I Rented an Airstream in Joshua Tree for a Socially Distant Vacation. Here's What You Need to Know

California was made for exploring. Since I moved to LA, I’ve made it my mission to see as much of the Golden State as possible. From epic beaches to stunning wine country, traveling here has been amazing. One of the most unique destinations in Southern California is Joshua Tree. If you don’t know much about Joshua Tree, it’s a huge national park surrounded by a handful of eclectic towns in the middle of a vast wilderness. The park is named after the signature trees you’ll see all over the landscape, the native yucca brevifolia, and you will be stunned by the incredible natural beauty.

You can always drive through the park for a day and quickly take in the scenery, but there is something magical about an overnight stay. Keep reading for more of my weekend adventure in Joshua Tree and travel tips to make the most of your time there.

Joshua Tree Travel Tips

Glamping in Joshua Tree

Since Joshua Tree is such a unique place, why not have a unique stay? Of course there are plenty of hotels and traditional houses for rent on AirBnB, but we decided to rent an airstream instead. Airstream rentals have become super trendy since they are made for an intimate socially distant experience. While I’m not a camping kind of girl, I can totally get down with glamping. Joshua Tree really is the perfect glamping destination.

The AirBnB we rented is called The Land Yacht and was so charming! It even had an old fashioned pool so we could escape the heat. A lot of Airstreams rentals don’t have their own kitchen or bathroom, so make sure you read your listing carefully! Ours had all the amenities we needed to have a comfy stay. It’s also an Instagrammer’s dream if you are looking for a place to stay with amazing photo opps!

AirBnB has plenty of other options if you filter for “Unique Stays” - from traditional yurts to more rustic campers. Just be sure to adjust your expectations. The “glamping” out here is a few notches above traditional camping, but is not necessarily a luxury experience. The Airstream we rented was full of rustic, vintage charm, but it was definitely a low-key set up and not at all fancy!

Where to Stay in Joshua Tree

If an Airstream or glamping isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other options. There are plenty of rental homes in the area, and several boutique hotels and motels you can choose from. Look for anything close to the park so you can have plenty of time to explore without driving too far there and back. There are no big chains or fancy resorts in Joshua Tree, so keep that in mind if that’s how you usually travel.

And if Joshua Tree isn’t your main destination, consider staying in near by Palm Springs. You’ll have you choice of posh or relaxed hotels or vacation homes and can always drive down to Joshua Tree for the day.

What to do Near Joshua Tree

So what exactly do you do in Joshua Tree? We only stayed 2 days, and wanted to focus on disconnecting and taking in the scenery, so we kept our itinerary pretty light. If you have a longer trip or just really want to explore, here are some recommendations!

Shopping in Joshua Tree

Joshua Tree is a haven for vintage shoppers and anyone who loves an eclectic find. Do some thrifting at a collection of boutiques and quirky shops, like Starlite Courtyard, Hoof and the Horn, Pioneer Crossing, and BKB Ceramics.

You’ll also find Trailer Court Shops, a marketplace that sells everything from Mexican blankets, mid-century collectibles, figurative sculptures, and folk art.

Hiking in Joshua Tree

The beautiful desert in Joshua Tree National Park is perfect for the adventurous explorer. It is a dream destination for rock climbers, hikers, and campers . There is everything from a desert oasis to a gorgeous cactus garden, inside the national park. It would take days to fully explore the park, but we just picked a few select trails to hike on our half-day adventure.

Fair warning though - start early! The sun becomes nearly unbearable by 11 am, so you want to have your hike wrapped up by then.

Rock Climbing in Joshua Tree

I got my fair share of rock climbing on our Joshua Tree hikes, but if you want to get more in, check out Joshua Tree Rock Climbing. They offer beginner and intermediate climbing courses, and are a great way to get some exercise in on your weekend adventure.

Explore Pioneertown

We stopped in Pioneertown on our way into Joshua Tree and it was so worth it! Pioneertown was built in the 1940s as a live-in Wild West movie set and offered temporary housing for cast and crew. Lots of classic Westerns were filmed there, like The Cisco Kid and Judge Roy Bean.

If the weather permits, take a walk around the town. You’ll find charming dirt roads, realistic dummies, dynamite props, and loads of Western memorabilia. Be sure to stop at Pappy and Harriet’s for a BBQ meal you will not forget!

