Knapp’s Castle is a very popular hike in the hills above Santa Barbara both because it has fantastic views and because it is less than a mile round trip. The area is technically on private property so there is always the chance that the owner will revoke access to this popular spot but that has not […]
Victoria Beach: The Pirate Tower of Laguna
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Laguna Beach is one of the most popular areas in all of Orange County, thanks in part to the TV show of the same name; however, Victoria Beach still feels like a relatively hidden gem. That is most likely because the parking is incredibly difficult, but if you are willing to wait for a spot, […]
Snoopy & Charlie Brown: Explore Peanuts History in Santa Rosa With These Four Stops
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Santa Rosa has become the official home of the beloved Charles M. Schulz comic strip Peanuts, and in Sonoma County there are a bunch of fun things you can do as either a die-hard or casual fan. I would say that I have an appreciation for the characters since I grew up watching both the Christmas […]
Heinold’s First and Last Chance Saloon
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No trip to Oakland is complete without a visit to one of California’s best and most historic bars. Built in 1883, Heinold’s First and Last Chance Saloon is a small one room establishment that was featured in a couple of Jack London novels and has a broken bar from the 1906 earthquake. It is the […]
Mount Tamalpais: Verna Dunshee Trail & Fire Lookout from East Peak
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Mount Tamalpais is one of the tallest mountains in the San Francisco area, and it provides fantastic opportunities to view the surrounding region from above. It is also a favorite for photographers at the end of the summer as it is where you can get those fantastic views of the fog rolling in from above. […]
Weaverville Joss House State Historic Park
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Located in the town of Weaverville, about an hour outside of Redding, Joss House State Historic Park is a fascinating stop if you happen to find yourself in this area. The history of this unique temple and how well it has been preserved made it much more enjoyable than I even anticipated it being. It […]
Amargosa Opera House: Death Valley’s Historic & Haunted Hotel
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Death Valley National Park has a ton of amazing natural wonders in its vast expanse, but for man made attractions it is hard to beat the crazy, fun Amargosa Opera House. Located on the east outskirts of the park, this hotel and fully functional opera house is a must stop on any visit to the […]
Soda Springs & Parsons Memorial Lodge in Tuolumne Meadows
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When visiting the Tuolumne Meadows area of Yosemite National Park, there are two quick and easy attractions that most people choose to see, Soda Springs and Parson’s Memorial Lodge. These two spots are pieces of history in Yosemite and make for a great little hike in the area. Details 1.5 miles round trip Flat Location: […]
Southwest Museum of the American Indian: LA’s First Museum
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The Southwest Museum of the American Indian, created by Charles Lummis in 1907, was the first museum ever set up in Los Angeles. So if for nothing else, then you need to see it to experience that unique history. The museum is currently going through a renovation, and there is only one main exhibit that […]
Mt Whitney Historic Fish Hatchery on Highway 395
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As you may know, I am a huge fan of driving Highway 395. Each and every time I make the trip I find something new to explore and this time was no different. While driving through the town of Independence, I saw a sign for the Mt Whitney Historic Fish Hatchery, so I decided to […]
