A Weekend in Lassen Volcanic National Park

Today 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.

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Bottle Tree Ranch - Historic Route 66

Today 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.

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DL Bliss State Park - Lake Tahoe

Today 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.

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Fallen Leaf Chapel - Lake Tahoe

Today 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.

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Garrapata Sate Park - Big Sur, CA

Today 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.

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Tunnel View Visitor's Guide - Yosemite National Park

Today 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.

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Dinosaur Caves - Pismo Beach, CA

Today 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.

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Complete Firefall Visitors Guide - Yosemite National Park (2025 Update)

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.

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Taft Point - Epic Clifftop Views in Yosemite National Park

What 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.

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Arch Rock & Heart Rock - Joshua Tree NP

Arch 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.

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Montaña de Oro State Park

Today 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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Benton Crossing Road - Eastern Sierras

Today 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.

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Cholla Cactus Garden - Joshua Tree

Today 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.

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Jade Cove - Hidden Treasure in Big Sur, CA

Jade 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.

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Grant Grove - Kings Canyon National Park

Take 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.

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Hidden Valley - Joshua Tree National Park

Hidden 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.

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Grimes Canyon Overlook

Located 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.

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