“Off Road Confidential” Explores California’s Hidden Gems

Visit California worked with NewsNation on an original travel special, “Off Road Confidential,” taking viewers off the beaten path to meet the people and places that make California the Ultimate Playground. 

Host Gabriel Ornesas traveled through Marin County, Sacramento, San Francisco, Half Moon Bay and Monterey County. Along the way, Gabriel connected with small business owners, chefs, farmers and locals, sharing their stories and celebrating the spirit of these vibrant communities. 

In Marin County, Gabriel went horseback riding with Five Brooks Ranch, enjoyed cheese tasting at Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Company and learned how to shuck oysters at Nick’s Cove Restaurant. When he arrived in Sacramento, Gabriel met with Shawn Harrison of Soil Born Farms, learned how to harvest caviar at Tsar Nicoulai Caviar Farm, and did an olive oil tasting at Frate Sole in Woodland. 

Featured San Francisco businesses included Dandelion Chocolate, Flour + Water, Pescatore Trattoria, and Hotel Zoe. Points of interest included the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf, Lombard Street, the Painted Ladies, and Mission Dolores Park Murals.

In Half Moon Bay and The San Francisco Peninsula, Gabriel went kayaking with Half Moon Bay Kayak Co., visited Arcangeli Grocery in Pescadero and drove up Highway 1 for a meal at Dad’s Luncheonette. The trip concluded in Monterey County with Gabriel exploring Pinnacles National Park, dining at the Little Swiss Café, exploring Carmel-by-the-Sea and wine tasting at Folktale Winery.

The 30-minute road trip travel special premiered on NewsNation on Saturday, March 22, with a second airing on May 25. Leading up to the special, promotions included a week-long Morning in America ‘California’ week, promoting one of the featured destinations each day, as well as a Satellite Media Tour (SMT) in top domestic markets highlighting the special. Digital and social promotion accompanied the launch as well. You can find the full episode, Morning in America clips and bonus content on NewsNation’s YouTube. 

Sponsored by Visit California and produced by NewsNation, “Off Road Confidential” captures the essence of adventure and the freedom of the open road.