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Ultimate Guide to the Best Hiking in Los Angeles (2023)

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Would you ever have guessed that hiking in Los Angeles is *the* thing to do here? We were so surprised to learn this when we moved here 9 years ago. 

Traffic, yes.

Celebrities, of course. 

But hiking? Yes! it is really one of the most popular activities you will find Angelenos participating in all days of the week, and all times of the year. 

The truth is, there are a TON of amazing hikes in the Los Angeles area, that it can take years to experience them all. When we first moved to LA, my son was only 3 so we didn’t do a ton of difficult hikes at that time, focusing on the best hikes for toddlers, but as the years have progressed, we have added more and more to our arsenal.

In 2021, we started the year with a goal of hiking (and biking!) 100 miles for the month of January and 1000 for the year. For our own purposes to keep track of the hikes we have done and would recommend, we started this guide on all the hiking trails in Los Angeles that we have been on or have on our list!

We will cover the best hikes in LA (according to popular consensus), waterfall hikes in Los Angeles as well as some great hiking near Los Angeles. Read on for more information for each. Check back often for updates as well.

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20 Useful Tips For Visiting Sequoia National Park In Winter

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If you are looking for a magical getaway, consider visiting Sequoia National Park in winter. The majestic red giants are covered in glistening white snow creating a breathtaking landscape that is hard to beat.

Sequoia National Park is one of our favorite national parks during the busy summer months, but now that we have visited in winter we are even more in love.  Have you been to see the giants of Sequoia National Park in winter? If not, put it on your bucket list and get busy planning your trip with our tips below.

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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13 Amazing Things to Do in Oklahoma City

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Are you headed out on Route 66 going through Oklahoma City? If you find yourself passing through this vibrant capital city in middle America, make some time to check out all the amazing things to do in Oklahoma City. From state of the art museums to quirky Route 66 cafes, examination of cowboy culture along … Read more

Backpacking In California: 20 Amazing Spots You Must Visit

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Our two favorite things to do in the outdoors in California is hike and camp. Why not combine the two with a backpack camping trip? We know camping in Southern California is very popular with families to couples and folks with their dogs, but for the more adventurous, finding cool spots for backpacking in California is even more exciting.

There are some amazing spots for backpacking in California, from the Bay Area of San Francisco to Southern California and everywhere in between. Some favorite places for backpack camping include Joshua Tree, the Lake Tahoe area, Yosemite National Park and the Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Park areas. Much of these wilderness areas are more ‘hard core backpacking’ for those with experience and the legs to carry themselves further than a couple of mile hike.

For those of you who are new to this outdoor adventure, we share relatively easy, doable backpacking trails here in California to consider for your first (or second or third!) backpacking camping trip with or without kids. As we explore more of the backcountry camping options throughout California, we will update this list.

Don’t miss our top tips and backpacking hacks for beginners!

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11 Extraordinary Road Trips in California You Will Love

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California is the perfect destination for families, couples and solo adventurers looking to explore everything from national parks to iconic beaches. California is massive which means at some point or another you will find yourself driving around it. For those looking to get out and explore, California is your ideal destination. Below we share some of our favorite road trips in California and some we hope to take soon.

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Pinnacles National Park: Everything You Need To Know To Visit

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Are you planning a trip to Pinnacles National Park in California? Whether you are interested in seeking out California condors, hiking through talus caves or rock climbing, California’s smallest national park packs a lot in for all types of  visitors. Pinnacles is mainly known as a hiking park, with towering rock formations, an abundance of … Read more

Top 10 Magical Things To Do in Carson City Nevada

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Are you looking to extend your trip along Hwy 395? If so, we have the perfect place – Carson City, Nevada. Continuing on with the cute Americana theme of Hwy 395, Carson City is a bit bigger than the other towns along this beautiful route, but offers a whole lot more. Read on for our list of great things to do in Carson City for a weekend or extended trip to the area.

