McWay Falls in Big Sur is an 80-foot cascade that makes the perfect picture postcard. In a state known for its numerous beautiful waterfalls, McWay Falls holds its own as a must-see year-round ribbon of water along the famous Pacific Coast Highway. It is one of the most popular sights in Big Sur! A part of Julia Pfeiffer Burns State … Read More
Looking for the best state parks near San Francisco to visit? California has a very robust state parks system, with beautiful parks scattered all over the state, and you will be spoiled for choice when it comes to state parks around San Francisco. From mountains to coast and redwood forests to wildlife havens, there are many beautiful California state parks … Read More
One day in Pinnacles National Park allows you time to do some epic hiking, explore talus caves, admire and photograph wildflowers (if you visit in season), and look for California condors and other birds and wildlife. Pinnacles National Park is the youngest and the smallest of California’s national parks, and a must-visit for its namesake pinnacles and must-do hiking trails. … Read More
There are more national parks in California than in any other state in the United States. And together, the nine California national parks offer one of the greatest wilderness aggregations on the planet. If you are a nature lover, a landscape photographer, or an outdoors enthusiast, you will definitely want to put California’s national parks on your bucket list. From … Read More
The short and scenic Bird Island Trail in Point Lobos State Reserve features beautiful views, access to a sandy beach, and lots of birds in season. Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is located along Highway One, just three miles south of Carmel-by-the-Sea. We walk the Bird Island Trail every time we visit the park. It is one of the most … Read More
The Hidden Valley Trail in Joshua Tree National Park is a spectacular and easy nature trail, perfect for anyone that wishes to experience Joshua Tree’s signature rocks and trees in a not-too-long walk. The trail is easy to access and doable even on a day trip to Joshua National Park. Hiking the Hidden Valley Trail is one of our favorite … Read More
The Ryan Mountain Trail in Joshua Tree National Park is a spectacular hike that offers panoramic views from the second-highest point in the park. Ryan Mountain is one of our favorite hikes, not just in Joshua Tree National Park, but in all of Southern California. We’ve done it twice, and enjoyed it immensely each time. Since Ryan Mountain is centrally … Read More
Looking for the best Joshua Tree hikes? Hiking is undoubtedly one of the most popular things to do in Joshua Tree National Park. The Southern California desert park is home to a wide variety of hiking trails, and hiking is a great way to explore its unique landscapes up close. Whether you are looking for a short and scenic family-friendly … Read More
The best Napa Valley wineries offer exceptional wine, plus something more: art or architecture or gardens or great views. Especially if it is your first time visiting, you will want to stop at some of the most iconic and beautiful Napa Valley wine estates, for an unforgettable wine country experience. Over the years, vintners from many parts of the world … Read More
Joshua Tree National Park is one of California’s two spectacular desert national parks, and a fabulous place to visit if you enjoy the outdoors. Its unique landscapes will wow you with their stark beauty. Located in Southern California, under an hour from Palm Springs, Joshua Tree National Park is most famous for its massive monzogranite boulder formations and straight-out-of-Seuss Joshua … Read More