California
CA Best Beaches: The Ultimate Guide to California’s Most Beautiful Shorelines
If there’s one thing California does exceptionally well, it’s beaches. I know I’m biased because I live in California, but I’ve been to a lot of places. And I still appreciate all that the California beaches have to offer. From dramatic cliffs and rugged coves to wide sandy shores perfect for sandcastle-building, the Golden State truly delivers. Whether you’re planning a family getaway, a romantic escape, or just a sun-soaked day trip, this guide to the CA best beaches will help you find the perfect stretch of sand. As someone who believes beach days are almost always a good idea, I can confidently say: California has a beach for everyone.…
Explore San Juan Capistrano: A Charming SoCal Getaway
San Juan Capistrano is one of Southern California’s most charming historic towns — a place where heritage streets, blooming gardens, and relaxed coastal vibes come together in a way that feels like hitting the slow-down button. There are so many cute things to do in San Juan Capistrano that are unique to this coastal town. Whether you’re a history buff, foodie, tea lover, or just someone who enjoys a picturesque stroll, it’s a place everyone can find something to enjoy. As I’ve mentioned before, I spent a week every summer of my childhood at our timeshare in San Clemente, which isn’t very far from San Juan Capistrano. We’d visit San…
Things to Do in San Francisco With Kids
San Francisco is one of the best cities in California, and is definitely worth a trip, and visiting San Francisco with kids is easy. There are so many fun things that the whole family can enjoy. Whether you’re passing through as a stop on a longer road trip, or you’re spending several days in the city, you’ll want to check out these fun things to do in San Francisco with kids. And, if you’re limited on time, check out this San Francisco one-day itinerary to make the most of your time. Where to Stay in San Francisco There are many different areas in San Francisco that you can stay in.…
The Best Warm Winter Destinations When You’re Over the Cold
Currently most of the country is experiencing extreme weather conditions, so I can only imagine that people are rapidly getting out their passports and trying to decide which warm-weather winter destination they can escape to the fastest. If winter where you live means gray skies, bulky jackets, and counting down the minutes until spring, you’re not alone. I usually embrace the cold through the December–I love the cozy feeling of the holidays. But by the time January rolls around, I start daydreaming about sunshine, warm sand, and wearing sandals without regret. That’s usually when I start searching for the best warm winter destinations—places where winter feels more like an extended…
Things to See in Joshua Tree: The Ultimate Guide to Iconic Sights & Can’t-Miss Experiences
A look at the best things to see and do in Joshua Tree National Park I don’t know what it is about a desert getaway, but I just love everything about it. The peace and quiet, the sunsets… heck, even the smell–I love it all. And Joshua Tree National Park sure has a way of stopping you in your tracks. Maybe it’s the otherworldly rock formations, the spiky silhouettes of the Joshua trees themselves, or the way the desert light seems to glow at sunrise and sunset. Whatever it is, this park feels different—in the best possible way. If you’re planning a visit and wondering about the best things to…
Things to Do on Catalina Island: A Family-Friendly Guide
A Look at the Best Things to do in the Catalina Islands Some of my favorite childhood memories are tied to Catalina Island. It always felt like we were off on some great adventure–having to drive to the ferry, bring all our luggage on board and then sail to this special island. I still remember stepping off the boat and feeling like I had landed somewhere far away—even though it was just off the Southern California coast. The colorful buildings, the boats bobbing in the harbor, the sense that everything moved a little slower there. It felt special, and honestly, it still does. Now that I’m thinking about taking my…
Old Town San Diego Restaurants
I am born and raised in San Diego, and I can honestly say that Old Town is probably one of my all-time favorite things about San Diego. Even though I’ve been dozens of times, I absolutely love walking around Old Town and then grabbing a bite to eat at one of the many fantastic Old Town San Diego Restaurants. A visit here needs to be on every San Diego itinerary. Although I will rarely pass up the Mexican food restaurants when I’m in Old Town, there are actually many different types of food to choose from in Old Town–it’s not all Mexican food. What is Old Town? Old Town is…
Outdoor Movie Theater in Pinecrest: Fun For All Ages
Watching a movie under the stars is always a novel experience, and it should be on every family’s summer bucket list. When you add in a lake-front setting and some concessions, it’s even harder to top. That’s what the Pinecrest Outdoor Movie Theater has to offer in Stanislaus County, California. Pinecrest Movie Theater in a Campground We discovered the Pinecrest movie theater when we were camping at Pinecrest Lake. This outdoor movie theater plays the latest box office hits several nights a week from Memorial Day through Labor Day, and on select weekends through September. Although the outdoor theater is in the campground, it is open to the public. In…
La Jolla Beaches: Your Go-To Guide for Sun, Surf, Seals & Tide Pools
La Jolla is one of San Diego’s crown jewels — and its beaches are a big reason why. Like Coronado, La Jolla is home to some of the most upscale shops and restaurants in San Diego, and the beaches seem more pristine as well. Whether you’re into surfing, tide-pool exploring, seal watching, or just soaking up the California sun, there’s a beach here with your name on it. If you’re visiting in the summer, La Jolla can be a bit tricky to navigate. It’s a super popular tourist destination, and there isn’t a ton of parking around. If you visit San Diego in the winter, parking will be easier, and…
Discover the Best Beaches in Los Angeles
I lived in Redondo Beach for a few years right after college, and I still remember how surprised I was by the Los Angeles beaches. I grew up going to the beaches in San Diego, which I love dearly, but LA beaches felt different. They were wider. Longer. Endless. Instead of cozy coves, these beaches just stretched on forever, backed by bike paths, volleyball courts, and rows of pastel lifeguard towers. Some of my favorite weekends were spent with my boyfriend (now husband) on our beach cruisers, riding the strand from Redondo Beach up through Hermosa and Manhattan Beach. We’d stop for coffee, grab fish tacos, people-watch, and somehow make…
