Whether you're a California native or a summer vacation visitor, it's no secret that California has some of the most stunning views - EVER! Check out these 25 jaw-dropping, incredible photos collected from locations all over California. Be inspired to plan your next vacation or just appreciate them, but either way we know you'll agree that they show off California's beauty like nothing else!

1. Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park

Flickr by Sven Stork  

2. Zabriskie Point, Death Valley

Flickr by Pedro Szekely

3. Lake Marjorie, Kings Canyon National Park

Flickr by Steve Dunleavy2

4. Mountain top in Northeastern Santee

Flickr by slworking2

5. Half Dome

Flickr by aiddy

6. California Redwoods

Flickr by Brian Hoffman

7. Bridal Veil Falls and the Leaning Tower, Yosemite National Park

Flickr by Rob DeGraff

8. Portal of the Sun, Big Sur

Flickr by Codex41

9. Near Red Bluff

Flickr by Eric Leslie

10. Lundy Lake

Flickr by Fred Moore

12. Sliverado Trail, Napa Valley

Flickr by seligmanwaite

13. The Black Divide, Kings Canyon National Park

Flickr by Steve Dunleavy

14. Malibu

Flickr by Justin Mier

15. Death Valley

Flickr by Pedro Szekely

17. Aspen Grove, June Lake

Flickr by praphulm

18. San Clemente Pier

Flickr by Cameron Photo

19. Napa Valley

Flickr by Mark Leary

20. Silver Lake

Flickr by Howard Ignatius

21. San Buenaventura State Beach, Oxnard

Flickr by Jeff Turner

22. Mt. Tamalpais State Park

Flickr by David Yu

23. Bridal Veil Falls and Cathedral Rocks

Flickr by Chuq Von

24. Marin County

Flickr by Patrick Smith

25. The Milky Way Mount Laguna

Flickr by slworking2 Did we convince you with these incredible photos of California beauty? Are you planning your next vacation already? Have you visited any of these areas before? Leave us a note in the comments below! Cover Photo: Top of Nevada Fall from Flickr by Nietnagel

Nothing can beat a juicy hamburger after you've spent a long day at the beach. The wonderful, gooey cheese, the flavorful beef, and let's not forget the special sauce. If you don't know what we're talking about, then you've never experienced a California staple: In-N-Out!

Check out these 20 things that make In-N-Out great!

1. Fresh Matters       

In-N-Out opened in 1948 at the corner of Francisquito and Garvey in Baldwin Park and the owner personally shopped for the best ingredients and made everything by hand! Now that is how you make a burger! To this day, none of In-N-Out's food is pre-packaged or frozen.

2. History

Flickr - Tommaso Galli In-N-Out was California's first drive through. At In-N-Out, there is no need to even get out of your car, just drive right up to the window and enjoy a meal made fresh just for you. The helpful In-N-Out workers even ask if you'll be dinning in your car or taking it home! Flickr - Steve Lyon

3. Combinations

Flickr - Simon Willison Looking for a little variety in your hamburger selection? Choose your personal meat to cheese ratio up to a 4x4 which is four meat patties and four slices of cheese. Or get adventurous and cut back on the meat or the cheese. Just remember, meat first, cheese after. Example: 3x4 means 3 patties x 4 slices of cheese.

4. Secrets

Flickr - Cory Gurman In-N-Out offers more than their typical menu. They have a Secret Menu! You can order fun things like yellow chillies, animal fries (which includes grilled onions and their special sauce), bun doughnuts, protein style (no bun, just lettuce) or even a root beer float!

5. Welcome to the 60s

Flickr - @kevinv033 The animal style hamburger was first introduced in 1961 at the request of a customer. To make this creation, they stack up lettuce, tomato, pickle, grilled onions, and extra spread topped off by a mustard-cooked beef patty. Delicious.

6. Just the way you like it

Flickr - Matt DeTurck Most don't know, but you can order your patty's medium rare!!! Now that you know, you have to try it!

