Monterey is a small city nestled into the coastline at the edge of central California, two hours south of San Francisco. It's been getting a lot of attention in recent years as the perfect beachside destination, and it definitely deserves the hype!
There’s so many things to do in this charming seaside town, from walking along Fisherman’s Wharf and Cannery Row, visiting the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium, popping down to Big Sur to admire the coastline, window shopping in Carmel, viewing the sights along 17 Mile Drive, or going out onto the bay. Whatever you end up doing, you’re practically guaranteed to fall in love with this place, just as I and so many other people have.
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Miles on miles of coastline equals the perfect way to see some of the best views that California has to offer. From waterfalls and beaches to theme parks and giant trees, there’s something for absolutely everyone! Whether you stretch it out anywhere from a weekend to a few weeks, and head north to south or vice-versa, there’s no bad way to explore California’s coastline.
"Good Bye, God; I'm going to Bodie."
The ghost town of Bodie’s unofficial slogan pretty much sums up what the town was like in its heyday: a boomtown “known as the most lawless, wild, and tough mining camp in the West.” Today, Bodie State Historic Park contains the few surviving buildings of this once-thriving town, preserved as they were left in a state of “arrested decay.”
Yosemite is one of California's most famous parks, and the sixth most popular national park in the United States. It’s also, you know, incredibly gorgeous. If you decide you want to visit Yosemite, there are a few things you should know, ranging from the practical stuff to the lowdown on all the best hikes and viewpoints:
The Crowley Lake Columns are a strange, otherworldly site in the thin strip of California east of the Sierra Mountain range. These pale, natural columns along the edge of Lake Crowley look almost like the remains of an ancient temple--not the results of a volcanic explosion (check out that link to learn more about how these columns were formed).
We're not all palm trees and cool bridges, y'all (although that's definitely part of our draw). California is actually incredibly diverse; living just outside San Francisco, within an hour or two's drive I could reach the ocean, mountains, forest or desert. When the weather gets warm, there's honestly nothing better than relaxing on a beach in my sunny home state. These six beaches, scattered all along the California coast, give you a taste of every beach vibe you could be hoping for, from chill to adventurous:
This past March, I spent two days in Joshua Tree experiencing the spring super bloom, the brief time of year when California's wildflowers bloom all at once, turning the landscape into a dreamy rainbow of colors.
“In the American Southwest, I began a lifelong love affair with a pile of rock.”
So spoke Edward Abbey--and honestly? I get it. The American Southwest is full of deep canyons, red stone monuments, and awesome national parks, but there’s more to it than that. It’s a place I’ve visited a dozen times throughout my life, and which always seems to draw me back in. The dry heat, the orange earth, the smell of sagebrush and the wind across my face pulls me back time and time again. Whether you’ve never been or you’re still waiting for your next chance, the places in these photos are sure to inspire: Can I be really honest with you here? My first impression of Salton Sea was that its smell lives up to its name.
Joshua Tree has been sitting on my bucket list for about eight years now, and I finally had the opportunity to visit this spring. Its strange, prickly plants, jumbled boulders and beautiful basins make it a must-see for anyone touring southern California, and after visiting, I can safely say it’s my favorite park in SoCal (the honor of my favorite park in California still goes to Lava Beds National Monument up north). This land is breathtaking, rejuvenating, and I firmly believe everyone should have the opportunity to experience it as I did--as a place to recenter yourself, forget your worries, and get back in touch with nature.
Ready? Here’s what you need to do to have an incredible time in Joshua Tree: |
Hi, there! Call me Kris. I’m a world traveler, author and artist working to showcase the world's beauty and inspire you to find your confidence to see the world!
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