I wish you were here

Crystal Cove State Park serves as a pristine coastal oasis, beautifully blending a sandy beach with an expansive, rugged wilderness. This diverse state park offers a wide variety of scenic hiking trails tailored for adventurers of all experience levels. 

This stunning three-mile stretch of beach along the Pacific Coast Highway remains one of the most remarkable jewels of the California state park system. Crystal Cove State Park is fully open and operational, welcoming hikers, campers, and beachgoers year-round. Beyond its clean coastal shores, the property encompasses roughly 3,000 acres of protected rolling hills, steep canyons, and clearly marked paths.

During my teen years I visited Venice, Italy and loved the canals and narrow alleyways between majestic historic buildings. 

I was surprised to find out that California had its own Venice with canals and alleyways, but with a totally different vibe

Venice was established as a resort town in 1905 by tobacco millionaire Abbot Kinney, but it was annexed by the city of Los Angeles in 1925.

This town has a split personality. When you start walking the long stretch of the boardwalk on the beach, you are transformed into a festive, almost circus-like, atmosphere. 

Escondido Falls trail is a moderately challenging hike, adorned with trees, a meandering creek, and a rewarding view at the end. The falls, when flowing, present a breathtaking spectacle.

The Waterfall: The lower tier of the waterfall is easily accessible and stands at 50 feet. For those seeking a bit more adventure, the upper tier, at a majestic 150 feet, offers stunning views but is more challenging to reach.

Angel Island State Park, located on the largest island in the bay, is just a short ferry ride from San Francisco. The entire island is dedicated to recreational activities.

Access to the island is primarily via ferry, though private boats are also an option. Ferry services are frequent, though schedules are reduced during the winter months. Check the ferry schedules here to ensure you don't miss the last boat.

Adventureland is designed to immerse visitors in a tropical jungle filled with thrilling adventures, featuring rides like Indiana Jones and explorations like a jungle treehouse.

The Disney Resort is practically in my backyard. Over the years, my family and I have amassed a wealth of knowledge about the parks and attractions, which we are eager to share.

Indiana Jones

This attraction, inspired by the Indiana Jones films, takes riders on an exhilarating adventure through a lost temple aboard a rugged military transport vehicle guided by Indiana Jones himself.