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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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Easy Camping Desserts That Kids Go Crazy For
No camping trip is complete without s’mores. They’re easy, delicious, and not too messy (unless you buy the giant marshmallows–we’ve learned that lesson the hard way). But when you’re camping multiple nights, or you really want to pull out all the stops to wow your camping crew, these are some easy camping desserts to add to the rotation. My goal for this upcoming year of camping is to take better pictures of these amazing camping desserts. While we have tried (and loved) each of these, my pictures don’t do them justice. I have found better images online until I can replace all of them with my own. And, if you’re…
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Kids Hiking Boots & Gear: What You Really Need
Hiking is one of our favorite things to do, especially when we’re traveling. Not only is it a great way to get the kids outdoors and moving, it’s a great way to really explore new areas and see more than just what’s visible in a car. But I know firsthand that hiking with kids is not always the easiest or most enjoyable experience. Having the right kids hiking gear, such as boots and Camelbaks, can make a huge difference. I want to point out that one thing I love about hiking is that you don’t really need a ton of stuff. Snacks and water are probably the most basic and…
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Best Family Campgrounds in Riverside County, California
I’m not sure what time of year you’re reading this, but at the time I am writing this, it’s January–just starting the new year. And while some people might think I’m crazy, this is the time of year that I start planning all of our summer camping trips. That’s because the best campgrounds in California tend to book up months in advance. I’ve done previous posts about my favorite beach campgrounds and lake campgrounds, but now I want to share all of my favorite Riverside campgrounds because these are truly hidden gems–and yet, they are somehow much easier to book than many of the state parks. Riverside County has some…
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Discover Hot Springs and Camping Fun at Agua Caliente
We just got back from a fun weekend of camping at Agua Caliente County Park. For the past two years, I have heard great things about this campground. I was so excited to try it out for myself. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I can definitely say–we weren’t disappointed in the least. Coming to the park, there’s a real sense of anticipation and a welcoming atmosphere that makes you feel right at home. There is truly so much to do there. We all had a great time exploring and playing in the chlorinated hot spring pools, which ensures a clean and relaxing experience. Plus, the beautiful views from…
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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. For those unfamiliar, Pinecrest is one of the best camping lakes in California. And it’s one of my favorite summer camping destinations. This outdoor movie theater plays the latest box office hits several nights a week from Memorial Day through Labor…
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Why San Diego Is a Perfect Winter Travel Destination
I had an appointment with my esthetician today and she told me that I better be writing a blog post about how San Diego in the winter is such a great vacation destination. Even though she is from San Diego, just as I am, she said that she falls in love with our city all over again every winter. And honestly, I can see why. I may be biased, but San Diego really is a great year-round destination. If you’re craving a winter getaway that doesn’t involve snow boots, icy roads, or packing five layers per person, San Diego might just be your dream destination. Winter in San Diego feels…
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Top Beach Camping Spots in San Diego for Families
Summer is six months out and you know what that means? It’s officially reservation season for beach camping. If summer camping on the beach in San Diego is ever something you want to do, you need to be ready to book six months in advance. Which means, it’s tiiiiiiiimmme. These are some of the best beach camping spots in California, offering stunning coastal views and family-friendly amenities. If you’re reading this less than 6 months from summer, that’s ok. You can set up campsite cancellation scans with this camping app to help you secure a spot. In case you’re new to the beach camping scene, you should know that getting…
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Explore Mammoth Lakes: Year-Round Adventures
A Peak at the Best Things to do in Mammoth Lakes, California Nestled in the Eastern Sierra of California, Mammoth Lakes is one of those rare destinations that truly shines in every season. With soaring mountain peaks, crystal clear lakes, thriving arts and food scenes, and outdoor adventures for all ages and fitness levels, it’s a fantastic choice whether you’re seeking adrenaline or relaxation. It’s hard for me to pick a favorite season in Mammoth because they’re each so magical in their own way. People from all over flock to the Mammoth ski resorts during the winter. But the beautiful lakes and miles and miles of hiking trails are a…
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Free Overnight Parking Options for RVs
I’m not a full-time RV’er, so I’m still learning the ins and outs of camping in an RV. Up until two years ago, we were avid tent campers. If we needed to break up a long commute, we could book a hotel and not stress much about it. Now booking a hotel when traveling in an RV feels a bit redundant. And RV parks can be pricey or at capacity. But I have learned that there are numerous options for free overnight parking when commuting between campgrounds. Walmart was the most common place recommended to use when we were looking for free overnight parking options on our long drive to…
