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
Category: Hikes
The Ultimate Guide to Exploring Zion National Park with Kids
Are you thinking of going to Zion National Park with kids? Zion National Park is one of the best kept secrets of the national park system. When visitors discover the beauty and magic of Zion Canyon, they will be hooked!
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
10 Magical Things to Do in Joshua Tree (+ 1 Day Itinerary)
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
An Overnight Adventure on the Pacaya Volcano Hike
Guatemala is a small country with a lot of volcanoes, at least 36 of them actually. At any time there is usually one that is active which makes hiking an active volcano the top of most people’s Guatemala wish list.
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
Hiking with Kids: Tips to Keep Them Moving
Before moving to Los Angeles, hiking wasn’t on our regular rotation of things to do. However, we quickly learned that it was *the* thing to do in LA. With limited funds and a desire to explore as much of this
Idyllwild Camping, Glamping & Fun Things to Do
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
The Essential Guide to Visiting Pismo Beach Sand Dunes
If you are heading up the Pacific Coast of California, you must make a stop at Pismo Beach Sand Dunes. Everyone knows about California’s array of famous national parks, but what some don’t realize is that there are also a
29 Palms: A Joshua Tree Hidden Gem
We have been to Joshua tree too many times to count, but we continue to find new areas to explore. On my most recent trip, I had the opportunity to stay in Twentynine Palms near the Oasis of Mara entrance.
Exploring Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland
Ever since I first visited Ireland in 2004 I have wanted to get to the north to see the Giant’s Causeway. Even though my husband was born and bred in Dublin he had never made the 3 hour journey to the
Get off the Beaten Path with Joshua Tree Excursions
I have been to Joshua Tree many times, and while there is still a ton to explore on my own, I was excited to get off the beaten path with Joshua Tree Excursions during my last visit. Joshua Tree Excursions is
Finding Adventure in Dinosaurland
Last summer we took a 10 day road trip through Arizona and Utah with our family friends from Texas. While researching that trip I came across Dinosaur National Monument in northern Utah and western Colorado. We weren’t planning to be
Family Day Trip to Muir Woods
The Bay Area is one of my favorite places on earth. Not just because I lived there for almost a decade, but because no matter where you turn you are surrounded by so much beauty. The abundance of beautiful scenery,
Hiking the Kilauea Iki Trail with Kids
A visit to the Big Island of Hawaii isn’t complete without a trip to the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Having the opportunity to see a real live active volcano in person was one of the main reasons in going to Hawaii
What To Do in Wrightwood (Near Mt. High)
You managed to pack up the car, bundle up the kids and hit the road for snow tubing at Mountain High. Whew! Congrats. Oh but wait, now you have arrived only to discover that it’s either sold out for the day
National Parks with Kids: A How To Guide
America’s national park system is one of the greatest assets we have in this country, and is often the most underutilized. Growing up I never stepped foot in a national park. I didn’t even know anything about them until I
Camping at Malibu Creek State Park
Malibu Creek State Park is a favorite weekend destination for hikers and bicyclists throughout the Los Angeles area. It also happens to be the closest campground to downtown LA, which makes its a great camping destination for families looking for an
Our Epic Utah and Arizona Grand Canyon Road Trip
Road tripping is the quintessential American summer vacation. We joined the masses this year with a 10 day road trip through Arizona and Utah. Our epic journey took us to 4 national parks as well as some classic American gems –Route
Exploring the Sunken City of San Pedro
Exploring the ruins of San Pedro’s Sunken City has been on my to do list for a while. I was a bit nervous about doing it on my own with my son, so I had to find a time when