A new year has arrived for me, and I turned the big 2-7 on Saturday, November 5. This year for my birthday I wasn't interested in the idea of planning and organizing any sort of big celebration, but I decided to plan a weekend Getaway from LA. instead. There are so many places to visit that are within driving distance from LA, and Joshua Tree National Park has been on my bucketlist for quite some time now. Now that I went on a Getaway from LA trip for my birthday this past weekend, I hope to continue doing this for the years to come! It was just my love and I for the weekend, and we had such a fun, adventurous, relaxing and all around memorable weekend that I already can't wait to go back.

Joshua Tree National Park is a 1,234 square mile protected area in Southern California, roughly 130 miles inland from Los Angeles (about a 2.5 hour drive). It's known for it's sprawling desert landscapes, unique giant rock formations, and of course, Joshua Trees. Joshua Trees are funky, unique, and beautiful looking, and I read online that they were named by Mormon pioneers after the prophet Joshua because the branches of the tree reminded them of him waving his arms, welcoming people to the promised land. Joshua Trees can grow up to 45 feet high and live up to 900-1,000 years. They only grow up to an inch per year, which is a reminder to me, and to all of us, that growth is a process and that the sweetest things in life take time. Being in Joshua Tree reminded me to be patient with myself as I grow, be patient with others as they grow, and to accept that living a good life is a journey rather than an "OK, I've arrived and I'm good to go now!" My goals for this new year of my life are to stop trying to have everything figured out at once, but to learn to embrace this journey and all of the uncertainties that come with it. I have a feeling that 27 is going to be a good one. 

We drove from LA to the desert on Friday night and stayed at a Best Western in Twenty Nine Palms. We woke up early Saturday morning and headed into town, making our first stop at the Joshua Tree Visitor Center. I'd highly recommend you also make a stop here as well, as the center is only 5 miles from the Park West Entrance (the most popular entrance) and you will be able to get a map and ask any questions about visiting the park. We only planned to spend half a day in the park, and the employees at the Visitor Center were very helpful in letting us know about the highlights of the park from the West Entrance and the "must see" spots for first-timers. From the Visitor Center, you will drive about 5 miles to the Park West Entrance. You will pay $20 to enter the park, or you can buy a National Park Annual Pass for $80 (which is what I did as a birthday present to myself - can't wait to explore more National Parks this year!). As you drive into the park, be prepared to fall in love with the thousands of Joshua Trees and amazing cliffs/rock formations at each and every turn!

The Visitor Center is located at 6554 Park Boulevard, Joshua Tree, CA 92256.

Click here to read more about Joshua Tree National Park and the various entrance locations.

​The first stop we made after entering the park was the Hidden Valley Trail, about a 20 minute drive from the West Entrance. I read online that this was the perfect location to start your Joshua Tree park adventure, as it has a little bit of everything: plenty of Joshua Trees, awesome looking rock formations, views of courageous folks scaling the huge boulders and cliff sides, and an easy, 1 mile loop hiking trail. The trail is well-marked, easy to follow, and I'd say it was more of a natural walk than an actual hike. It was pretty warm out when we went, so I'd recommend bringing sunscreen, wearing a hat, and of course, bringing a camera to take pictures of the beauty surrounding you at each and every step!

Click here to read more about the various trails in Joshua Tree National Park.

Joshua Tree National Park's highest viewpoint, the Keys View, lets visitors get an interesting panoramic view of the Coachella Valley. You'll see the Salton Sea, Palm Springs, and the San Andreas fault from the lookout point. This viewing point is only about a 15 minute drive from the main road and is easy to park at and hop out and quickly enjoy the views. Also, the drive from the main road to Keys View was one of my favorite in the park! There are Joshua Trees everywhere in the park, but this stretch of road in particular was FILLED with Joshua Trees of all sizes lining the roads. The dirve had me ooh-ing and ahh-ing pretty much the whole time. 

Click here to read more about the Keys View at Joshua Tree Natl. Park.

Skull Rock (named because, well, it looks like a giant skull!) is located right along the main road, and you can park on the shoulder of the road to hop out and advantage of a photo opp. If you're feeling adventurous like we were, stay around for a while to explore the jumbo rocks surrounding Skull Rock. You can see huge, bubbling rock formations as far as the eye can see, and the landscape was pretty incredible. It felt like we were either on Mars/another planet or on a Flintstones movie set. We jumped around and adventured until we were pretty tired and our road trip snacks were calling our names (and you betcha I got the good stuff - cheetohs, chocolate, peanut butter pretzels, trailmix, chips, etc.), so we headed back to the car. This was definitely one of the highlights in the park for me!

While I loved MANY things about Joshua Tree National Park and truly can't wait to go back, the Cholla Cactus Garden was hands down my favorite thing we saw and experienced (well, other than the Joshua Trees themselves). The Cholla Cactus Garden is filled with unusual, ombre-colored cacti that look like they should be on another planet. It almost felt like we were walking through an unusual underwater reef - but on dry land. You can follow a short quarter of a mile trail through this garden and it is all pretty mesmerizing - but make sure to stay on the path! My boyfriend meandered just outside of the trail and he got many cacti pricks caught in the bottom of his shoes - oops. Also, don't touch the cacti! I was reading online that the pricks are extremely painful and difficult to remove from your skin. I would recommend anyone and everyone to visit the Cholla Cactus Garden when you visit the park, and be prepared to fall in love with these cute little creatures! 

Click here to read more about the Cholla Cactus Garden.

