Traveling Close to Home

California gas prices, at nearly five dollars a gallon, have many families staying closer to home this summer and visiting local spots. Los Angeles bureau chief Rob Schmitz reports on how the Southland's world-famous attractions are courting tourists, who live, as they say, freeway close. Reporter: Rob Schmitz

Remembering the Road Trip

For many of us, long road trips have been a staple of summer vacations. KQED's Tamara Keith recalls her family's ultimate road trip, a cross-country journey in a minivan. When she was 15, her family drove thousands of miles, through 32 states, on a quest to discover America. Reporter: Tamara Keith

• More: Photos from Tamara's 1995 road trip

Mariachi Students

Teenagers are on top of the latest musical trends, from rock to hip-hop to indie. Another hot trend comes from south of the border and is definitely old school. Mariachi music is winning new fans among the state's huge population of young Latinos. Last month, hundreds of young musicians gathered at a mariachi festival in Chula Vista, a city about 20 miles from the Mexican border. KPBS Reporter Ana Tintocalis reports on the young troubadours learning from Mexico's bestReporter: Ana Tintocalis

Vintage Baseball

There's nothing more American than fireworks on the 4th of July. Well, maybe fireworks at a baseball game. Thousands will crowd the stadiums this weekend to watch California's major league teams. But there's another way to experience the old ball game. Nina Thorsen takes us to a special field of dreams.

• More: Photo slideshow