Finding Fall Colors in Bishop, California

Growing up in Texas and spending most of my adult life in places that do not experience fall, I had had enough and wanted to find some cooler air and pretty fall foliage in Southern California! My nature loving sidekick was game as he has been searching for fallen leaves representing all the colors of fall. So off we went.

You may not think of Southern California as a place to see fall colors, and you are right! To really experience it, we had to drive several hours away. After doing our diligent research, the closest place to Los Angeles to see the true turning of the seasons from hot summer days to brisk cool mornings is in the Eastern Sierras, specifically around Bishop, California. 

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25 Magical Mammoth Lakes Hikes You Must Do

Mammoth Lakes in the Eastern Sierras is an outdoor adventurer’s year round playground. From skiing in the winter, hot springs and a variety of Mammoth Lakes hikes the rest of the year, there is no shortage of fun. With everyone looking for safe outdoor fun these days, we have compiled a list of our favorite Mammoth Lakes hikes that all ages can enjoy. There are an unlimited number of amazing hikes to do from multi-day treks to simple lake walks.  There really is a trail (or few) for everyone no matter your fitness level.

The combination of majestic mountains, lakes and relatively cool summer weather make hiking in Mammoth Lakes one of our favorite things to do every year. Not to mention that this is also where two of the most famous California trails pass through. The John Muir Trail goes from Yosemite Valley to Mount Whitney passing near to Mammoth Lakes (more specifically Devil’s Postpile) which is also near to where the famous Mexico to Canada Pacific Crest Trail goes. 

Below I outline some of our favorite hikes in Mammoth Lakes by area to help you plan your next visit.

Don’t forget to check out all the other amazing things to do in Mammoth while you are in town!

Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

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21 Spectacular Things To Do in Mammoth Lakes CA

Mammoth Lakes California is one of the most beautiful regions in the western US. Known for its wealth of outdoor activities, there are so many amazing things to do in Mammoth Lakes CA regardless of what time of year you visit. This stunning town offers an abundance of hiking trails and mountain biking adventures in the summer while providing world class skiing in the winter. Well loved by Californians, but not always on the tourist maps for visitors, though it should be!

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Kings Canyon Camping Advice You Need To Know

Camping in Kings Canyon is one of the best ways to really experience the magic of the Giant Sequoia trees and the rushing rivers found deep within the park.  Kings Canyon National Park is truly one of the most underrated parks in the national park system, with visitors often just skimming the surface, rushing ahead to Yosemite to the north or Sequoia National Park to the south. However for those of you in the know, this is the place to beat the crowds and to experience towering trees, cold snow melt rivers and spy a few bears along the way too.

Below we share all you need to know for planning the best Kings Canyon camping experience- with information on the best sites, which campgrounds to choose and how to book it all.

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Kings Canyon Scenic Byway: 10 Surprising Places You Will Love

Kings Canyon Scenic Byway is one of the most beautiful drives in all of California. Located in Kings Canyon National Park, the drive takes visitors through massive canyons, past raging waterfalls, all while following a beautiful roaring river. Visiting the sights along the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway is one of the most best things you … Read more

7 Easy, Fun & Uplifting Things to Do in Visalia California

Have you driven through Visalia in the Central Valley but wondered what all there might be to do there? Well, let me share with you there are so many great things to do in Visalia that makes it a great stop on a longer road trip or even as a base for a few days … Read more

17 Spectacular Things to Do in Death Valley

Looking for a spectacular place to visit that feels out of this world? Then, check out our favorite things to do in Death Valley to consider for an out of this planet trip.

What do you think of when you hear Death Valley? Hottest Place on Earth. Yep. Desolate and barren. Yep. Even though Death Valley is synonymous with these images, I think that like most people, I didn’t really have a clear image in my head of what it would look like. I’m not quite sure what I was expecting, but what I got definitely wasn’t it.

The following is our rundown with our thoughts on the best Death Valley things to do, where to stay and eat and one day itinerary suggestions for those just passing through Death Valley on a day trip.

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11 Fun Things to Do at Mission San Juan Capistrano with Kids

For years I have had it on my massive LA bucket list to take the train down to check out Mission San Juan Capistrano. However not being a California native I am not too up on California history so I wasn’t sure exactly why I needed to visit this jewel of missions so it continued to be pushed down my list. We were invited down by the Mission to check it out, so we hopped on the train not quite sure what the day had in store for us.

