A Gorgeous View of Del Mar

15 April 20253 May 2025

Heading north from LaJolla, I was on a mission to find a beautiful view of Del Mar, California. Del Mar offers 2.5 miles of coastline and I learned that a stop at Dog Beach would be one of the best locations to watch the sunset.

I parallel parked along the street and found the trailhead that leads up into the cliffs. Making the climb, I could clearly see the River Mouth, which is where the San Dieguito River dumps into the ocean. It wasn’t long before I could see the spectacular view of Del Mar and patiently waited for the sun to set.

The beaches of Del Mar are beautiful and this northernmost beach is perfect for walking or jogging. This is also a lovely location for visitors to bring their dogs for a beautiful hike among the cliffs.

Within minutes, the glow of the sun began to reflect off of the coastal buildings of Del Mar beach, so I knew the sunset was just moments away. I continued to wait and shortly the sun disappeared into the horizon. The California sunsets never grow old and I will always search them out on my visits to the Golden State.

Do you have a place where you love to watch the sunset? I would love to hear about your favorite place if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reminiscing about my amazing sunset adventure in Del Mar and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Del Mar Shores Park
Del Mar, CA 92014

Del Mar Dog Beach
3902 29th Street
Del Mar, CA 92014

Where to Stay:

Hotel Indigo San Diego del Mar, an IHG Hotel
710 Camino Del Mar
Del Mar, CA 92014
Phone: 858 755 1501

Where to Eat:

Poseidon Restaurant Del Mar
1670 Coast Blvd.
Del Mar, CA 92014
Telephone: 858 756 9345

What to Eat:

Mexican Tamales
Seafood
Sushi

What to Read:

The Girls in the Stilt House, by Kelly Mustian
Of Women and Salt, by Gabriela Garcia
The Last Thing He Told Me, by Laura Dave

Photo Guide to San Diego:

Flower Child Restaurant
The Dog Park
The Race Track
Fairmont Grand

Torrey Pines Natural Reserve, California

8 April 20253 May 2025

Having lived on the coast of California, I was determined to watch the sunset each night in San Clemente. I would walk down to the pier, take a stroll along the beach until the last flicker of light disappeared into the horizon. I vowed never to take the experience for granted and wanted to continue my tradition on a recent visit to San Diego. I was so excited to meet my friend Kristi with whom I had hiked so many times. I thought about all of the SoCal hikes we had done as I drove into Torrey Pines Natural Reserve. This is absolutely one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world and I couldn’t wait to take in another Pacific Coast sunset.

We decided we would hike the Guy Fleming Trail because it has the most scenic overlooks. Measuring a short two-thirds of a mile loop, this hike is also known for its wildlife and wildflowers. There are several trails within the reserve including a beach trail. This one is most popular with the locals during the evening hours because it is easy and in good condition as well as provides the most beautiful views of the sunset from here.

Torrey Pines surprisingly reminds me of the Badlands. Approaching the trailhead, we walked up the hill along the paved roadway, but soon turned into a dirt trail. Parts of the hike were somewhat unstable due to water erosion from a previous rain, so we knew to tread carefully and stay away from the edge.

Shortly into the hike, we noticed the berries along the path and the diversity of plant life that grows in Southern California. The best time to see the blooms are during the spring season but there is always some type of vegetation to see throughout the year.

It became clear that we were nearing the edge of the cliff as we caught glimpses of the ocean through the thick vegetation. I was looking forward to the scenic views once I arrived closer to the shore where we could look out into the horizon, or count the number of people strolling the beach below. Ghoulish rock formations hiding between the trees appeared as we continued heading west towards the coast.

Along the path were Mojave Yucca plants growing along the trail and we began to hear the crashing of waves along the Pacific Coast. Looking down towards the beach we noticed the sculpted sandstone canyon. The rocks and vegetation were an interesting desert-like contrast against the ocean and beach below.

The Mojave Yucca plants looked like scarecrows standing along the trail. Adding to the interesting landscape, they appeared as fireworks sprouting out from pillars of hay. The yucca bloom between the months of April to May exhibiting green capsules with white flesh that eventually dry up in the late summer months.

This area is home to the rarest tree in North America, the Torrey Pine, for which the preserve is named. Indigenous to southern California, these pines also grow in Santa Barbara, but only in these two locations. It is for this reason, the Torrey Pines Preserve was designated to protect these trees from further city development.

Along the trail were several scenic lookouts where we stopped to admire the coastline. Looking towards the north, I was able to see Del Mar’s Peñasquitos Marsh which is a part of the preserve. The name is Spanish for little cliffs and forms a natural border between San Diego and Del Mar.

Growing among the rocks were pink sand verbenas that added vibrant color to the clay hues of the sandstone.

Off in the distance, I could see La Jolla Cove as I looked south from the trail. On a clear day, San Clemente and Catalina Island can be seen from here as well.

Peering down from the trail towards the parking lot and entrance station, we were looking up the coast towards the north. From here, we could once again see a small section of the Los Peñasquitos Marsh Natural Preserve and Lagoon.

We began to travel back inland on the trail through a small forest of Torrey Pines. Looking closely at the pines we noticed that their needles grow in bundles of five which is unique to its species. The Kumeyaay Indians collected the pinon nut from the Torrey Pine as food while the needles were used to make baskets.

We were hoping to come across some of the local wildlife on the trail because there were not many hikers that day. The only encounter we had was a small bunny hopping across the path, but foxes and mountain lions have been spotted on the preserve.