Stargazing in Joshua Tree

The stargazing at night was definitely a highlight of my experience. I’m a NY girl born and raised, so it’s rare for me to see the sky light up like that. We rented a pick up truck so we could lay out and watch the stars, but you can also spread out a sleeping bag.

Safety Tips for Joshua Tree

Joshua Tree is a beautiful destination, but one where you should exercise caution. The national park is home to dangerous wildlife, like rattlesnakes and coyotes, and plenty of prickly bushes and cacti that can be painful if you stumble upon one.

There are also plenty of bees and red ants so be careful! Watch where you are going as you walk, and always keep your eyes scanning around you. Look down before you place your hands or feet anywhere, and listen carefully for sounds like swarms of bees or the buzz of a rattlesnake.

And NEVER climb into the trees! I’m sure you’ve seen people doing this for Instagram photos, but not only is it dangerous, it can damage the very fragile Joshua Trees. Exercise caution and travel respectfully.

Hope these tips help! What destinations are on your California bucket list?

How to Have the Perfect Weekend In Paso Robles!

Everyone is looking for ideas for where to go on a summer vacation. My husband and I have been doing a few small social distancing friendly vacations, focusing on local and domestic travel. It has been a tough 5 months since stay at home restrictions started, so we have been slowly and carefully giving ourselves a break. California has so many beautiful places to visit, especially if you are up for a road trip. From beaches, to wine country, to mountains, the options for social distancing vacations are pretty endless.

If you are trying to figure out where to go on a summer vacation, I highly suggest a weekend visit to Paso Robles! It’s a beautiful wine country region conveniently located between LA and San Francisco. The drive is a beautiful road trip, and there are tons of ways to have fun while still making it a social distancing vacation. Check out my tips for the perfect weekend in Paso Robles California!

How to Have the Perfect Weekend in Paso Robles

Where to Stay in Paso Robles

We stayed at the Allegretto Resort, a gorgeous Tuscan inspired property with its own vineyard. It’s pretty perfect for a wine country getaway! The rooms are spacious, and many of them feature their own patio. The resort also has a pool, spa, tasting room, and restaurant, so it’s perfect for the lazy traveler. They even have cute yellow bikes you can use for the day. The grounds are spacious, and dotted with gazebos and swings so you can lounge around the property while still social distancing on vacation. If you can only do domestic travel, it’s the perfect place to pretend you’re on vacation in Tuscany!  

If downtown Paso Robles is more your vibe, check out the Piccolo Hotel. It’s a very chic, modern boutique hotel and is walking distance to a ton of tasting rooms in downtown Paso Robles. We took Ubers between all of our tastings, but if you stay downtown you’ll have plenty of options to walk to. Downtown Paso Robles is also full of cute shops and galleries, but a lot of things are closed due to covid.

What to do in Paso Robles

The obvious thing to do after a road trip to Paso Robles is drink! After all, you are in wine country and there are award winning vineyards everywhere. There are so many gorgeous wineries to visit, from boutique tasting rooms to sprawling wine country estates. Because of social distancing guidelines, most wineries are appointment only, so you’ll have to be pretty organized when planning your trip.

And make sure you are safe! Have a designated driver for the day, plan to take Uber around, or schedule a wine tour that drives you around. There are plenty of wine shuttles and hop on hop off winery tours to choose from.

Paso Robles is also known for its natural hot springs and day spas. We didn’t have time to visit, but River Oak Hot Springs is one of the most highly rated to visit in Paso Robles.

Even though you are in wine country, you may want a break from drinking! Stop by the Estrella Warbird Museum, an aviation museum with a unique collection of military aircraft, military vehicles and memorabilia. 

Paso Robles is also a great midway point between several other amazing road trip opportunities. Take a break from vineyard hopping for a social distancing vacation day and drive around the area.  Plan a visit to Hearst Castle, the iconic landmark that’s less than an hour away. It’s currently closed due to covid, but keep an eye on their website for when they eventually reopen! Pismo Beach is another great mini road trip, that’s only about a 45 minute drive away.  Or hop over to Morro Rock or Atascadero for another social distancing vacation day.

Wineries to Visit in Paso Robles

We didn’t have a ton of time so didn’t get to visit too many wineries in Paso Robles. But there are so many to choose from! The first one we visited was the tasting room at the Allegretto Resort. The outdoor space was lovely and they gave us a generous pour of 5 of their varietals.

