Local Scoop

Step off the beaten path, explore new territory, and experience parts of the Golden State you didn't know existed. It's time to get Inside California. And who better to give an all-access tour of this great state than its hippest locals? Here, some of California's best and brightest dispense their insider advice on everything from experiencing the perfect sunset to discovering the best late-night haunts—all you need to know to make California your own.

Kelly Wearstler

As the interior design guru behind some of California’s most beautiful hotels, Kelly Wearstler looks to “the free-spirited nature of California” for inspiration. With two books, multiple product lines, and a hit TV show, she truly is one of the world’s top tastemakers when it comes to the luxury lifestyle. Read an interview with Kelly Wearstler to find out more about her favorite California spots.

Katsuya Uechi

Master sushi chef Katsuya Uechi is not only known for his culinary artistry, he’s also a devotee of California with four restaurants to his name (literally): Katsuya in Brentwood and Hollywood, and Sushi Katsu-ya in Studio City and Encino. Read an interview with Katsu-ya to learn more about his favorite places in California.

Barry Zito

We know Barry Zito is a Cy Young Award winner and a three-time All-Star who signed as a free agent with the San Francisco Giants to become the highest-paid pitcher in the history of Major League Baseball. But he’s also a native Californian, a guitarist-songwriter, a yoga buff, an avid photographer, and a humanitarian who founded Strikeouts For Troops™ to help the American soldiers. Read an interview with Barry to find out more about his favorite California spots.

Kevin Dillon

Kevin Dillon is a busy guy. Not only has the newly ensconced Californian purchased a home in Malibu—where “it’s wide open and you can really see the sun set”—he was also nominated for an Emmy® for his role as Johnny “Drama” Chase on HBO’s hit series Entourage. In the words of his wisecracking alter ego: “Victory!” Read an interview with Kevin to find out his inside perspective.

Jimmy Smits

Whether he’s playing a tragic cop on TV, a Shakespearean count on stage, or the senator of Alderaan on screen, Jimmy Smits has a versatility that moves him seamlessly from one medium to the next. Indeed, the former East Coaster has become a California fanatic, citing Yosemite as one of his favorite spots because, “I sigh when I see it.” Next up for the Emmy® Award winner: the CBS drama Cane and the film The Jane Austen Book Club. Read an interview with Jimmy to find out more.

Katharine McPhee

Katharine McPhee’s time in the sun is most certainly upon her. The American Idol finalist and actress-musician just released her eponymous debut album, which bowed on the Billboard 200 chart at No. 2. But the born-and-bred California girl hasn’t let the success go to her head. She still insists that “there’s nothing better than homemade sandwiches on the beach.” Read an interview with Katharine to find out more.