Discover the Ventura Botanical Gardens in Ventura, CA, a lush hillside oasis with diverse ecosystems, flowers & plants from Mediterranean, Chile & South Africa. Nestled behind Ventura City Hall, the gardens offer stunning coastal views, abundant wildlife & a floral superbloom. Visit the Welcome Center and explore nearby Grant Park and the historic Serra Cross for a complete nature experience.
Read MoreToday we're exploring the Cap Rock Nature Trail in Joshua Tree National Park. This is the perfect family friendly spot to take an easy hike and enjoy a bbq lunch at the picnic area amidst towering rock formations, cactus & endless Joshua trees. Read this travel guide to discover one of the top things to do and places to go in Joshua Tree on your next SoCal weekend road trip from Los Angeles.
Read MoreRead this Flying Dawn Marie travel guide to hiking the Discovery Trail, THE most family friendly trail in Joshua Tree National Park. Located across the road from Skull Rock, one of the top things to do in Joshua Tree, this easy hike takes visitors through slot canyons and towering rock formations, with opportunities to learn and see all kinds of wildlife and plants, including cholla cactus.
Read MoreRead this Flying Dawn Marie travel guide to exploring the Hall of Horrors slot canyons in Joshua Tree National Park. This is a Joshua Tree top spot along your Southern California road trip through this desert park. Hiking this trail takes you around large rock formations, through a Joshua tree forest, and scrambling into narrow slot canyons, making for a perfect vacation adventure.
Read MoreRead this Flying Dawn Marie travel guide to seeing the Spring wildflowers at Carrizo Plain National Monument just a couple hours north of Los Angeles, California. This is top spot to see a flower superbloom, look for wildlife, and bird watch, and is one of the best things to do in Bakersfield. Soda Lake is currently filled with water and the San Andreas Fault can be seen running through the park.
Read MoreRead this Flying Dawn Marie travel guide to visiting Fort Tejon State Historic Park along the Grapevine north of Los Angeles. If you're looking for things to do in Bakersfield, this California State Park offers an opportunity to see what life was like on this military fort two centuries ago. Here you'll find reconstructed buildings, original structures, history about the area, and wildlife.
Read MoreRead this Flying Dawn Marie travel guide for the top 12 easy hikes in Joshua Tree National Park. There are many things to do in Southern California during Winter, and this itinerary makes for a great weekend road trip. All of these Joshua Tree trails are family friendly and easily accessed without 4 wheel drive. Highlights are Skull Rock, Arch Rock, Hidden Valley, and Cholla Cactus Garden.
Read MoreToday we're stepping back in time as we explore an old film location just north of Los Angeles in Simi Valley. Corriganville Park was home to sound stages, a man-made lake, and entire western town that were backdrops for 3,000 movies, TV shows, and commercials.
Read MoreToday we're taking the easy hike along the Barker Dam Trail Loop inside Joshua Tree National Park. We'll explore rock formations, a historic dam, and Native American petroglyphs from thousands of years ago.
Read MoreThis week we're exploring some of the most incredible rock formations in Joshua Tree National park. Join me as we head out on over half a dozen epic Joshua Tree hikes to discover some otherworldly formations.
Read MoreToday we're driving up to one of the few overlooks in Joshua Tree National Park. Keys View has beautiful panoramic views of Palm Springs, the San Andreas Fault, the Salton Sea, and the Coachella Valley.
Read MoreToday we're enjoying Southern California Fall colors in Joshua Tree National Park as we take the short hike to Cottonwood Spring Oasis. We'll be enjoying ancient palm trees and huge cottonwood trees as we hike up to Mastodon Peak.
Read MoreToday we're exploring the grounds of the Adamson House in sunny Malibu, CA. A part of the California State Park System, this historic structure and museum are a beautiful spot to learn about Los Angeles and Malibu history and enjoy some local art and architecture. Here we'll enjoy some great views of the Malibu Pier and Lagoon, as surfers that frequent this popular beach.
Read MoreWe're spending the weekend in the Premium Private Cottage at Calamigos Guest Ranch and Beach Club in Malibu and the Santa Monica Mountains. Unlike any other Los Angeles hotel in Southern California, this resort is tucked away in Malibu Hills wine country, and is a perfect wedding venue, corporate retreat location, or staycation getaway. It boasts several restaurants, including the Malibu Cafe.
Read MoreToday we're hiking along the trail to the historic Wall Street Stamp Mill in Joshua Tree National Park in Southern California. Bill Keys processed ore on this site after there was a second gold rush in the 1930s, and many of the old structures are still intact. We'll explore rusted out cars, an old wind mill, the gold stamp mill, and the ruins of the Wonderland Ranch.
Read MoreToday we’re exploring an eclectic treasure on historic Route 66. Elmer Long's Bottle Tree Ranch in California is one spot you won’t want to miss off the side of the road when you’re driving In between Victorville and Barstow along this world famous highway. This is a great stop on any Los Angeles to Las Vegas roadtrip.
Read MoreArch Rock and Heart Rock are two instagrammable rock formations you won't want to miss on your next trip Joshua Tree National Park near Palm Springs in Southern California. Located just behind the popular White Tank Campground, you can hike to these boulders in under two miles round trip. This is a great spot for astro photography as well as enjoying a sunrise.
Read MoreToday we're taking the 1/4 mile trail through the Cholla Cactus Garden in Joshua Tree National Park near Palm Springs, California. We'll be getting there before dawn to enjoy the sunrise, which makes these cacti glow as they're backlit by the low sun.
Read MoreHidden Valley Nature Trail is one of the most popular hikes in Joshua Tree National Park in Southern California. This one mile loop is a great introduction to hiking in Joshua Tree. It's easy enough for families with small children to enjoy, yet the massive rock formations just off the trail will keep even the most avid hikers enthused.
Read MoreLocated just north of Los Angeles in Moorpark, California, Grimes Canyon overlook is a perfect place to capture long exposure photography. The horseshoe bend in the highway during rush hour traffic provides beautiful light trails from the busy road. Join me in discovering all you need to know before visiting this Instagrammable spot.
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