Latest Blog Posts
WHICH DISNEY WORLD DELUXE RESORT HAS THE BEST XMAS DECORATIONS – COMPLETE RANKING 2023
Christmas is probably the best time of year to visit Walt Disney World in Florida. Somehow, Disney magic and the wonder of Christmas just make the perfect combination. And we all know that Disney goes all out when it comes to decorating for the holidays. That is...
TORREY PINES STATE NATURAL RESERVE – AN EASY HIKE IN THE WILDERNESS
Are you looking for some time in nature in Northern San Diego County? Want to go hiking but not up for a huge challenge? Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is the place for you. This was my second visit at this park with its rare trees and I enjoyed it even more than...
ANNIE’S SLOT CANYON – A FUN CHALLENGE IN SOLANA BEACH
Annie's Canyon Trail is one of the main attractions in Solana Beach (at least according to TripAdvisor): A short hike through a slot canyon to a viewpoint over the San Elijo Lagoon. As we own a timeshare at Winner's Circle Resort in Solana Beach we have spent a week...
SAN CLEMENTE – A PERFECT BEACH TRIP FROM LA WITHOUT A CAR
There are numerous great beach towns all along the coast from LA down to San Diego, but if you are looking for a day trip to the beach from Los Angeles without a car nothing beats San Clemente. I have visited many of the small communities along the coast and love them...
40+ BEST FREE ACTIVITIES IN LOS ANGELES
Los Angeles has a huge variety of activities but did you know that many of them are free? Of course there are many LA activities with a hefty price tag that are great fun. Universal Studios Hollywood, Celebrity Home Tours, Whale Watching Tours... the list goes on and...
SAN DIEGO BOTANIC GARDEN OR MEDITATION GARDENS – WHICH ENCINITAS GARDEN TO VISIT
Encinitas, CA, offers not only one but two popular botanical gardens: the San Diego Botanic Garden and the Meditation Gardens of the Self-Realization Fellowship. So which one should you visit? During my recent trip to Southern California I visited both in one day and...
A PERFECT DAY IN DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES
I love Los Angeles - there is so much to see and do. So I am always surprised to hear that many do not care for the city at all. I think it has to do with expectations and the fact that Los Angeles is different from many other famous cities. Attractions are spread out...
REVIEW: MAGIC CASTLE HOTEL, HOLLYWOOD
With its central location in Hollywood, the Magic Castle Hotel is an obvious choice for a visit to LA. Over the years, my kids and I have stayed at numerous hotels of all types. If I ask them today one of their top five experiences ever would be the Magic Castle...
IS HOLLYWOOD WORTH A VISIT?
Hollywood is usually on top of the list for first time visitors to Los Angeles. The iconic Hollywood sign, Walk of Fame, the glamour of the movie industry - what could be more emblematic for Southern California? But if you do any sort of research - be it on...
INN AT VENICE BEACH HOTEL REVIEW
Sunny beaches, shopping, restaurants, and the laid-back Southern California vibe - Santa Monica/Venice is deservedly is one of the best areas to stay in for visitors to LA. Unfortunately, hotel prices in these popular beach neighborhoods are often astronomical. So I...
OLD TOWN SAN DIEGO – IS IT WORTH A VISIT?
Old Town San Diego is one of the top tourist sights in San Diego but is it worth a visit or just a tourist trap? On my recent trip to Southern California I only had half a day in San Diego before moving on to Solana Beach. Having been to San Diego a number of times...