Boy was it a mistake to put this visit off for so long. The Mission San Juan Capistrano is so much better than I had anticipated and now we can’t wait to visit again. It is a wonderful mixture of history and culture provided in an inspiring and educational package that even the youngest visitors can appreciate. And yes, it’s even engaging for those who aren’t history buffs!

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Bluestem Hotel | One of the Best Hotels in Torrance CA

Heading to Los Angeles’s South Bay area and looking for hotel options? Look no further – the Bluestem Hotel is one of the best hotels in Torrance CA!

Torrance is located just 15 minutes from LAX, and is well situated for various Southern California attractions, making it an excellent place to stay for a visit to Los Angeles. While there are plenty of chain hotel options in the area, in our opinion the best place to stay is at Torrance’s first boutique hotel, Bluestem.

Newly opened in 2019, this chic modern boutique hotel is a welcome addition to the scene in the South Bay. It is just another example of how Torrance is busy reinventing itself. With over 400 eateries, 11 breweries, art galleries and the beach, there are so many things to do in Torrance for your next stay. Read on to find out what we thought about the hotel and why it should be your only choice in Torrance!

Disclosure: My stay at Bluestem was hosted by Discover Torrance as part of a weekend trip to the area to explore all the family friendly things to do in Torrance California. As always, all opinions and thoughts are my own.

Also note, some of the links in this post are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

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15 Great Things to Do in Torrance: LA’s Hottest Beach Town

Are you looking to visit Torrance in the South Bay of Los Angeles? Whether you are visiting the area or coming on a day trip from somewhere in Los Angeles, we have you covered with all the things to do in Torrance on your visit.

What was once the sleepy step sibling to more popular Southern California neighbors of Redondo and Hermosa Beach, Torrance has come into its own. In the last few years Torrance has blossomed into a happening town full of amazing restaurants, with a burgeoning brewery scene, art galleries and even its first boutique hotel.

We had the opportunity to visit Torrance a few weeks ago and had so much fun! Between being out in nature, exploring the Japanese food and shops of the area and eating our way through some of LA’s best restaurants, we can’t wait to go back and share it with you all too.

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21 Amazing Family Friendly Things to Do in Los Angeles for Halloween

Are you in Los Angeles for Halloween or anytime during October? Read on for our list of 21 amazing things to do in Los Angeles for folks of all ages who are here during the Halloween season. Updated for 2019, find out some of our favorites that are on hold for the year and what new events have popped up instead!

This list was initially started to keep track of all the traditions my son wanted to do each year for Halloween. For him it’s not just the one day of trick or treating, rather it’s the build up that is the most fun. Decorating the front yard, visiting the 99 cent store for more cheesy, scary decorations and of course attending as many Halloween themed events as he can muster!

To make sure you are getting the most out of the season, here is our current list of all the things you can (and according to my 9 year old *must*) do.

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The 7 Best California Ski Resorts for All Ski Levels

Skiing in California? Yes it is true, California does have a pretty decent ski community even though it’s not quite as grand as some of the Rocky Mountain states. Up and down the state there are many great California ski resorts that are worth checking out. Below are 7 tried and tested California ski resorts that you should make a visit to!  Travel bloggers share their tips on what makes each of these resorts great,where to stay and more.

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8 Magnificent Things to Do in Northern California

When people think of all the things to do in Northern California they often just consider the landmark destinations like San Francisco and the Napa wine tasting country. However, a little further afield up the California coast lies Redding and UpState California. This area is often dubbed “the real northern California”, which is the vast area north of Sacramento all the way up to the Oregon border. This area features dramatic waterfalls, redwood forests, adorable welcoming towns and a host of other northern California attractions.

I’ve explored much of this beautiful state in the almost 20 years I have lived here, including parts of UpState California, but the area between Muir Woods and the Redwoods (because my brain thinks in terms of national parks apparently!) proved elusive. When Visit California asked what area I would like to explore in partnership with their #Kidifornia series, I jumped at the chance to finally make my way to the true northern California region to check out the natural beauty of the area’s national parks as well as the main adventure hub of Redding. Now that I have visited, I have to share my love of the area and help put this amazing region on your radar too!

Keep reading to find out our favorite things to do in northern California from north of San Francisco up to Redding and even further UpState California.

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5 Super Fun Things to Do in Buena Park CA: A Kid’s Dream Destination

Are you heading to Southern California? While there is so much to do in the region one of the best places to visit with kids is Buena Park. There are so many things to do in Buena Park CA that it should be on every Southern California itinerary. From visiting cool dinner theaters, theme parks and eating delicious food, there is something for everyone.

