - Journey Home 4k
Переглядів 130Рік тому
2022 SW Road Trip 6 - Journey Home 4k
2022 SW Road Trip 5 - Carlsbad Caverns 4k
Переглядів 166Рік тому
2022 SW Road Trip 5 - Carlsbad Caverns 4k
SW Roadtrip Video 4 - Monument Valley to Taos NM via Ouray CO 4k
Переглядів 251Рік тому
SW Roadtrip Video 4 - Monument Valley to Taos NM via Ouray CO 4k
SW Roadtrip Video 3 - Monument Valley Tour 4k
Переглядів 2,1 тис.Рік тому
SW Roadtrip Video 3 - Monument Valley Tour 4k
SW Roadtrip Video 2: Zion National Park 4k
Переглядів 551Рік тому
SW Roadtrip Video 2: Zion National Park 4k
2022 SW Roadtrip Video 1 Drive from LA to Zion
Переглядів 1,2 тис.Рік тому
2022 SW Roadtrip Video 1 Drive from LA to Zion
2022 Southwest Road Trip Overview
Переглядів 175Рік тому
2022 Southwest Road Trip Overview
2014 Europe Trip to see Monty Python
Переглядів 862 роки тому
2014 Europe Trip to see Monty Python
Route 66: LA to the Grand Canyon and Sedona
Переглядів 682 роки тому
Route 66: LA to the Grand Canyon and Sedona
France 2021
Переглядів 582 роки тому
France 2021

КОМЕНТАРІ

  • @waveguider
    @waveguider 2 дні тому

    Don't spill the red wine on the gel coat...

    • @johnvilja
      @johnvilja 2 дні тому

      Sage advice! We were only allowed to bring white wine on the boat because they were worried about the teak deck. Soft Scrub by Clorox does a pretty good job removing red wine stains from gel coat.

  • @itrohmot
    @itrohmot 8 днів тому

    Amazing Video.I like it. How Can I contact you?

  • @user-cj6vb3rd6d
    @user-cj6vb3rd6d 9 днів тому

    Thanks John! Very much looking forward to a NoCal adventure!!

    • @johnvilja
      @johnvilja 9 днів тому

      Did you like the idea of places that exceed expectations? We're thinking of coming up with those places for many places. Any recommendations for places in NorCal that meet that description?

  • @user-cj6vb3rd6d
    @user-cj6vb3rd6d 27 днів тому

    10,000 calories per person-the only way to sail!😊

    • @johnvilja
      @johnvilja 27 днів тому

      Your right! That’s why we gave so much of the leftovers to the real crew.

  • @kathygreene9476
    @kathygreene9476 29 днів тому

    What an amazing time! Thank you Christine and Gina for everything! And thank you Captain Julie and Donovan for providing a wonderful and safe adventure. Until the next time....

  • @MichaelHall-uz3sy
    @MichaelHall-uz3sy Місяць тому

    Great part 1 of an epic road trip

    • @johnvilja
      @johnvilja Місяць тому

      I already posted on Dry Tortugas and Blue Ridge Parkway so I guess that Key West must be coming up. It certainly warrants a video all to itself.

  • @premcsundaram
    @premcsundaram Місяць тому

    Always fun to watch your adventures!

    • @johnvilja
      @johnvilja Місяць тому

      Glad you enjoyed it! We take requests, anything you'd like to see our opinion on?

    • @premcsundaram
      @premcsundaram Місяць тому

      @@johnvilja let me think! 🤔

  • @kathygreene9476
    @kathygreene9476 Місяць тому

    The Blue Ridge Parkway was amazing (and the wedding was pretty spectacular too)! Congrats Cindy and Ryan!!! Love you!

  • @kathygreene9476
    @kathygreene9476 Місяць тому

    Love Tiny Porch! Great concerts in an amazing venue! Adam Ezra rocks!!

  • @user-cj6vb3rd6d
    @user-cj6vb3rd6d Місяць тому

    Splendidly magnificent! This vid is one for the books, John-thanks for sharing!🎉

    • @johnvilja
      @johnvilja Місяць тому

      I'm glad you enjoyed it. Cinque Terre is hard to explain in words.

  • @kathygreene9476
    @kathygreene9476 Місяць тому

    What an amazing place! I love your videos! Well done.

    • @johnvilja
      @johnvilja Місяць тому

      I'm so happy you enjoyed it. Any suggestions on future videos?

  • @osnat057
    @osnat057 2 місяці тому

    Thank you for the upload. Your trips are simply wonderful.

