Read 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 MoreWhat are the best views in Yosemite? Taft Point is one of the best places to visit in Yosemite National Park, and it provides the best clifftop overlooks in the park with panoramic views of El Capitan, Yosemite Falls, Cathedral Rocks & the Merced River meandering through the Yosemite Valley below. Accessed from Glacier Point Road, Taft Point is also a top spot for sunset and wildlife viewing.
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 heading out along the central coast to one of the largest state parks in California, Montana de Oro State Park. Located just 6 miles southwest of Morro Bay near San Luis Obispo, CA, this park boasts a unique habitat that covers over 8,000 acres, including 7 miles of rich shoreline with 3 unique beaches and vibrant tide pools.
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 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 MoreLocated just north of Los Angeles in Moorpark, California, Grimes Canyon overlook is a perfect place to capture long exposure photography. The horseshoe bend in the highway during rush hour traffic provides beautiful light trails from the busy road. Join me in discovering all you need to know before visiting this Instagrammable spot.
Read MoreToday we're heading just south of Mammoth Lakes, California to visit a truly unique creek bed which boasts fumaroles, steam vents, and periodic geyser eruptions. Welcome to the Hot Creek Geological Site.
Read MoreLocated inside Robert H. Meyer Memorial State Beach, El Matador is one of Malibu's most beautiful "not so secret" hidden gems. From striking 100 foot sheer cliff-top views to towering sea stacks, this is a magical beach.
Read MoreOne of the best spots to enjoy San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge is the Battery Spencer Viewpoint at Fort Baker. Join me today for sunrise here to explore this California landmark.
Read MoreToday we're exploring the Fall colors of North Lake in the High Sierra mountains near Bishop, California. We'll be taking the short hike for an early morning sunrise photoshoot so we can capture the still glassy reflections of the beautiful Autumn color palette up on the mountains. Located in Inyo National Forest, this is one of the best photo spots to see Fall foliage in the Eastern Sierra.
Read MoreAs we head out to the polls to vote this week, let's explore one of our local government buildings. Recognized as Pawnee City Hall from the NBC show Parks & Rec, Pasadena City Hall is a popular film and photography location due to its beautiful architecture and historic charm.
Read MoreYosemite National Park in California is filled with famous viewpoints and incredible hiking trails, such as El Capitan, Half Dome, Bridalveil Fall, and the Merced River. Today we're heading to Yosemite Valley to explore the natural beauty of the valley loop and find all the must see Instagrammable shots.
Read MoreToday we're visiting Burney Falls, the "Eight Wonder of the World"...at least that's what President Teddy Roosevelt called this waterfall when he visited. While these falls aren't the tallest or largest in California, they may just be the most spectacular spreading out over 270 feet wide and roaring into a brilliant blue mist filled pool below.
Read MoreToday we're exploring Sand Dollar Beach in Big Sur along California's historic Highway 1. We'll enjoy epic clifftop views perfect for wildlife watching, crashing ocean waves at your feet, and plenty of great picnic areas.
Read MoreToday we're exploring Bumpass Hell, the largest hydrothermal area in Lassen Volcanic National Park. This hike is 3 miles filled with colorful boiling mud pots and large steam vents. Along the trail we'll have great views of Lassen Peak, Lake Helen, and Brokeoff Mountain.
Read More
