Soberanes Canyon Trail in Garrapata State Park is one of the best hikes in Big Sur, California

19 Best Hikes in Big Sur, California (Complete 2026 Guide!)

Looking to hike in Big Sur and wondering which Big Sur hiking trail is right for you? 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 … Read More

Tioga Road through Yosemite National Park in California

Tioga Road (Route 120): Mini Road Trip through Yosemite National Park!

Tioga Road is a spectacularly scenic drive through Yosemite National Park. The drive along Route 120 over Tioga Pass 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, or coming … Read More

Artists Palette Viewpoint in Death Valley National Park, California

Artist’s Palette and Artist’s Drive in Death Valley National Park: Why You Must Go!

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

Pinnacles National Park in California

Pinnacles National Park: The Ultimate 2026 Guide

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

Garrapata State Park in Big Sur near Carmel California

Garrapata State Park in Carmel, CA: Things to Do + Tips for Visiting!

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 Natural Reserve, Carmel, California

Point Lobos State Reserve, Carmel: Why You Should Visit (+ Tips)

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

Tufa towers at Mono Lake in the Eastern Sierra of California

Mono Lake Tufas: How (+ Where) to See Them!

The Mono Lake tufas have been fascinating visitors to the Eastern Sierra of California for many years. A beloved subject for landscape photographers, the Mono Lake tufa towers are a must visit on a Highway 395 road trip or a visit to Mammoth Lakes or Lee Vining. A part of Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve, the Mono Lake tufa … Read More

View of Healdsburg countryside

15 Best Things to Do in Healdsburg, California!

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 Sonoma County 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 … Read More

Admiring the landscapes is one of the best things to do in Death Valley National Park, California

22 Best Things to Do in Death Valley National Park (+ Map)!

Death Valley National Park in Southern California is the largest US national park in the contiguous 48 states, and offers numerous natural attractions to enjoy, from hiking trails to scenic viewpoints. If you are planning a visit to Death Valley National Park, we’ve described the best things to do in Death Valley, from must-visit scenic overlooks to sensational hikes and … Read More