7. Back to School

Flickr - gadgetude There is an In-N-Out University! It sounds a little like a hamburger paradise, but in reality it was created in 1984 on the site where In-N-Out founder Harry Snyder's house once stood, and was a training facility for store managers.

8. Bottoms Up

Flickr - Justin Green There are Bible verse references on the bottom of every cup and on hamburger wrappers. Just remember to finish your drink before you check ;)

9. Cheese, Cheese, Cheese

Serious Eats - J. Kenji Lopez You have the option to order cold cheese. Not sure why you wouldn't want the melty-goodness, but hey, there's an option for everyone at In-N-Out which is just another thing that makes In-N-Out greatt!

10. Fries, Fries, Fries

Flickr - mayka If you like fries, you'll LOVE In-N-Out's fries. Try them extra crispy (fries well done), animal style (with grilled onions and special sauce), or even cheese fries (with cheese on top). Flickr - supercake

11. Sweet Tooth

Flickr - Justin Green You have the option of ordering a Neopolitan shake which combines chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry. Yum!

12. Vegetarian Options

Flickr - Sharona790 Not a fan of hamburgers? Only eat vegetarian? Not to worry, In-N-Out has you covered. You can order a grilled cheese or a veggie burger!

13. Seeing Double

Flickr - jbhalper In 1963, the "Double Double" (2 meat patties and 2 cheese slices) was first advertized. Today, it's common knowledge and a favorite for many In-N-Out fans.

14. Julia Child

Flickr - Thomas Hawk Apparently, Julia Child was also a huge In-N-Out fan (she knew what was up!). She was reported to always have a list of stores with her just in case...

15. Among the Rich and Famous

Lynsi Torres, granddaughter to In-N-Out founders, Esther and Harry Snyder,  has been recognized as one of the youngest female multimillionaires!

16. Hidden Treasure

Flickr-Joshua Bousel Ever noticed how there always seems to be crossed palm trees outside of In-N-Out? That's no accident! The tradition started in 1972 to mark each store as Harry Snyder's special treasure (taken from his love of the move It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World).

17. Sit down and enjoy

Flickr - brian wallace Until 1979 In-N-Out was strictly a drive-through restaurant. The 21st restaurant in Ontario was the first to introduce a seating area and has made In-N-Out what we know and love it to be today!

18. Worth it

Flickr - Jeroen Elfferich Considering a job at In-N-Out? One of the things that make's In-N-Out great is the fact that they are more than fair to their employees. A manager at In-N-Out makes over $100,000 a year and their employee starting wage is $10.50 an hour. It's no wonder they have the lowest turnover rates in the fast food market. People like working at In-N-Out, can you blame them?

19. Fan Merch

That's right. In-N-Out even has a fan merchandise. They have everything from sandals to hats, T-shirts to onesies. They even have a travel mug which means there is no reason you can't sport your In-N-Out pride on a weekly (maybe even daily) basis.

20. Happy Birthday

Flickr - Dave Gunn In-N-Out just celebrate it's 60th birthday! When it was first started by Harry and Esther Snyder, they set up principles by which they would run their business and those principles have stayed firm through 60 years. Now if that doesn't make In-N-Out great, I don't know what does!   Cover Photo: Flickr - Brian Wallace Source 1, Source 2

California Surfing History

When you think of California hobbies, the first one that probably comes to mind is surfing! Have you ever wondered what the history of California surfing is? Like how people thought to get up on boards and "ride" waves to shore was a good idea? We looked into it and wanted to give a quick snapshot of this amazing sport and long-standing California hobby. Flickr - Rian Castillo