We returned to where we had first started our hike and happened to notice shafts of sunlight creating shadows on the rock formations. We had eventually reached the paved road with only a ten minute walk to the entrance gate up the steep Torrey Pines Park Road. With plenty of time to arrive at the beach, I was on schedule to watch the glorious sunset.

What trails have you hiked in Southern California? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my hike through Torrey Pines and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Torrey Pines Natural Preserve
12600 North Torrey Pines Road
San Diego, CA 92307
Telephone: 858 755 2063

Admission Fee: The facility use fee depends on which parking lot you use. South Beach parking during high season (starting at Spring Break until the end of September) costs $15 from Monday – Thursday and $20 from Friday – Saturday. Low season begins in October until Spring Break where fees are $12 from Monday – Thursday and $15 from Friday to Sunday. Note that high season prices may be charged during holidays, so be prepared. For parking on the North Beach, high season (from Spring Break to end of September_ are $10 from Monday – Thursday and $15 from Friday – Sunday. Payment is accepted at the Automated Pay Machine if no staff is available at the kiosk. Low season rates are $3 from Monday – Thursday and $10 from Friday – Saturday. Annual passes are available for $195.
Hours: Open all year from 7:15AM to sunset
Amenities: Visitor center, museum shop, guided nature walks, fishing, parking
Scenic View: Gorgeous views of the coast from the hiking trails and this is the perfect place for watching the sunset.
Length of Visit: 3 – 4 hours, but there are hikes that will take under 1 hour
Tips for Your Visit: This is a popular location for sunset and holidays can be extremely busy. Bring water especially if you are hiking. Food and drink (with the exception of water) is not permitted on the Reserve, but are permitted on the beach. No alcohol on the Reserve and the beach. Dogs are not permitted and there is no smoking allowed. Drones are also banned from the Reserve and beach.

Where to Stay:

San Diego Marriott La Jolla
4240 La Jolla Village Drive
La Jolla, CA 92037
Telephone: 858 587 1414

Where to Eat:

Nozomi La Jolla
4150 Regents Park Row #190
La Jolla, CA 92037
Telephone: 858 452 7778

I absolutely LOVE Nozomi’s Famous Chirashi Salad!

What to Eat:

Burritos at Fred’s on Pacific Beach
Ceviche at Karina’s Ceviches & More
Fish Tacos at Wahoo!
Uni at Pacific Beach’s Sushi Ota

What to Read:

From What I Remember, by Stacy Kramer
Beat, Slay, Love by Thalia Filbert
The Tombs, by Clive Cussler
How to be an American Housewife, by Margaret Dilloway

Photo Guide for La Jolla:

La Jolla Cove
La Plaza La Jolla
The beautiful architecture of La Valencia Hotel
View from the Park Bench at the Museum of Contemporary Art
Salk Institute
Scoops Ice Cream
Scripps Pier and La Jolla Shores

The Sun Setting in Torrey Pines

The Sunset from the Beach at Torrey Pines

Dusk at Torrey Pines State Preserve

BCheck out more photos of Torrey Pines State Preserve in the Gallery below

La Jolla, California, the Jewel of the West Coast

1 April 20253 May 2025

After a long day of hiking in Poway, my friends and I decided to spend the rest of the afternoon in La Jolla, an exclusive, upscale suburb of San Diego. La Jolla means “the Jewel” in Spanish which is befitting its name with perfect weather year around, high end fashion boutiques, picturesque coastal bluffs and a scenic seaside.

My favorite hangout is La Jolla Cove, a sandy beach inlet with crystal clear water. This beautiful harbor is also home to sea lion colonies, pesky pelicans and gorgeous blue Brandt’s Cormorants. I enjoyed the time I spent at the beach, watching the noisy sea lions bark for a spot on the rocks. More often than not I would stroll out to the craggy coastline to watch them fight for their small piece of high end real estate. Along the beach, there is a small, cave-like cluster of rocks where I could have a much closer view of the seals. The opening into the cove provides a perfect frame for some amazing wildlife photography.

Often times I would check out the walking path above the cove where I could take in the dramatic cliffs. The stunning views of the shoreline and the cove below are the reason why some refer to this area as the California Riviera.

We decided to stop for drinks at Duke’s La Jolla, to enjoy the views of the upper level which look out into the Pacific. We thought about booking tickets at the La Jolla Playhouse or even playing a round of golf at Torrey Pines Golf Course, but since we were celebrating my friend Kristy’s birthday, we made reservations at George’s at the Cove which gave us plenty of time to stroll Prospect Street with its upscale shops and boutiques.

I never tire of the scenery at La Jolla cove, nor strolling the streets of its downtown. This is truly a Southern California paradise.

Have you had the opportunity to visit La Jolla, California? What are your favorite restaurants and shops? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave your message in the comments section below! Many Thanks for checking out my fun evening in La Jolla and wishing you many Happy Travels!

Disclosure: Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

What to See and What to Do:

La Jolla Cove – stroll the beaches and check out the amazing wildlife at The Cove!

La Jolla By the Sea – explore the boutique shops and enjoy a fabulous meal in La Jolla!

