Westways | Fall 2023

Diver face to face with a whale shark
5 adventures near Cabo San Lucas

Enrich your trip to Baja California Sur with one of these 5 adventures within a day’s drive of Cabo San Lucas.

 
Illustration of woman surrounded by diverse restaurants
My SoCal Life

A writer expands her taste buds as well as her knowledge of other cultures after moving to L.A.

Jazzi McGilbert insider her bookstore, Reparations Club
Out and About in SoCal

Discover noteworthy experiences in and beyond Southern California.

Illustration of woman on a swing popping out of a camera lens
Ask the Traveler: Should I go on a solo vacation?

Traveling by yourself might seem intimidating, but with the right mindset it can be liberating. 

 

The Magic of Mexico

Yucatan cenote
Dive in to the Yucatán Peninsula’s otherworldly cenotes

These freshwater sinkholes can make for memorable excursions. 

Santa Domingo Cathedral
Chasing spirits in Oaxaca

This southern city draws visitors seeking the world’s best mezcal.

Playa de Los Muertos
Soak up historic charm in Puerto Vallarta

This playground for Hollywood royalty now has its own star power.

Mexico City
Why travelers are flocking to Mexico City

Mexico’s capital teems with history, art, and life-changing cuisine.

 

Bon Appétit Restaurant Reviews

Bluegold Eggplant Meatballs
Meatballs with a modern spin

You'll find experimental (and sometimes meatless) versions in SoCal. Here are 3 worth trying.

Juliet Poisson Cru
Juliet, Culver City

Be transported to Paris with creative twists on classic dishes and a great selection of French wines.

Ojai Burger Topa Topa Chicken Sandwich
Ojai Burger, Orange

This Old Towne Orange spot is known for Japanese-style Wagyu burgers and furikake-dusted loaded fries

TunaVille Rockfish Jalapeno Ceviche
TunaVille Market and Grocery, Point Loma

This popular Point Loma market is a hub for all things seafood.

Bar Chelou Cauliflower
Bar Chelou, Pasadena

Chef-owner Douglas Rankin dishes up playful and eclectic shareable plates at this casual-chic spot.

In Bloom Pork Terrine
In Bloom, Paso Robles

One of Paso Robles’ freshest new restaurants serves up a fun and sophisticated take on California cuisine.

Gema Chile Relleno
Gema, San Clemente

Owner Sarah Goldman and chef Juan Pablo Cruz honor the kaleidoscopic breadth of Mexican cooking.

Pijia Palace Green Wings
Pijja Palace, Silver Lake

Avish Naran’s small Silver Lake eatery perfectly mashes up Indian and Italian cooking.

Mama por Dios De Came Prime Enchiladas
Mamá por Dios, Rancho Cucamonga

With flashy food, picture-perfect decor, and blaring music, Mamá por Dios is a go-to spot for a party.

Sandpiper Tempura Shrimp
Sandpiper, La Jolla

This sibling restaurant to George’s at the Cove dishes up dreamy entrées, breads, and desserts.

 

Day Trips

Venice
Venice

Funky cafés, street performers, and bodybuilders coexist with designer boutiques and celebrity chefs.

Encinitas
Encinitas

Visitors will find delicious food, breathtaking views, and a quintessential beachy vibe all year long.

Solvang
Solvang

This delightful Danish-style village boasts new dining options, tasting rooms, boutique shops, and nightlife.

 

Automotive

Ford Maverick
Car review: Ford Maverick XLT

Remarkable fuel economy, responsive steering, and pleasing design make this all the truck many people will need.

Hyundai Santa Cruz
Car review: Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited

With well-tuned suspension and a 5,000-pound maximum tow rating, this small pickup can do big things.

Ai Concept Car
Drive Smart: Auto subscription fees

Many cars can send and receive data over the Internet. But what are the ramifications of this technology?

 

Digital Extras

Santa Ana’s cultural murals

Take a self-guided tour of artworks that tell the rich history of this Orange County city.

Toyota Prius, totally transformed

The iconic hybrid gets a welcome makeover while retaining its fuel economy and reliability.

Immersive art installations

Innovative, interactive experiences are popping up across the United States.

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