On my must visit list was Daou Family Estates. Almost all the tastings are by appointment only, so we were wait listed for one. I was psyched when they had a cancellation the day before and we got in! The grounds are like a wine country fantasy. Everything is so picturesque and the photo opps are to die for. Their tasting is a little expensive, and the food way overpriced! But it’s worth it for the scenery alone. We did the tasting than got a glass of rose and sipped it while wandering the property and snapping pictures. If you are planning a schedule, definitely give yourself about 3 hours here. You’ll want to enjoy your wine at a relaxed pace and check out the stunning scenery. If you are thinking about where to go for a summer vacation, don’t miss Daou!

We planned to go to Copia Family Vineyards, but cancelled the appointment when we got into Daou. I wished we would have been able to fit it in, because it looks like such a beautiful vineyard, but maybe next time! They have a vineyard estate and a downtown tasting room, so you have options if you want to add them to your wine country getaway.

And don’t miss Indigene Cellars! They are one of very few black owned wineries, and you know I’m all about supporting black owned businesses! The owner makes some very impressive reds, and they also have some really cute wine bottle candles that you can take home with you.

There are more wineries in Paso Robles than I can list, so do some browsing and see where you can get appointments. Very few places are allowing walk-ins because of covid, so you’ll need to do a bit more upfront planning to make it a successful social distancing summer vacation.

If you are wondering where to go for summer vacation, I highly recommend Paso Robles. Wine country escapes are always beautiful, but Paso Robles has a unique charm that is worth experiencing. Domestic travel will be on the rise this year, so if you are thinking about destinations definitely add Paso Robles to your list! It’s a beautiful region and perfect for a social distancing vacation. Hope these tips help you plan your Paso Robles road trip, and let me know what other destinations are on your list!

4 Things You Need to Know for the Ultimate Catalina Island Adventure!

I’m so happy to say I had my first post-quarantine vacation and it was amazing! I haven’t been anywhere since January, and all the trips I had planned for Spring/Summer (including my wedding) were cancelled due to covid. Since covid related restrictions on travel have been slowly easing up, I started thinking about local vacation ideas that I could take that would be safe and fun! I didn’t want to get caught up in any travel bans or restrictions on domestic or international flights. I’m still avoiding flights and long-haul travel, but I had the chance to visit California’s Catalina Island for a few days. If you haven’t heard of Catalina Island, add it to your travel bucket list immediately!

Catalina Island is off the Southern Coast of California, easily accessible by ferry from Long Beach. I partnered with The Catalina Island Company to get a taste of the best the island has to offer. Keep reading for my tips on everything you need to know to plan the perfect trip to Catalina Island!

Where is Catalina Island

Catalina Island or Santa Catalina Island is part of the Channel Islands of California archipelago, but is considered a part of LA County. It’s a small island, with only about 4,000 residents. Most of the action is in Avalon a sparkling town on the waterfront with gorgeous Italian Riviera vibes. You can get there in about an hour by ferry from Long Beach, and there is also ferry service from several other ports near Los Angeles. The ferry is running on a reduced schedule due to covid, so make sure you book reservations and show up early to ensure a good seat. You don’t want to miss the views when the boat pulls into the gorgeous harbor in Avalon!

What to do on Catalina Island

Catalina Island has something to offer for everyone, no matter your travel style. Whether you’re a beach babe who wants to lay out in the sun all day or a thrill seeker looking for an adventure, Catalina Island has something for you! We found a balance between both adventure and relaxation on our 2 night stay.

The first thing we did was rent golf carts to explore the island. Avalon is completely walkable, but you need a set of wheels to take in the scenery and explore up in the hills. Cars are allowed on the island but have restrictions and are limited so a gold cart is your best bet. The average cost to rent a golf cart that seats 4 people is $50 an hour and 2 hours is more than enough time to have a leisurely drive around the island, stopping for pics at the viewpoints.

On the next day we hopped on a Dolphin/Sea Lion Tour with Catalina Coastal Adventure. The company takes you on a scenic sail around the bay where you’ll have the chance to spot sea lions and dolphins. The views are incredible, and we saw tons of sea lions, seals, and a whole pod of dolphins! You don’t always see dolphins since they move around so much, but we got lucky and stumbled upon a whole group of them.