Where to Stay:

La Jolla Cove Hotel & Suites
1155 Coast Blvd.
La Jolla, CA 92037
Telephone: 858 459 2621

Where to Eat:

George’s at the Cove
1250 Prospect Street
La Jolla, CA 92037
Telephone: 858 454 4244

Duke’s La Jolla
1216 Prospect Street
La Jolla, CA 92037
Telephone: 858 454 5888

What to Eat:

Mexican cuisine, especially tamales
California wood-fired pizza
Southeast Asian foods
Sushi
Seafood
Local Wines

What to Read:

The Dawn Patrol, by Don Winslow
San Diego Noir, by Maryelizabeth Hart
I So Don’t Do Mysteries, by Barrie Summy
Under the Perfect Sun: The San Diego Tourists Never See, by Mike Davis

Photo Guide for La Jolla and nearby San Diego:

La Jolla Cove
Downtown La Jolla
The Botanical Building and Lily Pond at Balboa Park
Greetings from San Diego mural on the sidewall of Belching Beaver Brewery
Sunset Cliffs
Old Town San Diego

Finding Solitude at Joshua Tree National Park, California

18 March 20253 May 2025

My last visit to Joshua Tree National Park was last November, a perfect time of the year for a hike. The weather had begun to cool down in comparison to the summer heat and I was ready to set out for an amazing adventure. There are so many fabulous parks in southern California where you can feel like you are the only one in the world. This is one of them. The surroundings are just as unique as its unpredictable environment that each visit can bring about a whole new experience.

The whimsical Joshua Tree, for which the park is named, is an indigenous plant that reminds me of a furry cactus with starburst pompoms. These plants were used by the American Indians for food (their seeds and flower buds), household items and clothing (baskets and sandals).

The ground cover was scarce in most parts with clumps of brush, predominantly creosote bush. Colorful ocotillo and cactus were intermittently scattered throughout the vast expanse of the desert.

In addition to the Joshua Tree, what I found so fascinating about this park were the endless rock formations and twisted boulders shaped by geologic forces. According to the national park, these rocks rose from the ground beneath as a result of volcanic activity. As the boulders were pushed up from the earth, they cooled down and crystallized. Over time, the water from the ground rounded the edges and widened the cracks, resulting in heaps of monzogranite that look similar to toy blocks in a stack.

During the scenic drive, I took the time to find images in the rocks. If there was a large pile of them, I would pull over to see what shapes and figures appeared out of the monoliths. I had imagined a variety of objects from eagles, rabbits, horses and even people.

About halfway to Barker Dam, I met up with a rock climber to see if I could make the climb. I felt safe with the guide I hired, knowing that he would be there in the chance that I slipped and fell. We met in a safe location and one that was not too difficult for a first try. I was surprised that the rocks, for the most part, were fairly stable. It was exhilarating to reach the top and look out into the distance of the park. I wished I would have done this sooner.

Many people come to Joshua Tree National Park for a variety of outdoor activities. During my scenic drive I noticed bikers, hikers and the occasional rock climber. This is a perfect location for rock climbing and there are a few outfitters available to take out the adventurous for an adrenaline-filled afternoon. I hired an excellent guide from Joshua Tree Outfitters, who was specialized in working with novice climbers.

I had also set aside some time for a hike, so I decided on the Barker Dam Nature Loop, just over a mile long. This trail took me through parts of the desert where cattlemen built dams as a water source for their livestock back in the 1800s. Later, miners arrived in search of gold until the 1930’s when the land was parceled out to homesteaders.

I enjoyed the vast diversity of hiking the trail with rock formations that took on a wide variety of shapes. The dried out flora and fauna were at the mercy of the hot sun. and trees provided a brief solace from the scorching heat.

12 Wide Angle Landscape on the Barker Dam Trail

The landscape was extremely spacious with small rocks and boulders, while hills in the distance were low lying and desolate. The hike remained unsteady with stones until I finally reached the dam. I tried to look down into the wall but there was not a way for me to approach it any closer without falling over the edge.

14 Petroglyphs on the Barker Dam Trail

I was nearing the end of the trail when a boulder appeared in the middle of nowhere. As I closed in on the site, I noticed there were petroglyphs painted in red and black. I learned that there were actual Indian markings in the rocks, but they had been painted over and were not authentic.

15 Chipmunk at the Park

My day at Joshua Tree had come to a close and as I was crossing the parking lot, I saw a little chipmunk dart out from one underneath a car. There is nothing better than seeing animals in their natural habitat. Such a highlight of my day.

An area slightly larger than the state of Rhode Island, Joshua Tree National Park begs to be explored. Offering activities for all types of outdoorsmen, this is a wonderful way to explore the deserts of California.

Have you visited Joshua Tree National Park? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below! Many thanks for following my journey through Joshua Tree National Park! Wishing you many Happy Travels!!

What to See and What to Do:

Joshua Tree National Park
74485 National Park Drive
Twentynine Palms, CA 74485
Telephone: 760 367 5500

Admission Fee: $30 for a 7 day vehicle permit, admitting the passengers of a single, non-commercial vehicle on the day of purchase and for the next six days. Motorcycles: $25 for a 7-day entrance permit, per motorcycle; Individual Entrance Fee: $15 7-day entrance fee, per person on foot or bike; Non-commercial groups: $15 per person charged to non-commercial groups entering in a vehicle with a capacity of 16 passengers or more. Joshua Tree Annual Pass is $55 valid for 12 months from the month of purchase.
Hours: Open all year
Amenities: Campsites are available for camping and overnight backpacking, rock climbing, birding, mountain biking, horseback riding. There are tours offered such as a Geology Motor Tour or a tour of Keys Ranch.
Scenic View: Views throughout the desert are incredible, but are amazing from the top of the rocks after a great climb. Stargazing is another spectacular opportunity for outstanding scenic views.
Length of Visit: To visit the full park would take at least a couple of days, but even a day visit is well worth the trip.
Tips for Your Visit: There is no cellular service throughout the park. Bring plenty of water and sunscreen as the desert can become quite hot during the day. In the evening, temperatures can drop, so it is also recommended to bring along a jacket. There are limited gas stations as well, so ensure that you have fueled up your vehicle. Refer to the park’s website ahead of time to note any closures and stop by the visitor’s center for any updates regarding the park.

