Professional & Fine Art Photography by Christopher Petro | California's Central Coast

The Carrizo Plains Super Bloom

Californist March 31, 2017

The California wildflower super bloom following the torrential season of La Nina rains. One of the most spectacular California spectacles of the year, possibly the decade. One of those experiences you must experience in all its other-worldly glory, take in the sights and smells at this incredible national landmark, the Carrizo Plains National Monument.

The Big Sur - A Comprehensive Guide

Californist June 14, 2016

The Californist comprehensive guide to what's great about Big Sur. Places to stop, camp, view and hang. The chillest of the chill.

A California Species

Californist June 7, 2016

A discussion on California's legacy of putting industry before our environment. How one fish is among a long heritage of sacrificing species in the name of mismanagement.

California's Most Interesting and Accessible Caves

Californist May 3, 2016

This adventure leads us to explore our favorite California's most interesting caves. Places you can check out and explore. Experience true absolute darkness and discover fascinating cave dwelling creatures.

California Skeletons: Ghost Towns, Modern and Historical

Californist April 19, 2016

California has, literally hundreds of ghost towns, all found in different places along the spectrum. Some bear the former self, others a stack of rocks or, perhaps more disenchanting, nothing whatsoever.

Ho for California! Historic Trails

Californist April 12, 2016

The National Historic Trail system is an enduring legacy chronicling the great American journeys and expiditions. There are only a handful of National Historic Trails and fewer still in California. Let's take a look at this noble idea and explore the California National Historic Trails.

The Petal Season

Californist April 5, 2016

We are now in that rare gorgeous window where the California hills become iridescent with color. Get ready for a trip to Figueroa Mountain and other favorite locations for viewing California blooms in a colorful resource for fans of the definitive springtime California landscape.

The Most Interesting Non-Golden Gate California Bridges

Californist March 23, 2016

We've tracked down and catalogued our favorite California bridges; including suspension, covered, truss and trestle bridges. Any especially fascinating bridges or stories related to are included in the survey.

What's Up With All the California Eucalyptus?

Californist March 21, 2016

Every Californian knows about the thousands of eucalyptus trees throughout the state (especially Southern regions). Let's discuss the absurd origins and costs associated with introducing a poisoning invasive species into the state ecosystems. Let's talk about bad ideas.

Road Trip: The Grand Californian Tree Tour

Californist March 16, 2016

In this edition, we tour and discuss The Grand Tree Tour. Here we'll visit the tallest, the most massive and the oldest trees on earth, all located, of course, in our California backyard.

Rites of Passage: California's Most Iconic & Famous Drives

Californist March 14, 2016

The most important, famous and iconic drives for any Californian. Rites of Passage.

The Californist Does it on the Beach

Californist March 7, 2016

The beach lovers piece. The Californist looks at local and favored California beach friendly items for your beach going adventures. We love these beach bags, boardshorts, sunscreens and beach entertainment designs.

Feet in the Sand: Best Places to Camp on California Beaches

Californist February 29, 2016

So you want to pitch your tent next to the crashing waves. It's tough to find these days, but the Californist has put together a list of places that will let you pitch a tent next to the beach.

Locations in the following areas:

Southern California

Central Coast

Northern California

Pismo Beach Preserve - The Rad New Backyard for the Central Coast.

Californist February 17, 2016

And update on the happenings of the fantastic Pismo Beach Preserve. All 900 acres of oak and chaparral glory for the good of the Central Coast kind. Pismo is certainly on the road to awesome.

California's Best Botanical Gardens - Our Favorites List.

Californist February 10, 2016

Our favorite botanical gardens, ranging from higher priced to free. Including the following:

Huntington Library and Gardens

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden

UC Davis Arboretum

San Francisco Botanical Garden

San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden

Blog & Writing Mission

Californian’s are the lovers of nature, of exploring the great unknowns, the contemporary, innovative designs and unique spaces. Get away from the beige stucco boxes. Seek the places, designs, foods and cultural mileposts embodying the best of California.

The Californist aims to present favorite hot spots, tastes and experiences worthy of our readers time.

We are a west coast cultural repository. An enthusiast for anachronism and mid century design. We'll also examine things not made or found in California, but nonetheless echo its call.

Nature

No question a primary motivation for most people moving to California. The diversity of California wilderness is phenomenal. Here you get what most entire countries bring, yet within a single state. From craggy snow-capped Sierras, to endless oceanic horizons, expansive deserts and towering redwood forests. California maintains 9 of the 59 National Parks and they're visited by millions worldwide, every year. We also have 118 state parks and countless county and city parks. Protecting, promoting, expanding and maintaining public lands is a passion for the Californist.

Food Culture

Living in California means embracing its southern boundary. Mexican culture underpins everything throughout California. The colors, patterns, familial pulses infuse California with a unique American-Mexican heritage. Mexican food is a way of life here. We embrace hole-in-the-wall establishments and the bare knuckle hard earned localism that has created the Californian Mexican food mythos. Embrace the mom and pop cash-only shops where the noble effort of ordering in Spanish is worth the challenge.

Craft beer also has a strong west coast role, running stride with the formidable California wine industry. We embrace this beer haven emergence. You'll find local craft beers in every California region, including San Diego with Ballast Point, Petaluma with Lagunitas, San Luis Obispo with Firestone Brewing, dozens of local craft breweries in nearly every city.

The various troves and varieties of California cuisine, from food trucks, restaurants and dishes you make yourself fuel the colorful California appetite.

Design

The patterns, contrasts, grammars and styles of Californian design march with undeniable vibrancy. Rugged Southwest style collides with geometric Mexican and Asian palates. Where a fearlessness for sparkling hues and simple natural and mid-century modern conveys honest sophistication. Sleek, crisp lines holding the energy. Think: thrift store Pendleton's, Mexican serape throws and the strong, honest edges of a teak and steel Nelson bench.