When I visited LACMA about a year ago, I fell in love with Noah Purifoy's Junk Dada art exhibit. In the 1960's Noah would search the streets post-Watts riots in LA to collect materials to create incredible, politically charged pieces of art. All of his work at LACMA is so colorful and full of varying textures and materials. I found it amazing that he literally turned trash into treasure to ignite thoughts, feelings, and reactions in others. So, when I heard that he also had an outdoor sculpture exhibit in Joshua Tree, I knew I had to stop by. It was only a 10 minute drive from downtown Joshua Tree and was well worth the detour. Noah began creating this sculpture garden when he moved to the Mohave Desert in the 1980's. This sculpture garden covers quite a bit of land (it took us about an hour to walk through the entire landscape covered) and has been constructed entirely out of junked materials. His art is unique, thought-provoking, and sometimes just plain bizarre, but man, we loved it. From intricate sculptures made out of toilets, blown out rubber tires, broken computers, burnt furniture, and SO much more, there are plenty of unique pieces of art for you to see and experience here - many of which are politically and socially charged. Noah intended for these sculptures to become part of the desert environment in which they live and to decay naturally over time.

While Noah Purifoy died in 2004 (RIP), his art will continue to live on in museums, in nature, and in the creative minds of those he inspires. Today, the Noah Purifoy Foundation continues to keep his vision and his works alive. The Noah Purifoy Outdoor Sculpture Garden is located at 63030 Blair Lane, Joshua Tree, California 92252. It is free to enter.

Click here to read more about this unique outdoor art exhibit. 

We stayed in the most lovely and beautifully designed AirBnB small home, complete with a full kitchen, comfortable bedroom, and a gorgeous living room with a record player (our favorite feature - we had it playing almost non-stop). I loved staying here because it was just enough space for two people, had a beautiful backyard with large patio to drink our morning coffee on, was less than 1 mile from downtown Joshua Tree, and only about 10 minutes from the West Entrance of the park. And, did I mention it was super adorable? Also, our host was wonderful and provided us with recommendations on what to do/where to eat while we were in town. Thanks for everything, Becky! 

Click here see if the the same AirBnB home we stayed at is available for your visit.

Overall, I ABSOLUTELY LOVED Joshua Tree. I was blown away by this incredible, beautiful, sprawling National Park and the small, adorable, and eclectic town of Joshua Tree just outside of the park's West Entrance. I loved how peaceful it all was, how the pace of life physically felt slower than life in LA, how clear the night sky was to see thousands of stars (and my first time seeing the Milky Way! See picture below.), and how the weekend was the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure. Thank you Joshua Tree for a wonderful birthday Getaway From LA, and thank you to YOU for reading this blog post! I hope you get the opportunity to one day explore this one-of-a-kind Natl. park and special town.

Until my next Getaway From LA!
-Jordan

“You’re going to Sacramento? Is there anything to do there?” I was recently asked when sharing that I was visiting Sacramento for a wedding and making a long weekend getaway from it. “Well....Of course! If you’re wiling to look for things to do!” was my response – or somethin’ like that. And basically, it’s true. Time after time I find that when you seek adventure – you will find it. And, I was caught off guard in this moment because Sacramento is California’s state capitol! Of course there is PLENTY to do there, and I am grateful to have visited this historical, beautiful, tasty (their restaurant scene is fabulous), tree-filled (truly – so. many. trees.), and eclectic and urban city.
 
Like I mentioned, I visited Sacramento specifically to attend a wedding, which was located in Loomis and was absolutely stunning and full of love. I drove up to Sacramento from Los Angeles on a Thursday evening and returned Sunday (it was about a six hour drive), so I had roughly ~48 hours to enjoy and explore this city. Before visiting Sacramento I mapped out the top things I wanted to see and do and researched which neighborhoods I wanted to visit, as I do before embarking on most vacations or getaways. As I entered Sacramento I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect and wasn’t sure how much I would enjoy the city compared to L.A., but when I left Sacramento I couldn’t help but think, “I loved that city.”
 
Although I was only in town for a short while, I appreciated how intimate Sacramento felt (we could walk most places, which is difficult to do in L.A.), how many trees there were (according to Wikipedia, Sac is the city with the most trees per capita in the world), the public/street art, the restaurants/bars/wineries, and the unique places to see and experience. While the weekend was filled with exploring, we also were smart to not plan TOO much and to enjoy the days and experience what we wanted to in that particular moment. From exploring historic old town, to visiting the state capitol building, to checking out the up-and-coming midtown, to kicking back and relaxing in Sacramento’s little known wine country, this was a Getaway From L.A. I’d recommend. Below you will find an overview of things I’d recommend doing when visiting California’s capital city. Enjoy!

Whether you’re in Sacramento for just a short time or are exploring for a few days, visiting Old Town Sacramento is a must. From the pictures above, you can probably imagine why it felt like I was walking through a Hollywood movie set while exploring this charming and historical neighborhood. From the old time architecture, to the wooden sidewalks, to the cobblestone streets, it definitely makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time to the Gold Rush era. There were people of all ages (including many families with children) walking around, stopping at the quaint shops, grabbing a bite to eat, and visiting museums (click HERE for all of the many museums and attractions in Old Town).
 
Here’s some history according to Old Town’s official website, “In 1839 John Sutter arrived on the shore of the American River near its confluence with the Sacramento River. With the promise of a Mexican land grant, Sutter and his landing party established Sutter’s Fort. As the settlement grew and became permanent, it attracted other businessmen looking for opportunities. Sutter and the people he attracted created a commercial center in the area, but it was the Gold Rush in 1848 that created the City of Sacramento.”
 
