Disclosure: Channel Island Adventure Company provided the guided tour for me, all opinions are my own.

Santa Cruz Island is one of the many Channel Islands, which are located off the coast of Southern California. The island is home to stunning coastal hikes, thousands of years of history, and many great kayaking opportunities. We got a chance to do a kayaking trip with Channel Island Adventure Company in May 2023 and had a blast exploring the island’s coast and going into sea caves. Here is all the information if you want to have this experience yourself.

Getting to Santa Cruz Island

The easiest way to get to Santa Cruz Island is by ferry. There is only one ferry option, and that is Island Packers. These ferries run daily trips from Ventura Harbor.

How much does the kayak trip cost?

To kayak on the island, you must book both a guided kayaking tour and a ferry ticket. You can do both on Catalina Adventure Company’s website or add on the tour after booking your ferry ticket. You can also rent kayaks in Ventura and have them put on the boat for you, but this is only recommended if you have a lot of sea kayaking experience. As of 2023, a kayaking trip costs around $200 a person.

Kayaking on Santa Cruz Island

Santa Cruz Island is the largest of the eight Channel Islands, and it’s home to various kayaking opportunities. We opted for the Adventure Tour, and it was about 4 hours long, with an hour for getting all your gear on and getting instruction and then 3 hours on the water kayaking. 

Our guide met us right when we got off the boat and ushered us over to where we could check in and get our gear. They provide wet suits, helmets, and paddle jackets.  After getting our gear, we walked down to the beach to meet our official guide and get an orientation for how to have the best possible experience.

After that, we were on the water and encountering the stunning coast of Santa Cruz Island from an angle I had never experienced before.

Our guide led us to 7 different caves throughout our tour. Each of the caves was optional, but we did all of them.

The caves ranged from small openings that you could only go a little way into to a massive 300-foot cave with a section entirely in the dark at the end of the tour.

It was exhilarating to experience these unique caves from the water, and it is an adventure I will never forget. 

We also saw a bald eagle and tons of shorebirds while we were on the water.

If you’re looking for a unique and memorable experience, kayaking on Santa Cruz Island is the way to go. The waters are often calm (in the summer, at least), the weather is beautiful, and there are plenty of things to see along the way. Kayaking at Channel Islands National Park is an experience unlike any other in Southern California–and it shouldn’t be missed! Let me know what you think in the comments.

The post Kayaking Sea Caves on Santa Cruz Island in Channel Islands National Park appeared first on California Through My Lens.

Disclosure: This experience was provided free of charge, all opinions are my own.

Shot of Art LA is a unique art studio experience that just launched in Downtown Los Angeles. Amie and I visited the studio and took two art classes, Shooting and Spinning, and Fluid Art. We had a blast creating works of art in this fun and creative studio space. If you are looking for an unforgettable night in Los Angeles, consider visiting Shot of Art; here is all the information.

Details

• Cost: The average is around $175 for three people, depending on your chosen class (Shooting and Spinning is more).
• Open every day but Monday by appointment only.
• The weekends book up quickly, so be sure to get that in advance if you want to go. 

Shooting and Spinning Class

We arrived about 15 minutes before our scheduled class and were able to check in, sign the waivers, and take photos in the fun lobby.

When it was time to start our class with our instructor, we were guided through selecting our paint colors before being ushered into our room where we could create the art.

First up, the Shooting and Spinning class takes about 45 minutes to complete. The class starts with filling water balloons with your selected colors and then hanging those colors up over the canvas.

Then you get to use a BB gun to pop the balloons, allowing the paint to splatter on the canvas.

When all the balloons popped, the instructor spun the canvas to create a unique piece of art for us. 

Along the way, we painted and flung paint on the walls, swung on the tire swing, and just enjoyed being wild in the fun space.

Fluid Art Class

Next, we headed to the Fluid Art room, another 45-minute experience. Our instructor walked us through creating these stunning art pieces from acrylic paint, silicone, and a blow torch. 

This experience was a lot of fun, and it really felt like we were creating a beautiful piece of art on our own.

After about 2 hours, our time at Shot of Art was done, and our paintings were left to dry for four days before they could be picked up.

We had a great time on this fun date night in LA, and it is something we continue to talk about weeks after it happened. If you are looking for a fun spot, check out Shot of Art in Downtown Los Angeles and let me know what you think in the comments.

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Abbotts Lagoon, in Point Reyes National Seashore, is a stunning destination perfect for hikers, birdwatchers, and nature enthusiasts of all ages. The trail is relatively flat, easy to follow, and great for the whole family. Here is all the information on the hike, and you can read more about my favorite spots in Point Reyes National Seashore here.

Details

• 3.5 miles round trip to get to the beach and back
• No cost to visit the park
• Location: 38.12342007836279, -122.9352015754962

How to get to Abbotts Lagoon

From Inverness, you will drive about 6 miles to the trailhead parking lot off Pierce Point Road. There is a small parking area near the trailhead that can hold about 20 cars, and a restroom there as well.

History of Abbotts Lagoon

The area was once home to the Coast Miwok people, who lived along the California coast for centuries before the arrival of European explorers. In the mid-1800s, European settlers began to arrive in the area and many established ranches and farms in the region. The land surrounding Abbotts Lagoon was used for grazing cattle and sheep, and the lagoon itself was used as a source of fresh water. In the early 1900s, the federal government acquired the land around Abbotts Lagoon, and the area was designated as part of Point Reyes National Seashore in 1962. Since then, the lagoon and surrounding landscape have been protected and preserved for future generations to enjoy.

Abbotts Lagoon Trail 

The trail to Abbotts Lagoon is an easy, flat 2.3-mile round trip that takes you through beautiful coastal grasslands and marshes. Along the way, keep an eye out for wildlife such as elk, coyotes, and various bird species.

The hike is easy to follow, and it goes over a few small bridges as it traverses along the small body of water that leads into the lagoon. 

As you approach the lagoon, you’ll be greeted by stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding hills. The lagoon is a peaceful oasis with calm waters and plenty of opportunities for birdwatching.

After exploring the lagoon, consider taking a side trip to nearby Kehoe Beach, which offers miles of pristine coastline and breathtaking ocean views. Or, head up the small hill near the bridge, which gives you some of the area’s best views from a high vantage point.

Birds you can see at Abbotts Lagoon

Abbotts Lagoon is a prime location for birdwatching, with a wide variety of bird species calling the area home. Here are some of the birds you may see during your visit:

1. Great Blue Heron: This large, majestic bird can often be seen wading through the lagoon’s waters in search of fish.
2. Snowy Egret: With its striking white feathers and yellow beak, the snowy egret is a common sight in and around Abbotts Lagoon.
3. American Avocet: This distinctive shorebird has long, thin legs and a curved beak to probe the sand for food.
4. Marbled Godwit: The marbled godwit is a large, brown shorebird with a long, upturned bill. It can often be seen feeding in the mudflats along the lagoon.
5. Western Sandpiper: This small, fast-moving bird is a common sight in the area, darting back and forth along the shoreline for food.
6. Northern Harrier: This bird of prey can often be seen flying low over the grasslands surrounding the lagoon, hunting for small mammals and birds.
7. Red-tailed Hawk: Another bird of prey commonly seen in the area, the red-tailed hawk can often be seen perched on a fence post or soaring high overhead.

These are just a few bird species you may see during your visit to Abbotts Lagoon. Overall, Abbotts Lagoon is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Point Reyes National Seashore. With its stunning scenery and abundant wildlife, it’s sure to be a highlight of your trip to the park.

