181. Channel Islands - California's Forgotten Wilderness

Discover the Venice that most tourists miss – the actual canals that Abbot Kinney built in 1905, hidden just blocks from the boardwalk's chaos. Johnny Mac explores these unexpected European waterways before heading to Abbot Kinney Boulevard, where trendy boutiques, vegan restaurants, and coffee culture define modern Venice. From the quiet reflection of morning on the canals to the curated commerce of the boulevard to the carnival atmosphere of the beach, Venice compresses California's contradictions into a few walkable square miles. It's expensive, chaotic, beautiful, and troubled – quintessentially LA.

Step into Grand Central Market, the historic food hall that's been feeding Los Angeles since 1917. Johnny Mac guides you through the chaos and culture of this downtown landmark, from the moment you spot The Donut Man and that legendary Devil's Food donut to the perfect coffee pairing at nearby Blue Bottle. Explore vendor stalls spanning generations and continents – Sarita's Pupuseria serving the same food since 1976, Eggslut's Instagram-famous breakfast, Villa Moreliana's perfect carnitas, and everything in between. This is LA without the Hollywood gloss, a market where construction workers and tech bros share communal tables over food that spans the world.

The Channel Islands, where isolation meets adventure and California exists as it did before freeways and cities. Johnny Mac explores these remote islands accessible only by boat from Ventura Harbor, from the dramatic cliff-top trails of Anacapa to the sea caves and endemic island foxes of Santa Cruz. Discover world-class kayaking, snorkeling in kelp forests, primitive camping under stars you forgot existed, and hiking where the only sounds are waves and seabirds. Learn what it takes to reach these islands, what to bring, and why the effort delivers an experience that's increasingly rare – genuine wilderness within sight of Los Angeles.

Welcome to one of California's most audacious experiments – a Danish village complete with windmills and half-timbered buildings, built in a valley where summer temperatures hit the nineties. Johnny Mac explores Solvang's pastries at packed Mortensen's Bakery, authentic sausages and German beer at Copenhagen Sausage Garden, year-round Christmas shopping, and live music at Solvang Park featuring Angie and the Nightmares. Discover why this theatrical town works despite (or because of) its absurdity, and why sometimes the best authenticity comes from complete commitment to an invented identity.

Some drives are destinations themselves. Join Johnny Mac on California Highway 154, the San Marcos Pass Road that climbs from coastal Santa Barbara into the mountains, through Los Padres National Forest, and down into wine country. Stop at Cachuma Lake for canoe rentals and wildlife watching, experience the dramatic landscape changes from chaparral to forest to vineyards, and understand why this 30-mile journey reveals more about California's geography than any freeway ever could. This is driving as it should be – engaged, scenic, and utterly rewarding.

When the sun sets in Santa Barbara, head to the Funk Zone – a converted warehouse district where wine bars, craft breweries, and live music create the city's most vibrant nightlife. Johnny Mac guides you through Friday night in this creative neighborhood, from wine tasting at Validation Bar with live music to craft beers at Figueroa Mountain Brewing, margaritas at Finney's, and ice cream at McConnell's. Discover why this gritty, artistic corner proves Santa Barbara is more than just country clubs and perfect weather. Explore on foot or grab an electric bike from Wheel Fun Rentals!

Discover why Santa Barbara occupies a unique sweet spot on the California coast – not quite LA, not quite San Francisco, with a climate and character all its own. Johnny Mac explores the city in daylight, starting with exceptional donuts at Tyler's in Carpinteria, then hitting the south-facing beaches that make Santa Barbara special. Learn the secret to parking on Stearns Wharf (yes, you can drive onto the pier!), find out why there's more parking than you think, and explore the understated wealth of Montecito. Perfect for travelers seeking California's most livable coastal city.

Johnny Mac returns to Catalina Island with better preparations to enjoy the island's offerings. He highlights important tips like booking golf carts in advance and utilizing cash-back options at grocery stores to avoid ATM fees. The episode features an eco tour that explores Avalon's landmarks. Other activities include visiting the scenic 'Airport in the Sky,' parasailing, kayaking, and enjoying local cuisine at Antonio's Pizzeria. The episode wraps up with a beach visit and invites viewers to check out the previous Catalina Island episode (Epside 50)  for more about this awesome place.This episode wraps up a long stretch of continious travel.  We're planning our next trips and will be back soon!

Walk among the world's tallest trees with Johnny Mac as he explores the misty coastal forests where ancient redwoods create living cathedrals that humble human imagination. Experience the otherworldly beauty of Fern Canyon, learn which groves offer the most impressive specimens, and discover how fog sustains these 300-foot giants along California's remote north coast. From the easy accessibility of Lady Bird Johnson Grove to the exclusive permit-required Tall Trees Grove, Johnny reveals how to find solitude among trees that were ancient when Christ was born. Explore tide pools and rugged coastlines where forest meets ocean, understand the conservation battles that saved these last remnants, and learn photography techniques for capturing the impossible scale of Earth's most massive living things. This is nature at its most humbling and inspiring. For a commercial free experience please visit www.caloroga.com/plus

Johnny Mac in the granite cathedral of Yosemite Valley, where waterfalls tumble from impossible heights and monolithic cliffs challenge both climbers and photographers to capture their true scale. Explore the most accessible routes to Yosemite Falls and Half Dome, discover the giant sequoias of Mariposa Grove, and learn how to experience Glacier Point's breathtaking panoramas. From the challenging Mist Trail to peaceful walks among the world's largest trees, Johnny shares how to balance Yosemite's incredible popularity with moments of genuine wilderness solitude. Understand the park's role as the birthplace of rock climbing, learn Ansel Adams' photography secrets, and discover how seasonal changes transform familiar landmarks into completely different experiences. Whether you're seeking adventure or inspiration, Yosemite's combination of granite grandeur and thundering waterfalls creates memories that last a lifetime. For a commercial free experience please visit www.caloroga.com/plus