California
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Memorial Day Weekend Getaway Ideas
Memorial Day weekend always feels like the unofficial kickoff to summer. Pools reopen. Amusement parks fire up their roller coasters. Beach towns dust off their boardwalks. And suddenly, everyone is ready to get outside again. Even better, it’s a 3-day weekend, so it’s a great opportunity to travel. And I’ve got a lot of good vacation ideas for Memorial Day weekend. Whether you want thrill rides, mountain air, beach sunsets, or small-town charm, here are some creative and totally doable ideas for the long weekend. Last year, we spent the long weekend in Palm Springs–one of my favorite getaways when I want sunshine and relaxation. I love staying at one…
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Best Campgrounds in Yosemite Valley
Getting campsites in Yosemite Valley is so difficult, most people are happy with anything they can get. And understandably so because camping in Yosemite Valley is amazing no matter where you stay. You’ll find some of the best campgrounds in Northern California here. But if you want to have a shot at securing a campsite, you need to be totally prepared. That means knowing the best campgrounds in Yosemite so you know which campground you want to book your site at. Let me paint you a picture real quick: It’s 6:50 in the morning on February 15. You log into recreation.gov and you wait until 6:59 staring at a list…
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My Favorite Waterpark Hotels in Palm Springs
I’ve shared a lot about Palm Springs over the years, and that’s because I love it so much. It’s such an easy weekend destination for those of us in Southern California. And even for people who are traveling from afar, it’s one of the best California cities to visit. Its surrounding desert communities offer more than sun-baked golf courses and mid-century cool — it’s also home to some amazing family resorts. In the past, I’ve covered the best resort pools in Palm Desert, along with the best Palm Springs family-friendly resorts. Now I’m focusing on the best waterpark hotels in Palm Springs, Ca. There aren’t too many hotels in the…
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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 best beaches in CA 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…
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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…
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Top Family-Friendly Activities in San Francisco
San Francisco is one of the best cities in California, and is definitely worth a trip to visit. And luckily, 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…
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The Best Warm Winter Destinations When You’re Over the Cold
As I write this, 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. Every year, thousands of travelers search for warm places to visit during the winter season, hoping to swap chilly days for sunshine and relaxation. And I don’t blame them. I usually embrace the cold through the December–I love the cozy feeling of the holidays. But by the time January rolls…
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Things to See in Joshua Tree National Park: 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. If you’re planning a visit and wondering about the best things to see in Joshua Tree, this guide covers the iconic sights inside…
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15+ Best Things to Do on Catalina Island with Kids
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…
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Top Restaurants in Old Town San Diego
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. Visiting Old Town is one of the best things to do in San Diego and 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…