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The Old West Revisited in Philipsburg Montana with Mining, Hiking & More

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Montana is known as a nature lovers paradise and the treasure state, but what it also holds dear are traditions of the past. In Philipsburg Montana you can not only experience beautiful scenery, but also life in an old western town now dubbed as a ghost town full of a rich history worth exploring.  If you only have time for one adventure on your Yellowstone or Montana vacation, this is the place to go! 

Here you can go sapphire mining, stroll through an old ghost town mining camp, go fly fishing and so much more. The adorable town lined with antique storefronts and shops make Philipsburg a picturesque start to any adventure in the state.

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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13 Epic Things to Do Near Zion National Park

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Zion is one of my favorite parks in Utah, but during certain times of the year it is insanely crowded. However you are in luck, there are a multitude of amazing things to do near Zion National Park including river rafting, spectacular Instagram worthy hikes and even private photo sessions.

If you are planning a trip to Zion National Park or Bryce Canyon (or any other Utah National Parks), check out all the other options of things you can do near Zion to avoid the crowds, but still get an amazing vacation.

Of course when you are in the area, you must make time to visit Zion National Park as well for one of the best hikes in the world through the Narrows.

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Zion is one of my favorite parks in Utah, but during certain times of the year it is insanely crowded. However you are in luck, there are a multitude of amazing things to do near Zion National Park including river rafting, spectacular Instagram worthy hikes and even private photo sessions.

If you are planning a trip to Zion National Park or Bryce Canyon (or any other Utah National Parks), check out all the other options of things you can do near Zion to avoid the crowds, but still get an amazing vacation.

Of course when you are in the area, you must make time to visit Zion National Park as well for one of the best hikes in the world through the Narrows.

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Top 4 Adult Activities For Your Family Trip To Florida

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Florida is a great family friendly destination filled with amazing theme parks and beautiful beaches. But if you are a parent taking your kids to Florida, you might feel like you need a break from all of the kid’s activities every now and again. Even though there are plenty of things for the kids to enjoy, there are also a ton of great things just for the adults.  Below are the top 4 activities for adults on a family trip to Florida.  

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10 Terrific Things to Do in Tennessee for Families

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Tennessee may not seem like your obvious first choice of destination for a family vacation. However, The Volunteer State has a lot going for it. There are so many amazing family friendly things to do in Tennessee from taking in the iconic music, beautiful national parks and of course food!

The state has been home to musical icons such as Dolly Parton and Elvis Presley, and is often considered the birthplace of country and blues. It has a rich well-preserved history and a range of fascinating museums and monuments. It’s also home to the Smoky Mountains and has a lot of natural beauty to offer. 

All in all, there are a lot of great reasons to visit Tennessee. Below are just some of the best family activities to consider while on vacation in this state. 

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12 Spectacular State and National Parks Near Las Vegas

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Las Vegas is well known for its casinos and nightlife. However, surprising to most, Las Vegas is also a great hub for exploring some of the west’s most beautiful nature. There are several great state and national parks near Las Vegas, offering visitors a mix of glitz and glamour while also showcasing some of the best natural landscapes in the US.

With cheap flights in and out of Las Vegas and tons of things to do with families, more and more travelers are using this city as the gateway for some of the best outdoor experiences in the West. Below we provide a comprehensive guide to 12 amazing state and national parks near Las Vegas, including national monument and recreation sites.

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

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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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10 Super Fun Things to Do in Red Lodge MT

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Are you ready to fall in love with small town America? Then you must check out all the fun things to do in Red Lodge MT. On our recent Montana road trip, our first stop was in the adorable town of Red Lodge. This town proves to be the perfect base for the start of a Yellowstone road trip. From amazing restaurants, small town charm and history galore you will not be bored in this cute town. Before you head off on your adventure down the Beartooth Highway onto Yellowstone, here are some really great things to do to inspire you to stay over in Red Lodge!

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