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Ever since I started hiking in Los Angeles, I have wanted to do a hike across the entirety of Griffith Park. This park is a staple of LA and a beautiful place to get out and explore. I have hiked many of the park’s trails over the years, but I wanted to do a hike that saw as much of the park as possible in one path. When I stumbled on the 12-peak challenge on All Trails, I figured this hike would check all the boxes and set out to try it in March 2023. This trail is challenging and unique, crossing the park and visiting most of the park’s peaks while also passing The Hollywood Sign and Griffith Observatory. I am calling it the Griffith Park Traverse in this post, and here is all the information if you want to do the hike.

Details

• You can do it as a long out and back if you follow this All Trails map, or you can do it as I did with a ride share to the start.
• With two cars or a rideshare, the trail is about seven miles with 2,000 feet of gain.
• You need to download a trail map to follow; there are only signs for a few of the trails.

Getting There and Logistics

We arrived early on a weekday (6:45 AM) and parked at the parking lot for the Merry Go Round in Griffith Park. From there, we called an Uber and took it to the Wonder View Trailhead, where the hike to the Wisdom Tree starts. This was about an $18 ride and took 15-20 minutes. From here, we started the trail and hiked through the park back to our car.

The Griffith Park Traverse

Leaving from our drop-off point, we headed up through the neighborhood to the trailhead. You cannot get dropped off right next to the mountain, and you must walk up through the neighborhood to the start of the trail.

From the official trailhead, the trail climbs about 600 feet in a half mile. The gain here is on a series of switchbacks, and it gives you great views over the city as you continue to climb up.

The wildflowers were blooming while we hiked, making for a very colorful day on the trail.

Peak 1 – Burbank Peak

Eventually, we made it up to the American Flag and the Wisdom Tree, which marks the summit of Burbank Peak, our first peak on this trail.

After hanging out for a bit, we started walking the ridge line toward our next peak.

Peak 2 – Cahuenga Peak

The next peak is a short quarter mile from the first, and it is relatively easy with a gradual climb up to the top. Your views will be a little blocked, but there is a marker you can see before continuing on.

Peak 3 – Mt Lee

As you descend toward Mt Lee, you will reach the first of a few sketchier parts of the trail. This one is easy to navigate but can be slippery and requires a small scramble down.

The trail also has a steep uphill here before you get your first side views of the sign and will descend to the paved road that takes you to Mt Lee.

Be sure to go to the top of the small hill to get a good view of The Hollywood Sign from behind. 

Peak 4 – Mt Chapel

It is about a mile walk from Mt Lee to Mt Chapel. Half of this walk is on the paved road before it heads off to the left on a dirt spur.

The spur trail will take you up to Mt Chapel, and as you get closer to the summit, the trail is steep and was pretty overgrown when we were there. 

You will have good views from Mt Chapel back towards Mt Lee and Cahuenga Peak.

Peak 5 – Baby Bell

The descent from Mt Chapel is steep and slippery but not technically challenging.  You will reach a dirt road and almost immediately leave it to head out on a small track again. 

This path was easily one of the most overgrown, and you can tell it doesn’t get much traffic. I don’t know if this counts as a peak as it doesn’t show up on the map, but All Trails says it is. We only stayed briefly at the top; there was no marker, so we just went down the other side. 

Peak 6 – Mt Bell

Mt Bell was next, and it was very close to Baby Bell. The trail is a pretty steep single track. It was overgrown, and there were many sections where you had to get small to get under some of the tree branches. 

Eventually, we reached the top and could see Taco Peak and Mt Hollywood in front of us. The descent here was steep but not too bad, and eventually, we were back on the dirt path.

Peak 7 – Taco Peak

Almost immediately, a spur trail heads off to the right and up to Taco Peak. This is easier than the previous climbs as it is a short hike up to the top and not too steep.

From the summit, there is a large circular cement base for something, but I don’t know what it was used for.

The descent from here follows a steel pipe and is not too bad.

Peak 8 – Mt Hollywood

The hike to Mt Hollywood is one of the easiest of the day. You will hike a quarter of a mile on a wide dirt road to the summit. The views are great towards the Hollywood Sign and the trail you have already done.

This is where you will encounter many other people, as the hike up to Mt Hollywood is very popular.

The views from Mt Hollywood are amazing, looking down on Griffith Park, towards the Hollywood Sign, and over to Downtown LA.

Optional Excursion – Dante’s View

You will pass Dante’s View as you head down from Mt Hollywood on the Hogback Trail.

Dant’s View feels like a hidden garden with many flowering plants and shade. If you are looking for an excellent spot to sit and have lunch, this is undoubtedly a good one.

Peak 9 – Hogback Peak

Following the Hogback Trail, you will head up to another “peak.” I couldn’t find this one on the map, but it is in All Trails.

The peak is only a 2-minute walk off the main trail, so it is easy to go up to the top of it, and it has some great views, but there is no summit marker.

Peak 10 – Glendale Peak

Heading down from Hogback, it is all downhill on a relatively easy dirt path. The views are great here and hiking along the ridge line was fun. You will see a bridge near the split for the peak, which you can walk across to continue the hike.

I was surprised to see the bridge, but it was nice not to descend down the steep section and simply walk across.

After the bridge, the trail splits off to Glendale Peak. There are a few switchbacks, but getting to the top is relatively easy. There were a lot of wildflowers here too, which were beautiful.

I highly recommend you go back the way you came and connect with the dirt path around Glendale Peak from here. If you don’t and continue straight, you will reach the sketchiest part of the trail, about a 15-20 foot scramble with slippery sand and lots of opportunity to slip and hurt yourself as you try to find the best way down.

Peak 11 – Beacon Hill

After descending, you will connect with a paved and dirt path that crosses a popular viewpoint towards Downtown LA.

The trail from here is about a mile as you gradually descend toward Beacon Hill.

When you reach the base of Beacon Hill, it is a steep 100-foot hike up to the summit. 

From the summit, the views are mostly blocked, but it is cool to see the freeway below you and know that you hiked across Griffith Park.

Leaving Beacon Hill, a small spur will take you back to the parking area. It is unmarked, so use your All Trails download to find it.

This path descends back to the parking area, and it is somewhat steep, with lots of rocks along the trail. It is not complicated, but you must watch your footing as you go down.

This trail will dump you out across the street from where you parked, completing the Griffith Park Traverse. This traverse of Griffith park is a fantastic trail and one of the best in LA. Be sure to note some of the steep sections above, and let me know what you think if you do it!

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Point Reyes National Seashore is one of the most beautiful places in California. The park protects miles of stunning coastline, tons of wildlife and dozens of great hiking trails. While every trip to Point Reyes is different, I wanted to make this guide to help you plan a great visit to the national seashore. These are some of my favorite places to visit in Point Reyes, and should help you have a fun day in the park. I have a lot more recommendations in this Point Reyes Guide though if you want to go deeper. Anyways, here is my recommendation for a great day in Point Reyes National Seashore.

Details

• The park is free to enter
• The closest town for hotels is San Rafael. AirBnBs are available in Point Reyes Station though
• Cell coverage is very limited in the park

Point Reyes National Seashore Itinerary

8:00 am – Breakfast at Bovine Bakery

Start your day with a delicious pastry or coffee from Bovine Bakery, located in the town of Point Reyes Station. This popular bakery offers a variety of sweet and savory treats made with high-quality ingredients.

9:30 am – Hike to Chimney Rock

After breakfast, head to the Chimney Rock Trailhead to hike to Chimney Rock. The trail is a relatively easy 1.75-mile round trip hike that offers stunning views of the coastline and the opportunity to spot whales and other wildlife.

11:00 am – Visit Point Reyes Lighthouse

After your hike, drive to the Point Reyes Lighthouse to explore the historic site and take in the beautiful views of the ocean. Be sure to check the lighthouse schedule before you go as it is only open limited days and hours.