If you want a real adventure, check out Catalina Island’s Zip Line Eco Tour. You’ll zip line across 5 lines, going as fast as 35mph at 600 feet elevation! It was terrifying at first, but so much fun! The zip lining tour ends at Descansco Beach, so you can pop into the stylish Descansco Beach Club for beachfront cocktails.

Fair warning, packing in all these activities can cost a pretty penny! Catalina Island is a close trip to LA, but it’s definitely not a cheap one. Look for discounts and promos on Visit Catalina Island and on Instagram. We tried to go parasailing after finding a 50% code on Instagram, but the tour got cancelled due to the weather.

Where to Eat on Catalina Island

The food on Catalina Island did not disappoint. Descansco Beach had a great menu that was perfect for a day at the beach, and the island had plenty of fresh seafood, high quality steaks, and great casual dining.  We planned to go to Avalon Grille since it’s also one of the most popular restaurants on Catalina Island, but it was still closed due to coronavirus. Don’t miss the fresh catch at Bluewater Grill or the classic 50’s diner breakfast at Jack’s.  And Steve’s Steakhouse is a classic restaurant with great views.  

Best Times to go to Catalina Island

While Catalina Island is gorgeous year round, summer is definitely the best time to visit. I would suggest late summer, like July/August for the best weather all day. LA is known for the May Grey and June Gloom, and the sun didn’t come out until after 12 or 1 every day on Catalina Island. If you want longer days with brighter sun, definitely go in between late June-early September. That will help make sure you can have the most fun in the sun, especially for water based activities.

Hope these tips help! If you are planning a trip to Catalina Island let me know in the comments if you have any questions! Be sure to check on any changes to travel restrictions, coronavirus related executive orders, or guidance from the Centers from Disease Control and Prevention before booking travel.     

And special thanks to The Catalina Island Company for sponsoring my trip!

3 Travel Tips for Venice California!

Summer is all about packing in the beach time! Living in DTLA means planning your weekends around soaking up the sun and I’ve been trying to explore all the different beaches in my new home in LA! One of my favorite beach town so far is Venice, CA. The vibe is so unique, and reminds me a little bit of good old Coney Island in NY! Here are a few tips for spending a perfect day in Venice.

Don’t Go Too Early

Mid-day to early afternoon is the sweet spot for Venice. The area can be a little sketchy in the morning due to the large homeless population, so go a little later in the day when more beach goers and tourists are out and about. Plus the boardwalk area is pretty dead in the morning and you don’t want to miss that! Afternoons are when you’ll see street vendors, performances, and the famous bodybuilders that hang out on Muscle Beach. For prime time sightseeing, I would say don’t arrive before noon. The beach is usually far less crowded then neighboring Santa Monica, so don’t worry about not being able to get a spot if you go later. I would also say plan to leave the area before dark! I’ve never stayed out past 730/8pm, but did get the feeling that nights can be a bit creepy.

Make Time to Explore Abbot Kinney and the Canals

When you are ready to get off the beach and boardwalk, make your way over to Abbot Kinney Blvd! The strip is full of cute, hip boutiques and is made for window shopping. I say window shopping because a lot of the stores are pretty pricey, so unless you feel like splurging, shop with your eyes not your wallet! A few blocks away are the Venice Canals, a historic residential district. The neighborhood and canals were created to give California taste of Italy. Most of the canals were filled in and turned into roads as the neighborhood expanded, save for the ones left in the historic district.

Enjoy the Restaurant Scene

Venice is full of casual cool-girl restaurants, from Blue Bottle Coffee to The Butcher’s Daughter. Gjelina is also a hot spot with a great vibe, but just be aware the menu is a bit particular and they don’t make any substitutions or modifications. As in they wouldn’t even give me the lamb burger with no bun!

Let me know what you think of Venice and any other favorite places in the LA area!

Everything You Need to Know About Moving to LA

It’s been about 2 months since I moved to LA and so far I love my new city. The weather has been amazing - cool in the mornings then comfortably hot by afternoon with none of the gross NY humidity. People here are way more relaxed than I’m used to and the scenery is just so pretty! As an NYC transplant there has been an adjustment period and a few things I’ve had to learn and get used to. Here is a snapshot about how I’ve adjusted what I’m still working on!

