5 Incredible California Road Trips for Your Next Adventure

California is one of the most popular road trip destinations in the United States, and rightfully so. Maybe I am a little biased toward my home state, but I don’t think there is another state with as much natural beauty and diversity as California. From sandy beaches to rugged coastlines, lush green forests to deserts, and the deepest point to snow-covered mountains, California has it all. And a road trip is the perfect way to experience this stunning setting. I grew up road-tripping all over California every year and have come up with a list of my favorite California Road Trips for you, including must-see sights and places to stop, things to do, and what not to miss!California National Parks Road TripI recently returned from a fun National Park road trip through Yosemite, Kings Canyon, and Sequoia National Park with a campervan from Roadsurfer. If you want to read about this trip in detail, check out my California National Park Road Trip itinerary here.Route: San Diego – Los Angeles (RV rental pick up) – Tuolumne County – Yosemite National Park – Kings Canyon & Sequoia National Park – Lake Isabella (Sequoia National Forest) – Los Angeles (RV rental drop off) – San DiegoRecommended Duration: 5-10 nights; 5 nights will give you a first glimpse of the 3 National Parks, but if you want to do some serious hiking and exploring vs. just driving through and stopping at the viewpoints, I highly recommend at least 2-3 days for Yosemite and two nights for Sequoia and Kings Canyon. Don’t forget to reserve some time to explore the rest of Tuolumne County. Yes, it is the gateway to Yosemite, but there are so many fun things to do as well that you could easily add 2-3 nights to your itinerary.Must See Places:Tuolumne County: Pinecrest LakeSonoraDon Pedro Reservoir ColumbiaIndigeny Reserve CideryAround the Horn BrewingJamestownYosemite:Chase WaterfallsEl CapitanHalf DomeTuolumne MeadowsAhwahnee HotelTunnel ViewSequoia & Kings Canyon:General Sherman Tree TrailBig Trees TrailCongress TrailGeneral Grant Tree TrailCedar GroveMoro RockTunnel LogHighway 1 from San Francisco to San Diego Highway #1 is more than just a road. It is one of the most iconic roads in the United States and by far the most popular road trip in California. I have done this drive more than a dozen times and I still can’t get enough. The ocean views, winding roads, golden fields, and rugged coastline will keep you in awe for days. I recommend driving North to South so you have the best views of the Pacific. Important: Check for road closures, as landslides often cause road closures that lead to time-consuming detours. Route:The route is pretty straightforward, as you stay on Highway 1, aka Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), the whole time. Depending on the duration of your trip, you can add various stops along the way. Recommended Duration: 1 to 6 nights is recommended, even though you can technically do the drive in one day. But what is the fun in that? Then you might as well take the 5 if you are in a rush! Highway 1 is a road to be savored, and each mile should be enjoyed. Turn out at the viewpoints, spend a night in a cute fishing village, and take a short detour to go wine tasting in Paso Robles. This is all part of the charm of Pacific Coast Highway. Must See Places:17 Mile DriveMontereySolvangSanta BarbaraBig SurSanta MonicaPismo BeachSanta CruzMorro Bay/Morro RockCarmelHearst CastleRoute 66Most people associate Route 66 with the wide open spaces of the Mid-West, but did you know that Route 66 actually begins in Santa Monica, California? Route: Route 66 starts in Chicago, passes through the Mid-West down to the Southwestern states and ends right at the Pier in Santa Monica, California. About 85% of the historic Route 66 is still driveable and is often marked with the iconic “Historic Route 66” markers. Recommended Duration: Route 66 