Big Sur, on California’s Central Coast, is famous for its spectacular scenery, but it is also renowned for its hiking. Big Sur hiking trails are a great draw for outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers, and landscape photographers alike. The best hikes in Big Sur range from accessible or easy to super strenuous, so there’s a trail (or three!) for every visitor … Read More
Tioga Road is a spectacularly scenic drive through Yosemite National Park. The drive should definitely be on your itinerary for Yosemite if you visit the park when the road is open. Tioga Road is also a great route if you are heading to the Eastern Sierra from San Francisco or surrounding areas. Officially California State Route 120, the Tioga Road … Read More
Looking for the best Death Valley hikes? Death Valley National Park is home to a variety of geological wonders, and hiking is one of the best ways to get up close to its epic landscapes. Death Valley hikes range in length and skill level, so whether you are looking for a scenic trail to a viewpoint or an easy walk … Read More
Want to visit one of the most colorful rock faces you’ll see anywhere? Head to Artist’s Palette in Death Valley! Artist’s Palette is one of the most photographed spots in Death Valley National Park. The viewpoint is the major attraction on Artist’s Drive, arguably the most scenic drive in all of Death Valley. Featuring beautiful desert landscapes along a winding … Read More
The smallest national park in California at 26,606 acres, Pinnacles National Park is worth visiting for its unique geological features, its excellent network of hiking trails, and the opportunities to see birds and wildlife, as well as wildflowers in season. Located in Central California, just around 120 miles south of San Francisco, Pinnacles National Park is one of the easiest … Read More
Located along scenic California Highway 1, at the base of the Santa Lucia mountains, Garrapata State Park features spectacular scenery, a variety of hiking trails, and a sandy beach. If you enjoy the great outdoors, you will love Garrapata State Park, and all it offers. Acquired by the State of California in 1980, Garrapata State Park is one of a … Read More
Point Lobos State Reserve is an exceptionally beautiful California state park, and one of the top natural attractions near Carmel on the scenic Monterey Peninsula. It is so beautiful that one could even say that Point Lobos is the best state park in California! Located on the Central California Coast, just two hours south of San Francisco, Point Lobos State … Read More
The Mono Lake tufas have been fascinating visitors to the Eastern Sierra of California for many years. A part of Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve, the Mono Lake tufa towers are not only beautiful to view and photograph, they are also a habitat for birds and wildlife. Mono Lake is an old lake: over a million years old! Covering … Read More
Planning a visit to Sonoma wine country and wondering about the best things to do in Healdsburg? Healdsburg is an iconic wine country destination in Northern California, renowned for its wineries and its world-class restaurants. A little over an hour away from San Francisco by road, Healdsburg is one of the most popular vacation spots in Sonoma County. A city … Read More
Planning a visit to Death Valley National Park? Discover the best things to do in Death Valley, from must-visit scenic overlooks to sensational hikes and drives through the magical landscapes of the park. From hiking the golden Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes to walking across the white Badwater Salt Flat, and from gawking at the beautiful badlands at Zabriskie Point to … Read More