 There isn’t always time or money to take elaborate vacations out of town, but that’s where staycations come in handy.  Buena Park is a great place for a staycation for those of us living in Southern California. It offers family centered fun that is easily accessible to all members of the family. 

I don’t often plan trips that are solely centered on what my child would like, but a visit to Buena Park is what most kids would plan if they had the opportunity to plan their own dream vacation. Read on to find out more about the super fun things to do in Buena Park CA.

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8 Super Fun Things to Do in Santa Rosa California

Visiting the wine country of Sonoma County? Make sure to make time for these super fun things to do in Santa Rosa when you are there. For young singles and couples without kids, a weekend visit to Sonoma means soaking up the scenery, sampling first class wines and hopping from one beautiful winery to another. … Read more

An Amazing Adventure in a Pismo Beach Dune Buggy

One of the best family activities you can experience in the San Luis Obispo region is a day out trying your hand at the Oceano Sand Dunes with a Pismo Beach Dune Buggy rental.  According to my 8 year old this was the most epic adventure we have experienced to date!

The Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area is one of the last remaining parks in California that allow off roading. This little stretch of beach on the Central Coast offers a unique day out that you can’t find in many other places. Visitors come from all over the state and beyond for the ability to drive their all terrain vehicles, 4×4 trucks and of course dune buggies on the natural sand dunes here.

I mean who hasn’t dreamed of frolicking around pristine sand dunes where there are no roads or rules on what you can or can’t do? Read on to see how this scaredy cat mama fared on the dunes of Oceano.

ADVENTURE: Off-Roading on Sand Dunes // NATURE:  One of California’s Most Unique State Parks // ADRENALINE: Driving in a Bowl 

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A Family Adventure: Channel Islands Kayaking with Kids

Last summer I was offered an opportunity to visit one of the few national parks in California I had yet to visit, the Channel Islands. Upon looking at the itinerary I noticed that an entire day was dedicated to kayaking around the island of Santa Cruz..in the sea! I was terrified to be honest. I had never kayaked, much less in the sea.

The water in California is not warm even in the height of summer and I was super nervous about the possibility of flipping my kayak. Now, add in that I would be doing this with my equally scaredy-cat 6 year old who prefers hot tubbing to actually swimming! And there you have it, the scene is set for our adventure at the Channel Islands kayaking with kids.

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Exploring Lassen Volcanic National Park (with Kids)

Lassen Volcanic National Park is one of California’s least visited parks. It is located about 5 hours north of the Bay Area, 3 hours north of Sacramento and 1.5 hours east of Redding. It’s location is most of the reason it is less visited than other parks and the fact that it is covered in snow for much of the year. With many of its trails only open from July-Oct, it’s tough to get a visit in when the park is fully operating.

Lassen National Park with kidsEven with the difficulties of visiting, what awaits you is California’s version of Yellowstone, a boiling, bubbling volcanic dreamland. A park dedicated to its volcanic history, it has 4 types of volcanos all in one place as well as sulphur steam vents, boiling mud pots and stunning views over the surrounding areas. Furthermore, it provides a vast network of trails through forest landscapes, around lakes and up volcanic peaks with some even connecting to the Pacific Crest Trail.

In short, Lassen Volcanic National Park is mesmerizing and should be on everyone’s California wish list.

Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

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Fun Sacramento Kids Activities Perfect for a Weekend Visit

The state capital of California, Sacramento, loaded with history, is often overlooked as a great family weekend getaway destination. This is too bad since it’s filled with fun, family friendly activities that also include a little bit of learning too!

The city got its start during the 1849 Gold Rush and later served as the state’s political hub. The city has everything to keep a family busy and entertained from nature to transportation and beyond! Here are some of our favorite Sacramento kids activities that we think should be on the top of any itinerary to the government center.

Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

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The Cliffs Resort Pismo Beach | Luxury on the California Coast

On our recent trip to San Luis Obispo Country with SLO CAL Tourism, we had the amazing opportunity to stay at The Cliffs Spa & Hotel in Pismo Beach. If you are headed to the San Luis Obispo area, there are many cool options for places to stay, but none compare with the luxury, location and fabulous service provided at The Cliffs Resort Pismo Beach. We would highly recommend it for your next visit or even if you are just passing through on a Pacific Coast Highway road trip.

Read on to find out why we loved it so much!

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