Hiking at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is unique in that you can walk beside cacti and stroll through fields of wildflowers while looking out at the ocean. You can also walk by some of the rarest pine trees in the world. Torrey Pines in San Diego is an incredible place to hike, but there …
Guide to Visiting the Japanese Tea Garden (Golden Gate Park) in San Francisco
I’ve visited the San Francisco Bay Area a few times now, visiting friends, and it’s become one of my favorite places in California. An absolute gem in San Francisco is the Japanese Tea Garden, which is nestled inside Golden Gate Park, a beautiful place to visit nearly any day of the year. Here’s everything you …
One Day in Death Valley National Park (Itinerary Using Paved Roads ONLY)
Thinking of visiting Death Valley but you only have a day? No worries, a day in Death Valley National Park is possible. Yes, the park is huge, but there are several highlights in Death Valley close enough together to where you can easily see all in 1 day in Death Valley. A bonus: All of …
Guide to Visiting the Rare Lake Manly in Badwater Basin (Death Valley National Park)
There’s a rare, temporary lake in the driest place in North America. Does that not blow your mind? If you’re wanting to see this incredible phenomenon, go now! It’s estimated that Lake Manly could dry up soon. Here’s everything you should know before making the trek out to Death Valley to see Lake Manly in …
19 Things to Do in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks have more to see than just big trees. They have imposing canyons, cascading waterfalls, wildflower-filled meadows, and sweeping viewpoints. Make the most of your next trip to Sequoia and Kings Canyon in California with these can’t miss activities. About Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks Kings Canyon and Sequoia …
Day Trip to Channel Islands National Park
Wondering how to do a day trip to Channel Islands National Park? I’ve compiled a complete guide on how to visit Channel Islands for a day — everything you need to know and what I wish I knew when I did a day trip to Channel Islands National Park. Twelve family members joined me on …
Access a Sea Cave Inside the Cave Store in La Jolla, California
Imagine heading into a store, down a set of stairs to find yourself looking out at the ocean from inside a sea cave. Does such a place exist? Yes, at the Cave Store in La Jolla! The Cave Store is one of seven sea caves in La Jolla, California, but it’s the only one in …
Guide to Visiting Ostrichland USA in Solvang, California
Ostrichland USA is an ostrich farm just outside Solvang, a Danish town in California. We stayed only a few hours but these were some memorable hours. If you’re on a road trip up/down the California coast, definitely make Ostrichland USA in Solvang one of your stops. Here’s a guide to what you should know to …
Guide to Visiting the Pismo Beach Butterfly Grove
Thinking of stopping at the Pismo Beach butterfly grove to see thousands of Monarch butterflies clustered in the trees? This only happens a few months of the year in winter as the butterflies migrate south along the California coast. Here’s your guide to how and when to see thousands of Monarch butterflies during their winter …
Bear Gulch Cave and Reservoir: The Best Hike in Pinnacles National Park
I visited Pinnacles National Park for a day and found its hike to Bear Gulch Cave and Reservoir to be one of my favorite hiking trails I’ve ever done. The hike to Bear Gulch Reservoir allows you to also explore Bear Gulch Cave on the way and is easily the best hike in Pinnacles National …