12:30 pm – Point Reyes Shipwreck

Located behind the Inverness Store, the Point Reyes Shipwreck is a quick 5 minute walk to see this famous ship. Point Reyes Shipwreck is one of the most popular photography spots in the park and a place I always go back to when I visit. Note that sometimes the water level makes crossing over to the ship difficult.

1:00 pm – Lunch at Inverness Park Market

After visiting the lighthouse, stop by the Inverness Park Market for a delicious deli sandwich or salad. The market offers a variety of options, including vegetarian and gluten-free choices. I highly recommend the Ruben sandwich.

2:00 pm – Explore Drakes Beach

After lunch, drive to Drakes Beach to explore the scenic coastline and relax on the sand. You can also visit the nearby Kenneth C. Patrick Visitor Center to learn more about the area’s natural and cultural history.

4:00 pm – See the Cypress Tree Tunnel

After visiting Drakes Beach, head to the Cypress Tree Tunnel. There are not signs for it, but you can’t miss it as there are not many trees on Point Reyes and you can see this line of trees in the distance as you approach. Parking is on the side of the road right next to the trees.

5:00 pm – Sunset at North Beach

After the tree tunnel, head to North Beach to watch the sunset. North Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Point Reyes National Seashore and it faces the setting sun so it is a great spot to sit and relax at the end of a long day in the park.

6:30 pm – Dinner at Cafe Reyes

End your day with a delicious dinner at Cafe Reyes, located in the town of Point Reyes Station. This cozy restaurant features wood fired pizza, local oysters and a strong beer and wine menu.

I hope you enjoyed this trip to Point Reyes National Seashore, one of my favorite places in California. Let me know if you have any tweaks or suggestions in the comments!

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The Marin French Cheese Company is a historic creamery, located just a short drive north of San Francisco and is a must-visit destination for cheese lovers of all ages. The Marin French Cheese Company has been producing artisanal cheeses since 1865, making it the oldest continually operating cheese company in the United States. The cheese shop sits on a beautiful property with a pond and many tables that you can sit on to indulge in some cheese and crackers. I had a blast visiting with my young children, who loved exploring the pond and finding rocks to throw in. If you are looking for an escape from the Bay Area for a few hours then check out this spot, here is all the information.

Details

• Cost: Free to visit, cheese start at $10
• Hours: Most days from 9 AM – 5 PM
• Location: 7510 Pt. Reyes – Petaluma Rd, Petaluma, CA 94952

Getting There

Marin French Cheese Company is located about 15 minutes from Petaluma on Petaluma Road, on the drive out to Point Reyes National Seashore. You can’t miss it as it is on the right hand side and there is a large parking lot next to the pond and shop.

Marin French Cheese Company

Marin French Cheese Company is not currently offering tours of the creamery, but you can explore the small shop and grounds.

Of course, the highlight of any visit to the Marin French Cheese Company is the cheese tasting. You’ll have the opportunity to sample a variety of cheeses, from soft and creamy brie to tangy and flavorful blues. The creamery also offers a selection of gourmet foods and locally sourced products, making it the perfect stop for a picnic lunch or a snack on the go.

But the Marin French Cheese Company is more than just a creamery. The grounds surrounding the creamery are also worth exploring, with plenty of picnic tables and scenic views of the surrounding countryside. I recommend grabbing some cheese and some crackers and taking them out to the picnic tables to enjoy in the Northern California sun.

History

The Marin French Cheese Company has a rich history dating back over 150 years. The creamery was founded in 1865 by Jefferson Thompson, who had immigrated to California from France in the mid-1800s. Thompson had a passion for cheese-making, and saw an opportunity to create high-quality, artisanal cheeses in the fertile dairy country of Northern California. In its early years, the creamery produced a variety of cheeses, including cheddar, Swiss, and gouda. However, it was the company’s brie that really put it on the map. The creamy brie was an instant hit, and soon became one of the most popular cheeses in the region. Over the years, the Marin French Cheese Company has weathered many challenges, including earthquakes, fires, and economic downturns. However, the creamery has always remained committed to producing high-quality, handcrafted cheeses using traditional methods.

Whether you’re a cheese aficionado or just looking for a fun and educational activity in Northern California, the Marin French Cheese Company is a destination you won’t want to miss. With its rich history, beautiful surroundings, and delicious cheeses, it’s a true gem of the Bay Area.

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The historic Lick Observatory, located on the summit of Mount Hamilton in Northern California, is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in astronomy, science, or just stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Getting to the Lick Observatory is half the fun. The drive up to the summit is a winding, scenic road that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and valleys. Once you reach the summit, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the Bay Area and beyond, plus a beautiful observatory you can explore. The observatory was paid for by James Lick, a wealthy businessman, and philanthropist who left a large sum of money in his will to fund the construction of an observatory. Today, the Lick Observatory is operated by the University of California and is home to a wide variety of research telescopes and instruments. Here is all the information on a visit to this historic spot.

Details

• Free
• Hours: Saturday and Sunday 12 PM – 5 PM
• The road to the top takes a lot longer than you would think.
• This information is from my visit in February 2023

Getting There

The drive up to the observatory is certainly not for those that are afraid of narrow roads with big drops on one side. It is only 15 miles or so from San Jose but it takes a full hour as the drive is so narrow and windy that you have to go slow. Once you make it to the top, there is parking you can take advantage of as you explore the observatory.

Lick Observatory

During your visit to the Lick Observatory, you’ll have the opportunity to tour the facilities, learn about the history of the observatory, and sometimes observe the night sky through powerful telescopes (check their website for these events).

I highly recommend going on a day where they have viewings of the historic refractor telescope (usually on the weekend). Visitors to the Lick Observatory can view the refractor telescope as part of a guided tour or observation session. The telescope is housed in a massive dome that is nearly 100 feet tall, and visitors can see the intricate mechanisms and massive gears that allow the telescope to move and track objects in the night sky.

This short 30 minute talk was the highlight of my visit as it gave me a lot of information about the historic telescope, once the largest refractor in the world. Here is some more information on the telescope’s fascinating history.

The refractor telescope at the Lick Observatory is one of the most iconic and historically significant telescopes in the world. This massive telescope, which has a lens diameter of 36 inches, was completed in 1888, eight years after construction began.

The construction of the refractor telescope was a monumental undertaking. The lens, which was manufactured in France, weighed over 4,000 pounds and was transported to California by ship and train. Once the lens arrived at the summit of Mount Hamilton, primarily via horse and carriage, it was mounted in a massive steel tube that was over 57 feet long and weighed nearly 30 tons. Despite the immense size and weight of the telescope, it proved to be a remarkable instrument for observing the night sky. In the years following its completion, the refractor telescope was used to make groundbreaking discoveries in astronomy.

After seeing the telescope, be sure to take the short hike over to the newer telescope they have at the observatory. You can enter the ground floor here and see the gigantic telescope through the glass.

There are also many information plaques and even a short movie that tells you more about it. After spending some time there, you can walk back to your car and begin the sketchy drive back to San Jose on the narrow, windy road.

Whether you’re a serious astronomer or just looking for a fun and educational activity in Northern California, the Lick Observatory is a destination you won’t want to miss. With its rich history, stunning views, and world-class research facilities, it’s a true gem of the Bay Area.

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Mount Umunhum is a prominent mountain peak located in the Santa Cruz Mountains. It is well known for the large rectangular building you can see from all over Silicon Valley up the hill. The mountain is accessed via a 45-minute drive from Downtown San Jose, which will take you to the top. You can also park below the mountain and hike to the summit, but I always have trouble getting myself to hike to a summit I can drive to. It is a fantastic adventure in San Jose, and here is all the information.

Details

• Free to visit
• You can hike to the top if you want, more information on the hike here
• The drive is long and windy to the top

History

In the mid-20th century, Mount Umunhum was acquired by the United States Air Force and was used as a radar station during the Cold War. The summit was crowned with a large white radar tower, which became a landmark visible from miles away. However, the station was decommissioned in 1980, and the tower was dismantled in 2017.