is about 1417 miles long, and to truly enjoy the trip, you should plan for at least 2-3 weeks. The best time to go is during shoulder season to avoid the blistering heat in the deserts and the cold and snow further up north. Must See Places:Santa MonicaPainted DesertSt Louis ArchMojave DesertRoute 66 Hall of Fame MuseumPetrified Forest Meramec CavernsSanta FeVarious roadside curiosities, like the blue whale, milk bottle grocery, or the Gemini GiantExplore the Eastern Sierras on Historic Highway 395If you love deserts and rugged mountains, then Highway 395 is your choice. I personally love the Eastern Sierras so much and spent a lot of time as a kid camping near Mount Whitney and Lone Pine. The smell of the pine trees, the rugged mountains, and the stunning (but oh so cold) lakes and streams are my happy place. Did you know that the 163, aka Cabrillo Highway, once was part of Highway 395? When you drive through downtown San Diego, near Balboa Park, you can still see the sign markers. Route:This more “off the beaten path” California Road trip take you from the Mojave Desert all the way to the Canadian Border. Along the way, the winding road takes you through the Eastern Sierras and you’ll see stunning lakes, Mount Whitney, and adorable mountain towns. One of my favorite routes is this: San Diego – Mojave Desert – Mt Whitney/Lone Pine – Bishop – Mammoth Lakes – Lake Tahoe – RenoRecommended Duration: This depends on how far north you go. If you go all the way to Canada, you should probably plan 2-4 weeks. For my suggested route from San Diego to Reno, 8-10 days would be a good starting point. Must See Places:Mojave DesertMount Whitney/Eastern SierrasBishopMammoth LakesLake TahoeRenoRedwoods and Rugged Coastline in Northern CaliforniaThis road trip takes you first along the rugged Northern California coast and then to deep lush Redwood forests before reaching Mount Shasta. I did this road trip as part of a longer road trip with my dad and it was one of my favorites. I love the lush and green Redwood forests and the remote Northern California coast. Route:San Francisco – Point Reyes – Fort Bragg/Glass Beach – Mendocino – Humboldt Redwoods – Eureka – Mt Shasta – Lassen National Park – San FranciscoRecommended Duration: I recommend a minimum of 10-12 days, especially if you want to hike in the National Parks and explore the cute fishing villages and beaches along the way. To shorten your trip, I recommend driving back on the 5, at least part of the way. Yes, it is boring, but it will get. you back to San Francisco quicker if you are in a rush. Must See Places:Point ReyesNapa & SonomaMendocinoEurekaLassen National ParkGlass BeachHumboldt Redwoods State ParkRedwood National ParkMt ShastaI hope these 5 California Road Trip ideas have inspired to take a road trip in this stunning state and explore. Road trips are my favorite way to travel and explore. I feel like you get to see and experience so much more. When I was a kid, we would do a big annual road trip, usually starting in Los Angeles and exploring the Western United States. We would always rent an RV and go on our adventures. As a big family with 3 kids (sometimes 4, if we brought my cousin along), it was the most convenient way to travel. We had everything with us and didn’t have to worry about our accommodation, food, drinks, and restrooms. That made us much more flexible and less restricted. If you are thinking of doing a road trip in California, I would highly recommend looking into renting an RV or campervan. Disclaimer: As customary in the travel writing industry, my campervan rental from RoadSurfer, as well as lodging, activities, and restaurants in Tuolumne County, were hosted by Roadsurfer and Visit Tuolumne County. This has not influenced my opinion of these experiences.Last Updated on July 31, 2024 by Maria HaaseThe post 5 Incredible California Road Trips for Your Next Adventure appeared first on San Diego Explorer.