Where to Stay:

Hilton San Diego Bayfront
1 Park Boulevard
San Diego, CA 92101
Telephone: 619 564 3333

Where to Eat:

Parq Restaurant
615 Broadway
San Diego, CA
Telephone: 619 727 6789

There were so many amazing items on the menu such as oysters, gnocchi, mussels and my favorite, the Charcuterie Board! Since I was taking clients out for dinner, we ordered each one and shared…perfect for four.

What to Eat:

Mexican cuisine, especially tamales
California wood-fired pizza
Southeast Asian foods
Sushi
Seafood
Local Wines

What to Read:

The Land of Little Rain, by Mary Hunter Austin
Wonder Valley, by Ivy Pochada
Twentynine Palms: A True Story of Murder, Marines and the Mojave, by Deanne Stillman

Photo Guide for San Diego:

Arch Rock at White Tank Campground
Skull Rock a few dozen yards from Park Boulevard
Cholla Cactus Garden along Pinto Basin Road
Barker Dam
Indian Cove at Indian Cove Campground
The Joshua Trees
Rock Climbers

16 Blue Skies and Boulders

One of my favorite photos of Joshua Tree National Park

17 121112, Petroglyphs at JTSP

More Petroglyphs

John Muir and His Love for Tall Trees

29 July 202319 April 2025

I became an admirer of John Muir during high school, learning about his conservationist efforts along the west coast state of California. While I had not visited until my mid-twenties, I loved the idea of preserving our country’s parks on a national and state level. On a business trip to the San Francisco Bay, I set out for the Muir Woods National Monument to see for myself, the extraordinary Redwoods in Marin County, It was a quick stop on my way to Point Reyes National Seashore and a most enjoyable one.

President Theodore Roosevelt declared Muir Woods a national monument in 1908. The 295 acres was donated by a private family becoming the 7^th National Monument of the United States. Today it is a part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area offering 6 miles of trails and is a popular location for birdwatching.

I began my visit with a stop at the Visitor’s Center to pick up a park map with detail of the trails. Cars are not permitted within the monument so I parked my rental car in the lot. Within minutes I found the trailhead to one of the paved trails and laced up my boots.

The redwood trees are home to several species of mammals and birds to include spotted owls, pileated woodpeckers, chipmunks, grey squirrels, bears and bats. I continued along the trail in anticipation in hopes of catching of glimpse of one or two, preferably a bear or a bat.

Muir Woods National Monument was a well-needed stop on my way traveling north and I thoroughly enjoyed the visit. If the owners of the land had not dedicated the acreage to preserve for years to come, I wonder what this land could have been? A precious resource and solitude for future visitors, Muir Woods represents the wishes of the most well-known of all conservationists, John Muir. A refuge for both humans and animals alike.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Muir Woods National Monument? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my short visit to Muir Woods National Monument and wishing you many Happy Travels.

What to See and What to Do:

Muir Woods National Monument
1 Muir Woods Rd.
Mill Valley, CA 94941
Telephone: 415 561 2850

Admission Fee: $15 per person 16 years of age and older; Children, ages 15 years and under are free.
Hours: Open daily yet the times of operation vary by season.
Amenities: Restrooms, ADA accessible, café, park maps, Visitor’s Center
Length of Visit: 1-2 hours
Tips for Your Visit: Reservations are now required for all visitors who enter the park by car. You can book your tickets in advance online. Ther are two bathrooms within the park (at entrance and near the gift shop/café. Pets and picnicking are not permitted. There is no cellular service at Muir Woods.

Where to Stay:

San Anselmo Inn
339 San Anselmo Avenue
San Anselmo, CA 92960
Telephone: 415 455 5366

Where to Eat:

Piazza D’Angelo Restaurant
22 Miller Avenue
Mill Valley, CA 94941
Phone: 415 388 2000

What to Read:

Our National Park by John Muir
Muir Woods National Monument, by John Hart

Disclosure: Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

A Day in Morro Bay

22 July 202319 April 2025

Morro Bay was one of my last stops down the Pacific Coast Highway (Route 1) before heading over to Bakersfield to meet up with some friends. This charming fishing town is most known for its large rock formation which rises 576 feet up from the harbor. Morro Rock is one of nine volcanic plugs called the Nine Sisters that stretches along California’s Central Coast. The Rock, as it is known by locals, is one of the best surfing spots, so I wanted to check it out for myself. Surfing among dolphins, sea lions and harbor seals, I had the time of my life. I was so excited to see the large population of adorable otters that make their home in Morro and couldn’t wait to explore additional sightings of these playful little mammals while immersed in this charming town.

Built as a wharf to transport dairy and food products, the Embarcadero waterfront is now a boardwalk full of locally-owned shops and restaurants. I decided to dine at the Great American Fish Company and catch another view of the otters frolicking in the sea.

With so many options on the menu, I decided to order the local back bay oysters. With a little hot sauce and horseradish, I slurped them down in seconds. I was also intrigued by the GAFCO clam steamers and having dipped them in warm butter, they were the perfect taste of saltiness and fish. Someday I will return for the ceviche, calamari (which comes highly recommended) or the local abalone (ab-ah-LOW-nee), a mild mollusk, which is also referred to as a mild tasting sea snail.

