Scott Shafer/KQED

California's Old Faithful Draws Crowds

In a special summer road-trip edition, this week we visit some of California's hidden gems -- destinations that are gorgeous, quirky, tasty or just plain fun. Our first stop is in Napa Valley, where a liquid other than wine draws visitors to a 35-acre attraction near Calistoga.Reporter: Scott Shafer

Alice Daniel/KQED

Descending Into Moaning Cavern

The temperature is a cool 61 degrees year round down inside Moaning Cavern in Calaveras County.Reporter: Alice Daniel

Durrie Bouscaren/KQED

PEZ Museum Will Make You Flip Your Lid

Burlingame is home to a one-of-a-kind museum geared toward kids of all ages.Reporter: Lauren Kennedy

• More: Visit the Burlingame Pez Museum

Krista Almanzan/KQED

The Myth and Mystery of the Tin House

It takes a bit of stamina to get there. But the structure on the Central Coast has inspired myths -- and intrigued visitors for decades.Reporter: Krista Almanzan

Colin Berry/KQED

Arboretum Thrives in Shadow of Dodger Stadium

Los Angeles is hardly known for its green, open spaces. But a visit to Elysian Park could change your thinking about that. The park was established in 1886 near Dodger Stadium, and it's home to Southern California's oldest arboretum.Reporter: Colin Berry

California Songs: America's 'Ventura Highway'

Road trips have inspired books, poetry, films and, of course, music. In the early 70s the folk-rock band America burst onto the scene with hits like "Horse With No Name" and "Sister Golden Hair." As part of our series California Songs, we hear it was a childhood on the West Coast that inspired band member Dewey Bunnell to write the summer anthem, "Ventura Highway."Reporter: Durrie Lawrence

• More: California Songs: Music Inspired by the Golden State

Diane Brock/KQED

Date Shakes Drive Fans to the Desert

We couldn't end today's show without a little dessert, in this case, dessert in the desert. Before the real estate boom of the 1990s, date gardens were plentiful in Southern California's Coachella Valley. Since then many have disappeared. Luckily for date lovers, the historic Shields Date Garden remains.Reporter: Diane Bock