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Guidebooks are great and travel videos can tell you part of the story, but when it comes to truly experiencing a destination, nothing beats the advice of a local. That’s why we reached out to the insightful insiders assembled here—shop owners, tour guides, restaurateurs, and many others—and asked them to share their favorite aspects of the communities they call home, giving them a voice to tell their story. Their collective passion shines through in the recommendations collected here. Take our advice and follow their advice—you’ll be glad you did.
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Nikki Valdivieso Divulges Disneyland Tips
Nikki Valdivieso Divulges Disneyland Tips
Plan your next trip with help from the Hilton Anaheim food and beverage coordinator, who has visited the theme park hundreds of times
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Corey Menotti: Exploring a San Diego Icon
Corey Menotti: Exploring a San Diego Icon
The guest services manager of the historic Hotel del Coronado shares tips for visiting the resort and its surrounding Coronado Island
Akash Patel Raves About the Local Scenery
Akash Patel Raves About the Local Scenery
The owner and director of Akash Winery in Temecula can’t get enough of this Inland Empire destination
Terrance Thibodeaux Cooks Up Local Advice
Terrance Thibodeaux Cooks Up Local Advice
When he’s not serving vegan dishes to hungry guests, the restaurateur loves to explore the surrounding Inland Empire region
Lance Murphy: Life’s a Beach for This Ocean Enthusiast
Lance Murphy: Life’s a Beach for This Ocean Enthusiast
Whether you’re seeking the perfect break or the perfect burger, this Southern California native can point you in the right direction
Ann Pridipun: Finding Fashion and Haute Cuisine
Ann Pridipun: Finding Fashion and Haute Cuisine
The director of sales for The Beverly Hilton loves to introduce travelers to the indulgent side of life
Lourdes Ramos-Rivas Reveals Her Local Favorites
Lourdes Ramos-Rivas Reveals Her Local Favorites
The president and CEO of the Museum of Latin American Art raves about Long Beach’s sense of community and diverse offerings
Kathy Cervantes Points Out Multiple Area Highlights
Kathy Cervantes Points Out Multiple Area Highlights
The restaurateur loves living in Anaheim, and is always ready to share recommendations with anyone who asks
Date Farmer Joan Smith Offers Up Coastal Favorites
Date Farmer Joan Smith Offers Up Coastal Favorites
The Newport Beach-based entrepreneur opens up about the top spots in this idyllic Orange County town
John Kukreja's Death Valley Must-Sees
John Kukreja's Death Valley Must-Sees
The Oasis at Death Valley manager shares where to find the unexpected delights of his desert paradise
Elexia de la Parra Doles Out Great Area Advice
Elexia de la Parra Doles Out Great Area Advice
The Artelexia founder can’t get enough of her North Park community, and wants you to try all of her favorites
Kurt Cyr Shares Stylish Sites and Tasty Treats
Kurt Cyr Shares Stylish Sites and Tasty Treats
The Palm Springs Mod Squad tour operator is a one-man recommendation engine who has plenty to say about his town
Kerry Dunne: Foodie Finds and Sunny Day Adventures
Kerry Dunne: Foodie Finds and Sunny Day Adventures
The Irish-born senior event manager for Hilton San Diego Bayfront adores exploring San Diego’s hip neighborhoods and cultural sites
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Damien Giliberti Shares Hidden Gems of His Coastal Destination
Damien Giliberti Shares Hidden Gems of His Coastal Destination
The executive chef at Zachari Dunes on Mandalay Beach recommends the under-the-radar spots to visit in his Ventura County city
Katie Hayward Has an Endless Supply of Suggestions
Katie Hayward Has an Endless Supply of Suggestions
The Paso Robles tour operator has turned a talent for smart recommendations into a booming business
Renoda Campbell Puts Area’s Top Spots in Focus
Renoda Campbell Puts Area’s Top Spots in Focus
The San Luis Obispo wedding photographer puts positive energy into the world—including a collection of essential experiences in the region
Cristi Quesada-Costa Points Out Her Local Favorites
Cristi Quesada-Costa Points Out Her Local Favorites