Before leaving Morro Bay, I purchased some salt water taffy at Carousel and made a trek around the base of The Rock to stretch out before leaving this beautiful place. Rock climbing at Morro Rock requires a permit to ensure the protection of the peregrine falcons that nest here. Once added to California’s Endangered Species list, there are two nesting pairs of falcons in the area.

I had an amazing adventure in Morro Bay. Having my fill of seafood, a morning of surfing, an afternoon of otter watching and my lucky box of salt water taffy, it was time for me to set out for the Central Valley.

Have you visited Morro Bay? What was your favorite experience? I would love to hear from you if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for following my short trip to The Rock and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Morro Bay

Admission Fee: Free
Hours: Open daily 24/7
Scenic View: See wildlife and surfers from Morro Rock; hike the local trails.
Length of Visit: 1 hour
Travel Tip: Bring a sweater if stopping by in the evening. The weather may include fog, so be prepared. Bring binoculars to see the peregrine falcons that nest on The Rock.

The Embarcadero

Admission Fee: Free
Hours: Varies depending on the shop/restaurant you visit
Scenic View: See wildlife near the Great American Fish Company
Length of Visit: 1 – 3 hours
Travel Tip: Bring a sweater if stopping by in the evening. The weather may include fog, so be prepared.

Where to Stay:

Inn at Morro Bay
60 State Park Road
Morro Bay, CA 93442
Telephone: 805 772 5651

Where to Eat:

Great American Fish Company
1185 Embarcadero
Morro Bay, CA 93442
Telephone: 805 772 4407

What to Eat:

Calamari
Ceviche
Fish and Chips
Local Oysters
Oyster Shooters
Steamed Clams and Mussels

What to Read:

Eyes Wide Open by Andrew Gross
Vanishing Point by Marcia Muller

Photo Guide for Morro Bay:

Photograph The Rock from Morro Creek Beach at sunrise or sunset
Morro Bay Dunes
The sea otters next to Great American Fish Company

Disclosure: Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

The Home of the Bighorn Sheep, Anza-Borrego

15 July 202319 April 2025

The Anza-Borrego Desert is one of my favorite places in Southern California to hike. Located about two hours east of San Diego, the Anza-Borrego is a perfect location to experience geological diversity as well as explore the flora and fauna of a desert environment.

First stop in Julian, CA prior to entering the Anza Borrego Park

Before reaching the entrance into the state park, I couldn’t resist a stop in charming Julian. This “one-horse” town is a welcome oasis from the long, uneventful drive from the city. Designated as a California Historical Landmark, it was once a thriving gold rush settlement in the early 1800s. My favorite place to stop is Julian Pie Company on Main Street and bring home a pie or two.

Apple trees were first brought to Julian when settlers arrived hoping to strike it rich with the gold rush. The fruit crops thrived in the fresh mountain air and Julian has since been known for its world-famous apple pies.

The origin of the park’s name, Anza-Borrego, is Spanish. Anza represents an 18^th century Spanish explorer who roamed the desert area and the word Borrego means bighorn sheep. It is the largest park in the state of California and I found myself a little lost at times, not only in its beauty, but within its wide open spaces.

There are close to 500 miles of dirt roads and over 100 miles of hiking trails. Since I was coming from San Diego, I entered the park from state route 79, passing through the Laguna Mountains.

My favorite part of the drive was watching the landscape appear in the twists and turns of my route. I pulled over to capture multiple peaks framed by the rocky hills rising up on each side of the road. The desert landscape showed only a hint of green even during my spring visit in March and I imagined that it would be extremely hot and unbearable during the summer months.

Because the park is named after the bighorn sheep, I was desperately hoping to see one. I imagined watching them climb the steep cliffs sure-footed and quick, but unfortunately, they were nowhere to be found. The park is home to animals such as the kit fox, mule deer, coyotes, red diamond rattlesnakes, roadrunners as well as jackrabbits.

Approaching the exit of the park, I wondered what types of animals lived here during prehistoric times. With a little research, I learned that paleontologists and archaeologists have uncovered evidence of large birds, sloths and cheetahs, saber-toothed cats and camels.

I could spend hours at Anza Borrego and often found myself wanting to return for a weekend camping trip. I imagined the park full of exotic animals that once roamed these desert mountains. I was somewhat disappointed that during all of the times I have visited, I had not seen any of its spectacular wildlife. There was plenty of brown vegetation and it was such a welcome site to pass the red blooming ocotillo plant. Proof that life could have actually survived here.

Is there a location that gives you the opportunity to reflect and escape? Have you visited the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park? I would love to hear about your experience here if you would kindly leave you comment in the section below! Many thanks for reading about my lovely day at Anza and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Anza-Borrego State Park
Borrego Springs, CA 92004
Telephone: 760 767 4205

Admission Fee: There is no charge for visiting Anza Borrego Desert State Park
Hours: Open daily from dawn to dusk; The visitor center is open seven days a week from 9AM to 5PM.
Amenities: Camping, hiking, biking, horseback riding, historical/cultural site, picnic areas, parking
Scenic View: The vista point provides scenic views of the park.
Length of Visit: Over 3 hours
Tips for Your Visit: February and March are the best times to visit to see the spring flowers. Cellular and internet service may be limited at times. Make sure you have plenty of water and snacks and that you fuel up your vehicle before entering the park. Because this is the desert, make sure you have plenty of sunscreen as temperatures can be very warm.