Back In The Day

Looking back - and we mean way back - to 1885, we find the beginnings of a sport Californians love. We can't take the credit for the creation of surfing though, that goes to three Hawaiian princes who were visiting Santa Cruz and took the first Californian surf adventure on boards made of California redwood. After that, many Hawaiians visited the California coast in search of the perfect wave. In the 1930s, people who enjoyed surfing started to form surf clubs. It was during this time that Tom Blake, one of the first surfers in Malibu, created the Hollow Surfboard allowing additional agility in its lighter design. Flickr - Ryan Vaarsi

Hang Ten, Dude

After a break caused by WWII, surfing came back in full force with the introduction of foam and fiberglass boards. In 1959, the movie Gidget was released. It focused on young Californian's and "cool" surf dudes in their own cultural element - the beach. Though not seen as a particularly accurate representation by the surfing community itself, it did give rise to the popularity of surfing. That same year Huntington Beach held the first West Coast Surfing Championship. Flickr - Rachel Patterson

Competition or Hobie

It wasn't until 1980 that the competition side of surfing really took off when California entered into the World Pro Tour. To this day, all along the California coast, surfing competitions take place in addition to hobbyists who come out to enjoy the waves. Flickr - Mike Baird

Surfs Up

To some, surfing is more than a sport though, it's a lifestyle that takes dedication. A typical morning on the beach could look similar to the photo below. Flickr - Richard Johnstone Surfers aren't turned off by foggy mornings or cooler temperatures. Their love for the sport goes beyond simple comforts. Instead, you will find many dedicated surfers out at the break of dawn riding the waves in wetsuits designed to cut some of the chill, but not all. Flickr - Wonderlane No matter what, surfing takes dedication - even when things don't go the way you planned. Flickr - Mike Baird But still, even cute little dogs like this like to surf ;) Flickr - Nathan Rupert The surfing community is a diverse one, but definitely a laid back one as well, which fits perfectly with the relaxed mindset of California. When you're out there on the waves, there's nothing else to worry about but the next wave...and maybe what's for lunch.

Do you surf? Why do you love it? Let us know in the comments below.

  Sources: Surfingcal.com, Cover Photo: Flickr - Jonas Witt

May 5th may be a Monday, but that doesn't have to stop you from celebrating Cinco de Mayo in style this year!  

Celebrate Cinco De Mayo

Flickr - --Mark--

The History of Cinco de Mayo

The mistake most people make regarding Cinco de Mayo is to think that it is a celebration for Mexico's independence. In fact, Cinco de Mayo celebrates the victory (over the French) of the Battle of Puebla which happened on - you guessed it - May 5 in 1862. Crazy to think we're still celebrating a battle won over 150 years ago! Flickr - San Diego City College So, why do we still celebrate it? That fact remains to be seen because, in most of Mexico, Cinco de Mayo celebrations aren't typical. Here in America (especially California) we don't need a good reason for a party though, so celebrate on!

Throw A Traditional Party

Decorations

Like this colorful street in Mexico, a great way to get your Cinco de Mayo celebration off the ground is with some authentic (or close enough) flags. You can find them at local party supply stores or you can make your own. This is a great activity to get your children in on by having them cut out snowflake-like designs on rectangular pieces of paper. Flickr - Alan

Drinks & Food

Really, what is a good party with out the food? This is a great time to get a little fancy by trying out new recipes or, if you aren't a fan of cooking, to cater through your favorite Mexican restaurant. Suggested traditional Mexican foods and drinks for Cinco de Mayo are:

• Tamales
• Chiles Rellenos
• Mole Sauce
• Authentic Mexican tortillas
• Home made chips
• Home made Pico de gallo
• Margaritas
• Horchata

Find more recipes here. Flickr - Debora is Lola

Activities & Gifts

When throwing a great party, having games planned in advance (even if you don't end up playing them) can make the difference between a boring party and something your friends will be talking about for the next six months. Try your local party supply store or check out Amazon for some great gift ideas that you can send your guests home with to remember your memorable and stylish Cinco de Mayo celebration. Flickr - Darla Dietz Toss up a piñata - the kids (and let's be honest, the adults too) will love it! Flickr-giveawayboy Get the family together and visit a traditional Mexican celebration. Check your local news website for celebrations near you. Flickr - Bisayan lady