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2024 Celestial Events You Can See In San Diego

Nothing beats a good stargaze on a nice clear night with a wide-open sky out in front of you. San Diego has a number of stargazing spots in the area for those who want to stare into the vast open that connects us to the universe, but you might not always know the best times to go out and catch something worth seeing. Cue our Celestial Events Calendar for San Diego (and most of Southern California). Over the last couple of years, annular solar eclipses have gathered the masses and increased some overall interest in celestial events. Although events like eclipses don’t happen as often, there are also annual events on the astronomical calendar that you should totally pencil in that mostly revolve around some pretty epic meteor showers. With half of 2024 already behind us, we’ve already missed a few, but don’t stress: The best ones have yet to come, and the sky is set to light up for the rest of the year. Keep reading to find out which meteor showers and other celestial events you just can’t miss and the best time to get out and see them.Delta Aquarids Meteor Shower July 12-August 23, 2024With the Delta Aquarids and all other meteor showers, you usually get between two to four weeks to go out and enjoy them. However, regardless of the length of the overall shower, there’s always a peak night and time for optimal viewing. This year’s Delta Aquarids meteor shower peaks on the night of July 28 and into the morning of July 29, when up to 20 meteors per hour take to the skies.Visibility for meteor showers always depends on the current phase of the moon and cloud cover. The peak for the Delta Aquarids falls during the second quarter moon, which will block out a lot of the dimmer meteors. Throughout the weeks the shower’s in the sky, find a dark location after midnight for optimal viewing. Although the meteors themselves originate in the Aquarius constellation, keep your eyes peeled in all sections of the sky so as not to miss any of the big ones.Perseids Meteor Shower July 17-August 24, 2024Just in case you had to do a double take, yes: The Perseids and the Delta Aquarids meteor showers occur simultaneously. Due to our location in San Diego, the Perseids will be more visible than the Delta Aquarids, which get better visibility in the Southern Hemisphere. However, you can still see the Aquarids here. Although the showers can interact with each other, the peak of the Delta Aquarids is in late July, whereas the Perseids peak on the night of August 11 and into the morning of August 12.Each year, the Perseids is one of the top meteor showers and is usually well worth the watch. With up to 60 meteors per hour at the peak, post-midnight viewing is your best shot at seeing the best ones. The moon, which will be in its first quarter during this peak, sets just after midnight, and the early morning hours might be the best time for these in 2024. This shower originates from the Perseus constellation, but the meteors can appear anywhere. Taurids Meteor Shower September 7-December 10, 2024The Taurids take the title for the longest meteor shower every year as they run from September through December, but it’s a minor meteor shower that doesn’t peak until the night of November 4 into the morning of November 5. Stemming from the Taurus constellation, there are usually two separate streams that make up the shower, which only produces around 5-10 meteors per hour.Plus, the first quarter moon this year during its peak also makes visibility a little more difficult. You’ll get to see the highlights and the best of the best the shower has to offer, but that might only be one or two good ones every hour. Still, throughout the bulk of the last half of the year, pick a dark night and head away from the city after midnight for your best chance at seeing anything.Partial Lunar Eclipse September 18, 2024There’s a partial lunar eclipse on the night of September 18, which is when the moon passes through the Earth’s partial and darkest shadows, also known as the penumbra and the umbra. During this type of eclipse, a portion of the moon darkens as it travels through Earth’s shadows, and we should be able to see it from where we are anywhere near San Diego.Also, an added bit of fun for this eclipse is that it’s occurring on the same night as a Supermoon, with this one in September also known as the Harvest Moon as it occurs closest to the September equinox. Even though it takes place in September, it’s also the first of three Supermoons set for the rest of 2024, with the other two being on October 17 for the Blood Moon and  November 15 for the Beaver Moon.Draconids Meteor Shower October 6-10, 2024If you don’t want to miss the Draconids shower, you only have a small window in October to remind yourself they’re coming. The peak for the short shower falls on the night of the 7 and into the morning of the 8, but this is another minor shower that only produces around 10 meteors per hour and might not be one to run home and tell the cows about.As opposed to most other showers, however, the early