Growing up in the 80s and 90s, Joshua Tree for me symbolized music, not a National Park. But because of the music, the park has always held a certain allure. Once I discovered how close it was to LA, it moved to the…
Do you love National Parks? Are you going to the Bay Area? Then find out 10 must visit San Francisco National Parks to put on your to do list! During our recent visit to the San Francisco Bay Area, we…
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…
Thinking of a Mojave National Preserve camping trip? If you read our post on Exploring the Mojave Preserve, you might remember that the basic premise for this park is a place for self discovery, adventure and exploration. This extends to…
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…
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…
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…
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!…
Visiting Southern California and and only have the time (or money) to do Disneyland and California Adventure in one day? Those of us who go to Disneyland often will say no, don't do two parks in one day. It's true,…
The long awaited LEGOLAND Castle Hotel California has finally opened! We were so excited to be one of the first guests to stay and experience the new hotel. Read on to find out what we thought and why this should…
San Diego is the ultimate family playground with so many things to do all over the city. From visiting the famous San Diego Zoo in Balboa Park to relaxing on any of the amazing beaches, you will not be at…
One of the main attractions for our family visit to Universal Studios Hollywood was of course The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Having just finished book number 5, my 7 year old was hankering to visit our neighborhood theme park.…
It's almost that time of year again! The day little boys (and girls) look forward to all year long - trash truck open house! My son equates spring and summer with several things and the opening day to summer in…
Planning a trip to Universal Studios Hollywood? If so, make sure to read our Universal Studios Hollywood tips for first timers before you go! It will make a huge difference in what you get out of your first visit. It…
One of the reasons we renew our annual passes at Disneyland every year is because of the many yearly holiday celebrations. We love Mickey's Halloween party, the fantastic Christmas decorations and holiday themed rides and of course, Easter. There aren't…
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…
We set out on a foggy overcast day for the mountain town of Skyforest, just outside of Lake Arrowhead and about 30 miles from Big Bear Lake, in search of winter fun at Santa's Village. As we weaved through light…
An Idyllwild camping or glamping trip is the perfect escape for those living in Southern California. This small mountain town is popular with hippies and hikers alike offering an abundance of things to do. Nestled in the San Jacinto mountains…
Most southern Californian residents know Long Beach either for it's spectacular aquarium or as the home of the famous Queen Mary. Situated on the coast, only 30 minutes from LAX or Downtown Los Angeles, Long Beach is an easy day trip…
Living in Los Angeles means pretty great weather most of the year.. except for a few months during the summer where temperatures regularly soar into the high 90s and 100s. It is during these times that we look to get…