We were limited on time so we were unable to visit any museums (I would have liked to visit the California State Railroad Museum, the original Sutter's Fort, & take a horse and carriage ride), but I’d recommend stopping by Danny’s for mini donuts (delicious and made fresh right before your eyes), District Coffee for a tasty caffeine boost, and then walking around the town while you enjoy both. You can walk through the whole neighborhood in about 15-30 minutes, and it’s worth it to see it all. 

The California State Capitol Building is another must see when visiting Sacramento, as Sacramento is THE capitol of California! This building was constructed from 1860-1874 and today remains the home to California’s government, including current Governor Jerry Brown. This building is open to the public daily, and while you can’t exactly pop into Mr. Brown’s office to say hello, you can explore the museum that takes up a good portion of the capitol building. As you walk through the museum area (enter at either the side or back doors of the capitol), you will see a variety of government official’s offices from the early 1900’s, the California Assembly Chamber, libraries, and other interesting exhibits. Both the exterior and interior designs were picturesque, with beautiful and neoclassical tiling, colors, and artwork. Admission is free, and you can walk around and explore on your own or take a guided tour for free, offered every hour on the hour. Open daily from 9:00am-5:00pm, you can visit the State Capitol building/museum at 1315 10th St, Sacramento, CA 95814, and click here for more information. 

When I was browsing things to do and see in Sacramento, I kept seeing "Midtown this" and "Midtown that." From a very popular weekly farmer's market, to chic coffee shops on every corner, to a fantastic restaurant scene (it was hard to choose where to go with limited time!), to eclectic bookstores and boutiques, it's no surprise to me that this is currently the trendiest neighborhood in Sac. And it sure is colorful! It reminded me of a mixture of Portland and the Arts District in DTLA. As I've mentioned many times before on my blog, I'm a big fan of public art and street art. Not only does it help beautify a city, but it also gives artists and creatives a public platform to express themselves and their communities.The public art and street art above is located at BloodSource; 1608 Q St. Restaurants we thoroughly enjoyed in this neighborhood include Iron Horse Tavern for dinner and Magpie for brunch. I'd also recommend stopping by University of Beer for a cold brew (they have over 100 beers on tap - more than any other bar in Sacramento) and Shady Lady for a late night cocktail or two, if that's your thang.

This neighborhood has their own beautifully curated Instagram page and official website that I'd recommend you check out before you plan your visit. 

Oh my, oh Maui! This recent trip was truly a Getaway from L.A. to remember. A group of friends and I recently flew from L.A. to Maui, Hawaii to attend one our good friends’ wedding (#LucilleLuau) on Friday, July 1. Since we were flying out to attend this wedding (which was truly so beautiful, full of love, and a ton of fun!) we all decided to extend our stay and turn this trip into a longer vacation. Maui is one of five Hawaiian Islands and is approximately a 5-hour flight from Los Angeles. It’s the second largest island in Hawaii and has a population of about 160,000. It’s known as the “Valley Isle” and millions of people visit Maui each year for its beautiful white sandy beaches, picturesque sunsets, and adventures galore. GoHawaii.com shares, “From the scenic slopes of fertile Upcountry Maui to beaches that have repeatedly been voted among the best in the world, a visit to the Valley Isle recharges the senses. But like every good magic trick, you’ll have to see it for yourself to believe it.” Sounds pretty special, eh?

My friends and I are all adventure seekers and love trying new things, so we scheduled a variety of activities throughout the trip. I definitely wish I would have had more time to relax on this trip (the only real “relaxing day” we had turned out to be pretty stressful/a downer because there was a fire in Maui and we were stuck in Lahaina from 2:00pm-9:00pm and then it took us 5.5 hours to drive 15 miles…Yikes!). The next vacation I go on I’m going to better balance adventurous activities and relaxation (spa day, anyone?) because the introvert in me was pretty wiped out by the end of the trip. The activities we participated in were AWESOME, though, and I am so grateful to have shared these beautiful experiences with some of my best friends. Below you will find an overview of the sights I’d recommend seeing in Maui if you are planning a trip here, and I hope the information presented is both interesting to read and helpful to you!

If you’re looking for a calm, not-too-crowded, picturesque beach for relaxing, snorkeling, and grabbing a delicious bite to eat afterward, I’d recommend checking out Napili Bay. Apparently it’s somewhat of a “secret spot” in Maui and cannot be seen from driving on the main road. We went snorkeling and the waters were much calmer and clearer here than they were at some of the more popular beaches in Maui that we visited. I saw a variety of fish of all shapes, sizes, and colors, but unfortunately, didn’t see any turtles here. There are definitely some that hang around here, though, because the majority of my group I was with saw and swam with them! I loved how quiet and peaceful the beach was, how there were very minimal waves, and how crystal clear blue the water was. On two different occasions on this trip we visited the Sea House Restaurant at Napili Bay, and it was delicious (although somewhat pricey) both times. It was super easy to walk right up and grab a table with a beautiful view – no reservations are needed and they have an awesome happy hour from 2:00pm-4:30pm daily.

Click here for more detailed information about Napili Beach in Maui (you do not need to stay at the resort to visit the beach – as long as you park on any of the nearby side roads and not at the resort).

Click here for more information about the Sea House Restaurant.