The Puerto Rico native has become a Mammoth Lakes enthusiast, dishing out great bites and great advice for residents and visitors
Evan Oakes Points to the Tastiest Treats in Town
Evan Oakes Points to the Tastiest Treats in Town
The guiding force behind Ag Venture Tours knows every nook and cranny in Monterey County, and is eager to share his knowledge
Tara Jones Haaf Focuses on Tasty Area Highlights
Tara Jones Haaf Focuses on Tasty Area Highlights
The Santa Barbara tour guide and photography specialist loves telling people about great bites, cool neighborhoods, and more
Enrique Meza Keeps His Neighborhood Favorites in Focus
Enrique Meza Keeps His Neighborhood Favorites in Focus
The Fresno filmmaker loves the Central Valley, and has all sorts of advice for curious visitors
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Jeromey Lopez: Ocean Activities and Redwood Forests
Jeromey Lopez: Ocean Activities and Redwood Forests
See all the sides of Santa Cruz with these recommendations from the assistant general manager at Hilton Santa Cruz/Scotts Valley
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Sammy Haile Guides Guests to the Best Silicon Valley Spots
Sammy Haile Guides Guests to the Best Silicon Valley Spots
Take his tips to explore San Jose’s museums, diverse cuisine, and quirky attractions
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Fatima Sousi Appreciates the Multicultural Side of Her City
Fatima Sousi Appreciates the Multicultural Side of Her City
Start your exploration of the Bay Area city with a walking tour, recommended by the senior sales manager for Hilton Hotels of San Francisco Union Square
Mona Bahraini Shares Her Sacramento Favorites
Mona Bahraini Shares Her Sacramento Favorites
This succulent-obsessed entrepreneur reveals the top spots to eat, sip, and wander in California’s capital city
Crystal Razon Talks About the Best Bites and Top Sites
Crystal Razon Talks About the Best Bites and Top Sites
The reservations supervisor for Embassy Suites by Hilton Napa Valley loves to point visitors to her favorite haunts in wine country
Juan Barajas Loves His Tight-Knit Community
Juan Barajas Loves His Tight-Knit Community
The Woodland restaurateur has plenty of great advice for anybody heading to this agriculture-forward Central Valley destination
Paul Bush Wants to Point Out His Top Local Spots
Paul Bush Wants to Point Out His Top Local Spots
The El Dorado County winemaker is an unabashed advocate for the region, and is eager to guide visitors to his favorites
Local Douglas Dale Serves Up Tahoe City Tips
Local Douglas Dale Serves Up Tahoe City Tips
The chef and owner of Wolfdale’s Cuisine Unique knows the area well, and has plenty of suggestions for year-round fun
D.J. LaCap Shares Essential Tips for Urban Exploration
D.J. LaCap Shares Essential Tips for Urban Exploration
Walking tours, amazing views, and inspired dining all help make Berkeley an unforgettable destination
Brewer Barbara Groom Loves Her Hometown
Brewer Barbara Groom Loves Her Hometown
When she’s not seeking solitude on an area beach, the owner of Lost Coast Brewery might be exploring Eureka’s shops and restaurants
Scott Gatz Urges Everyone to Explore This Special Town
Scott Gatz Urges Everyone to Explore This Special Town
The owner of Q.Digital loves life in San Francisco, and he’s a true expert when it comes to making local recommendations
Margaret Lindgren Shares Her Passion for the Coast
Margaret Lindgren Shares Her Passion for the Coast
The owner of Unbeaten Path Tours and Yoga loves to introduce visitors to the many delights offered up in this remote region
Chris Carr Calls His Community a ‘Special Place’
Chris Carr Calls His Community a ‘Special Place’
The co-owner of Shasta Mountain Guides finds year-round pleasure in and around the town of Mt. Shasta
Marcia Eymann Celebrates Both the Past and Present
Marcia Eymann Celebrates Both the Past and Present
Sacramento’s city historian can point you toward Gold Rush landmarks, hip new spots, and anything in between
Crista Luedtke Knows All of the Best Spots in Town
Crista Luedtke Knows All of the Best Spots in Town
The chef-hotelier helped put Guerneville on the map, and wants you to experience all that this river town has to offer
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