Where to Stay:

Julian Gold Rush Hotel
2032 Main Street, PO Box 1856
Julian, CA 92036
Telephone: 760 765 0201

Where to Eat:

Julian Pie Company
2225 Main Street
Julian, CA 92036
Telephone: 760 765 2449

What to Eat:

Pie, lots of pie….

What to Read:

The Anza-Borrego Desert Region: A Guide to State Park and Adjacent Areas of the Western Colorado Desert, by Diana Lindsay and Lowell Lindsay
Anza-Borrego A to Z, by Diana Lindsay
Hiking Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, by Bill Cunningham and Polly Cunningham
House of the Fox: An Art Mystery Set in California’s Anza-Borrego Desert, by Cornelia Feye

Photo Guide for the Anza-Borrego Desert:

Font’s Point for a scenic overlook of the badlands
Borrego Palm Canyon for a lovely group of palms which can be reached by A-Z’s most famous hike.
Borrego Springs, a small town located inside of the park for the stars and unusual artwork by Ricardo Breceda
Native American artwork can be seen throughout the park and it is estimated that there are over 50 major art rock sites to include Pictograph Trail in Little Blair Valley.
Ghost Mountain to see writer Marshal South’s homestead ruins.
The wildflowers of spring

Julian Lodge, Bed & Breakfast

Evidence of Fire at the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

Pacific Coast Highway Roadtrip

8 July 202319 April 2025

Having just returned from New Year’s in Las Vegas, Peter and I spent a relaxing week in San Francisco and made time to celebrate a friend’s birthday with a day of hiking and dinner in La Jolla. I was scheduled to go back to Ohio, but Peter suggested I extend my stay to include the weekend so that we could plan a road trip along the Pacific Coast Highway. We would start with a drive through the scenic towns of Santa Cruz, pass the scenic sanctuary of Big Sur and relax on our final night in Morro Bay before driving back up to San Francisco.

The charming town of Santa Cruz, translated as Holy Cross, is only 75 miles south of San Francisco and was the first stop on our PCH tour. Attracting surfers and artists, this laid-back beach community is known for its liberal activism and is home to the Resource Center for Nonviolence. We strolled along the boardwalk taking in the picturesque lagoon with its small sailboats stopping by for an afternoon lunch. Nearby attractions include the redwood forests and Monterey Bay, which is a protected marine sanctuary.

Visiting the casual coastal town of Monterey, we parked close to the pier where we enjoyed exploring the harbor, Cannery Row, San Carlos Beach Park and the world renowned aquarium. This seaside community has hosted a notable list of artists and writers who have made Monterey their muse. One of the most famous of these writers was John Steinbeck who celebrated the area of Monterey with his novels Cannery Row, East of Eden and Tortilla Flat.

Deciding at the last minute, we booked a room at the Monterey Bay Lodge realizing we needed more time to take in the fascinating attractions of this seaside village. Cannery Row is full of shops and restaurants and of course, I can’t miss a stop at Carmel Ridge Winery. The world renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium, was also a must see on our list before traveling south.

Awaking early, we found the entrance to Monterey’s 17-mile drive on this overcast day. We paid the $10 entrance fee to enter the gated community of Pebble Beach with its glorious mansions and well-manicured golf courses. Driving through the scenic loop that passes through some of the most beautiful vistas, we made a few stops to photograph the gorgeous seascapes along the California coast. Originally known as the 18-mile drive, this section of roadway was opened in 1892 to horse and carriage traffic for scenic tours and remains a major attraction for visitors to Monterey.

The relaxing trek winds through rocky outcrops with a list of interesting sites that were identified on our map. Among the several notable overlooks are the Inn at Spanish Bay, Point Joe, Bird Rock, Seal Rock and Fanshell Beach, the Lone Cypress and Pescadaro Point. We traveled the full loop route which brought us back to the Pacific Grove Gate at Sunset Drive. From there we caught the PCH, passing through Carmel-by-the-Sea.

About twenty minutes outside of Carmel, we arrived at the Bixby Bridge, a familiar landmark along the scenic highway providing entrance into Big Sur. The steel structure seemed to sprout out from the craggy rocks overlooking the Pacific Ocean standing 280 feet high. Recognized as one of the tallest single-span bridges in the world, we carefully crossed the impending concrete structure continuing south on State Route 1.

Stepping out of the car at one of the many overlooks along the route, we took a moment to enjoy the silence of our surroundings. I felt a sense of solace watching the waves crest over the scattered boulders along the coast. The air had a smell of salt and earth.

Before us was a stretch of protected seashore boasting some of the most scenic landscapes of the western coast, making it one of the most popular vacation destinations in California.

Big Sur is credited for the emergence of the “New Age” era and is the location of the first Zen monastery built outside of Asia, the Tassajara. The inspirational scenery of this location was so beautiful that it attracted movie stars and millionaires. John Kerouac immortalized Big Sur in his writings and a variety of movies were filmed here to include the 1965 film “The Sandpiper” starring Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, “Zandy’s Bride” and “The Stranger in Big Sur”.

In 1944, Orson Welles and Rita Hayworth purchased a cabin here, which is now the Nepenthe, a popular restaurant clinging to the coast about 800 feet above the coastline.