The Hana Highway is a 64-mile-long stretch of Hawaii Routes 36 and 360 which connects Kahului with the town of Hana in east Maui, full of incredible stops and sights along the way. It was a bit difficult for me to put the greatness of Road to Hana into words. So, instead, I will share with you some information from the Road to Hana website:

"The Road to Hana is more than just a great drive through a beautiful area of Maui. Most visitors tend to zip to and from Hana with a checklist of sights to photograph. This is the wrong way to do it. Do your due diligence beforehand, decide on a few locations that look the most intriguing, and take your time at each location.

In order to truly experience Hana, it helps to know more about the history and legends of the area. You may find out that there are legendary stories associated with each spot where Gods have left their mark and historic battles have been fought.

Transport yourself not only to Hana, but back in time to the historic moments and legendary tales that shape the islands."

Road to Hana was the activity I was most excited for in Maui. I had seen this drive featured on travel shows, adventure and tourism blogs, and on social media, and each and every time I saw something new, I would become fascinated with this drive and all of the beauty it’s home to. My only disappointment from this trip to Maui is that we did not spend nearly enough time here. It wasn’t our fault, though, because we were super delayed on our trek there due to the fire I mentioned previously. We aimed to depart from our condo by 8:00am but ended up leaving around 12:30pm because we were so drained from the day before. This drastically cut into our exploring time (aka: hours of sunlight) so we had to settle on only seeing a few key sites. This adventure was entirely worth it, and the drive was SO green and lush and the sights truly incredible. From the warm sandy beaches, to stopping by fruit and coffee stands on the side of the road, to some badass hikes, to jumping into natural pools – there is truly somethin’ for everyone on the Road to Hana, and I just wish I could have experienced more of it. I hope that if you get the chance to visit, you have more time to explore (and drive safe out there! The roads sure are windy), and I hope you enjoy reading more on the incredible sites we visited on the Road to Hana below.

Also - click here for all of the information you need to know about the Road to Hana!

The Pipiwai Trail is a 4 mile (takes about 2.5 hours total) roundtrip hike that takes you to Makahiku Falls, up through the majestic Bamboo Forest and finally up to the beautiful, lush, 400-feet tall Waimoku Falls. This trail is truly the greenest trail I’ve ever experienced and some moments of it were absolutely breathtaking, making you feel like you were in Narnia or some sort of fairy tale.

The trail was pretty muddy and somewhat rainy when we went, so I would suggest wearing comfortable hiking shoes and comfortable clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty. I also can’t forget to share with you a very important tip: bring bug spray! My friends and I forgot to put bug spray on before the hike and this was a big mistake. About a week later I still had itchy and uncomfortable bug bites lining my calves and thighs. Also, keep in mind that each car will need to pay $20 to enter Haleakala National Park, where the head of the Pipiwai Trail is located. Since this trail is at the end of Road to Hana, this is a great spot to start with. After you complete this hike you will then be able to assess how much daylight you have left and then can map out the rest of the stops and adventures for the duration of the day.

Click here for more information about the The Pipiwai Trail.

As you begin your trek through the Pipiwai Trail, after about a mile you will encounter the Bamboo Forest. Don’t worry about missing it – once you see it, you will see it! There are large bamboo stalks (some up to 100 feet tall) as far as the eye can see – or at least for 0.5 miles. This was truly one of the most incredible sights I’ve seen and experienced. Being completely surrounded by tall bamboo stalks makes you feel like you’re smack dab in the middle of a Tarzan movie…or the rainforest, which I guess isn’t too far off base! Make sure you stop to look up as you trek through the bamboo forest – the way the stalks grow their prickly leaves at the top and all come together is quite the sight to see. I was surprised at how dark and quiet it was in the Bamboo Forest, as the bamboo stalks shade you almost entirely from the sun. I am so glad we hiked through the Pipiwai Trail – the Bamboo Forest isn’t a sight I’ll be forgetting about anytime soon.

Click here for more information about the The Pipiwai Trail, which is where the Bamboo Forest is located. Click here to read more information about the Bamboo Forest.

As I mentioned previously, the Pipiwai Trail ends at the beautiful, lush, 400-feet tall Waimoku Falls. You can’t do much at the waterfall except for admire its beauty because there is no swimming permitted at the bottom of the falls (safety first, my friends). This is a great spot to take some pictures with your friends, re-apply sunscreen/bug spray, hydrate, and eat a snack before hiking back down the same way you came in.

Click here for more information about the The Pipiwai Trail.

I had never before been to a black sand beach, so I was REALLY excited to check out Pa'iloa Beach at Wai’anapanapa State Park on the Road to Hana. Upon entering the park, I pretty much fell in love at first sight! The black sand found on this beach comes from lava and volcanic rock, and it was much thicker than the sand you’d find on a typical beach. I loved how lush and green it was at Pa'iloa Beach, right up to the black sand and beautiful glistening turquoise waters. It’s interesting to note that the translation for Wai'anapanapa is "glistening water" or "water flashing rainbow hues” – and the name surely does not lie. As you walk onto Pa’iloa Beach, you will see “lava tubes” that you can climb through (large, natural cave-like rock formations), large rocks that you can trek up if you so desire, incredible jagged coastline views, and plenty of beach to kick back and relax on with your group. If you stopped here earlier in the day it would be an ideal picnic spot!

From the Hana Highway, you will turn onto Wai’anapanapa Road and follow this to find plenty of free public parking available in a large lot. Click here to read more information about Wai’anapanapa State Park.

Overall, this Getaway from L.A. trip to Maui, Hawaii was full of beautiful sights, fun adventures, good times, and great friends. I’d highly recommend you vacation to Maui if you get the chance, and I hope you found this blog post helpful. Until my next Getaway From L.A. adventure - bon voyage, my friends! 

