Twas the night before Halloween and mischievous spirits were amuck, there could be no better time to visit the Museum of Death [6031 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90028]. Really though, any day would be perfect for visiting the museum because it’s entirely fascinating. People find allure in the idea of […]
Monthly Archives: February 2017
28 posts
Five ecologically rich and unique islands off the coast of Southern California are collectively known as Channel Islands National Park. Visiting requires a bit more planning as you need to pick an island and reserve a seat on ferry or plane to get there. For our first time visiting we […]
Completely beat from our day on the road, it was late and we were hungry. Many places were closed near our AIRBNB so we ducked into unassuming El Taco De Mexico [701 S Broadway, Santa Maria, CA 93454] stays open late. Being the only joint in town open it was […]
What is the one picture perfect postcard from Big Sur? Without a doubt, McWay Falls in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park [52801 California State Route 1, Big Sur, CA 93920]. Park along the side of the road for free and take the short, yet thoroughly breathtaking trail. It’s a one […]
Of all the pinnipeds in California, it was the elephant seal I most yearned to see. So naturally, Elephant Seal Boardwalk [250 San Simeon Ave, San Simeon, CA 93452] was the place to be. With just a bit of dusky light, as fate would have it this was an exceptional time […]
There aren’t too many places to grab a bite on the road, but even if the road wasn’t so beautiful – I’d still make my way to Big Sur Bakery [47540 CA-1, Big Sur, CA 93920]. They were about to close shop for the day and we snuck in a […]
The draw of Big Sur is simple natural beauty. There is no major attraction, no big city, just the road and its surrounding hikes. California Highway 1 is a dramatic ride filled with hairpin turns along plunging bluffs and crashing waves down below. The drive is a full experience in […]
Big Sur beauty is personified in Point Lobos State Reserve [62 California 1, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93923]. In under two miles you can see more than a lifetimes worth of stunning natural scenes. I suggest taking the Cypress Grove trail not only for its loveliness, but also for its rarity. The […]
A morning drive down a country road led us to something quite unexpected. Pinnacles National Park [5000 Hwy 146 Paicines, CA 95043] is another lesser known spot, but nevertheless breathtaking and adventure filled. Entering the park you’ll notice the namesake bumbling pinnacles, unique and obscure. While Pinnacles has over 30 […]
Big Sur in one day? No way! It can be done if you’re on a time limit – and these are some of your top spots! +Pinnacles National Park – a bit out of the way off the coast, but worth it for a national parks enthusiast +Point Lobos State […]
What is it about the lure of the danger? Take a walk on the wild side at Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve [6800 Skyline Blvd Oakland, CA 94611]. The drive there is something special to begin with if you take Grizzly Peak Blvd, on one side you have some epic mansions […]
Park and search through the eucalyptus trees in the big lawn until you stumble upon the trail, Kennedy Grove [6531 San Pablo Dam Road El Sobrante, CA 94803] seemed somewhat of a mystery to me on a foggy day. The Seafoam and the Laural Loop trails wind up and down […]
A quiet residential park holds an uncommon treasure: a rare strand of Alameda Manzanita trees. The trees remain at Sobrante Regional Preserve [Coach Dr Richmond, CA 94803] because of the fog that spills over the hills and tempers the summer’s heat. It is a small park with about 3 miles […]
A true gem in the East Bay this park has something for everyone. I visited Tilden Regional Park [Wildcat Canyon Rd, Orinda, CA 94563] to take a hike on the Nimitz Way trail. It begins at Inspiration Point, a sight so lovely it’s worth seeking out even if you aren’t […]
Just 20 minutes outside of San Francisco in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area is an easy hike filled with natural splendor. The Tennessee Valley Trailhead [591 Tennessee Valley Rd, Mill Valley, CA 94941] is 1.7 miles out to the beach, relatively flat albeit a few gentle rolling hills. The […]