In 1986, the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District acquired the land from the Air Force and began efforts to restore the mountain’s natural habitat. The summit was reopened to the public in 2017, after the removal of the radar tower and a massive restoration effort that involved removing military buildings, concrete pads, and underground fuel tanks. Today, Mount Umunhum is a popular destination for hikers, birdwatchers, and nature enthusiasts. The mountaintop features an observation deck, and several hiking trails that offer panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Getting There

From San Jose, it takes about 45 minutes to drive up to the summit of Mount Umunhum. This is a windy drive and one that you have to take slow on the way up and the way down.

Mount Umunhum

When you get to the top, there is a large parking area that you can utilize and the views over San Jose and the Silicon Valley are stunning. 

You will have to walk up about 6 flights of stairs to the hiking trail that takes you down to the old radio building.

Once there, you will find plaques which talk about the areas history and how it was restored to become the park you see today.

You can’t enter the building or anything so there is not much to do here other than to walk around it. That being said, it is still a fun spot and the views are spectacular.

Once you are done exploring, you will start the drive back down to the city. Overall, this is a fun adventure for a few hours with cool history and beautiful views. I really enjoyed it and I bet you will as well. Check it out and let me know what you think in the comments. You can find more spots in San Jose to explore here.

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Napa Valley is a picturesque Northern California region renowned for its beautiful vineyards, rolling hills, and exceptional wines. Located just an hour’s drive north of San Francisco, the area offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. With more than 400 wineries, Napa Valley has become a paradise for wine enthusiasts, but Napa Valley isn’t just about wine. The region’s vibrant culinary scene celebrates fresh, locally sourced ingredients. You’ll find many Michelin-starred restaurants, charming cafes, and gourmet food trucks, each offering a unique culinary experience. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or a fun-filled vacation with family and friends, Napa Valley has something to offer everyone. Here is how we recommend you spend the perfect day in Napa Valley.

Details

• Napa is expensive, plan for most everything to cost more than you would think
• All Napa wineries require reservations, be sure to book them in advance
• All cost information as of February 2023

Hotel

I recommend staying in the city of Napa. This is the most cost effective place to stay and it is easy to access the valley from Napa city. It is about 45 minutes to Calistoga which is the top of the Napa Valley and only 15-20 minutes to Yountville or St Helena. I enjoy the RiverPointe hotel myself as they have a small kitchen and one bedroom so they are a nice place to stay after a day of wine tasting.

Napa Valley Itinerary

8:00 am – Breakfast and Coffee at Model Bakery

Start your day with a delicious breakfast and a cup of coffee at the Model Bakery in Napa. This bakery is famous for its English muffins and they are worth waiting in line for. Plus, the multiple flavors or jam they have are always a hit as well.

• Cost: $5-10 for a coffee and pastry

9:00 am (two options) – Hot air balloon ride or the Old Faithful Geyser in Calistoga

Option 1 – Take a hot air balloon ride over Napa Valley and experience the breathtaking views of the vineyards and hills. Balloons Above the Valley and Napa Valley Balloons are two of the most popular balloon ride companies in the area and the views from up there are spectacular.

• Cost: Typically around $300 a person

Option 2 – Drive up to Calistoga and see the Old Faithful Geyser, which erupts every 30 minutes to 2 hours. While you wait, you can also enjoy the park’s gardens, small museum, swings and farm animals. It is an especially great stop for families.

• Cost: $15 for adults

11:00 am – Castello di Amorosa Tour and Wine Tasting

Visit Castello di Amorosa, a 13th-century Tuscan-style castle and winery. Take a tour of the castle and its underground wine cellars, and enjoy a tasting of their award-winning wines. There are over 100 rooms in the castle, which includes everything from a wine cave to a medieval torture chamber. It is not an experience to miss in the Napa Valley.

• Cost: Tour and tastings start at $50

12:30 pm – Lunch at Gott’s Roadside

For lunch, visit Gott’s Roadside, which is a casual restaurant that serves gourmet burgers, salads, and shakes made with locally sourced ingredients. It is located right in the middle of the Napa Valley in St Helena and it is a popular lunch spot, so it can be very busy. I recommend any of the burgers.

• Cost: $20-25 for a burger, fries and a drink

2:00 pm (two options) – Wine Tasting

Option 1 – Visit V. Sattui Winery, which is one of the oldest wineries in Napa Valley and a great spot with a relaxed atmosphere and an amazing deli (if you want to just have lunch here you can). Be sure to book your tasting in advance as it often fills up.

• Cost: Tastings start at $45

Option 2 – Visit Frog’s Leap Winery, which is known for its organic and sustainable farming practices. The tasting room is housed in a charming farmhouse, and the winery offers a variety of wines, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Sauvignon Blanc. It is great for a tasting and for strolling their beautiful garden.

• Cost: Tastings start at $45

4:00 pm – Downtown Napa Riverwalk

Head back to Napa city and park the car to spend some time walking along the river. Downtown Napa is full of great restaurants, shops, wine tasting rooms and even a 9/11 Memorial. It is a beautiful place for a stroll before heading to dinner.

6:00 pm (two options) – Dinner

Option 1 – Head to the Oxbow Public Market, which is a foodie’s paradise. It offers a variety of dining options, including fresh seafood, barbecue, tacos, and sandwiches. One of my favorite spots in Hog Island Oyster Company, which has some of the best oysters around, but you can’t go wrong with anything you find there.

• Cost: Depends on where you eat but I would plan on a minimum of $20 a person

Option 2 – Ad Hoc in St Helena is probably my favorite restaurant I have been to in the Napa Valley. It is a prefix menu that changes every day, but the food is always amazing and I love the family style way it is served for the table to share. You need reservations in advance for this one but it has always been great when I have visited.

• Cost: $64 a person for the tasting (add-ons and drinks additional)

9:00 pm – Nightcap

End your perfect day with a nightcap at the Sky & Vine Rooftop Bar in downtown Napa. It offers a great selection of cocktails and wines, along with stunning views of the valley.

Let me know what you would add to this list and you can explore more Napa Valley spots in this post.

The post How to spend the perfect 24 hours in Napa Valley (Full Itinerary + Costs) appeared first on California Through My Lens.

San Jose is the largest city in Northern California and full of fun adventures. It’s by no means as popular for tourists as San Francisco, but if you’re willing to look beyond the surface, it has a lot of hidden gems waiting to be explored. This post collects many of my favorite places in the city, including a haunted house, many different tech museum, art installations and even the world’s first mountain observatory. Check it out and let me know what your favorite spot is in San Jose in the comments!

Winchester Mystery House

The Winchester Mystery House is a peculiar mansion that was built by Sarah Winchester, who was convinced that she was cursed by the ghosts of those who had been killed by Winchester rifles and could never stop building the house. The house features confusing designs, secret passageways, doors that lead to nowhere, and multiple floors. It is a fascinating experience in San Jose and one that everyone should experience once.

Children’s Discovery Museum

The Children’s Discovery Museum is an interactive museum with over 28,000 square feet of exhibits that encourages children to learn through play. It is one of the best children’s museums I have ever seen, with full cars kids can climb in, an impressive water play area, and a half acre of outdoor space to explore. The museum states that the activities are designed to promote creativity, imagination, and exploration. My children loved it.

Municipal Rose Garden

The Municipal Rose Garden is a beautiful garden that houses over 4,000 rose bushes of varying species. It is a popular spot for weddings, picnics, and other events and a stunning area to stroll when the flowers are in bloom and even when they are not. I have never been here when the flowers bloomed, but I still love watching the sunset and just walking around the garden.

Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph

The Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph is a historic basilica in downtown San Jose, the first non-mission church built in California. It is the oldest parish in San Jose and features stunning stained glass windows, a pipe organ, and ornate architecture. It is actually the fifth church in this location, as earthquakes and fires destroyed the other.

Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum

The Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum features an extensive collection of Egyptian artifacts and exhibits. It is one of the few museums in the world dedicated solely to ancient Egypt and is one of my favorite stops in San Jose. The museum has many reconstructions of famous Egyptian works and a full tomb you can explore. Even if you don’t enjoy museums, this is not one to miss.

Santana Row

Santana Row is a trendy outdoor shopping and dining district offering various high-end shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. It is a meeting place in San Jose, and the main street that runs through the outdoor mall is closed to drivers and walkable for pedestrians. Plus, the market lights that line the streets make it a wonderful place to stroll at night.

The Tech Interactive

The Tech Interactive showcases the history of technology through many different mediums. It is excellent for the whole family, especially those with older children, as it has interactive exhibits and displays that are designed to educate and inspire visitors. I loved walking around this museum and could have easily spent half a day there.

Monopoly in the Park

Monopoly in the Park is a life-sized version of the classic board game right in the middle of downtown San Jose. The Monopoly board is 930 square feet, and it is actually playable if you want to book a time to experience it with friends online. It is fun to see for a few minutes after visiting the children’s museum, and it is a Guinness book of world records holder for the largest permanent monopoly board.

Sonic Runway

Sonic Runway is an interactive art installation outside city hall. It is a tunnel of lights and sound that responds to the music playing and is 432 feet long with 25 arches. It is a blast for the whole family to see at night one of the more unique outdoor art installations I have seen in California.

Japantown

Japantown is a historic neighborhood located in San Jose and one of three remaining Japantowns in the USA. It features traditional Japanese architecture, restaurants, and shops with historical plaques that tell you about the area as you explore. Anthony Bourdain even visited here to eat at Minato for No Reservations, and the Aloha Poke place is perfect if you like that type of food.

Lick Observatory

The Lick Observatory is an astronomical observatory located on the summit of Mount Hamilton, about an hour outside of downtown San Jose. It features several telescopes and is open to the public for tours and stargazing. This historic observatory was built in 1880, with all materials having to be brought up by horse and carriage. The original telescope was the largest refractor telescope in the world when it was built, and it was responsible for many scientific discoveries throughout the early 1900s. It is one of the best things I did in San Jose, but the drive up to the summit is a little scary.

Los Gatos Creek Trail

The Los Gatos Creek Trail is a 9 and a half mile scenic trail that runs through San Jose and Los Gatos. It is popular with walkers, joggers, and cyclists and offers beautiful views of the surrounding area. It is a great way to be active in San Jose, and if you are looking for a good jumping off point, one of the best areas to explore the trail is at Los Gatos Creek County Park.

San Jose Flea Market

The San Jose Flea Market is one of the largest open-air markets in the country. It features over 800 vendors each week, offering a wide range of goods. The Farmers Market portion is about a quarter mile long, and there are many places to eat, small green spaces to explore, and even a few amusement park rides. The market is a maze with so much to see and experience while you are there.

Happy Hollow Park and Zoo

Happy Hollow Park and Zoo is a family-friendly zoo and mini amusement park that offers a variety of rides, animal exhibits, and play areas. The zoo is tiny, with only a dozen or so animals, but the play areas around the park are great, and the rides are included with the ticket price. This spot is only for those with younger children, but you will probably have a blast if you have younger children. A good stop in San Jose with small children.

History Park

History Park is located near Happy Hollow Zoo and the Japanese Gardens in Kelly Park. It features buildings and exhibits that depict life in the Santa Clara Valley during the late 1800s. Visitors can step back in time and see how people lived and worked during that period, with a few different museums and houses open on specific days. Plus, you can ride a historic trolly on the weekends as well. It is a fun and free stop in the city.

Intel Museum

The Intel Museum is located at the Intel headquarters in Santa Clara and showcases the history of the world-renowned company and how it built its semiconductor chips. The museum is open on weekdays and is free to visit. I was impressed by how interactive it was, and it is an excellent stop for 45 minutes with families or by yourself. While the museum is small, it has some fantastic exhibits, and there is a shop where you can buy souvenirs from your visit. 

What would you add to this list? Be sure to leave it in the comments!

The post 16 Things to do in San Jose appeared first on California Through My Lens.

The Griffith Park area of Los Angeles is a true natural gem in the city and one that draws countless locals and tourists alike to hike its many trails every day. There are many hiking trails in Griffith Park, like Amir’s Garden and the Hollywood Sign, but the Ferndell Trail is one of the most beautiful and scenic. You can do this hike as a short half-mile family-friendly trail or go up to Griffith Observatory for a more challenging hike. Here is all the information on both.

Details

• .5 miles roundtrip through Ferndell and back 
• 2.6 miles to Griffith Observatory and back with 600 feet of elevation
• Free street parking

Getting There

You will want to enter the park at the entrance on the corner of Los Feliz Blvd and Ferndell Drive. As soon as you enter, you can look for parking along the street. On a weekday, it is not usually too bad but on a weekend it fills up quick.

Ferndell Trail

After parking, you will head across the street to the entrance of Ferndell. Here you are whisked away into a stunning area of ferns, shade, and even a small creek.

The trail is relatively flat, with multiple bridges that cross the creek as you proceed through Ferndell. 

I love how this spot always feels like you have left Los Angeles, and the people I meet on the trail always seem to enjoy it as much as I do. 

The trail parallels the creek as you continue up, crossing more bridges and passing benches where you can sit and relax if you need to.

Eventually, the trail will pass out of the gates that lock at night and exit the Ferndell area. From here, you can walk back the way you came, let your kids play on the big playground or make your way up to Griffith Observatory.

Griffith Observatory Trail

If you decide to continue, the trail is basically a wide dirt road with no shade as you make your way up. 

It is also steep, but it is not too bad and you get views of the observatory the entire way.

The trail slowly winds up dirt road switchbacks until it gets to a viewpoint with a bench and views of Downtown LA. This is a great place to relax, but you can continue on to the Observatory which is right behind you.

After another small hill, you will make it to Griffith Observatory. Here you can relax on the lawn or explore the observatory if it is open. Then when you are done, simply make the walk back down through Ferndell to your car.

Overall, this is a fantastic hike in a beautiful area of Los Angeles. Check it out and let me know what you think in the comments. 

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Big Bear is a great city to explore and a place I love to spend a weekend away during the year. While the city is full of hikes, restaurants, and shops, I always find myself coming back to Boulder Bay Park for a fun area for my kids to run around and a stunning place to catch a sunset in the city. While it is tiny and only has a small parking lot, it never seems to busy, and if you are looking for a great place for sunset photography in the city, this is somewhere you should visit. Here is all the information.

Details

• Free
• 20 or so parking spots
• Can get busy on the weekends.
• Not a direct sunset shot but often gets a great glow

Getting There

Boulder Bay Park is located right off Big Bear Blvd in the western part of the city. If you come up from Los Angeles, you will likely drive right by it as you make your way into downtown Big Bear. Once you pull in, there are 20 or so parking spots that are free to use.

The Park

The park has a small walking trail that takes you around the grass area. There is also a set of picnic benches under an awning on the park’s west side.

Right in the middle, a walkway takes you down to a dock that sits on the water. This is a fun place to walk down to and a great spot for photos with the island in front of you.

Sunset Photography at Boulder Bay

If I photograph the sunset here, I usually get there about an hour before sunset, walk around to see what shots I want to get, and research where the sun will go down.

I usually photograph the walkway to the dock with the island behind it or go out on the dock itself and photograph the island.