Deer roaming through the prettiest green meadows I’ve ever seen, zero cell phone reception, the sound of 500 feet high water falls, birds chirpin’ their tunes, and an overall sense of tranquility and slow-paced life… YEP, I am definitely not in Los Angeles anymore. Welcome to Yosemite. :)
​
Our Earth is truly one big, incredible planet, full of some of the most breath-taking and jaw-dropping scenery, sprawling landscapes, and precious wildlife. And Yosemite National Park is 100% proof of this. Last week I ventured to Yosemite National Park with my partner, to join my family in our annual vacation to this majestic location. Yosemite National Park is about a 5.5 hour drive from Los Angeles, and is home to almost 1,200 square miles of beautiful scenery – including VERY high cliffs surrounding the valley floor, HUGE waterfalls, gigantic sequoia trees, and beautiful wildlife at each and every turn.  For this Getaway from L.A. post, I’ll share the basics on where we stayed and what we did, and will wrap up with a few extra tips/things to know before you plan your next Getaway from L.A.

To be totally honest and candid with you, I’ve never been a big fan of camping. As much as I love adventures, the great outdoors, and am all about livin’ life to the fullest – sleeping on the dirt in a sleeping bag with limited access to various resources isn’t what I would typically describe as a “vacation.” I do, though, like to “glamp,” which is basically glamorous camping. Please note, though, that I am not referring to staying in a lodge or a fancy bungalow – I mean a tent cabin that only has a concrete floor, a wire cot with a thin mattress, and tent walls – found at the super awesome Housekeeping Camp in the Yosemite Valley. The tent cabins have the bare necessities, with a covered space outside of the cabin with some metal shelfs, a long metal table that can be used for a cooking/storage area, and a round table with benches where you can eat your meals. This is truly the ideal accommodation for those who like being outdoors but don’t want to deal with the effort that goes into setting up a tent. Clean bathrooms can be found throughout the camp, as well as showers and a small convenience store with snacks, drinks, etc.

From all corners of Housekeeping Camp, you’ll see amazing views of Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, and the giant cliffs that surround Yosemite Valley. There are sandy beaches with a beautiful river flowing through it on the edge of the camp, and you’ll often see deer (and hopefully no bears!) roaming peacefully through the campsite in the early morning hours.

I’ve stayed at Housekeeping Camp multiple times now and truly wouldn’t want to stay anywhere else in Yosemite Valley. It is important to note, though, that this glamp site is very popular and tent cabins should be reserved up to ONE YEAR before you plan to visit. Click here to see the rates and availability in Housekeeping Camp, and for all other accommodations in Yosemite (ranging from “real” camping to staying in a lodge/hotel), click here.

As you drive into Yosemite Valley and basically anywhere you turn once you’re in the Valley, you’ll be enamored by the 360 degree views of this National Park’s raw, untouched beauty. If you want to enjoy the best view in the valley, though, I’d highly recommend you make the 45-minute drive up to Glacier Point. There is a large parking lot at the top of Glacier Point, but you can also take a bus up here if you’d rather not worry about finding a spot (although we didn’t have any issue with this). Once you’re up here, prepare to be absolutely amazed! You can see the entire valley floor, from Vernal and Nevada Falls, to the infamous Half Dome, to the miles and miles of tree-covered mountains and cliff sides. I do need to mention that Glacier Point is only accessible by car from approximately late May through October or November, due to weather conditions, so make you plan accordingly. In my opinion, this is truly the best place in all of Yosemite National Park to kick back, relax, and enjoy the stunning scenery. For more information on Glacier Point, click here.

Since our time in Yosemite was limited, I was on a mission to find a challenging day-hike with beautiful views. I figured that if we got in a solid day of strenuous activity, that we could then enjoy other more relaxing activities during our “down time” – like picnicking riverside, riding our bikes through meadows or “meadowing” as we liked to call it, and hangin’ out with my fam. We decided on hiking the Panorama Trail, a roughly 6-hour hike that covers 9 miles from the top of Glacier Point to the Yosemite Valley floor. The hike is mostly downhill but also has one section of steep uphill switch backs to conquer. This hike was perfect for us because we got to see THREE waterfalls - Illilouette Falls, Vernal Falls, and Nevada Falls up close and personal, and also got to experience stunning views of upper Yosemite Falls and the iconic Half Dome. I especially liked this hike because the trailhead is located at Glacier Point, so as you begin to make your way down the side of the mountain, there is something beautiful to see at every turn. It was at times overwhelming! You betcha I was ooh-ing and ahh-ing all over the darn place. The Panorama Trail in Yosemite is one of the most popular hikes in Yosemite National Park, and for good reason.

While this hike was absolutely beautiful and the waterfalls were SO impressive (and kind of frightening!) to see so close and hear their thunderous falls, it was definitely a challenging hike. It was mostly downhill, which as you can imagine, puts a good amount of strain on just about every joint and muscle in your body. Also, we decided to go down the Mist Trail rather than the longer John Muir Trail, and it was VERY misty (I guess it gets its name for a reason!), and the steps were pretty slippery as we made our way down. I mayyy have had to tell myself, “I’m wet, cold, and tired, but I am OK!” so that I wouldn’t panic on my way down. Thus, I was very relieved (and soaked with the chilly Vernal Falls mist) when we made it to the base of Vernal Falls. My body was aching pretty badly by the end of the hike, and the 1 mile walk back to our camp pretty much wore me the heck out. But, it was entirely worth it (and I’m saying this while I’m still sore a full 5 days after the hike)!

For all of the information you need regarding the Panorama Trail, click here.
For information on the many other hikes in Yosemite National Park, click here.

