15 Best Hiking Trails In Southern California
Although Southern California is mostly known for sprawling urban cities, Hollywood, and endless traffic, there are plenty of opportunities to get out in nature – if you know where to go. There are so many incredible hiking trails to do in Southern California, and in this post, I’m sharing a few of my favorites to inspire your next adventure. Tip: If you’re not sure where to start, check out my interactive Google Map at the end of this post to see which of these trails is closest to you! 1. Paradise Falls In Thousand Oaks Paradise Falls is a gorgeous hike in Thousand Oaks that leads to a year-round waterfall.…
10 Best Things To Do In Idyllwild, California
Idyllwild-Pine Cove is a hidden little gem in the San Jacinto Mountains. It may not be on the radar for many travelers, but it’s one of the best mountain destinations in Southern California. From gorgeous resorts to serene hiking trails and delicious restaurants, there are so many incredible things to do in this small mountain community. It is the perfect weekend destination for those who want to relax or for those wanting an outdoor adventure. We recently spent a few days visiting this mountain town and fell in love with it! With a charming downtown and pristine wilderness surrounding it, this area is truly idyllic. Here are all of the…
15 Best Fall Hikes To Do In California
Living in California, I can’t wait for the fall season to arrive! The crowds start to thin out, the weather cools down, and the mountain areas turn into a golden autumn paradise. October and November are my favorite months for heading outdoors when you can enjoy beautiful fall foliage and empty trails. This is a great time to go for road trips, check off a few hikes from your bucket list and enjoy stunning scenery. From family-friendly trails to challenging day hikes in the mountains, here are 15 of the top fall hikes in California for incredible views! 1. Convict Lake Loop Convict Lake Loop is one of the most…
10 Best Fall Drives in California For Incredible Scenery
There’s something magical about going for a scenic road trip in the fall. From the crisp air to the fiery leaves and endless photo opportunities around every corner, everything just feels a bit more magical. If you’re dreaming of an autumn getaway, my guide covers 10 of the most scenic fall drives in California. With these incredible road trip ideas, fall is bound to become your favorite new season! 1. June Lake Loop Known for golden aspens, turquoise alpine lakes, and dramatic mountain peaks, the June Lake Loop is hands down one of the best places to visit in California in the fall months. This drive is best done in…
12 Places In California That Look Like Another Planet
California is home to many unique destinations that look like alien landscapes. From towering rock formations to steaming geothermal areas, colorful hills, and black sand beaches, there is so much to explore in the State! In this guide, I cover 12 natural places in California that look like other planets. If you love discovering awe-inspiring natural places that feel surreal, this post is for you. While some of these attractions are quite popular, I have also included a few hidden gems that you might not know exist! 1. Badwater Basin At Death Valley National Park Badwater Basin is without a doubt one of the most otherworldly destinations to visit in…
12 Top Adrenaline-Pumping Activities In California
California is a hot spot for extreme sports and adrenaline-pumping activities. From bungee jumping to skydiving and white-water rafting, there is plenty to do in California for those who like to live on the edge. Over the years, my husband and I have checked off a lot of extreme activities from our California bucket list. I usually book a few fun activities a year for special occasions like our anniversary or my husband’s Birthday. If you’re looking for something exciting and adventurous to do with your friends or your partner, here are 12 of the top adrenaline activities in California! 1. Bungee Jumping Off The Bridge To Nowhere Bungee jumping…
15 Top FREE Things To Do In California
It is no secret that California is expensive, which prevents many people from exploring the state. If you are constantly dreaming of your next great escape in California, there are ways to lower costs during your trip. Many attractions in California are free to the public, which helps balance out expensive hotels and high gas prices. From iconic landmarks to free gardens, beaches, and museums, here are the 15 top free things to do in California on your next adventure! 1. Griffith Observatory In Los Angeles If you’re visiting Southern California and are looking for free things to do in the area, I highly recommend a trip to Griffith Observatory.…
15 Places In California That Look Like Other Countries
California has always been one of the world’s most diverse cultural melting pots. Because of this, in California, you’ll find architecture, towns, and landmarks inspired by countries from every corner of the globe. You don’t have to book a long flight to feel like you’re stepping into another world. These California locations will transport you to faraway destinations (for a fraction of the price). From charming coastal towns to elaborate temples and gorgeous outdoor destinations, here are 15 places in California that look like other countries! 1. Solvang – Denmark Visiting Solvang truly feels like stepping into another country. Solvang is a small town near Santa Barbara that is designed…
Visiting Gardens Of The World In Thousand Oaks
Gardens Of The World is a hidden little gem in Thousand Oaks and one of the most beautiful outdoor spaces in Southern California. This garden is a great place to go for a relaxing morning walk or to escape the busy city life for an hour to recharge. I did a self-guided tour of the gardens on my visit, but you can also arrange a docent-guided tour ahead of time from Tuesday through Friday. Here are my tips for visiting Gardens Of The World in Thousand Oaks, California! Gardens Of The World Highlights Here are a few quick highlights to know before you head out there: How To Get There…
25 Best Stops Along Highway 395 In California
Planning a Highway 395 road trip in the Eastern Sierra? Get ready for charming mountain towns, dramatic volcanic landscapes, hot springs and some of the best alpine lakes that you can encounter in California! With so many interesting and unique attractions, it can feel a bit overwhelming picking just a few to see on a trip. That’s why I’m highlighting some of my favorites that are a must-see for any traveler in this region. Whether you’re planning a quick weekend trip to Mammoth or going on a longer adventure, here are 25 of the best stops to see along Highway 395 in California! Psst! Be sure to check out my…
