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 2025 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

Garrapata State Park in California at Sunset

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

Hiking in Point Lobos State Natural Reserve Carmel California

Point Lobos Hiking: Top 6 Trails to Hike at the California Coastal Park!

Looking for the best Point Lobos hiking trails? If you are planning your first visit to the beautiful California state park, read on to discover the top six Point Lobos hiking trails to put on your itinerary! Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, located near Carmel-by-the-Sea on the Central California Coast, is gorgeous. All the hiking trails in the reserve are … Read More

The Best State Parks in California

25 Stunning California State Parks You Must Visit (+ Map!)

California’s state parks are wonderful places to experience the Golden State’s scenic beauty and history. If you are planning a visit to the state, you’ll definitely want to look into weaving in a few of the best California state parks into your itinerary. Scattered all over the state, and running the gamut from coasts and forests to lakes, deserts, and … Read More

McWay Falls in Big Sur California

McWay Falls, Big Sur: How to Visit This Cool Waterfall by the Pacific Ocean!

McWay Falls is an 80-foot waterfall located along the Big Sur coastline in California. 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 and the perfect picture postcard! A part of … Read More

Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park is one of the must-visit state parks near San Francisco, California

18 Spectacular State Parks Near San Francisco (+ Map!)

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

Bird Island Trail in Point Lobos State Reserve in Carmel California

Bird Island Trail in Point Lobos State Reserve: A Beautiful Walk!

The short and scenic Bird Island Trail in Point Lobos State Reserve features beautiful views, access to a sandy beach, and lots of birds and colorful wildflowers in season. Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is located along Highway One, just three miles south of Carmel-by-the-Sea, and Bird Island Trail is one of several oceanfront trails at this California state park. … Read More

Bluff Trail at the Montana de Oro State Park in Los Osos, California

Hiking the Bluff Trail in Montana de Oro State Park

The Bluff Trail in MontaƱa de Oro State Park is a stunning, easy hike, perfect for anyone that enjoys beautiful views. So if you are planning to visit Los Osos on the Central California Coast, add this great hike to your itinerary! Likely the easiest trail in the beautiful state park, the Bluff Trail is also one of the most … Read More