Overall, Yosemite makes for a fantastic, memorable, and completely “disconnected” Getaway From L.A. that I would highly encourage any and all adventure-loving individuals to visit and explore. Here are a few final tips/things to know before you go:
​

1. Keep in mind that the entrance fee into the park per vehicle is $30. This entrance fee is good for 7 days max.
2. Cell phone reception is VERY limited in the valley. We had no reception where we stayed at Housekeeping Camp. Luckily, both Half Dome Village and Yosemite Village have free Wi-Fi at their various restaurants and outdoor spaces.
3. Bring bug spray! Don’t forget to wear it day and night.
4. Be aware of the weather conditions common in each season before you plan your visit. According to Yosemite’s website, “Yosemite receives 95% of its precipitation between October and May (and over 75% between November and March). Most of Yosemite is blanketed in snow from about November through May. (Yosemite Valley can be rainy or snowy in any given winter storm.)”
5. This probably goes without saying, but I’d highly recommend thoroughly reviewing Yosemite’s website to review as much information as possible before you begin to plan your visit.

Finally, before I bid you adieu, I wanted to mention that Yosemite has become more accessible over the years. For more information, download the park's accessibility guide, which describes access to areas, facilities, and services for people with disabilities. In addition, the Deaf Services Program is dedicated to connecting the Deaf community to everything Yosemite has to offer. Finally, there is a visual guide to visiting Yosemite Valley for people with aphasia. (This information was found on Yosemite National Park’s official website.)

I hope you found this write-up helpful, and I also hope you’ll continue to following along with my adventures, both in L.A. and beyond. Who knows where I’ll Getaway from LA to next? Stay tuned!

Over Memorial Day weekend, I attended a picture-perfect and very fun wedding with my partner in the gorgeous city of Cancún, Mexico. When we were first invited, I was so excited that this wonderful couple (who I didn’t actually meet until the wedding weekend, but yes, they are truly wonderful!) chose Cancún for their destination wedding. Visiting this city on the Yucatán Peninsula, bordering the Caribbean Sea, has been on my bucketlist for years, and I’m so glad that I finally had a perfect reason to make the journey here. Cancún is about a 5 hour direct flight from Los Angeles (would highly recommend flying direct if you are able to – we connected both ways which resulted in long travel days). Since we were flying all the way down to this area for the wedding, we tacked on a few extra days to this trip to both relax and explore more of this beautiful and historic Mexican area.

People who are somewhat familiar with Mexico travel probably know that Cancun is home to beautiful white sandy beaches with crystal clear waters, and gigantic resorts surrounding them. Cancun is also known for being a popular spring break destination due to its lively nightlife and club scene …which we did not partake in during this vacation. As I grow older (and maybe wiser?), huge nightclubs are losing their appeal, and I’d rather spend my time, energy, and money on exploring a new location, learning about our world, and making new memories with those I love. So, while Cancun is most prominently known for its picture perfect beaches and bumpin’ nightlife, many do not know, or can appreciate, that Cancun also hosts a variety of amazing and unique adventures.

For the purpose of this Getaway from L.A. post, I will mostly be focusing on our journey just outside of Cancun to the Yucatán state, where we visited Chichen Itza and the incredible xenotes. But, before we get started on the adventures we took on this trip, I wanted to share with you a few quick details about where we stayed. The beautiful wedding we attended was located at Finest Playa Mujeres, an all-inclusive resort away from the more popular “hotel zone” of Cancun. It was my first time at an all-inclusive, which made the whole experience that much more exciting. What do you mean I don’t have to pay for anything here? Room service 24/7? Swim up pool bar? A fully stocked mini-fridge at all times? Ahhhhh, this must be what true “paradise” is like! The service here was impeccable (think greeted with a glass of champagne and moist toilette…), and we actually did not leave the resort grounds at all during our stay there – simply because there was no need to. The beach was equipped with activity rentals (think paddle boards, snorkel gear, mini pontoon boats, etc.), there were over 10 restaurants on site, and there were various pools throughout the grounds of the resort. Truly the finest resort I've stayed at to date, here are some pictures of the beautiful Finest Playa Mujeres:

During the second half of our trip we stayed at Beachscape Kin Ha Villas & Suites (about $120/night). We had activities planned during the day time so we just needed a comfortable place to rest our heads at night. Beachscape Kin Ha turned out to be much more than this, though, and the beach here was absolutely beautiful! Here are some pictures:

Alright, now on to the adventures! A few years ago I read about Mexico’s Xenotes on one of my favorite travel blogs. Xenotes (pronounced seh-no-tehs) are huge natural sinkholes where cave ceilings have collapsed. I immediately added this to my bucketlist, not sure at the time if/when I’d actually make it here. When coordinating this destination wedding weekend with my partner, I was on a mission to dedicating a full day to visit the incredibly breath-taking xenotes. Luckily, after doing some research online like the planner that I am, I stumped upon the Cancun Adventure Tour website. When browsing the Cancun Adventure Tour website, I remember feeling overwhelmed because there were SO many awesome-looking tours presented. After looking closely at them all, we ended up choosing the Xichen Clasico Tour for $71 per person, which was the CHEAPEST Chichen Itza/Xenote tour I found online. The tour fee includes this entire itinerary:

Itinerary
- Pick up from hotels in Cancun and Riviera Maya
- Transportation to Chichen Itza.
- Guide tour at the archaeological site with expert bilingual guide (1.45 hrs.)
- Free time at Chichen Itza (1.15 hrs)
- Transportation to Cenote Ik Kil (10 minutes)
- Free time for swimming at the Cenote (50 min)
- Buffet lunch at Ik Kil Restaurant (1.15 hrs)
- Back to Cancun and Riviera Maya
​
It was a long (!) day, it was much warmer here inland than it was on the coast of Cancun, and it definitely took a lot of energy to make it through all of the activities... but it was 100% worth it. The bus was, thankfully, air conditioned and the tour guides were absolutely fantastic, friendly, and funny. Although you will stop for a buffet lunch at the Xenote, I’d recommend bringing snacks and water for throughout the day. 

