Today we're in Yosemite National Park hiking up the Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls. This is a popular and classic Yosemite waterfall hike along the Merced River. We'll also enjoy views of Yosemite Falls, Illilouette Falls, Emerald Pool, Half Dome, Liberty Cap, and the Silver Apron as we hike up the Mist Trail and back down the John Muir Trail.
Read MoreToday we’re heading into Big Sur in the Los Padres National Forest to the Pacific Valley Bluff Trail just 16 miles north of Ragged Point. Just north of Treebones Resort, Sand Dollar Beach, & Jade Cove, this easy hike provides fields of wildflowers and California poppies, as well as views of sea stacks and the rugged central coastline.
Read MoreWe're spending the weekend in the Premium Private Cottage at Calamigos Guest Ranch and Beach Club in Malibu and the Santa Monica Mountains. Unlike any other Los Angeles hotel in Southern California, this resort is tucked away in Malibu Hills wine country, and is a perfect wedding venue, corporate retreat location, or staycation getaway. It boasts several restaurants, including the Malibu Cafe.
Read MoreToday we're hiking the steep trail down to Young Creek Beach to view Black Swift Falls near Ragged Point Inn and Resort. This short but strenuous hike offers magnificent views of the waterfall and California's Big Sur coastline.
Read MoreToday we're hiking to Eagle Lake and Eagle Falls in the South Tahoe area. This trail offers beautiful views of Emerald Bay State Park from the Desolation Wilderness, and leads you to a bridge that stretches over the easily accessible Upper Eagle Falls.
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 MoreToday we're reviewing the Autonomous Tent at Treebones Resort on the southern edge of Big Sur. Treebones is a premier Big Sur glamping resort unlike any hotel you've stayed in. Offering unique accommodations, such as yurts, a human nest, and a treehouse, Treebones is truly an eco resort, honoring the coastal land and habitat it sits on.
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 visiting Fallen Leaf Chapel (aka St Francis of the Mountains) in the Lake Tahoe area. This Fallen Leaf Lake church has been dubbed "the cutest little building in all of Tahoe", and is perfect for wedding photography, wedding ceremonies, family photos, or just exploring.
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 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 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.
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