It is a small area, so there are only a few different shots to get but I am always happy with my time watching the sunset here. Check it out if you are in Big Bear and looking for a fun place for photography, and you can see the rest of my favorite places in Big Bear here. 

The post Boulder Bay Park: An Amazing, Little Known Spot In Big Bear appeared first on California Through My Lens.

The Anderson Valley is a fun and historic area about 2 and a half hours from San Francisco that features wineries, redwood hikes, historic hotels and decadent restaurants. My wife and I spent the weekend there and fell in love with this relaxed and special part of the state. Here is all the information on our time there and you can watch the video below to see the full adventure we had in the Anderson Valley. This trip was sponsored by Maggy Hawk, all opinions are my own.

Details

• 2.5 hours from the Bay Area
• Only a few hotels there so book in advance
• Book winery tastings and restaurants in advance if you are going on the weekend.
• Many spots closed during the week as this area is more known as a weekend destination.

Getting There

To get to the Anderson Valley, you will take Highway 101 from the Bay Area and make your way past Santa Rosa and Healdsburg to Highway 128, which heads towards the coast and Mendocino. After about 40 minutes of driving you will arrive at the tiny town of Boonville and be right in the middle of the Anderson Valley.

Anderson Valley Video

Here is a video I made during my time in the Anderson Valley.

Anderson Valley Attractions

Here are some of my favorite stops in the Anderson Valley

Restaurants

Boonville Hotel

This is the best place I ate during my trip and one of the best meals I have had in a long time. The 5 course meal was pricey but the chef here was one of the youngest chefs to ever get a Michelin star when he worked in the city and so you know the food is fantastic.

Boonville General Store

Great spot for a quick lunch or to grab a sandwich to take on the road. Great sandwiches, coffee and teas. 

Disco Ranch

Disco Ranch is a market with wine and snack that also has a great collection of fancy finger foods. We had duck sliders, smoked salmon and a great beet salad here that we took to eat on our hike.

Wickson

This is a new wood fired restaurant at the Madrones and it makes some unique dishes unlike what you would normally find at a wood fired restaurant, such as a seafood stew in a copper kettle pot.

Drinks

Maggy Hawk Winery

Maggy Hawk is the winery I worked with on my visit and I really enjoyed the wines there. They have a beautiful tasting room with bocce ball and lots of tables.

Anderson Valley Brewery

If you are looking for beer, this is the spot for you. It is situated on a massive 30 acre plot of land and it has frisbee golf, concerts on the weekends and lots of beer to try.

Gowan’s Heirloom Cider

If you are a fan of cider, this is a not to miss spot. I didn’t care much for cider before I came here but I really loved the different options they had and even took some home with me.

Hikes

Hendy Woods State Park

This state park is a hidden gem as it has better trees than Muir Woods with a fraction of the people. There are a few short trails here that take you through the groves and it is a fantastic place for a hike.

Farms

Penny Royal Goat Farm

Right in Boonville, Penny Royal Farm is a goat farm that is producing award winning cheeses. You can tour the farm and interact with the goats, which is a blast on its own. Then at the end you can try some of the awesome cheeses they make here.

Gowen Oak Tree Fruit Stand

This is a great spot to stop for some fresh fruit on your drive through Anderson Valley. The building has been here for decades and they have more apple varieties then you can imagine.

The Apple Farm

This is another fantastic fruit stand which is cash only and honor system. You pay for what you want and take it with you, there are no workers there. The apples here were delicious and both my wife and I loved it. 

So there you have it, some of my favorite places in the Anderson Valley. Let me know if you have been to the area and if you have a spot I missed in the comments!

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The Mt Shasta area of California is surrounded by stunning natural wonders ranging from volcanos and lakes to waterfalls. I thought it would be fun to go on a one day road trip and see as many waterfalls as I could in one day. While you could push this and include more (there are more in the area for sure), this itinerary gives you a good introduction into northern California waterfalls without taking too much time. Plus it will show you two of my favorite waterfalls in the state, Burney Falls and Middle McCloud Falls. Here is all the information and let me know what your favorite waterfall is in the comments. 

Video

Here is a video I made of the road trip.

Details

• About 160 miles round trip of driving
• 4-5 miles of hiking (you can see half without any real hiking though)
• Fee to see Burney Falls, the rest are free

The 6 Waterfall Road Trip

To do this adventure, I spent the night in Mt Shasta and the trip begins and ends there. If you start in the morning like I did, grab breakfast at Seven Sons or Yaks Shack. Both are great breakfast / coffee shops in Mt Shasta.

Waterfall 1 – Faery Falls

Faery Falls is located 10 minutes from downtown Mt Shasta and the hike is about 1.2 miles round trip. It feels remote as you take a dirt road to access the trailhead and there are no real signs. The falls is worth it though as it is stunning. Here is all the information on doing the hike to Faery Falls.

Waterfall 2 – Hedge Creek Falls

From Faery Falls, it is about 15 minutes to drive to the Hedge Creek Falls trailhead in the town of Dunsmuir. This hike is less than a half mile round trip, but it is steep with a couple switchbacks that take you down tot the falls. The waterfall is beautiful, and it has a trail that takes you behind the falls for a unique view. You can also do this trail at the end if you want to go to Yaks on the 5 for dinner after doing all the waterfalls. Read more about hiking to Hedge Creek Falls here.

Waterfall 3, 4 & 5 – Lower, Middle and Upper McCloud Falls

Driving 20 minutes from Hedge Creek will get you to the town of McCloud and a series of three waterfalls along the McCloud River. You can hike all three of these on a 4.5 mile round trip hike, or you can just drive to each and go to an overlook. Here are each of the falls.

Lower Falls

The overlook here is right next to the parking area, or you can walk down to the rocks and get closer to the falls for a photo.

Middle Falls

This one has a high overlook near the parking lot that looks down on the waterfall. It is a stunning view to see the falls like this but it is even better from the base. It is about a mile round trip and it drops and gains a decent amount of elevation to get to the bottom though so many people just elect to take it in from the overlook. 

Upper Falls

This is the last waterfall you can see and it is another one that you simply do a short walk from the parking area to the overlook. There are multiple overlooks so you can see both the falls and the river from different angles. Read more about all of the McCloud Waterfalls here.

Waterfall 6 – MacArthur – Burney Falls

MacArthur Burney Falls is probably my favorite waterfall in the state of California. It is stunning to see such an amazing natural wonder and it was once called one of the 8 wonders of the world by Theodore Roosevelt. You can take it in from the overlook right next to the parking area, or hike down on a half mile round trip trail to the base. This trail is a little steep on the way up but this is a waterfall you want to experience from the base. There is an optional loop that allows you to hike more of the state park if you are interested in extending the trip as well.

After finishing Burney Fall, it is about 55 minutes back to Mt Shasta, completing your epic one day waterfall road trip. Let me know if you do it in the comments and what you think. You can see more Siskiyou County hiking recommendations in this post as well.

The post Road Trip 6 Waterfalls in One Day in the Mt Shasta Area appeared first on California Through My Lens.

Pacific Coast Highway is a bucket list road trip that people from all over the world come to California to do. It is easy to understand why when you drive it, as the route is stunning with coastal views, iconic cities like San Francisco and LA, and some of the best tourist attractions in the state. I wanted to create this video to help you make the most of a road trip along Pacific Coast Highway and to share some of the things I learned from spending seven days driving the route. Let me know your questions in the comments, and let’s jump into it.

Video

Here is a video I made on these tips or continue to read on for all the infromation.

Where does Pacific Coast Highway start?

The first thing that seems to confuse people is where Pacific Coast Highway officially runs. This highway does not run from Mexico to Canada along the coast; it is only a 655 mile section that begins in Dana Point and ends in Leggett. The rest of the route up to Washington is along Highway 101, which isn’t technically a part of Pacific Coast Highway. I have done the whole cost with Highway 101 before, and it is amazing, but for this video, we just spent 7 days doing only the highway 1 portion.

