Today we're exploring Garrapata State Park along Cabrillo Highway in Big Sur, California. This central coast Highway 1 destination is filled with picturesque rocky shorelines, hiking trails, wildlife, and redwood trees.

Dinosaur Caves - Pismo Beach, CA

Today we're exploring sea caves below Dinosaur Caves Park and Margo Dodd Park in Pismo Beach, California. This rugged coastline in the Shell Beach community is perfect for kayaking, snorkeling, and bird watching.

Montaña de Oro State Park

Today we're heading out along the central coast to one of the largest state parks in California, Montana de Oro State Park. Located just 6 miles southwest of Morro Bay near San Luis Obispo, CA, this park boasts a unique habitat that covers over 8,000 acres, including 7 miles of rich shoreline with 3 unique beaches and vibrant tide pools.

Beach, California, Hiking, State ParksDawn MarieFebruary 1, 2021pismo, pismo beach, morro bay, montana de oro, state park, california, beach, central california, pacific oceanComment

Jade Cove - Hidden Treasure in Big Sur, CA

Jade Cove is an amazing hidden gem located at the southern end of Big Sur along the California Highway 1 coastline. North of San Simeon and south of Carmel, this secluded beach is a perfect spot to avoid the crowds.

Malibu's Magical El Matador Beach

Located inside Robert H. Meyer Memorial State Beach, El Matador is one of Malibu's most beautiful "not so secret" hidden gems. From striking 100 foot sheer cliff-top views to towering sea stacks, this is a magical beach.

Sand Dollar Beach - Big Sur, CA

Today we're exploring Sand Dollar Beach in Big Sur along California's historic Highway 1. We'll enjoy epic clifftop views perfect for wildlife watching, crashing ocean waves at your feet, and plenty of great picnic areas.

Big Sur, California, Hiking, Beach, OutdoorsDawn MarieOctober 12, 2020big sur, california, beach, sand dollar beach, highway 1, pch, central coastComment

Bonsai Rock & Whale Rock - Lake Tahoe

Today we're hiking down to Bonsai Rock and Whale Rock in Lake Tahoe. Only 1 mile south of Sand Harbor in Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park, these rocks and crystal blue coves are a perfect place for bouldering, kayaking, and swimming.

Lake Tahoe, Beach, Hiking, Outdoors, Nevada, Northern CaliforniaDawn MarieAugust 31, 2020lake, lake tahoe, tahoe, nevada, bonsai rock, whale rock, hiking, trailsComment

San Carpoforo Creek Beach

Today we're exploring San Carpoforo Creek Beach in Hearst San Simeon State Park at the base of the Big Sur coastline of central California. Just a short drive from Ragged Point Inn and the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery, this hidden gem features rugged cliffs, sea caves, a lagoon, and wildlife.

Beach, California, Outdoors, State Parks, Big SurDawn MarieJuly 27, 2020big sur, beach, san carpoforo, creek, lagoon, california, central coast, highway 1, wildlife, pacific oceanComment

Santa Cruz Island - Channel Islands NP

Santa Cruz Island is the largest of the 5 islands which make up Channel Islands National Park. Of the 9 National Parks located in California, this is the only one you can't reach by car. Join me today in exploring massive sea caves and all kinds of wildlife, including island foxes, dolphins, and bald eagles.

Calla Lily Valley

Calla Lily Valley is a hidden gem at the northern end of Big Sur California along the Cabrillo Highway coastline. Located in Garrapata State Park near the beach, this valley boasts beautiful native California wild flowers as well as the dazzling white Calla Lilies.

Beach, California, Hiking, Outdoors, State Parks, Big SurDawn MarieJune 15, 2020Comment

Estero Bluffs State Park

I'm celebrating World Oceans Day and taking you to the edge of the Pacific where beautiful rocky shores meet wind swept bluffs at Estero Bluffs California State Park. In 2002 Estero Bluffs joined the CA State Parks system boasting over 350 acres of wetlands, steams, coastal bluffs and tide pools just north of Morro Bay and Cayucus.

Beach, California, Hiking, State ParksDawn MarieJune 8, 2020Comment

Serra Cross Celebration

Serra Cross was originally built over 200 years ago in Ventura, California. This beautiful CA park sits on one acre of open space inside Grant Park overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Serra Cross is the perfect place for a hike or picnic, and it's available as a special event location for weddings and receptions as well.

Beach, Hiking, Outdoors, Southern CaliforniaDawn MarieMay 25, 2020Comment

Point Estero Shipwreck

Join me today at the Point Estero shipwreck at Estero Bluffs California State Park. In 2017, a fishing vessel mysteriously ran aground off the coast just north of Cayucos and Morro Bay, CA. Although typically partially submerged, during very low tides the wreckage can be explored closeup.

California, Hiking, Outdoors, BeachDawn MarieMay 11, 2020 Comments

San Francisco’s Magical Sutro Bath Ruins

Over 100 years ago San Francisco was home to the largest indoor swimming pool complex in the world. Now what is left of the Sutro Bath ruins sits at the edge of the Pacific Ocean in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area in California, welcoming those who long for adventure, history, and nature's beauty.

Beach, California, San Francisco, Hiking, OutdoorsDawn MarieMarch 2, 2020Comment

A Malibu Pier Afternoon

Join me for an afternoon on the historic Malibu Pier. This iconic Southern California landmark was originally built in 1905 and has been attracting tourists and locals alike for over a century. Enjoy a delicious farm to table meal, shop for unique gifts, or watch the famous waves that have been drawing surfers from around the world for decades.

Beach, Food, Outdoors, Southern CaliforniaDawn MarieFebruary 3, 2020Comment

Venice Canals of California...a Hidden Oasis

Join me as I visit the glassy reflective waters of the Historic Venice Canal District in Los Angeles, CA. These Instagrammable SoCal waterways are perfect for photography or just a quiet walk during high tide at sunrise or sunset.

Southern California, BeachDawn MarieDecember 16, 2019Comment

California’s Magnificent Elephant Seals

Join me in exploring Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery on the central coast of California near Hearst Castle, San Simeon, and Cambria. Today I'm sharing the best spots to view these magnificent creatures and the times of year to visit them.

California, Beach, Outdoors, Hiking, State ParksDawn MarieDecember 9, 2019Comment

A Whirlwind Day in Nice & Eze

How do you pack all your French Riviera dreams into a one day trip? I’m sharing my travel guide to a day in Nice and Eze, France.

Arts & Culture, Beach, EuropeDawn MarieJune 24, 2019Comment

Bonjour Corsica!

Sharing all about my beautiful day in Ajaccio, Corsica on today’s blog post.

Outdoors, Beach, Hotels, EuropeDawn MarieMay 30, 2019Comment

Bridges & Beautiful Memories

Today I’m sharing one of my favorite spots to stop for a picture (or a aerial adventure) when driving up the Southern California coast. Gaviota Vista Viewpoint just north of Santa Barbara.

Aerial, Outdoors, BeachDawn MarieJuly 5, 2018Comment