Public Transportation in LA is Way Better than Expected

Driving is not my strong suit, as in I can barely do it. I was dreading having to drive in LA, especially on the freeways! I’ve been living in LA for 2 months getting around through a combo of the Metro and Lyft and it’s been perfect. Since I’m in downtown LA there are lots of buses than connect my neighborhood to most other parts of the city and they run timely and efficiently. I usually do buses by day and Lyft by night or if I’m rushing and I don’t wish I had a car AT ALL.

The Weather in LA is Hit or Miss

I moved here fully expecting beach days and temps in the high 80’s every day! However, when I visited in Feb and again in April, it rained damn near every day. And May and June were pretty much grey and cloudy every day for most of the day! I had never heard of the May Grey or June Gloom until I lived in it! Sometimes the clouds would break by late afternoon, but for the most part the weather was pretty disappointing.

The Food is Awesome - And Not all Health Conscious

I expected the foodie scene here to be way healthier, and it is for sure! But things are way more balanced than expected. I’m still on keto and ordering out is a dream. There are always plenty of low carb options or subtitutes available. Plus there is a plethora of options on the more decadent side. Living in LA really is a foodie haven, from the abundance of fresh, organic produce and restaurants that strike the balance between healthy and yummy. Do yourself a favor and do plenty of dining out when in town! I’ve been relying on Infatuation’s guides for restaurant suggestions, so check out reviews on their site if you are planning a trip.

I also noticed that if you walk into a trendy hotspot style restaurant without a reservation, the wait is usually just 15 to 20. In NY it’s not uncommon to hear 45 minutes to an hour! Makes things way more convenient if you are winging it one night.

People Are a Little Bit Flakier

Ok the stereotype is true! I was warned that LA people can be pretty flaky, much more so than New Yorkers. I think the main cause is the insane traffic. There have been a few times people changed plans last minute based on traffic, which I have heard is horrendous. As I said earlier, I don’t drive so am less affected, but considering how bad it can get, I kind of understand.

Have you guys visited LA, are a local, or thinking about moving? Let me know your thoughts about life or travel here and any tips for someone who is new in town!

The Instagrammers Guide to San Diego

Back from a fabulous weekend in San Diego! It was my second time in the city and I fell even more in love. It's absolutely beautiful, with amazing food, stunning beaches, and super friendly people. What's not to love! I'm more of a travel blogger now than I was when I went a few years ago so obviously I wanted to hit up as many Instagram worthy spots. Priorities,  I know! If you want to make the most of your San Diego trip while also getting as much #content as possible, here are my go to spots in the city!

Wander around North Park

North Park is to San Diego what Brooklyn is to NYC - cute, trendy, and getting more and more buzzy. Start with a healthy bite at Communal Coffee, a coffee shop that sells classic hipster fare lie bowls and vegan baked goods. They also share a space with Native Poppy, the cutest florist, and next door is Pigment an adorable shop featuring a giant pink wall, a build your own succulent station and plenty of other social media bait. 

A few blocks way is Holy Matcha, or the place of my dreams! The decor is all pink and green, and the menu is full of beautiful and refreshing drinks and snacks. When I was there pretty much everyone was taking advantage of all the photo opps, and the staff didn't mind at all.

After you've gotten a healthy bite, wander across the street to Hammond's Gourmet Ice Cream. All of their flavors are incredible, so get a tasting flight so you can sample them all! 

Take the Ferry to Hotel del Coronado

The Hotel del Coronado is a San Diego icon. It has a rich history, beautiful beach, and cute restaurants and bars with beachfront views.  If you are in a rush you can take a taxi or drive, but the ferry is also a great way to get to the island if you want to take in some views on the journey. 

Hang out in Pacific Beach

Pacific Beach, or PB as the locals call it, is a laid-back surfer town near the beach. Grab an acai bowl from The Mad Beet to snack on while you catch some sun, and when you are ready to dig in, stop by Kono's, a low-key beach front restaurant serving breakfast all day.  

Explore the Old Town

The Old Twn is the historic heart of San Diego. It was established in 1769 and was California's first settlement. There are lush gardens, great restaurants, and a charming, old world Mexican-American feel. 

There is so much more to experience in San Diego, from Sunset Cliffs, to Balboa Park, and even day trips to Mexico. I only had a few days so had to choose carefully, but I will definitely be back to this charming city. Let me know your favorite places in San Diego for when I plan my next visit!

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