I was pleasantly surprised to learn that within Big Sur are nine state parks. Detouring off of the main byway, we entered Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. We noticed a short hike that led to a secluded waterfall that claimed to offer another unforgettable scenic overlook. The well-marked waterfall trail wove back under the roadway and opened up to an endless view of the Pacific. Soon thereafter, the waterfall eked out between two monoliths resulting in a steady stream deposited onto the light sandy beach below.

The sun was beginning to set as we passed Hearst Castle. We agreed that we would continue our drive to Morro Bay where we would be staying the last night of our weekend and would come back to the castle the next day. This would allow us a full day to explore the residence instead of a couple of hours.

Upon arriving in the immaculate seaside location of Cambria, I felt as though we were entering a quaint little town in Germany. A charming stop along the Pacific coast, we took the opportunity to walk along Moonstone Beach were we spent about an hour before departing for our final stop of the evening.

We watched the sun as it sank beneath the western sky, leaving its beautiful trademark of kaleidoscope color behind. By the time we had reached Morro, it was nightfall, so we found our hotel and turned in for the night.

Looking over the map, I noticed a couple of places we could fit in before visiting Hearst Castle and making our final departure back to San Francisco. We packed up the SUV and soon learned it was not difficult to find Morro Bay with its large rock-like formation dominating the harbor.

A sandy roadway reached the base of the monolith so we decided to check it out. Morro is the Spanish word for rock, so the naming of this “rock” would seem appropriate until we learned that this megalith is actually a volcanic plug and is one of a series known as the Nine Sisters.

One of my work colleagues overheard that I would be exploring the Pacific Coast Highway and suggested that I book a night at The Madonna Inn in the college town of San Luis Obispo. He had attended Cal Poly College of Engineering and fell in love with the town. So when we read the description of rooms at the Madonna Inn, we were intimidated by the customized themes of Love Nest, Caveman Room, Safari Room and Jungle Rock and decided that if we had time to visit, we would at least stop for a look.

Pismo Beach’s uncanny quietness seemed more like a ghost town than a vibrant beachside tourist attraction, but it may have been because we had arrived so early in the morning. Known as one of the Five Cities it had once laid claim as the “Clam Capitol of the World” because the clams were so abundant it drew thousands of clammers to the area. To commemorate this designation, Pismo hosts their yearly Clam Festival in October.

It would have been a couple of hours until the shops opened, so we agreed to make our way towards San Simeon, with our last stop at Hearst Castle. Experiencing the Pacific Coast Highway removed us from the hustle and bustle of our city lives and brought us to a place where we could once again enjoy the pure nature of coastal crags and prickly pines. I can’t wait to do it all over again.

Do you have any comments or suggestions regarding the Pacific Coast Highway and the small towns mentioned here? What was your experience taking this amazing scenic drive? I would love to hear about your favorite stops, restaurants, hotels, etc. if you would kindly leave your message in the comments section! Many Thanks and Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

The Pacific Coast Highway

Cannery Row
Monterey, CA

Carmel Ridge Winery Tasting Room
700 Cannery Row
Monterey, CA 93940
Telephone 831 324 0035

Monterey Bay Aquarium
886 Cannery Row
Monterey, CA 93940
Telephone: 831 648 4800

Admission Fee: Tickets for Adults are $49.95, Children (3 – 12, under the age of three are free): $29.95; Student (ages 13 – 17 or college ID): $39.95, and Seniors (ages 65+): $39.95
Hours: Open daily from 10AM to 5PM
Amenities: Animals & exhibits; café & restaurant, gift shops; interactive programs, daily shows and feedings, live cams and animal guides.
Scenic View: The large glass tanks provide amazing views of the fish and additional sea life.
Length of Visit: More than three hours
Tips for Your Visit: Allow yourself plenty of time to visit the aquarium. During the first month of December, the facility provides a reduced admission rate for locals, so the aquarium can be crowded at this time. Should you decide to go outside of the aquarium to explore Monterey, they will stamp your hand for re-entry. Knowledgeable docents provide additional information about the aquarium. You may want to check with AAA if you have a membership for discounted tickets.

17-Mile Drive
Pebble Beach, CA 93953

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
47555 Highway 1
Big Sur, CA 93920
Telephone: 831 667 0148

Admission Fee: $10 per day per car; camping fee is $30 per night
Hours: Open ½ hour before sunrise and ½ hour after sunset.
Amenities: Hiking trails, picnic areas, exhibits and programs, interpretive exhibits, nature & wildlife viewing.
Scenic View: An 80-foot waterfall that drops from granite cliffs into the ocean from the Overlook Trail. A panoramic view of the ocean and miles of rugged coastline is available from the higher elevations along the trails east of Highway 1.
Length of Visit: 1 – 2 hours
Tips for Your Visit: Contact the park ahead of time to see which trails are open as recently there have been several closings. Cell phone service is extremely limited in the park. Motorized aircraft are prohibited from flying below 1000 feet on the coast of Big Sur. Campfires are only permitted in the provided metal fire rings within the State Parks’ campgrounds. Firewood is available for purchase at the Pfeiffer Big Sur entrance kiosk and camp host sites for $12 per bundle and includes a firestarter.

Hearst Castle
750 Hearst Castle Road
San Simeon, CA 83452
Telephone: 800 444 4445

Admission Fee: $25 per adult and $12 per child ages 5 – 12; children under 5 are free
Hours: Open daily from 9AM to 4PM
Amenities: Several tour options available, movie theater, gardens and restaurant
Scenic View: Spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean from Hearst Castle.
Length of Visit: 2 – 3 hours or more if you have booked multiple tours.
Tips for Your Visit: Booking a tour is one of the best ways to explore Hearst Castle. The location is magical during the Christmas season as the castle is decorated for the holidays.