evening prior to the moonrise should be the time you go out for a viewing. Keep an eye out for the constellation Draco, which is where these meteors stem from, but they can also appear anywhere else in the sky, as well. Orionids Meteor Shower October 2-November 7, 2024Surrounding the Draconids and moving into November is the Orionids meteor shower, which can produce around 20 meteors at its peak and usually puts on a bright and good show. The meteors come from the comet Halley, which we’ve known about and observed since ancient times.This year, the Orionids peak on the night of October 21 and into the morning of October 22, though the waning gibbous moon leftover from October’s Supermoon may make visibility a little more difficult. Keep your eyes peeled toward the direction of Orion, which is where the meteors radiate from, but as with all the other meteor showers, any portion of the sky is subject to a shooting star.Leonids Meteor Shower November 6-30, 2024The Leonids is unique among meteor showers in that it reaches its true peak every 33 years. At its peak, it shoots out hundreds of meteors per hour. In the interim, it averages around 15. The last full peak happened in 2001, which means we’re about 10 solid years away from the next one happening, though it’s still a fun shower to check out every year for what it gives.Unfortunately, this year, the peak of the shower on the night of the 17 and into the morning of the 18 falls right after the final Supermoon of the year on the 15, which will highly impede visibility. Although this one requires a little more patience to make sure you’re getting the most bang for your buck, it may prove worth it if you give it a shot. These meteors stem from the Leo constellation, with viewing best done in the later hours of the night.Geminids Meteor Shower December 7-17, 2024If there is any meteor shower or celestial event you need to make sure you mark your calendars for, it is the Geminids in December. Every year, it leaves stargazers breathless and is often thought to be the king of all meteor showers. During its peak, which falls between the night of the 13 into the morning of the 14, expect upward of 120 multicolored meteors lighting up the sky everywhere you look. (Side note: I viewed this one from a bench on Sunset Cliffs overlooking the ocean between 1-3 am and will never forget or regret this decision.)Discovered in 1982, this epic shower is caused by leftover debris from an asteroid known as 3200 Phaethon and comes from the direction of the Gemini constellation. The bad news this year, unfortunately, is that the peak also occurs right before the December 15 full moon, which will basically block out all but the brightest of stars in the sky. That said, those bright stars will still be well worth the watch between midnight and sunrise, so grab a blanket, make some hot cocoa, and enjoy the best meteor shower of the year!Ursids Meteor Show December 17-25, 2024Right on the heels of the Geminids and closing out the rest of 2024 are the Ursids, which peak on the night of the 21 and into the morning of the 22. This is another minor shower that only gives us around 5-10 good ones per hour, but still gives you some bright ones if you look hard enough.This year, although not as close to the full moon as the Geminids peak, the waning gibbous of the moon will also make some of the fainter stars a lot harder to see. It’s a good thing San Diego has a few good stargazing spots around town because you’ll want to make sure you get as far away from the city as possible for this one to make sure you have the best viewing. This meteor show radiates from the Ursa Minor constellation that also houses the North Star, but be sure to keep your eyes open across the rest of the skies so you don’t miss anything else.Watching a celestial event like an eclipse or meteor shower is such a great experience, especially with fellow astronomy enthusiasts. If you are looking to connect and go on outings together with others, check out the San Diego Astronomy Association. The post 2024 Celestial Events You Can See In San Diego appeared first on San Diego Explorer.

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4 Off-The-Beaten-Path Beach Destinations in Mexico You Need To Visit

Are you planning to visit Mexico this year but want to avoid the crowds? If you are looking for ideas for slightly more off-the-beaten-path beach destinations in Mexico, you have come to the right place. I love going to Mexico, but I don’t like crowds and overly developed tourist destinations with huge resorts and hoards of tourists. Luckily, from San Diego, going to Mexico via Cross Border XPress is convenient and cheap, so I go every chance I get. Here are my favorite 4 off the beaten path beach destinations in Mexico that you should consider for your next Mexico trip. AcapulcoI just went to Acapulco in May for a tourism conference and got to check out this cute beach destination. Known for its glitz and glamour past, when movie stars and anyone with a name in the entertainment industry flocked here, Acapulco is now a lot more laid back and less touristy. Why you