California

Find Awestruck Wonder at Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park is home to the world’s tallest and oldest trees. While we often refer to this area as Redwoods National Park, it is officially known as Redwood National and State Parks. Redwood National and State Parks are unique, with federal and state lands managed jointly. In the early 1900s, the state acquired lands…

7 of the Least Visited National Parks

Attendance, thus crowds, at national parks varies widely. Here, I’m highlighting some of the least visited national parks. Last year, Great Smoky Mountains National Park was the most visited national park, with nearly 13 million visitors. In contrast, the National Park of American Samoa had fewer than 2000 guests. Undoubtedly, the most iconic and busiest…

11 Summer Vacation Ideas

It’s never too late or too early to plan your next trip. So branch out and try something new this year. Need inspiration for summer vacation ideas? We loved these destinations, and I hope you will too! 11 Awesome Summer Vacation Ideas 1. Buffalo National River, AR The 135 mile Buffalo National River is located…

8 Must-See Sights in 8 Must-See National Parks

This year for National Park Week, I picked a different park each day and highlighted a must-see sight in that park. It’s been a lot of fun reflecting on the uniqueness of so many national parks across the USA. I feel so blessed to have had the opportunity to travel to these special places! And,…

Tip & Tee: USS Midway Museum in San Diego

The USS Midway Museum is one of the top rated attractions in sunny San Diego. Considering how many things there are to do in this Southern California city, achieving such high traveler ratings is a really big deal! The USS Midway is an aircraft carrier which was in service in the US Navy for 47…

San Diego Zoo Inside Look Tour

On a San Diego vacation, a trip to the famous San Diego Zoo is a must! As I was planning our zoo day, I found information on a variety of special experiences. I was most intrigued by the San Diego Zoo Inside Look Tour options. The San Diego Zoo Inside Look Tours all sounded amazing.…

Fun Fact: San Diego Zoo Elephants

A trip to the San Diego Zoo isn’t complete without spending some time at the elephant exhibit, Elephant Odyssey. The zoo’s largest residents are just plain fun to watch.  (My favorite part of an elephant is its big round feet!) On our visit to the San Diego Zoo, we participated in one of their special…

La Jolla Sea Kayaking: Caves, Sea Lions, and Sharks

La Jolla is a coastal community about 12 miles north of downtown San Diego. One of La Jolla’s big draws is, of course, the beach. This family friendly 1 mile stretch of sand is adjacent to sea cliffs that house a series of caves. These caves are easy to access by sea kayak. As a…

Tip & Tee: San Diego Bay

San Diego is home to a natural deep water harbor with a rich military and commercial history. San Diego Bay is at the heart of this coastal city. It is lined with hotels, shops, and restaurants, and there is no shortage of opportunities to stroll alongside this body of water. San Diego Bay Trip Tip…

7 Tips for a Sensational Day at the San Diego Zoo

If you’re traveling to San Diego, you MUST explore the world famous San Diego Zoo! It is a remarkable place that certainly lives up to the hype. But be forewarned: There is so much to see and do that it is impossible to experience everything in one day! 7 Tips for the San Diego Zoo As…

5 Must-See Sights in Sunny San Diego

There is no shortage of activities and must-see sights in San Diego.  In fact, you’ll likely have trouble narrowing down all the great options! Few destinations offer so many choices for family fun! During our recent trip, our time was limited.  We only had 3 days! I’m not sure 2 weeks would be enough time…

7 Budget Friendly Summer Vacation Ideas

Trying to decide where to go on summer vacation but worried about the budget? Don’t stress! It is possible to have an awesome family trip without breaking the bank! To find that destination that fits your family’s budget, consider summer vacation ideas that are a little different.  By this I mean avoid the headliner destinations…

3 Tips for An Awesome Trip to the Redwoods

The Redwood National and State Parks are home to some of the oldest and largest living things on the planet.  These giant trees can grow to heights of over 350 feet!  And, talk about old, there are trees here that were likely alive during the the time of the Roman Empire! The Redwoods are a great vacation…

One Day in San Francisco

San Francisco is an dynamic city with its own unique character.  There are so many things to do in the Bay area that it can be hard to narrow down the list.  And, let’s face it – it isn’t exactly budget friendly.  While I normally prefer to stay longer in a destination and have a…

Alcatraz Rocks! (Pun Intended)

Touring Alcatraz should be a priority when in San Francisco – it’s up there with riding a cable car.  Yet, when I talk to people who visit, many don’t make it to Alcatraz. Alcatraz is absolutely, hands down, my favorite San Francisco attraction!  (Yes, I realize this is a bold statement!) There are so many things…