This research investigates how heterogeneity in travel needs and perceived availability of transportation modes for non-commute trips are addressed within transportation planning processes in California. While transportation research and planning have traditionally focused on commute travel, non-commute trips constitute a substantial and complex share of daily mobility. These trips, including those for shopping, exercise, healthcare, and social participation, are essential for household maintenance and well-being, yet remain comparatively understudied and insufficiently addressed in planning and service provision. Using a qualitative approach, this study evaluates transportation planning practices through semi-structured interviews with agency representatives across multiple levels of governance in California. It examines how non-commute travel needs and perceived mode availability are incorporated into data collection, modeling, and decision-making processes. The analysis identifies key limitations, highlights emerging practices, and assesses opportunities for improving transportation planning frameworks. By integrating behavioral insights with planning analysis, this research provides empirical evidence on how non-commute travel is currently represented in practice and where gaps persist. It also considers how evolving work arrangements and technology-enabled activities are reshaping travel patterns and how the planning process is adapting to these evolving trends. The findings offer actionable recommendations to enhance planning processes and better support non-commute travel within transportation systems.