Vacations Blog

The trees along the banks of the springs at Blue Springs State Park in Central, Florida.

Antelope Valley

In Los Angeles we have the unique opportunity to stand in one place and see the ocean and snow-capped mountains at the same time.  Even with the insane population growth of our area, we are surrounded by natural beauty.  Because many of the naturally beautiful places are only accessed by short day trips out of the city, there are certain phrases you hear around here that you wouldn’t hear many other places, such as “Go to the snow” in the winter or “Go to see the flowers” in the spring.

March and April are the prime months when the desert hills surrounding Los Angeles and San Diego explode in bloom and show off their amazing array of colors.  The most famous flower of the area is the California poppy, which festoons the hillsides and valleys with its bright orange brilliance.  “The poppies are blooming!” is another exciting exclamation you might hear an Angeleno say, prompting weekend planning of a drive up to the mountains, complete with picnic gear and photography equipment.

California Poppy

By mid-April the poppies give way, however, to their supporting cast, and the once brilliantly-blooming valleys direct your attention higher in the hills, where viewing nature’s spectacle is as easy as pulling over to the side of the road.  From Los Angeles, take I-5 North and head east on Highway 138.  The most recent wildflower reports – yes, these do exist, creating another local phrase – list brilliantly blooming bands of “sunflower, lupine, poppy, phacelia, fiddleneck, red maid and goldfield.”

More than poppies

Owl's Clover

Guided tours of the area are available at the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve if staff is available, and a system of easy access trails is in place which might be easier for families with young children.  But Mother Nature is not one to be confined by the boundaries of a state reserve, so the wildflowers are on display all around the drive up to the park itself.

Roadside viewing

Typical nature warnings apply if you head to the area:  take only photographs, leave only footprints.  However, try not to trample the wildflowers themselves, because it takes years for them to regenerate.  Also, up the high Mojave desert, the wind can come swooping down on you with great force, so check weather conditions before making the trip, and bring lots of water.  If the desert makes you thirsty and your cooler is empty, urban sprawl has got you covered.  Lancaster and Palmdale are pretty close by, and word has it there are tasty margaritas to be found which you can enjoy while you review the amazing pictures you took.

Author was arrested by Wildflower Police shortly thereafter

Ah, spring has sprung, and there are many more beautiful days than crappy ones here in the Southland.  I’m loving it.  One of our family’s favorite things to do here during nice weather is explore the hiking trails within the city.  You don’t have to go too far to find a lovely trail because there are pockets of greenery hidden (or not so hidden) within a quick drive of most areas of Los Angeles.  If you’re visiting from out of town and you’re sick of pounding the pavement or sitting in traffic, why not try some of these local natural oases?

Franklin Canyon:  Deep within the hills between the San Fernando Valley and Los Angeles, Franklin Canyon park is 605 acres of hiking trails, meadow, lake, and chaparral.  Several trails with varying degrees of difficulty, including one that is very easy and suitable for families with young children.  Close by is Coldwater Canyon with similar terrain but a lot more hippies:  the Tree People have a mission to keep Los Angeles green and make you hike in the dark.  Join them for full moon hikes once a month.

Franklin Canyon

Griffith Park:  The Central Park of Los Angeles, Griffith Park itself is a must-visit spot if you are a tourist and want to see some of the city that doesn’t have much to do with Hollywood.  Or the beach.  Many hiking trails have been blazed throughout.  The most popular and spectacular is the Griffith Park Observatory loop which offers breathtaking views of the city below.  I will second the website by warning you to be aware of local wildlife.  We spotted a coyote just last night, strolling along the edge of the upper road, just yards away.

Runyon Canyon:  Here’s where you can combine outdoor exercise with celebrity hunting.  Located at the edge of Hollywood, Runyon Canyon is a busy trail that serves as a regular workout spot for the 9-5 crowd and a perfect location for journalists to stroll with the celebrities they are interviewing, so they can comment in their articles about how that movie star loves to play with his dog, or that socialite is self-conscious about being spotted in public.  You get there by driving up Fuller Ave. north of Hollywood Blvd. and parking where you can.  Casey Schreiner of Modern Hiker has a great realistic guide to Runyon Canyon as well as hundreds of other Los Angeles hikes, near and far.

Topanga Canyon State Park:  What is it about the hills of Los Angeles that attracts hippies?  I once visited a hidden commune of travelers and artists nestled in the woodland hillside up on Topanga Canyon.  They all lived out of rusty old Airstream trailers and shared a single electrical outlet and one lightbulb.  But they were happy.  Every time I hike in Topanga Canyon I’m happy, too, so whatever is in the air up there seems to work.  This park has a network of trails with varying levels of difficulty and plenty of room for children to run wild without risking traffic danger.  It’s not too far out of the city, either, and if you visit during a weekday but outside of rush hour, you shouldn’t have any trouble getting there or leaving.  On your way back down to the beach, stop by the Reel Inn for some fresh seafood or a cheeseburger to enjoy on the picnic tables and continue breathing the fresh air.

