McWay Falls along Highway 1 is one of the most magical waterfalls in all of Big Sur, California. Located 35 miles south of Carmel inside of Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park along the central coast, this 80 foot waterfall is actually a tide fall during high tide (meaning it pours directly into the Pacific Ocean).
Read MoreToday we're hiking along the trail to the historic Wall Street Stamp Mill in Joshua Tree National Park in Southern California. Bill Keys processed ore on this site after there was a second gold rush in the 1930s, and many of the old structures are still intact. We'll explore rusted out cars, an old wind mill, the gold stamp mill, and the ruins of the Wonderland Ranch.
Read MoreSequoia National Park is our country's second oldest National Park, established in 1890. Today we’re hiking to Moro Rock and Hanging Rock along Crescent Meadow Road, two trails that lead to spectacular views of San Joaquin Valley, Generals Highway, and the Sierra Nevada Mountains. We'll also hike to the nearby Roosevelt Tree, named after Theodore Roosevelt.
Read MoreToday we're taking the easy hike along the Lower Yosemite Falls Trail in the Yosemite Valley during the Winter season. This Yosemite National Park highlight is a must see, and easy to access year round. Not only will we see a rainbow at the base of the falls, but we'll go to the spot where John Muir built a sugar pine cabin.
Read MoreToday we're exploring Lassen Volcanic National Park in Northern California. This underrated National Park has so much to offer, including ancient and dormant volcanoes, hydrothermal activity, prestine lakes, and abundant wildlife. Sign up for a FREE Travel Guide for a perfect weekend adventure.
Read MoreToday we’re exploring an eclectic treasure on historic Route 66. Elmer Long's Bottle Tree Ranch in California is one spot you won’t want to miss off the side of the road when you’re driving In between Victorville and Barstow along this world famous highway. This is a great stop on any Los Angeles to Las Vegas roadtrip.
Read MoreToday we're exploring D L Bliss State Park on the California side of Lake Tahoe. This park boasts beautiful views of the lake from Calawee Cove, Lester Beach, and Rubicon Trail. We'll also discover Balancing Rock Nature Trail and the historic Rubicon Point Lighthouse.
Read MoreToday we're exploring Garrapata State Park along Cabrillo Highway in Big Sur, California. This central coast Highway 1 destination is filled with picturesque rocky shorelines, hiking trails, wildlife, and redwood trees.
Read MoreToday we're enjoying some of the best views in Yosemite National Park at Tunnel View, made famous by Ansel Adams. Read the complete travel guide to plan for your next Yosemite family vacation, and see what it looks like in Spring, Summer, Fall & Winter, as well as for sunrise & sunset. This is a perfect photography location for picturing El Capitan, Half Dome, Bridalveil Fall & Yosemite Valley.
Read MoreToday we're exploring sea caves below Dinosaur Caves Park and Margo Dodd Park in Pismo Beach, California. This rugged coastline in the Shell Beach community is perfect for kayaking, snorkeling, and bird watching.
Read MoreToday we're driving about an hour outside of Las Vegas, NV to the Nelson Ghost Town. This eclectic spot was home to one of the largest gold strikes in all of Nevada. Here we'll explore rusted out cars, old barns, and crashed planes that were set pieces from the movie "3000 Miles to Graceland."
Read MoreRead this Flying Dawn Marie travel guide for the 2025 Firefall in Yosemite National Park. This natural phenomenon occurs every February when light from the setting sun hits Horsetail Fall just right, giving the illusion that the waterfall is flowing with flames on the side of El Capitan. This visitor guide covers park reservations, parking information, and restrictions for the 2025 season.
Read MoreArch Rock and Heart Rock are two instagrammable rock formations you won't want to miss on your next trip Joshua Tree National Park near Palm Springs in Southern California. Located just behind the popular White Tank Campground, you can hike to these boulders in under two miles round trip. This is a great spot for astro photography as well as enjoying a sunrise.
Read MoreToday we're driving along Benton Crossing Road in between Mammoth Lakes and the historic town of Benton Hot Springs in California. We'll be enjoying views of the Eastern Sierras, White Mountains, Lake Crowley, the Owens River, and the Benton Crags. Make sure to bring your camera because we'll be stopping for some Instagrammable photography along the way.
Read MoreToday we're taking the 1/4 mile trail through the Cholla Cactus Garden in Joshua Tree National Park near Palm Springs, California. We'll be getting there before dawn to enjoy the sunrise, which makes these cacti glow as they're backlit by the low sun.
Read MoreJade Cove is an amazing hidden gem located at the southern end of Big Sur along the California Highway 1 coastline. North of San Simeon and south of Carmel, this secluded beach is a perfect spot to avoid the crowds.
Read MoreJust outside of Las Vegas, Nevada, we're heading to the unique and colorful Seven Magic Mountains. These 7 rock totems provide a rainbow of color to the Mojave Desert, and are a perfect stop along the highway on the way to the Las Vegas Strip.
Read MoreToday we are heading to South Lake Tahoe inside Emerald Bay State Park to my favorite sunrise overlooks. Join me at Inspiration Point and Emerald Bay Viewpoint.
Read MoreTake a walk among the giant Sequoias at General Grant Grove in Kings Canyon National Park and visit the Fallen Monarch, Centennial Stump, Gamlin Cabin and our National Christmas Tree, the General Grant Tree.
Read MoreHidden Valley Nature Trail is one of the most popular hikes in Joshua Tree National Park in Southern California. This one mile loop is a great introduction to hiking in Joshua Tree. It's easy enough for families with small children to enjoy, yet the massive rock formations just off the trail will keep even the most avid hikers enthused.
Read More
