Old-school sophistication or new and hip? Zoe Walker gets a taste of the evolving restaurant and bar scene in wider Palm Springs.

Leena Tailor meets Bill Nancarrow, the unofficial Kiwi wine ambassador in the famous Napa Valley.

California's Sunset Strip, known for its giant billboards, celebrity hot spots and rock clubs, is getting a makeover.

If you're planning a family holiday in this Californian city, be sure to check out these highlights.

Even in the magical kingdom, tempers can flare, writes Megan Singleton.

The Mental Health Foundation has received an unprecedented number of calls following the death of comedian Robin Williams.

The angels sing for Leena Tailor as she pairs good wine with good food.

Put a serious dent in your wallet at one of these top shopping haunts.

Tesla Motors has halted production at its sole assembly plant for a revamp the company said is necessary to speed Model S output and prepare it to make electric crossovers.

A radical plan to carve up California into six separate states has enough support to be put to a public vote, campaigners say.

Buyers from Greater China spent $22 billion on US homes in the past year, up 72 per cent from the same period in 2013.

The man who became an internet-sensation after his mug shot went viral on social media has had to face court in California, according to multiple media reports.

Berkeley, California, could become the first US city to tax sugary drinks. The Berkeley City Council unanimously decided to put the 1-cent-per-ounce tax on the ballot this year.

‘Handsome felon’ Jeremy Meeks has been taken on by a Hollywood talent agent.

A judge ordered an American man who caused a fatal crash on the Coromandel Peninsula to pay $5500 for emotional harm and told him "this will remain with you forever".

There are some great skifields in the States that won't cost you a fortune, writes Jennifer Ennion.

Looking for an unusual place to lay your head on your next holiday? From a trailer park to a school, something on this list should take your fancy.

Eveline Harvey explores some lesser-known California hot spots.

This former mining settlement sits on a windswept plateau in eastern California, some 2500m above sea level. Notorious for lawlessness in its heyday, it's now an isolated ghost town whose buildings have been left to the elements.

For further information see: parks.ca.gov.

Explore the USA by bike on one of these great cycle trails.

Kiwis are thriving in America's wine country paradise, discovers Leena Tailor.

Plan a trip to one of these wonderful gardens next time you're Stateside.

America's favourite summer pastime can be a hypnotic experience, writes Dylan Cleaver.

Palm Springs is party-town again, writes Leena Tailor.

If you're a water baby like Megan Singleton, there's lots to do in California's Marina del Rey.

As America's oldest highway marks its centenary, Chris Moss rounds up the options for a US fly-drive.