Should I travel north to south?

Deciding whether to go north to south or south to north is totally your call and will most likely depend on where you fly into and where you can get the best rental car deal. We did south to north, but in hindsight, I probably would have done it the other way if I did it again just so that I could have the coast on my side the whole way. The coastal views are the reason to drive the route so it would be nice to be on the coastal side and would make it easier to access the viewpoint pullouts, especially in places like Big Sur.

How do I get to the start of Pacific Coast Highway?

The easiest way to access the start of PCH would be to fly into either LA, San Diego, or San Francisco. You can rent a car from LA or San Diego and head to Dana Point. From San Francisco, you would need to drive about three and a half hours north on Highway 101 to access the starting point for Highway 1 heading south. Either way works but again, the coastal views are better if you are on the south side of the road.

How many days do you need for Pacific Coast Highway?

You can do this route in as little or as much time as possible. I would say that driving the route and seeing only a few things each day would take a minimum of 4 days. I wouldn’t try to do it all in one go without 7 days myself, as there is an overwhelming amount of stuff to see along the route, and rushing it or driving in the dark would be a waste of the fantastic adventures and coastal views. Even with 7 days, we had to choose what we wanted to do to make the most of our time. 

How to best experience Big Sur?

Expanding more on the route tip, I also wanted to talk specifically about the Big Sur section. I highly recommend making this section, ie. Cambria to Monterey one full day. This is one of the most beautiful areas in the entire country, and it is a windy two-lane road, so you don’t want to rush it. Seriously some of the most beautiful parts of PCH are in this section, and doing it faster than a full day will stop you from being able to experience much of it. I have a video you can see in the description of how we spent our one day driving through Big Sur. 

How is the traffic on Pacific Coast Highway?

When driving through cities like San Franciso and LA, you will no doubt get into some traffic. This is amplified 10 x if you do the drive during rush hour in the morning or evening. Make sure to plan your trip to miss the 3 pm – 6 pm window in either of the cities, or it will be slow going. Also, if you travel in the summer, many beaches will have no parking if you get there later in the day, especially if it’s a weekend. Just be flexible as you may have to skip some things if you run into traffic. 

How is the weather in California along the cost?

California is known for its stunning weather, which is generally true for summer. You will often have sun and a nice coastal breeze along the drive. That being said, the mornings can often be foggy with the marine layer, affecting visibility, and San Francisco especially can have lots of fog. As you head north, it gets cooler as well with a jacket needed in the afternoon, and it’s not rare for there to be some rain. 

How much does a Pacific Coast Highway road trip cost?

Pacific Coast Highway can be one of the more expensive road trips in the United States since California is a vast tourist state, and prices are higher there. California gas is frequently some of the highest priced in the country, so you also have to consider that. The trip ended up being right around $2,500 dollars. This did not include flights or a rental car since we are based in Southern California. A few notes on the cost, hotels on the route can be expensive since these are some of the most desirable areas in the state to stay. Also, we stopped at many popular food spots along the way, some of which were a lot more expensive. If you skip these, you can easily cut down food costs. I wouldn’t be surprised if a one way car rental and flights added another $1,500 to the total price.

If you want to see more information, including a link to a map with all the stops I did on my route, click the link in the description to purchase the ebook i made. Let me know what other questions you have in the comments.

The post 8 Tips for Planning a Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip appeared first on California Through My Lens.

Griffith Park is a massive city park right in the heart of Los Angeles that has so many unique places to explore, if you just take the time to find them. One of those places is Amir’s Garden. While the hike to the garden is short, it is pretty steep, making it seem like you have found a hidden gem full of succulents and other plants when you make it to the garden. I love this spot in LA, and here is all the information if you want to check it out.

Getting There

You will pass the parking area for the Old LA Zoo and then arrive at the parking area for the golf course. There is multiple parking lots here. The trail starts from the back of the main parking lot. 

Amir’s Garden Trail

After leaving the parking area and heading towards Camp Road, you will see a sign that says “Amirs Garden .08 miles.”

The trail starts on a wide dirt road but almost immediately breaks off on a single track with lots of rough wooden steps cut into the dirt. 

This direction is very steep and there may be an easier way to get here but I am not sure. Let me know if you know in the comments. 

The trail gains elevation quickly as it proceeds up the “stairs.”

As you gain elevation you get some nice view quickly. 

After a tenth of a mile or so you will arrive at Amir’s Garden. This is the back of the garden though which makes me think there is another trail people use. 

Once you arrive at the garden you can go around a big loop through the garden. 

It feels so secluded up here and there are many paths that weave through the garden.  

You will also see hidden benches and picnic areas that you can use and that make you feel like you are alone in the garden. 

As you make your way around the front you will see a lot of benches and places to tie up horses. 

This is also where the sign is and where there is information on amir and how he created the garden. 

From here, you can explore as much as you would like. There are many different trails that lead to different viewpoints and plants and it is worth taking your time exploring. 

After you make it back to where you came up, you can head down the steep section back to your car. Be sure to be careful heading down as it is steep and has loose dirt. 

Hope you enjoyed the hike here like I always do. Let me know wha thou think in the comments. 

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Rubel Castle was the dream of one man who began building this eclectic structure in the early 1960s and eventually finished it in 1986. The structure is a legit castle, with a drawbridge, four story exterior wall, and even a dragon that guards the entrance. It reminded me of some of the other fascinating projects seen around California, like Nitt Witt Ridge and even Salvation Mountain. I love this kind of stuff, so I went for a tour and ended up spending a good half day just exploring all that the castle had to offer. If you are interested in seeing something unique like this in Southern California, then be sure to book a tour; it is the only way to visit. Here is all the information on Rubel Castle. 

Getting There

Rubel Castle is located right in the middle of a residential district in Glendora. Driving through the ordinary houses and arriving at the massive castle is an experience on its own. After parking, you will be met outside for your tour and let in. 

Video

Here is a video I made on the tour.

Rubel Castle Tour

It is impossible to try and explain everything you will see on the tour and all of the stories you will hear about the castle’s creation and the people that visited, but here are some of the highlights. 

First, the property was the work of one man, Micheal Rubel, but he had a lot of help from friends and relatives coming together to bring the project come to life.

The castle was built inside of a concrete reservoir that was used to supply water to the citrus trees that once covered the surrounding area.

As the citrus industry changed, the reservoir was no longer needed, and it was sold to Michael Rubel, who built his first small house right in the middle.  This structure (known as the bottle house) is still here today, and the castle basically surrounds it.

The tour helps you see how massive this structure is. I was there for 3 hours and probably still only saw about 30% of what there was to see.

The castle was built mostly of recycled materials, with many donated from local residents and businesses. One of the stories is how a local headstone maker would contribute any misspelled headstones and that many of the headstones were put into the walls. The castle entrance is another highlight. Here the castle walls open to allow you through the concrete reservoir and into the interior of the castle. 

There is even a dragon inside the tunnel that guards the castle from intruders. It’s the little things like this that are so fun to see.

The next highlight was the Tin Palace. This building is large and has multiple citrus refrigeration rooms that served as bedrooms for Micheal and some of his family that lived on the property.

This room was also the place where many parties were held, and there is a famous story of when Dwight Eisenhower visited and got stuck in the elevator that led to the wine cellar.

Stories like this are the reason to take the tour. There are so many amazing stories over the years, and there is even a book in the gift shop that you can buy that collects many of them.

From the Tin Palace, you can enter the castle and see the blacksmith area, which a local blacksmith club uses on the weekends. 

