1. Cabrillo National Monument Perched high on the tip of Point Loma peninsula, Cabrillo National Monument provides Instagrammers spectacular images of the downtown skyline, Coronado, San Diego Bay and its many scenic marinas. You can even spy Tijuana on a clear day! (Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona, sandiego.org) 2. Chicano Park San Diego’s rich Hispanic …
Death Valley ‘alive’ Last spring did not produce another “super bloom” of wildflowers in Death Valley National Park, but even so, the hottest and driest place in North America had its share of wildflower brilliance to be discovered. That once in a decade occurrence brought visitors from all over the globe to witness the brilliant …
Barrio Logan Located south of downtown San Diego, Barrio Logan is a Mexican-American neighborhood established by refugees back in the early 20th century during the Mexican Revolution and stands rooted in civic movement. Throughout time, numerous rezoning projects slowly transformed this bayfront community into an industrial zone. However, in the 1970s when the construction of …
The Coastal Sand Dunes Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes These dunes on California’s scenic central coast are the second largest in the state, spreading from Santa Barbara County to Pismo Beach in San Luis Obispo County. At Rancho Guadalupe Dunes County Park in the hidden town of Guadalupe near Santa Maria, a paved road leads to the Rancho …
While camping has been considered one of the more economical ways to travel, Kampgrounds of America (KOA) recently asked campers why they camp, and, surprisingly, the top answers weren’t about money at all. The top responses were reconnecting with nature, getting away from the stress of our lives and spending more time with loved …
Borrego Springs after Dark The small community of Borrego Springs is aptly designated one of only two International Dark Sky Communities in the world. “USA Today” rated Borrego as one of the top ten stargazing locations in the nation. The quiet of the area combined with the dark, star-filled sky make Borrego Springs a …
Think you know everything about Orlando theme parks? Maybe not. Orlando is without doubt one of the most visited destinations in the country, but there is always something new to discover within its top theme park experiences. Here are 11 off-the-beaten-path ways to have fun from Disney World and Universal to Sea World! Find more …
We have full moons, harvest moons, blood moons and blue moons, however, your favorite moon might best be found—not in the sky–but in a tropical, ocean-front destination. For this kind of moon-seeker, Marriott’s prestigious Hawaii Resort Collection has rolled out a half dozen “moon” packages sure to elate any moonchild. Hawaii-goers can choose their ultimate …
Glamping might be a step up from traditional camping, but a new hotel that just opened in Stockholm is my idea of ultra-glamorous “camping.” The multi-storied Downtown Camper could be the ultimate “basecamp” for urban explorers. After all, it’s not every city hotel that hosts complimentary kayaks in the lobby, a resident “Mr. Know-It-All” or a …
Roasted peanuts washed down with ice cold beers and the sounds of cracking bats means just one thing in Arizona: Spring Training. Nearly 2 million baseball fans headed to the greater Phoenix area last year to get an advance peek at their favorite teams. This year is a real home run with some delicious new …
Stepping into the voluminous resort lobby brimming over in Hawaiian legend and art is all it takes to realize that Aulani is unlike any other Disney property you have visited. The resort, a perfect marriage of Disney pixie dust and Hawaiian lore, is a haven of beauty and magic for families and couples alike. And, …
Colorado Springs likes to call itself the “heart of the American West,” and with good cause. It claims an old west history that is visible today in sprawling cattle ranches, pioneer museums, Gold Rush-era architecture and saddle-in-the-seat adventures from rodeos to horseback riding and mine exploring. And a gold nugget that combines the best of …