As I previously explained, xenotes/cenotes (pronounced seh-no-tehs) are huge natural sinkholes where cave ceilings have collapsed. According to Lonely Planet, “The Mayans revered cenotes because they were a water source in dry times; the name cenote means 'sacred well'. Mayans settled villages around these spiritual wells and believed that they were a portal to speak with the gods. Today you can still see why cenotes held the Mayans in awe. Swimming in the pristine waters feels like stepping into prehistory, where giant tropical trees and vines form wild cathedral walls leading up to shafts of sunlight.” It's interesting to note that cenotes were also sometimes used by the ancient Maya for sacrificial offerings.

From the top of the cenote, all you can see is a huge hole in the earth, surrounded by a variety of beautiful green plants and vegetation. Huge vines, overgrown plants, and flowers line the 85-feet-high limestone rock walls, making this one of the most beautiful sights I’ve ever seen – both the view at the top and at the bottom/inside of it. When you arrive, get ready for an adventure – there are 90 wet, slippery stairs total from the top of the cenote to the bottom. The cenote is about 60 meters (200 ft) in diameter and about 50 meters deep (150 feet). The large pool of water in the cenote is fresh and a beautiful dark blue color, and you’re likely to see large cat fish swimming around you. You’ll be able to swim in the sinkhole at your leisure and if you so desire, climb up a few more stairs to jump off of a cliff into the dark, deep waters.

I was simply in love with this xenote and would highly recommend you add this, or the various other xenotes in Mexico, to your bucketlist. The xenote is so huge, mysterious, and captivating that you will want to take a TON of pictures and will want to spend much more time there than you are allotted. There are many xenotes throughout the Yucatan region of Mexico, but Ik Kil is supposedly the most impressive. I’d absolutely love to visit more of them if I get a chance to go back to Cancun in the future.

I was so excited that in addition to Xenote Ik Kil, our tour bus would also be making a stop at Chichen Itza, one of the seven new wonders of the world. Chichen Itza is one of the largest Mayan cities ever built, and it’s pretty interesting to think that from around 600 A.D. to the 1200s, this was a city full of families, their stories, traditions, and cultures, and bustling LIFE! According to Chichen Itza’s official website: “Chichen Itza, which means “at the mouth of the well of Itza,” is the 2nd most visited archeological site of Mexico today. The Kukulkan Pyramid in Chichen-Itza which known as “El Castillo” (the castle), is one of the new seven wonders of the world elected in 2007. It is exactly 24 m. high considering the upper platform. Apart from the Kukulkan Pyramid, in Chichen Itza there many other archaeological sites to visit, all carrying traces from Mayan Culture in many ways.”

We went on an hour guided tour of the grounds to learn about some of the highlights of this ancient city and then got to explore on our own for about an hour. We walked completely around the iconic large step pyramid and through the grounds of the Temple of the Warriors, the Observatory, and the Ball Game Court. We were in awe of the remains of these ruins, paying close attention to the Maya and Toltec artistic detail in some of the stone monuments. It’s no surprise at all to me that Chichen Itza attracts millions of visitors each year.

After a wonderful (and very hot) day of exploring the ruins of this ancient civilization, we headed back onto the bus and made our 2.5-3 hour journey back to the hotel zone of Cancun. While this escapade was a very long day, it was absolutely worth it, and I’m so grateful to have checked some spectacular items off of my bucketlist. If you do get a chance to visit Cancun or the Yucatan area of Mexico, I’d highly recommend you click HERE to book this adventure tour or choose another one to your liking.

Overall, our trip to Cancun was a whirlwind vacation that resulted in some pretty epic adventures, many new friends (thanks to the beautiful wedding we attended), and amazing, once-in-a-lifetime memories. If you’re thinking about planning your next tropical Getaway From L.A., I’d highly recommend adding Cancun to your list of options! From the picturesque beaches, to the endless opportunities for adventure, to the relaxing resorts – it truly seems like there’s something for everyone here.

​Te amo, Cancun.

​Welcome to my first Getaway From L.A. post! If you have been following along with my Instagram and blog, you know that my favorite thing to do is explore new places, document my journey with pictures and helpful tips, and then share with you about my experiences. I’ve been wanting to expand my blog to incorporate travels outside of L.A. and figured this was the perfect time to start since I have just returned from a weekend getaway to a beautiful city on the Central Coast of California. So, from now on, I’ll be sharing information and pictures from each trip I take from Los Angeles, whether it’s a mini weekend getaway like in this case, or a more extended vacation.

One of the things I love most about Los Angeles is the endless road trips you can take to discover nearby places, whether it’s a week-long trip or a 24-hour escape. The California & West Coast adventures we can have are endless! My boyfriend and I decided to take an LA detour and explore San Luis Obispo (SLO as the locals call it), a city about 190 miles north of Los Angeles. We were only in SLO for two days, so we packed in as many fun adventures as we could, and after exploring this unique and eclectic city, I’m not surprised at all that National Geographic named it the “Happiest Place in America.” Below you will find pictures and ideas for you on fun and unique things to do in this special Central Coast city! 

