San Diego’s vibrant culinary and nightlife scene offers a wide range of experiences for food lovers and cocktail fans. Whether you’re interested in exploring movie history, trying international whiskeys, savoring Italian dishes, enjoying innovative fusion cuisine, or discovering a secret tropical retreat, the city has options for all preferences. Trust me, you won’t lose that loving feeling….

Planning a road trip from San Diego to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks is an exciting adventure for fans of stunning landscapes and towering trees. This route highlights California's varied scenery, from coastal views to mountain forests. The opportunity to visit these famous parks makes the journey worthwhile. Both parks provide breathtaking vistas, unique geological features, and some of the world's tallest trees.

But is it worth the 7-hour drive?

Below, I’ll discuss the differences between the parks, each park, what to do, camping sites, share my tips and tricks, and discuss that long drive!

Ready for a National Park adventure?

California has eight national parks, with Channel Islands ranking fifth out of eight as the least visited, especially compared to popular parks like Yosemite.

I understand why it's less crowded; when I mentioned my trip to friends, they asked about its location and how to get there! In this post, I'll share my four-hour drive from San Diego, my early morning ferry ride to Santa Cruz Island, and the last-minute activities I chose on this enchanting island.

Have you ever wanted to swim with sharks but felt scared due to their bad reputation? I have the perfect way to get close to the gentlest sharks! Or if sharks aren’t your preference, perhaps seals are?

Experience the excitement of swimming with leopard sharks and playful seals at La Jolla Beach, a unique coastal destination in Southern California. This vibrant shoreline provides a fantastic chance to observe these gentle marine animals in their natural habitat.

Whether you’re wading or snorkeling, the clear waters and rich sea life create unforgettable memories for visitors, young and old. Dive into the magic beneath the surface, where adventure and tranquility meet. This guide will provide all the tips, tricks, and information for a fun adventure in La Jolla!

A good friend recommended that I visit three beaches during my work trip to San Diego. Curious, I asked, “Is there really a difference between these beaches?” He confidently replied, “Yes, and you’ll love Ocean Beach. It’s very hippie—like you. Now go find yourself,” before walking away from my desk. I thought to myself, challenge accepted, but I secretly knew I’d fall in love with San Diego. I didn’t realize just how much, though—or that I’d find my new future home! In this post, I’ll explore each beach, what to expect, and why I have a personal favorite!

Ready for a beach adventure?

San Francisco is a charming and electrifying city that really weaves old and new as you walk down its sidewalks. From its historic buildings to the artsy Victorian architecture to its multiple exhibits, you can really feel its history and culture. In this blog post, I will share my favorite places I went to and why you should allow the streets to help you wander!

The cable car experience was, without a doubt, my favorite tourist activity in San Francisco, aside from my solo visit to Pier 39, where I saw so many seals! In this blog post, I'll provide a brief history of the cable car and share essential information to help make your tour truly unforgettable. I’ll also tell you why I deemed this my favorite tourist activity!

Planning my January trip to San Francisco was such an exciting adventure, and my top priority was visiting the stunning Yosemite National Park nearby! I set off at 7 a.m. and returned at nearly 7 p.m., and the experience was absolutely unforgettable! I can’t wait to share some valuable tips for your trip and discuss whether the drive was truly worthwhile.

When exploring San Francisco, there are two hidden gems that you simply cannot miss. The first is a charming spot known for its handmade pasta. The second is said to have the world's best pizza—and no, I'm not exaggerating!

Additionally, I've included a third place as an honorary mention, which is recognized as the best Thai restaurant in San Francisco.

I had a mission to visit and eat at In-N-Out. I blame this desire on seeing shows and movies where people sit in their cars with the famous sign behind them, enjoying a burger after a long night or a fight. I felt it was essential to experience In-N-Out for a complete California experience. Yes, I realize it may seem silly to romanticize a fast-food chain, but I feel the same way about another chain—Jack in the Box. After all, I’m from Arizona, and it's just so good.

Before my trip to Arizona, my cousin told me about this self-driving Uber-like car called Waymo. Trying a Waymo became my top priority in Phoenix.  If you have followed me for a while, you know I LOVE new experiences.  Self-driving car? This takes a whole different meaning of legit traveling solo!

Below, I will discuss Waymo, locations where you can try it, how to request a Waymo and my experience with it in Arizona and California. Waymo will be in D.C.!