Category Archives: California

How to spend a day in Channel Islands National Park

Posted on February 27, 2017 by julieovaltrades

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 … Continue reading →

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El Taco De Mexico, California

Posted on February 26, 2017 by julieovaltrades

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 … Continue reading →

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Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, California

Posted on February 25, 2017 by julieovaltrades

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 … Continue reading →

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Elephant Seal Boardwalk, California

Posted on February 24, 2017 by julieovaltrades

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, … Continue reading →

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Big Sur Bakery, California

Posted on February 23, 2017 by julieovaltrades

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 … Continue reading →

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Bixby Bridge, California Highway 1

Posted on February 22, 2017 by julieovaltrades

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 … Continue reading →

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Point Lobos State Reserve, California

Posted on February 21, 2017 by julieovaltrades

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 … Continue reading →

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Pinnacles National Park, California

Posted on February 20, 2017 by julieovaltrades

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 … Continue reading →

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How to spend a day in Big Sur

Posted on February 19, 2017 by julieovaltrades

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 … Continue reading →

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Hiking around East Bay SF: Sibley Volcanic Preserve

Posted on February 18, 2017 by julieovaltrades

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 … Continue reading →

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