Where to Stay:

The Madonna Inn
100 Madonna Road
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
Telephone: 805 543 3000

Where to Eat:

Nepenthe Restaurant
48510 Highway One
Big Sur, CA
Telephone: 831 667 2345

I ordered the Rueben sandwich with thin-sliced pastrami, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing on marbled rye.

What to Eat:

Calamari
Ceviche
Fish and Chips
Local Oysters
Oyster Shooters
Steamed Clams and Mussels

What to Read:

Big Sur, by Jack Kerouac
South on Pacific Coast Highway, by Gary Paul Corcoran
California, by Kevin Starr
L.A. Noir, by John Buntin

Photo Guide to the Pacific Coast Highway in California

Bixby Bridge
Carmel-by-the-Sea beach
Garrapata State Beach for its wild calla lily valley
Hearst Castle
McWay Falls at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
Pfeiffer Beach shoreline
Point Sur Lighthouse

Entering the tunnel towards the overlook

More PCH scenery

Big Sur at Sunset

Gold Mining in Columbia, California

1 July 202319 April 2025

Planning to travel from San Francisco to Yosemite, I was excited to add Columbia State Historic Park to my itinerary. Imagining what it would have been like to live during the Gold Rush of the 1800s, I was looking forward to strolling the streets and exploring its old restored buildings.

Located off of Highway 49 near the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Columbia was once a vibrant town that drew a population of gold seekers in hopes of living the American dream. As I entered this beautifully restored historic district, I found the parking lot off of Broadway Street in close proximity to the park. The first building on my tour was the Fallon Hotel where I picked up Washington Street, a pedestrian only walkway. Following the map, I identified more than 30 buildings that existed during the California Gold Rush remaining on this site today. According to the park’s website, this is the “largest single collection of existing gold rush-era structures in the state”.

What I love about this place is that the structures are used to house various businesses acting as a working town. Unfortunately, I had arrived during the middle of the week in the fall and many of the stores had already closed for the afternoon. There were, however, some of the attractions open such as the blacksmith, an ice cream store, a saloon and a location for panning gold.

I learned from the young girl at the ice cream shop that during the summer this is an extremely busy place where people wear period costumes to re-enact how life would have been like during the Gold Rush. There are horse drawn stage coach rides and the stores and restaurants are open for business.

As I walked along the quiet streets, I came across the Columbia Museum. Unfortunately it was closed as I would have loved to have learned more about the history of this town. In addition to the museum, free tours are provided during season and on Gold Rush Days held on the second Saturday of each month year around.

Saloons were a very important part of the gold mining culture. Usually depicted in western movies as gambling joints and full of promiscuous women, the halls were a place for locals to hang out throughout the day when they took some time away from panning gold.

In 1961, the town of Columbia was declared a National Historic Landmark. Beautifully preserved and well-maintained, this location provides an in-depth look into the lives of gold miners and the hardships that they endured. What is so great about this park is that it is free. and even the guided tours are provided at no charge, so what a great reason to visit. Not to mention the opportunity to pan for gold.

Do you have a favorite historical site in the US? I would love to hear about it if you would kindly leave a comment in the section below! Many Thanks and Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Columbia State Historic Park
11255 Jackson Street
Columbia, CA 95310
Telephone: 209 588 9128

Admission Fee: There is no fee for visiting Columbia State Historic Park.
Hours: Open daily 24 hours but most businesses are open from 10AM to 5PM
Amenities: visitor center, restaurants, shopping, gold mining, hiking, guided tours, historical site, picnic areas, interpretive exhibits, museums, family programs, lodging
Scenic View: This scenic old town offers several great photographic opportunity
Length of Visit: 1 – 2 hours
Tips for Your Visit: Each month the town hosts “Gold Rush Days” on the second Saturday from 1 – 4PM.

Where to Stay:

Columbia City Hotel
Columbia State Historic Park
22768 Main Street
Columbia, CA 95310
Telephone: 209 588 9128

Where to Eat:

The Nugget Cafe
22758 Parrotts Ferry Road
Columbia, CA 95310

This restaurant is only open for breakfast. I ordered my typical breakfast of eggs, bacon, toast and side of hashbrowns. Great portion sizes and tasty meal.

Old Time Fire Engine, Columbia, California

Gold Mine in Columbia, California

Eagle Cotage at Columbia Historical Site

Columbia Gazette, California

City Hotel, Columbia, California

Hiking Cleveland National Forest in San Diego

14 August 202022 September 2024

It was a beautiful day in San Diego and I had just wrapped up a few meetings and had the remainder of the day off and set out, with my colleague, Peter to hike Cleveland National Forest. Here are some of the photos of this amazing park.

What to See and What to Do:

Cleveland National Forest
10845 Rancho Bernardo Road, Suite 200
San Diego, CA 92127
Telephone: 858 673 6180

Where to Stay:

San Diego Marriott La Jolla
4240 La Jolla Village Drive
La Jolla, CA 92037
Telephone: 858 587 1414
Website:

Where to Eat:

Nozomi La Jolla
4150 Regents Park Row
Unit 190
La Jolla, CA 92037
Telephone: 858 452 7778

My favorite menu item is the Chirashi Salad which is rice, mixed green salad, cucumber, kaiware, small cut raw fish (tuna, salmon, white fish), octopus and shrimp served with famous spicy sauce for $24.

Disclosure: Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.