should visit Acapulco was hit by a Category 5 Hurricane in October 2023 and is currently being rebuilt. This means, you’ll have to deal with fewer tourists and get to enjoy brand-new resorts and amenities while also supporting the locals who were hit hard by this natural disaster. Yes, there are still some resorts in the cityscape that have not been rebuilt yet, but they have made incredible progress in just a few short months and it is impressive to hear their stories about how the community came together to rebuild their city. You can read more about the night of the hurricane and the aftermath here.Things to Do Cliff DiversCity TourIsla De La Roqueta Eco TourCoyuca Lagoon Boat Tour with Baby Turtle ReleaseVisit Fort San Diego & MuseumWhere to StayI stayed at the incredible Las Brisas Resort. As I mentioned before, I am not much of a resort lover, but this was incredible. The resort is built into a steep mountain side and most “rooms” are actually a villa with pool. To get up and down the mountain, you call cute little pink jeeps named after famous guests to give you a ride. The resort was completely destroyed by the hurricane but now sparkles in its brand-new glory. Doesn’t this look amazing?Nayarit Located just north of the famous Puerto Vallarta, Riviera Nayarit has a little bit of everything. The northern parts are really off the beaten path, and you might be the only international tourist in town. The further south you go, the more touristy it gets. Why you should visit Nayarit is a great place if you want to experience it all during your beach vacation. You can visit a cute little boho fishing village and “Magical Town” aka Pueblo Magico in San Francisco (San Pancho). You can also enjoy a more busy beach party vibe in Sayulita or relax at a mega-resort in Nuevo Puerto Vallarta.Things to Do Horseback Riding on the Beach in SayulitaSayulita Taco TourAztec Cultural Photography WorkshopYelapa Waterfall & Snorkeling AdventureSayulita Jungle Thrills: Canopy Tour & Zip-line AdventureWhere to StayI did a road trip from Tepic via Jala to the coast, explored Sayulita and San Francisco, and finally ended up in Nuevo Vallarta. I stayed at the stunning Grand Luxxe Vidanta Nuevo Vallarta, which definitely fits the bill for a great beachfront luxury resort. EnsenadaEnsenada is obviously one of the easiest Mexican Beach Destinations to visit from San Diego and my husband and I love going down there for a day trip or a quick and easy weekend getaway. While Ensenada has some nice beaches, there is so much more to do if you need a little more than just lazily lying on the beach (no judgment here; we love that too!). Why you should visitEnsenada is just a 1.5 hour drive from San Diego, which makes it perfect for a short notice and cheap beach getaway. Sometimes, you just have to get away and not plan for weeks on where to go, what to do, and how to get there. Things to DoWine Tasting in Valle De GuadalupeVisit La Bufadora BlowholeThings To Do in EnsenadaWhere to StayThere are so many hotels in Ensenada, but our go-to hotel is often the Coral Marina. It is a bit outside of town and feels a bit more relaxing, yet an Uber usually costs less than $3 and takes about 5 minutes. La PazI have to admit that I have not been to La Paz yet, but it is on my list for this year. I have a good friend who lives down there and she has been telling me to come visit for a while now. Everything she had told me sounds amazing and I can’t wait to finally go there and see it for myself. Why you should visitLa Paz is a nature lover’s paradise. Once you get a little outside of La Paz, you can have pristine beaches all to yourself, snorkel with sea lions, go whale watching, swim with whale sharks and so much more. Then there are the hiking and ATV adventures, eco-tours and sandboarding in the dunes for the more adventurous travelers. La Paz has something for everyone!Things to Do Whale Shark snorkeling tour in a reduced group with local marine biologistSandboarding in the Mogote Dunes in MexicoAdventure to Espiritu Santo Island: Snorkel with Sea Lions and BeachFull Day Gray Whale Watching ExperienceWhere to StayAs mentioned before, I have not visited La Paz yet, but I have spent a few hours researching potential accommodations there. The Posada de las Flores looks absolutely dreamy and has a cute and boutique-y vibe and the restaurant has some stunning views of the water. I will update this post about my experience, when I stayed there. Don’t these 4 off-the-beaten-path beach destinations in Mexico look dreamy? Which one is your favorite?This article was written by Maria Haase for San Diego Explorer. As customary in travel writing, some trips and experiences were hosted by Cross Border Xpress, Visit Nayarit, Visit Acapulco, TIANGUIS 2024, and ProTurismo Ensenada. and the stay and experiences were free of charge. This has not influenced their opinion and the content of this article.Last Updated on July 3, 2024 by Maria HaaseThe post 4 Off-The-Beaten-Path Beach Destinations in Mexico You Need To Visit appeared first on San Diego Explorer.

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