 The Sounds of Cinco de Mayo

Last, but definitely not least, the music of the event must be traditional. For some of you who like to spare no expense, that means hiring your very own mariachi band! For the rest of us, that means picking the right Pandora station to set the mood. Either way, you better be blaring the rhythmic guitar and blaring trumpet sound that mariachi bands are best known for! Flickr - oklanica

Do you celebrate Cinco de Mayo? If so, let us know in the comments below what you do to make it special!

  Source: WikiHow, About.com, Cover Photo: Flickr - --Mark--

Do you love watching movies? Take a look below at the movie and location lists and plan a vacation (or day trip) to these amazing locations. Bring a camera and may the adventure begin.

By The Movie

Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.

Riding on the coattails of Marvels Avengers, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. is often shot on location in Southern California in places like Culver City, near Chinatown in L.A., Thousand Oaks, and Malibu. Check out this great site for a list of locations and maps. From schmoesknow

Psych

Though most of this hilarious detective show was filmed in Vancouver B.C. some of the beach scenes were shot in Santa Maria, Ca.  Check out this article about the filming and location. From crimespreemag

TRON

Where the past meets the present. The original TRON and the newer (2010) version used the same building, Flynn's located on the corner of Culver/Washington Blvd and Watseka Ave. You can visit it today! From Seeing-Stars

Inception

This mind-bending movie may be far from being understood, but it's not too far to visit if you live in Los Angeles! Take a trip to 727 Wilshire Blvd to see where this was filmed: From Seeing-Stars Or visit the Creative Artists Agency located in Century City, Los Angeles where some of the film was shot. From Elektrodaily

Mrs. Doubtfire

And oldie, but a goodie. This classic movie featuring Robin Williams was filmed in San Francisco. From Live For Films

X-Men: The Last Stand

Another San Francisco view in this action thriller. From Marvel Films

The Princess Diaries

Portions of this movie were filmed in front of the Doheny Mansion located in Chester Place, Los Angeles. Boy has Anne Hathaway grown up! From FanPop **Find an extensive list of movie locations in California here.

Location Location Location

The Biltmore

The scene for movies like Rocky II, Beverly Hills Cop, Wedding Crashers, Ghostbusters and more, the Biltmore is the perfect backdrop for cinematic beauty. Flickr-Roger

Chinatown

There is always some type of action taking place in Chinatown. The same is true for many movies shot in this sweet location, like Lethal Weapon 4, Rush Hour. Flickr - Michael Locke

Griffith Observatory

From episodes of MacGuyver to movies like Rebel Without A Cause and The Terminator, the Griffith Observatory is popular for movie locations. It's also a fantastic place to visit, so 'kill two birds with one stone' by visiting this amazing location. Flickr - Corey Dorsey

Santa Monica Pier

Popular not only for films that have been shot here, but for the fun atmosphere and theme park located on the pier, Santa Monica has the perfect vibe for movies. Some features you may recognize are Forrest Gump, Beverly Hills Cop III, The Sting. Flickr - Beau Rogers

Union Station

Union Station is the place to go! The fun, hustle and bustle atmosphere adds to charm and you're sure to recognize it from movies like Pearl Harbor, Speed, Star Trek: First Contact, and The Italian Job among others. From E.A. Creative Photography

Vasquez Rocks

These are more than just rock formations, they are iconic in film history! You may recognize them from movies like Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home, The Flintstones (movie), The Scorpion King, and Short Circuit. They are also a very popular place to hike and for photographers to do fun sessions at. Check out the park, you won't regret it. Trust us, it rocks ;) Flickr-Jim     Sources: Seeing Stars, Go California, Movie Locations Cover Photo: Flickr - When I Was A Bird