Can you say pretty in pink?! When my boyfriend said we were stopping at The Madonna Inn for brunch, I figured it was a hotel inspired by THE Madonna. But nope, haha, it was built in 1958 and is named after the man who built it, Alex Madonna. This unique and extravagant hotel has the prettiest decor, which is a reason enough to stop by and be amazed by the grandiose interior. I love that some of the hotel room names are Love Nest, Cloud Nine, and Just Heaven – pretty fitting since we were visiting on Valentine’s Day! The brunch menu was reasonably priced, as were the mimosas. Click here to see the restaurant’s menu. Brunch reservations are not needed; you can walk right in and get seated fairly quickly – the restaurant is large and has ample seating room. Make sure to check out the selection of gourmet cakes when you are finished brunching, and pay the restrooms downstairs a visit to see even more lavish décor. The Madonna Inn is located at 100 Madonna Rd, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405

One of the highlights of this weekend getaway for me was wine tasting in the beautiful Edna Valley, only a few minute drive from downtown SLO. Los Angeles isn’t exactly what I would refer to as “green” or “lush,” so I loved driving through the rolling green hills and beautiful vineyards that stretched for miles and miles throughout the valley. We enjoyed tastings at both Wolff Vineyards and Kynsi Winery, although only Wolff Vineyards is pictured above. It was definitely our favorite from the 7 wines we were able to taste, the panoramic views, the décor of the tasting room, and beautiful and relaxing outside patio. This was such a romantic outing for my boyfriend and I, but would also be fun for a girls trip for a special occasion. Reservations are also not needed here, and the winery is open daily for tastings from 11:00am-5:00pm. Tastings are $10, but are waved if you buy a bottle of wine. Great deal! Wolff Vineyards is located at 6238 Orcutt Rd; San Luis Obispo, CA 93401.

Downtown SLO was buzzing with fun energy on a Sunday afternoon, and it’s no surprise considering that Cal Poly University is just around the corner. From restaurants, bars, boutiques, sweet and coffee shops, and so much more – there’s something for everyone here. We ate lunch at SLO Pasty Company and then got the most deeelicious ice cream from Doc Burstein’s Ice Cream Lab. We also made a stop at the infamous Bubblegum Alley (located at the 700 block of Higuera Street) and it was… interesting. Honestly, it really grosses me out that there is an entire alleyway dedicated to people’s chewed gum. But I guess it’s fascinating nonetheless. Whoever started this truly had an idea that stuck (pun intended) because there are layers upon layers of chewed gum lining the concrete walls. We walked throughout the alley way, making sure to not get too close to any of the ABC gum, blew some bubbles, and left our mark.

Most definitely the highlight of our romantic getaway was watching the sunset at Montana De Oro State Park. The name means "Mountain of Gold" and comes from the golden wildflowers found throughout the park grounds. As we made our way into the park, we stopped and parked at a small pullover section that fit about 7-10 cars. It’s shortly past the main recreation area where the majority of people park, but it leads you much closer to the cliffs. From about a five-10 minute walk into the forest area, we discovered one of the most beautiful coastline views I’ve ever experienced. We trekked around the Bluff Trail until we came upon a somewhat steep cliff side that led directly to the beach. Because it was so steep, we had to sit down and SLIDE down the entire side of the mountain. Although I was completely covered in sand and was constantly alternating between panicking and laughing, it was SO much fun and made for the perfect random adventure to end our day. Tip: go barefoot but bring solid hiking shoes - my high top converse were not the ideal shoes for this situation.

Once we made our way down to the coast, I fell completely in love with SO MANY THINGS. The jagged edges of the huge rock formations all over the beach. The black sand. The sound of the waves crashing on the shore. The fact that there was almost no one else there. Ahhh. It was so perfect. From the jagged edges of the cliffs and tide pools, the amazing views from the top of the cliffs, and sun setting perfectly over the Pacific Ocean, Mantana De Oro truly lives up to its name – it’s pure gold. Definitely a must see in SLO.

On our way from SLO to meet some friends for brunch in Pismo, we stopped for a post-coffee and donut walk along the cliffs along Shell Beach. We parked right outside of The Cliff’s Resort (2757 Shell Beach Rd, Pismo Beach, CA 93449), which we have also heard has a great brunch, as an FYI. We strolled along the paved walking path right next to the cliffs and the panoramic views were gorgeous. It was not as beautiful as Montana De Oro, but much less sandy and easier to access :) I would love to eat (or stay at!) the Cliff’s Resort during the next trip up here.

​Grub at Woodstock’s Pizza, grab donuts from Slo Donut Company, and get your caffeine fix from Black Horse Espresso (was way too busy eating to take pictures of any of these spots - opps!) 

Overall, I truly loved this “Getaway from L.A.” and can’t want to go back and explore more of this incredibly eclectic Central Coast city. Readers Digest said it best about SLO - “Business signs are unobtrusive by law, fewer than 11% of residents smoke—the lowest rate in the U.S.—there are lots of bike lanes, and the city’s plaza draws throngs of people for free concerts on summer Fridays. What’s not to love?” Yup, I’m lovin’ it.

Still on my SLO bucket list is hiking Bishop Peak, visiting Avila Beach, and eating BBQ at Firestone Grill. Have any other recommendations for my next trip or for others wanting to plan a SLO getaway? Feel free to leave any questions, thoughts, or ideas in the comments section!

Until my next getaway from LA adventure, thanks for tuning in!