California Questionnaire: Bobby Berk | Visit California

fans of Queer eye'S Bobby Berk knows the show's former design guru is a master at getting a… much completed in a limited time. These days, the busy entrepreneur and author uses that same drive to both build his own design and lifestyle brand and enjoy every last drop of sun and fun while exploring his home base in Southern California.

The East Coast transplant likes to unpack his days with everything the Golden State has to offer, whether it's going on a hike with his dog just outside his Los Angeles neighborhood to checking out top-notch Vietnamese restaurants with his husband Dewey Visit Southern California or play pickleball in the Palm Springs area. He recently revealed some of his favorite places to relax, eat and shop.

Where do you live? I live in the Lake Hollywood neighborhood of Los Angeles.

Why there? This neighborhood is a quiet and secluded spot high in the hills with views, feeling like an escape from the city yet only 5 minutes from Hollywood. I can walk out my front door and be on a path directly below the Hollywood Sign in seconds, and I have an incredible view of the valley from my backyard.

Who or what is your greatest California love? The weather! The sunshine and temperate climate are what drew me to California in the first place. After years of living in New York, winter was officially over and I needed to thaw out! The weather really spoils you. I love waking up in the sun most of the year and now I can't imagine living anywhere else.

What is Californians' biggest misconception? We probably all work in the entertainment industry. Yes, a lot of people work in the film and television industry (myself included), but it's a huge state with so many different thriving industries.

What is your favorite luxury in the Golden State? I've stayed at some amazing hotels in California, but to make some money I'd book a weekend getaway at the Inn at Mattei's Tavern. It's a beautiful location in Santa Ynez, surrounded by rolling hills and the perfect mix of relaxation and luxury. There is also an incredible restaurant – The Tavern – where I had one of the best meals of my life.

Time for a road trip – where are you going? My husband Dewey and I love taking scenic drives, and there's nothing better than driving the Pacific Coast Highway to Big Sur. My ultimate road trip would be a leisurely drive with stops in a few small towns. First we went to Morro Bay to kayak with the otters and then visited Hearst Castle in San Simeon. We then stopped for dinner at The Restaurant at Ragged Point, located right on the coast, to eat seafood and catch the sunset. The next day we went for a hike at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park and then went to Pfeiffer Beach to relax a bit. Then it's time to check into one of my absolute favorite hotels – the Post Ranch Inn – before enjoying a perfect dinner with a view of Nepenthe.

If you could prescribe an official state dining experience, what would it be? There is so much great food in California that it's very hard to choose. However, since my husband is Vietnamese, I have a certain fondness for this cuisine, but I have to say that in my opinion, California has the best food outside of Vietnam. I love My Lai, which has two locations in Los Angeles, for relaxed bowling and any of the family-run restaurants in Orange County (especially Brodard Chateau in Garden Grove).

What’s your favorite way to play in California? That would have to be the pickleball court at my vacation home in Palm Desert. Last year I was addicted to pickleball – so much so that I decided to open a court! It's really fun to invite friends over to play, and it's also a great amenity in a rental property.

Where would you go for the ultimate shopping spree in California? I love shopping for vintage furniture and decor, and Palm Springs is home to some of my absolute favorite stores. I started bright and early at the Palm Springs Vintage Market and then made my way to The Shops At Thirteen Forty Five. Gregory Ducharme is one of my favorite sellers there and has an amazing eye. Then I went to Modern Way, At Hōm, and finished it off at Market Market, a huge market full of amazing vendors, including my personal favorite, Nok Nok.

Best California song? I can really identify with the song “Why I Came To California” by Leon Ware. It's from the '80s and has a great jazzy R&B feel. It's about all the different iconic places in California and why they have such appeal and appeal. It reminds me of everything I love about this state – the beaches, the forests, the desert – and always puts a smile on my face when I sing along in the car.

How would your dream day in California turn out? I woke up at home in Los Angeles and went for a morning hike with my dog, Bimini. Then I grabbed a coffee (large ice cream!) and went to Superba for brunch with all of my closest friends. I love enjoying a sunny meal in their lush and secluded courtyard. Then we would head to Malibu for a perfect beach day and rent an amazing house right on the water. Nothing is nicer than lying on a deck chair, feeling the sea breeze and listening to the waves. We ordered takeout from Nobu for dinner and just spent the rest of the evening around a fire pit drinking a bottle of wine and laughing until we called it a night.