    • @johnvilja
      @johnvilja 2 місяці тому

      Thank you! Please don't hesitate to offer suggestions of how we could do better. It's a learning process.

  • @user-cj6vb3rd6d
    @user-cj6vb3rd6d 2 місяці тому

    Love, love this one! That area brings back so many memories. Our family went on annual trips to Cayucos for many years. And you even stopped in Harmony, population 15! To me, probably the most beautiful coastal scenery anywhere. The whole trip is a winner-thanks so much for sharing, John!

    • @johnvilja
      @johnvilja 2 місяці тому

      Glad you enjoyed it. If you have any suggestions of other trips we'd welcome them. Thanks!

  • @eprohoda
    @eprohoda 2 місяці тому

    John- great !later-😮

    • @johnvilja
      @johnvilja 2 місяці тому

      Thank you! I really appreciate the encouragement.

  • @user-cj6vb3rd6d
    @user-cj6vb3rd6d 2 місяці тому

    Looks like fun! How did you pick this location? It’s nice that you could get a direct from Spokane to Los Angeles. That Candle in the Woods looks right up your alley!🎉

    • @johnvilja
      @johnvilja 2 місяці тому

      My brother suggested we meet there so we went to do a mini family reunion. It was surprisingly easy to fly into Spokane and take the short drive to Coeur d'Alene. A very easy long weekend. The Candle in the Woods was a real find for us.

  • @stefonthemove
    @stefonthemove 2 місяці тому

    Thanks for sharing!

  • @osnat057
    @osnat057 2 місяці тому

    this is unbelivable!!!🤫

    • @johnvilja
      @johnvilja 2 місяці тому

      I think I got the facts right but it's tough to get a complete story on something that old and ultimately so poorly documented.

  • @stefonthemove
    @stefonthemove 2 місяці тому

    Thanks for the video! Hubs and I are flying into Vegas from Ohio and spending 6 days touring Zion , Bryce and places in between :)

    • @johnvilja
      @johnvilja 2 місяці тому

      Sounds like an awesome road trip! Definitely take the short detour through Valley of Fire on the way to Zion. Our favorite trail in Zion was the Valley View hike, but take it early. Here's a link to our video in Zion ua-cam.com/video/tc-28qEtv7Y/v-deo.html

  • @user-cj6vb3rd6d
    @user-cj6vb3rd6d 3 місяці тому

    Hey John! Really enjoyed the history of this race. And what a great way to get to the race-so fun! Any chance you will head to Las Vegas for F1?

    • @johnvilja
      @johnvilja 3 місяці тому

      We really love watching F1 racing even though most races aren't particularly competitive like Indy or sports car racing. Furthermore, the cost of attending in person is ridiculous. General admission for F1 costs the same as the food provided, open bar seats we get at Indy races which have much less predictable outcomes. We keep looking but we're not yet sold on the value of attending F1 just yet.

  • @TheProfessional15
    @TheProfessional15 4 місяці тому

    EPIC

  • @user-cj6vb3rd6d
    @user-cj6vb3rd6d 5 місяців тому

    And really spectacular!

    • @johnvilja
      @johnvilja 5 місяців тому

      I don’t understand how people hurt their eyes, I have found it uncomfortable staring at the sun ever since I could remember. That’s what makes visiting totality (100%) so special.

  • @user-cj6vb3rd6d
    @user-cj6vb3rd6d 5 місяців тому

    So glad you saved your eyes!

  • @user-cj6vb3rd6d
    @user-cj6vb3rd6d 7 місяців тому

    Great that you were able to share this wonderful place with people who had not yet experienced it. Dig recommendations-have not been there in many years so now I know what to see next time I am there!

    • @johnvilja
      @johnvilja 7 місяців тому

      It was fantastic to see it while it was uncrowded. Summer there is amazing but it's wall to wall people during that time.

  • @user-cj6vb3rd6d
    @user-cj6vb3rd6d 7 місяців тому

    Loved the transitions in this vid! Also dug the fact shout outs-you are a wealth of knowledge-so lucky for the rest of us that you are willing to share!

    • @johnvilja
      @johnvilja 7 місяців тому

      Feel free to add any local recommendations in these comments. I get a lot of great recommendations from reading the comments on videos from places I'm planning to visit.

  • @user-cj6vb3rd6d
    @user-cj6vb3rd6d 7 місяців тому

    Such a fun video-so great that you two were there!

    • @johnvilja
      @johnvilja 7 місяців тому

      Looking forward to the New Glenn inaugural launch. Tell Jarrett he needs to hurry things up!

