Southern California is home to some of the most charming cities in the country. From coastal communities set along the bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean to vibrant mountain communities, orchards and farms. Here is a list of 5 So Cal cities you won’t want to miss. Balboa Island Balboa Island is a quaint little beach side community in Newport Beach, California. It’s an absolute gem. You can access the island by public bridge or the Balboa Island Ferry which transports cars, bicycles and pedestrians for a nominal cost. Since 1936, the island has been home to The Fun Zone at Balboa Villa ..read more

The Sacred Navajo Tribal Park Have you ever seen an episode of Looney Tunes Wile E. Coyote and the Road Runner? They’re a cartoon duo who run around red rock cliffs and buttes, the constantly hungry coyote trying to catch the cunning and clever road runner who never ceases to outwit him. When you visit Monument Valley, you will feel as if you have stepped into one of those fun-filled animations as you find yourself surrounded by red sandstone mesas, colorful massive buttes, spires and pillars that look completely unworldly. Navajo Nation’s Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park is one of the mos ..read more

One of the Best California Desert Vacations From Late Fall Through Early Spring There is truly no better time to visit California’s unique desert landscapes than from the late fall through early spring. The scorching summer temperatures give way to warm, breezy days with cool, crisp nights. Evenings are filled with clear, star-studded skies and the silence of the desert envelopes you in a land of mystery and mystique. If you’re looking for a park to visit, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is probably one of the most underrated, unique desert landscapes around, just 80 miles north west of San Di ..read more

Step Back in Time to the Heyday of the California Gold Rush - An Exciting Weekend Getaway Nestled in the basin region of California’s Eastern Sierra off a lonely stretch of historic Highway 395 lies Bodie State Historic Park, quite possibly the most impressive ghost town in existence anywhere in the world. It’s the perfect road trip destination for those wanting to experience the Old West up close and personal.   [This article may contain affiliate links.] Literally frozen in time, Bodie is full of rust, weathered buildings and decay.  The California State Park System that manages ..read more

Where the Earth Gives Way to an Expanse of Endless Vistas & Breathtaking Views Located in northwestern Arizona, Grand Canyon National Park is by far one of the most impressive parks in the country.  There is no better place to gain perspective as to how small and insignificant we truly are in this vast world than standing at its rim. As you approach the edge, the earth literally falls to the way side beneath you as you stare out into an endless expanse of jaw-dropping views. Although the Colorado River flows through 7 states, it is here that it has left its most incredible mark on th ..read more

Luxury Glamping that Will Rekindle Your Soul & Spirit I have always been an avid camper and outdoor enthusiast, and not the RV type. I actually enjoy roughing it in a tent on a paper thin mat, showering every few days, leaving the luxuries of home behind. Even 4-degree weather at night won’t stop me as long as there are views that last for days and nobody around for miles. Something about the tranquil solitude of nature always manages to heal my soul. It never even bothered me that by week’s end, I’d come home with a rat’s nest for hair hidden under a ball cap, dirty broken nails, in des ..read more

A County Full of Incredible Extremes Inyo County is located in California between the Sierra Nevada mountains and the state of Nevada. It’s one of the most incredible areas for outdoor adventure and exploration in the state and completely underrated. The name “Inyo” is a Native American word meaning dwelling place of the great spirit and you’ll come to understand how it got its name once you’ve spent some time exploring its unique and amazing landscape. The county is truly a place of extremes. The lowest point in all of North America, Badwater Basin in Death Valley National Park, lies within ..read more

A Northern California Beach Community Surrounded by Redwood Forests Santa Cruz is a quaint seaside community located in Northern California with 29 miles of coastline and some incredibly beautiful beaches, redwood forests, wineries and cuisine. The town has a laid back, surfer vibe with its iconic Beach Boardwalk and pier making it a classic So Cal Bohemian beach town with something to offer everyone. KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: Spring and early fall are great times to visit as the weather is perfect and it’s less crowded. Summer months attract large crowds with over 3 million visitors annually, an ..read more

A Luxury Resort for Those Seeking a Little Adventure The Chaminade Resort & Spa in Santa Cruz is perched high above the hustle and bustle of this busy northern California beach community nestled amongst the Eucalyptus and Redwoods.  It sits on 300 acres of land overlooking the city lights with breathtaking panoramic views of the Santa Cruz Mountains and Pacific Ocean making it the perfect spot for a relaxing getaway. HOW TO GET THERE This spectacular mountaintop resort sits high above the city about 3 miles inland from downtown Santa Cruz and the waterfront.  It is conveniently ..read more

An Incredibly Rare Glimpse of Life Within the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park Upon my arrival to Monument Valley, my friend Verna who lives within the park told me to meet her at Rain God Mesa just around the corner from John Ford’s Point past the turn off for Camel Butte.  I quickly glanced at my map with all the different buttes and flats to get my bearings. The tribal police looked over my paperwork, confirmed I had permission to enter and let me pass.  For a fee, visitors are allowed onto the tribal land but only on the 17-mile loop drive, no going off the road, not even for ..read more