Southern California Archives

50+ Amazing Spots for Camping in Southern California

February 17, 2022September 5, 2021 by kkowen

Best beach camping in Southern California

Camping in Southern California is one of the best outdoor, social distance activities available. Lakes, mountains, and beaches – a multitude of campgrounds in Southern California offer an incredible array of places to match the season and everyone’s interests. With vacations being cancelled and people worried about gathering in groups, camping is the in thing to do! Below is a collection of our favorite campgrounds in Southern California that we will continue to update as we come across more.

If you have some favorites that we have missed, please share them with us as we would love to check out more off the beaten path sites around the state.

Disneyland and California Adventure in One Day

January 24, 2022May 7, 2021 by kkowen

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, there is a ton to do at each of the parks and to really get the best experience I recommend at least one full day at each park.

But, I also realize that it’s not cheap to visit Disneyland or California Adventure and budgeting for two days is not always in the cards. There is a ton to see, but if you play your cards right, you can do and see a ton in one day. With the introduction of the Disney MaxPass and planning your day out, visiting two parks in one day is more feasible than in years past.

To help plan your trip, I have shared our guide on how to do Disneyland and California Adventure in one day. You won’t get to do everything, but you will get a great taste of both parks and walk (or maybe limp!) away having an amazing experience for both you and the kids.

10 Breathtaking Places for Glamping in Southern California

July 16, 2021April 13, 2020 by kkowen

Looking for amazing locations for glamping in Southern California? Come on in, we have you covered.

I love camping, as in, I love being out in nature. But I actually don’t really love setting up a tent, sleeping on a half inflated air mattress (I mean they never stay inflated for the whole night right?) or cooking on a one pot stove or an open flame (anything besides a s’more that is!). Does this sound familiar?

What I like to do instead these days is go glamping, California style. What is glamping you ask? Basically, glamping is the combination of a natural experience of the outdoors with more glamorous amenities (aka having a bed!). This can be as simple as a canvas tent in nature with a real bed tucked away inside or it can go a few steps further and include things like prepared meals, spa treatments and more. What all glamping experiences seem to have in common however, is a getaway in nature with some comforts of home.

Our family loves being outdoors and experiencing nature in as many ways as we can, but not always roughing it! Here are our top picks for glamping in Southern California with (or without!) children.

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.

Bluestem Hotel | One of the Best Hotels in Torrance CA

January 15, 2020December 12, 2019 by kkowen

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.

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

January 15, 2020December 10, 2019 by kkowen

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.

Disney Easter Eggstravaganza

March 17, 2018 by kkowen

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 fancy decorations or unique parades, rather, following in modern tradition, there is an Easter egg hunt that my son looks forward to every year. The Disney Easter Eggstravganza runs yearly at both Disneyland and California Adventure for the two weeks preceding Easter Sunday. For 2018, it runs from March 16 – April 1.

A Guide to Ventura County: A Family Getaway Destination

September 8, 2017 by kkowen

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 away even if it’s not very far. One of the best places we have found to escape the soaring temperatures (or at any time of year!) is just an hour away on the Ventura County Coast. Not only does Ventura County have pretty great weather all year, it is also quite economical.

Being sandwiched between the high-profile destination cities of Los Angeles and Santa Barbara means that Ventura County is often overlooked. This is a shame too because it has so much to offer visitors. Similar in ways to its northern neighbor of Santa Barbara with a beautiful sea-side location and a historic Spanish mission, Ventura feels more easy-going than it’s neighbors. In essence, Ventura County provides the classic California beach town charm without breaking the bank, making it a perfect destination for families looking to get away for a quick break.

Guide to Channel Islands National Park (with Kids)

September 5, 2017 by kkowen

California is home to 28 national parks and sites scattered throughout the state. From the iconic Half Dome in Yosemite, to the desolate in Death Valley and the big trees in the North at the Redwoods, there is no shortage of vast beauty in California’s parks.

One of the last few remaining parks that we had yet to visit in Southern California was the Channel Islands National Park off the Ventura County Coast. Being so remote, accessible only by boat or small plane, it is one of the least visited national parks in the state and country. As such, it has been left largely undisturbed for much of it’s history, showcasing a pristine coastal Mediterranean ecosystem.