  • @johnvilja
    @johnvilja 7 місяців тому

    I've learned that we missed where the frequent visitors like to eat. Here's the list from those in the know: Fat Snook (south Cocoa Beach) Pompano Grill (Cocoa Beach) Sage Bistro (Cape Canaveral) Cafe Margaux (Cocoa Village)

  • @MichaelHall-uz3sy
    @MichaelHall-uz3sy 7 місяців тому

    Super cool to get to see this in person . The benefit of keeping your head low when you’re a clerical stowaway. LOL

    • @johnvilja
      @johnvilja 7 місяців тому

      There are some other good launches coming along in the near future. When Blue Origins New Glenn launches it'll be quite a site from Cocoa Beach since their launch pad is the most visible from there. Could be a good reason to go back.

  • @ruralangwin
    @ruralangwin 8 місяців тому

    Careful. Very careful. Many vineyards are still deforesting native forests for vineyard development. Avoid Bremer, Davis and 100 Acre and NEVER Hall! Be very careful. Do research. Help us locals keep our watersheds healthy! BTW pretty funny video!

    • @johnvilja
      @johnvilja 8 місяців тому

      Thanks for your comment. This is an issue about which we don't see much information. Can you share a resource where folks can learn about the issue and where we can learn which vineyards are being most responsible?

  • @karenlouis7808
    @karenlouis7808 11 місяців тому

    Well done video. 👏🏻

  • @doda6629
    @doda6629 11 місяців тому

    Great road trip. What’s next?

    • @johnvilja
      @johnvilja 11 місяців тому

      Certainly something before the next total eclipse of the sun. I'm thinking something with some fall colors.

  • @karlottepolovoy8604
    @karlottepolovoy8604 Рік тому

    *Promo sm* 🙈

  • @derricke911
    @derricke911 Рік тому

    Entertaining...

  • @eprohoda
    @eprohoda Рік тому

    Like it, you shred unreal ! see you soon. 🤗

    • @johnvilja
      @johnvilja Рік тому

      Thanks! I’m open to any constructive criticism. I’m still learning.

    • @doda6629
      @doda6629 Рік тому

      Another great segment. What memories! Planning the next tour is now a priority!

  • @doda6629
    @doda6629 Рік тому

    This was a fantastic segment of our trip!

    • @johnvilja
      @johnvilja Рік тому

      Was fantastic! We not use verbs now? I in!

  • @mrv911
    @mrv911 Рік тому

    Did you book the tour of Monument Valley ahead of time?

    • @johnvilja
      @johnvilja Рік тому

      We did. That’s what gave us our required arrival time. A lot of tours were fully booked but we would recommend the sunset tour. Golden hour in the park is magic!

  • @dickspade7045
    @dickspade7045 Рік тому

    Thank you so much. I just discovered your channnel & am very appreciative. The filming is very professional & well paced the narration just right. If "advanced maturity" does not allow me to visit in person, going with you folks is the next best thing. Thank You.

  • @desiswag907
    @desiswag907 Рік тому

    Great video 😊

    • @johnvilja
      @johnvilja Рік тому

      Thank you! If you have any suggestions on how I can improve please don't hesitate to share them. I'm trying to improve on each video.

  • @nrobb
    @nrobb 5 років тому

    Love it! Thanks for the visit guys. Cannot wait till your next trip :-)

  • @MrsVickiHall
    @MrsVickiHall 6 років тому

    Love those Viking girls.. so sweet

  • @katemarley2674
    @katemarley2674 7 років тому

    That looks so amazing - what a trip! (me thinks someone liked the hammerheads)

  • @sledboysleddersleddy1344
    @sledboysleddersleddy1344 8 років тому

    awsome video , I never been down to the sand

  • @MrsVickiHall
    @MrsVickiHall 8 років тому

    If there's a dark hole my dive buddy's are in it! I'm just intrigued with ALL THE FISH coming at us! 🐠🐠🐠🐠🐠🐠🐠

  • @jonnybanger
    @jonnybanger 10 років тому

    Bula & Holy crap! We were in the same ocean front villa last week! 3rd from the bar? We LOVED this place!!!!!

  • @MrSpeedyAce
    @MrSpeedyAce 10 років тому

    Hi, my fiance and I will be going here on our honeymoon in 5 months! I was curious, how much does it cost to do the deep sea diving?

  • @hondu25
    @hondu25 14 років тому

    Honduras 2 di world!!!

  • @speedwayman100
    @speedwayman100 14 років тому

    hello i want to take m girl to fiji and was wondering is there a bad time of the year to go to fiji and if so when and also we want a beach front bungalo with privacy any reccomendations thanks! nice video