Escondido Canyon and Falls:  I’ve lived and hiked here for almost 14 years, and I didn’t know that there was a waterfall within a not-too-hard hike of Pacific Coast Highway.  Wha?  That goes to show you that as battered and sordid as Los Angeles is, she still has a few secret gardens for us to visit and marvel within.  Check out the top 5 list of Discover Los Angeles for a guide and directions to this hidden gem.

Photo credits: Runyon Canyon – Casey Steiner.  Escondido Falls – Roy Randall.

This isn’t my kid.  But it could be, so that’s still cool.

With its upscale restaurants, landmark buildings, beautiful bridges and breathtaking views, San Francisco always tops the lists of favorite US cities and tourist destinations.  Many people come to visit during the summer months and get disappointed by the cold fog and damp weather. However you would be pleasantly surprised if you made a trip to the city during this time of year.  The winter months often bring cold temperatures but very blue skies during the day and nights full of stars.

San Francisco is almost more beautiful at night during the holidays than any other time of year – and that is saying something.

During the holidays living in the City is such a gift: the bright lights on the Embarcadero Center row of buildings, outlined to look like giant present boxes; the beautiful window displays in high-end stores like Gump’s and multi-colored lights adorning neighborhood parks and homes. Walk through any of these areas of the city and you can’t help but smile and get a little more into the holiday spirit.

If you are visiting the City or planning to in the future and want to experience a uniquely San Francisco evening, I have the perfect recipe for you. The itinerary will need a little planning but should only require one phone call for the dinner reservation.  This evening is a local favorite for a romantic date but it can be adjusted for just a great night out with friends or family.

First thing you want to do is plan on wearing some warm layers of clothing, especially a scarf and gloves.  San Francisco at night, during this time of year, can be very cold. Wear some nice holiday clothes and comfortable shoes and you will be set for the evening.

Begin the evening with a drink at the beautiful Big Four Restaurant on Nob Hill. Located inside the Huntington Hotel, this secret spot doesn’t have the view that you can get from the Top of the Mark, but this is the place locals go. Filled with beautiful dark wood, the bar area is rich and a historic reminder of the robber barons that built San Francisco.

After a glass of wine or cold cocktail, walk slowly across California Street, watching out for the cable cars and taxi drivers heading across town. Criss-cross the street and stroll through Huntington Park, a wonderful small city park situated between Grace Cathedral and The Fairmont Hotel.  It is one of my favorite parks to visit at night during the holidays because the neighborhood association installs beautiful old-fashion lights in the trees.

Walk through the park towards your dinner reservations, at Venticello Ristorante on Taylor Street. This wonderful Italian restaurant has a warm intimate setting that reminds you of San Francisco society pages from the 1920s. I have had dinners where I have watched patrons walk in that could have been related to Grace Kelly or Kim Novak, in their style of dress and manner. The food is classic Italian with homemade pastas, risotto and roasted meats. The fireplace and wood oven add warmth to your dinner setting along with a backdrop of cable cars going up and down California Street.

After your dinner walk down Taylor Street to Jackson Street and catch the Powell-Hyde Cable Car, with its maroon colored sign, to head towards the waterfront and Hyde Street Pier.  The cable car ride will be very chilly but you can cuddle up inside the center of the car or wrap your scarf tighter and hang onto the outer poles like a local.

Your ride will take you up past Nob Hill and across Russian Hill until you head down Hyde Street to the end of the line. Hop off and turning your back to the bay, walk into The Buena Vista Cafe – home of the perfect Irish Coffee!

Irish Coffee

The recipe of this famous drink was created in 1952 when the restaurant owner and a well known travel writer worked to re-create a highly touted “Irish Coffee” served at Shannon Airport in Ireland.

The Irish Coffee served here at the Buena Vista is the perfect night cap any night of the year, but especially in winter.  How and when you decide to end your evening is up to you, but after all the lights, rich foods, fresh air and drinks – I recommend taking a cab home. Enjoy!

If you’re planning a trip, check out flights to San Francisco.

Photo credits to bill lim, tinou, shayne kaye and rick

Any guesses as to what knocked it over? Hope no one was in it!

Sacred Valley (near Machu Picchu), Peru

What happens when she walks away?!! Easter Island (Rapa Nui)