I’ve lived in Southern California all my life, and I’ve visited Los Angeles more times than I can count. I also lived in East LA for a year after college. I love this city, so I’m always disheartened to hear visitors talk about how much they didn’t like it. Yeah, the traffic can be frustrating, …
Curious how to fit a trip to the Olympic Peninsula in just 4 days? When people think of visiting the Olympic Peninsula in the state of Washington, they probably think of Olympic National Park. However, the entire peninsula is worth seeing. It’s a lush, green place with beautiful coastal views, rain forests, and gorgeous waterfalls. …
If you only have 2 days in Glacier National Park, you need a plan. Glacier is a massive national park that is so popular a reservation used to be required to enter. In 2026, Glacier is no longer requiring ANY reservations. So, now that there are no reservations required, expect even more crowds. Is it …
Looking for the best beach to snorkel in Kauai’s East Shore? Lydgate Beach Kauai is the perfect spot for beginners. Here you’ll find calm, clear waters and colorful fish any time of the year. I loved snorkeling at Lydgate Beach Kauai so much I made sure to visit it several times during my trips to …
Is it doable to visit Portland in a weekend? Yes! I did just that and fell in love with this charming Oregon city. In just two days, you can experience the best of the city, from its coffee culture to its scenic waterfalls. So, if you’re planning to explore Portland in a weekend, follow my …
Why take the Crater Lake Trolley Tour when you can simply drive yourself around the lake? Is it really worth the extra expense? I had the same thought until I experienced the Crater Lake Trolley Tour firsthand. The trolley offers a unique way to explore Crater Lake, and, best of all, it’s guided by a …
Visiting Wild Horse Island is sure to be a highlight during your trip to Montana. Search for the remaining five wild horses, spot bald eagles and bighorn sheep, and hike some incredible trails. We were virtually the only ones exploring the island, which made us wonder — why? Wild Horse Island is a gem in …
California has the most national parks of any state in the U.S. There are 9 in California (Alaska comes in a close second with 8). I made it my personal mission to visit all 9 national parks in California, partly for fun, partly out of curiosity. Now after visiting all 9, which ones do I …
With one day in Lassen Volcanic National Park, you can see and do a lot, but you should still prioritize the best stops and hikes in the park. Stick to the scenic Lassen Volcanic National Park Highway and explore the Manzanita Lake and Southwest regions of the park during your day trip. Can you do …
Planning on visiting Redwood National and State Parks? Good choice. The majestic redwood trees along northern California’s jagged moody coastline are a sight to behold. With three days in this area, you can see and do a lot — from hiking to exploring lighthouses to even catching sight of an elk or two. Here’s your …