There is also a clock tower with a working Seth Thomas clock (restored and built in 1911) and a bell that rings on the hour. It sits at around 75 feet tall, and it is a historic and fascinating spot to see. 

The rest of the castle has many rooms that are rented out to private residents, so you can’t see those rooms. It must be pretty cool to live in a place like this.

The last area we saw was the Santa Fe Caboose from the 1940s, which has been retrofitted into a makeshift apartment, even though no one currently lives there. It is awesome to see something like this here, and it adds to the folk art charm of the place.

I really enjoyed my time here, and I highly recommend you take a tour of the property if you get a chance. Again, this is just a tiny portion of the castle, and I imagine that every tour is probably a little different. Let me know what you think in the comments. 

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Burleigh H. Murray Ranch State Park is a small park on the east side of Half Moon Bay. The park protects a barn from the mid-1800s, built as an English-style bank barn, and is the only barn like it in California. The historic barn is maintained in the form of arrested decay as it is kept from crumbling in on itself but not restored. The barn can be accessed via a 2-mile round trip trail, and it is the only real point of interest in the park. Here is all the information.

Getting There

The park is accessed via Murray Ranch Access Road, which you will turn on to from Highway 1. As you drive back, the road becomes more narrow and passes a few homes before you arrive at the small parking lot on the left. There is room for about a dozen cars, but it is not a very popular park, so it doesn’t usually fill up.

The Trail to Burleigh H. Murray Ranch Barn

From the parking area, the trail leaves on a wide dirt road. 

You will be walking this road for the entire time in the park. There was some traffic on the road from law enforcement training when I was there.

The trail is easy to follow, and there is a bathroom about a tenth of a mile from the trailhead.

The road heads in and out of shaded areas with large trees that grow up along the path; it is a nice walk.

You will cross over the small creek you are following on two short bridges at the halfway point.

The path continues to head back as it goes further into the canyon. I only saw one other person the entire time I was back here.

Eventually, the trail arrives at a forested area and has another bathroom and a few picnic benches to sit at.

You are basically at the barn now, as you just have to walk past the private residence and across another short bridge.

The Mills Barn

As you cross the creek, you will get your first view of the barn. The barn was built in 1857, and it is a unique historic structure to see.

The barn was built by Burleigh Murray’s father, who came to California during the gold rush but worked as a farmer. He built the ranch here in 1857, and it is the only English-style bank barn in California.

An English Style bank barn is a barn that is built into the hillside and where both levels walk out directly onto the ground.

At one point, the barn could have held up to 100 cows, and you can still walk fully around it to see it from every angle. 

The barn is being preserved but not restored, so when you peek inside, you can see it is held together by wires. 

It is pretty cool to see, but you can’t go into it, and there is not much to do after seeing the barn.

I took my time here and then eventually started walking back to the car.

I love seeing all of California’s state parks, so I was glad to be able to visit this one. That being said, it is not that exciting of a park if you are not interested in history. Check it out, and let me know what you think in the comments. 

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The Eugene O’Neill National Historic Site is run by the National Parks Service and preserves the home of the famous Nobel Prize winning playwright. At this secluded home in the town of Danville, he wrote some of his most famous plays and lived a life away from the hustle and bustle of New York City. While you can hike the grounds without a tour, if you want to enter the house and courtyard, you have to book a tour. Here is all the information from my tour of Tao House.

Booking the Tour

In order to book a tour, you have to email through the site or call the phone number on the NPS website and leave a message. Here is the site for all the information. I called and left a message and got a call back later that day to book my spot. On the phone, they provide the meeting address for the tour.

Getting There

Since there is no parking at the house, you have to take a shuttle from downtown Danville to get to the site. The shuttle was about 10 minutes and it was easy to access with a large parking lot right near where it picks up.

The Tour

After arriving at Tao House, we were greeted by a ranger and given some history and an overview of Eugene and his wife’s time in California. 

The ranger then opened the gate for us and walked us through the courtyard to the house. He was great, providing a good amount of information quickly and then letting us explore the house while he waited and answered additional questions if we had them.

The house was self-guided, and we were given a booklet with lots of information that told us about what we were looking at as we wandered through the two-story house.

While many of the rooms are pretty bare, the booklet helped to explain what you were looking at.

The highlight of the tour is being able to go upstairs. Here you can see both Eugene’s and his wife’s separate bedrooms, as well as his office.

The office was located at the end of the house and supposedly he told the servants that no one was to disturb him when he was writing, even if the house was on fire.

The office was furnished and had two desks and loads of books on the wall, it was by far the best room in the house. This is where he wrote The Iceman Cometh and Long Day’s Journey Into Night, two of his most famous plays.

Downstairs you can see the living room, complete with old photos of them using it. 

You can also see the kitchen, which has a cookbook that one of their servants used when they cooked dinner for the couple.

After exploring the inside, you can also walk outside to see the grave of their dog, which was a beloved member of the family.

I recommend walking around outside if you have the time as the views out across the valley and over to Mt Diablo are stunning and worth seeing on their own.

After about an hour and 15 minutes we were loaded back in the shuttle and taken back to where we parked. Even though I didn’t know much about Eugene O’Neill prior to coming, it was still a magnificent tour and I really enjoyed exploring the property. Check it out if you are interested and let me know what you think in the comments.

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Kruse Rhododendron State Natural Reserve is a beautiful area full of towering redwoods and stunning Rhododendron blooms (during the right time of year). The blooms normally happen from mid-April to mid-June, which is the best time to go if you want to see the flowers. However, even during the rest of the year, the Rhododendron Reserve is still a stunning place for a nice hike. The reserve has a few miles of hiking trails and is a fantastic place to explore on a Highway 1 road trip. Here is all the information on the park’s 2 mile loop.

Getting There

The Kruse Rhododendron State Natural Reserve is located off Highway 1, about 20 miles from the town of Jenner. The reserve can be accessed by turning on Kruse Ranch Road and heading back 1 mile, most of which is on a gravel road. You will see a small parking area on both the left and right side at the one mile mark, and you can park your car here to begin the trail.

Rhododendron Loop Trail

If you are short on time, the Rhododendron Loop Trail is a tenth of a mile and takes you on a short loop through the reserve. Here you can see a decent amount of the Rhododendron flowers if they bloom, which is great for a quick stop. If you want a longer trail though, read on.

Chinese Gulch Trail

From the Rhododendron Loop Trail, the Chinese Gulch Trail leaves and heads about a mile through the reserve before it connects with the Phillips Gulch Trail.

This trail is stunning as it heads through redwood trees and is shaded pretty much the entire time.

The trail almost immediately goes up, and you will gain most of the first half of the trail’s elevation here.

As it heads up, you cross multiple footbridges and head back into the reserve.

As you head back, the scenery is stunning, with scenes that feel like something out of the movie Jurassic Park.

The Rhododendrons are fewer here, but you will see them as you continue back. Be sure to look up as many of them are situated higher than you would think.

As you descend from the trail’s high point, you will reach the dirt road that crosses through the reserve and head over it onto the Phillips Gulch Trail.

Phillips Gulch Trail

This trail is just as stunning as the Chinese Gulch Trail, with towering redwoods around every bend.

You may also see small collections of Rhododendron here, but there was even less on this trail than on the Chinese Gulch Trail.

This trail was also wonderful for the different redwood “family circles” you could see.

These circles are formed after the main tree drops seeds and dies, and other trees grow around it, creating a circle. I have never seen so many family circles as I have on this section of the trail.

The trail continues heading down for a while before it starts an uphill push right at the end.

Here you will gain about 150 feet of elevation in a tenth of a mile, a steep hike up to the parking area.

Eventually, you will see the parking lot and be back at the start of the trail. I hope you can experience this trail like we did, with sparse but beautiful Rhododendron around the reserve. Let me know what you think of it if you get the chance to go.

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