California
Looking for the perfect weekend escape from the hustle and bustle of the Bay Area? Nestled just 29 miles south of San Francisco lies Half Moon Bay, a charming coastal town that often flies under the radar but packs a punch when it comes to weekend adventures. Whether you're a surfer, poet, hiker, nature lover, or simply seeking a relaxing coastal getaway, Half Moon Bay has something for everyone.
Read MoreWithout much daylight left, local surf-pro, Austin Smith-Ford, waxes his board for an evening of surf a few miles north of Santa Cruz, CA. A local’s only spot where you’ll surely be yelled at if you can’t say “hey” to at least a few surfers in the line up.
Read MoreGolden light coats the largest natural lake in California and blankets the Emerald Range lining the eastern shore of Lake Tahoe. From Pope Beach, looking north across the lake reminds me of being in a cove opening to the ocean. Kristin inflates her Bote kayak and begins the short paddle to her ideal destination during this sunset.
Read MoreBefore the sun rose, we had our shorts on, bags packed, and towels slung over our shoulder. Andrew has the behemoth Muse Roamer that allows for a very plush life on the road, meanwhile I have modest comforts with a converted van. So, I crawled out of the van and headed into the heated Muse Roamer to enjoy coffee to wait for the best lighting.
Read MorePhotographing Olmsted Point in Yosemite National Park is an overcrowded tourist experience I pretty much never pass up. While I have been to this spot roughly 20 times, each stop is different, so I always bring my camera. With its sweeping views of Half Dome, Tenaya Lake, and Clouds Rest, this spot is a favorite among landscape photographers. Equipped with a Sony A7R IV and a Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 lens, you can make the most of this location's photographic potential.
Read MoreLiving near Lake Tahoe has given me the chance to explore its waters countless times, and I can confidently say it’s a kayaker’s paradise. The combination of pristine waters, dramatic alpine scenery, and hidden gems makes every paddle feel like a new adventure. If you’re planning to kayak Tahoe, here are some of my favorite spots to explore.
Read MoreSome adventures come from spontaneous ideas, and this was one of them. Kristin and I, both having grown up near Lake Tahoe, realized that despite our roots, we had never spent a full day kayaking its iconic waters. So, we woke up at 3:30 a.m. with a bold plan: hit three stunning kayaking spots in a single day—Emerald Bay, Bonsai Rock, and Zephyr Cove.
Read MoreClimbing a 14er—a peak with an elevation of at least 14,000 feet—is a bucket-list adventure for many hikers. However, timing your ascent is crucial for a safe and successful climb. Starting too late can put you at risk of thunderstorms, heat, and other hazards that can turn an enjoyable hike into a dangerous situation. Here’s what you need to know about timing your 14er adventure.
Read MoreGlacier Point in Yosemite National Park is a photographer's paradise, offering breathtaking vistas that beckon camera enthusiasts from around the world. However, the eternal debate among photographers remains: sunrise or sunset at Glacier Point?
Both options have their unique charm, and the choice depends on your photography goals and style. In this blog, we'll explore the merits of both sunrise and sunset photography at Glacier Point to help you make an informed decision.
Read MoreAs passionate photography enthusiasts, we had delved into the works of modern greats who had immortalized Yosemite's breathtaking vistas. However, we aimed to add our own unique twist to this iconic location. Surveying our array of gear and props, we hatched an ambitious plan: to capture a skateboarding photograph careening down the serpentine road leading to Glacier Point. Join us on this journey as we blend the adrenaline of skateboarding with the tranquil majesty of Glacier Point's sunrise, creating a photographic masterpiece of our own.
Read MoreIf you're planning a road trip along Highway 395, Convict Lake is a must-see destination. Nestled in the Eastern Sierra, this picturesque lake offers a serene escape with activities that make it worth visiting for at least an afternoon or even longer. Whether you enjoy hiking, kayaking, fishing, camping, or simply taking in stunning mountain views, Convict Lake has something for everyone. Its unique combination of natural beauty, historical intrigue, and recreational opportunities makes it a destination that should not be overlooked.
Read MoreWhen planning a trip along California's iconic Highway 395, make sure to stop at Convict Lake. Just 10 miles south of Mammoth Lakes, this Eastern Sierra alpine lake is at its best during the summer months. With warm weather, clear blue skies, and endless activities to enjoy, summer is the ideal season to experience all that Convict Lake has to offer. Whether you're seeking adventure or relaxation, this destination offers something for everyone.
Read MoreIf you’re wondering, “Can you kayak at Convict Lake?” the answer is an enthusiastic yes! Nestled along the iconic Highway 395, Convict Lake offers an unforgettable sunrise kayaking experience that combines serenity, breathtaking views, and the perfect start to any outdoor adventure. Whether you're a nature lover, a photography enthusiast, or someone seeking a peaceful escape, this lake offers something magical for everyone.
Read MoreJust ten miles south of Mammoth Lakes along Highway 395, Convict Lake is an alpine lake surrounded by rugged peaks waiting to be kayaked on. This glacially carved gem in Inyo National Forest is a favorite for outdoorsy people, offering year-round kayaking and paddleboarding. The lake’s mirror-like surface reflects the towering mountains, creating a breathtaking backdrop as you glide across the calm waters.
Read MoreBridgeport, CA is a pass-through town along Highway 395 that’s filled with adventures, if you’re willing to stop. With one overpriced gas station, two coffee shops, a sandwich shop, and a general store that is rarely open, I didn’t think much of this town at first. But over time, a few of my favorite adventures led me to the outskirts of Bridgeport, CA, and I discovered it has much more to offer than meets the eye. This town is packed with activities like kayaking, rock climbing, hot spring soaking, backcountry skiing, camping, stargazing, and so much more. Below are just a handful of reasons to stop in Bridgeport, CA while road-tripping Highway 395.
Read MoreLiving in South Lake Tahoe, Mount Tallac has always been my constant landmark. Its familiar silhouette serves as a compass, grounding me whenever I wander through Tahoe’s endless beauty. Whether I’m kayaking on the lake or hiking a forested trail, Tallac’s jagged profile stands as a reassuring guide. But recently, I felt the urge to shift perspectives. Instead of looking at Mount Tallac, why not look from its summit and discover the view from above?
Read MoreExploring the backcountry of Joshua Tree National Park is an experience unlike any other. For some, the vast, barren desert might seem uninviting or even intimidating. But for me, it’s a place of serenity, creativity, and unmatched beauty. It may sound strange to some, but I genuinely love spending time in Joshua Tree’s backcountry, especially when I go solo. There’s something about being out there, surrounded by desert silence, that keeps calling me back.
Read MoreMammoth Lakes, California, is a destination I return to time and again. Tucked along Highway 395, it offers a perfect combination of adventure, relaxation, and breathtaking scenery. With its natural hot springs scattered across the rugged landscape, Mammoth Lakes has become my favorite place to unwind after a day of exploring Yosemite, skiing at Mammoth Mountain, or adventuring through the Sierra wilderness.
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