Many people visit Austin for the food and music scene.
After all, the city is home to Franklin’s Barbeque, South by Southwest (SXSW), and putting a positive spin on being “weird”.
Nightlife is one of Austin’s biggest draws for visitors. The nightlife scene in Austin includes a thriving gay scene and is one of the most LGBTQ-friendly cities in Texas!
One thing people may not take into account though when thinking about Austin is just how many outdoor activities there are to do, especially hiking trails.
In fact, going for a hike is one of the things you must do in Texas! Austin is located along the Colorado River and sits at the tip of Texas Hill Country.
Since the city sits at four major ecological intersections, it gives adventurers a different experience for each hike they take.
Here are some of the best easy day hikes near Austin!
Best Hikes Near Austin
Mount Bonnell
The perfect hike to get us started on the list of awesome Austin hiking destinations is Mount Bonnell. At 775 feet, it is the highest spot in the city.
Don’t let this height intimidate you though, because the hike is relatively easy — only a third of a mile long. The workout for this one comes from the 200-foot elevation gain!
Given that it looks down on the city, this is a perfect view for sunset, though you won’t be alone to enjoy it. If you are an early bird, the sunrise is far less crowded.
Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail atLady Bird Lake
The fourteen and a half-mile trail is perfect for someone looking for unique scenery along their trail run or long, leisurely walk.
Instead of running through just nature, this trail runs through downtown, neighborhoods, and cultural attractions such as Congress Bridge: yes, that famous bridge where you can see bats fly out at sunset!
Another unique feature is the boardwalk, created in 2008 to bridge the gap between several of the trails and make it easier for hikers and runners to enjoy.
St. Edwards Park
This one is one of the lesser-known hikes near Austin, but it definitely worth your time, especially if you are a sucker for waterfalls and nature.
Of the three Austin hikes we have covered so far, this one is the most difficult. Part of the reason for this is that the trail is a bit rocky and hilly.
You have the option of taking the three and a half mile hike or connecting to either the Forest Ridge or Bull Creek trail for a longer route. Choosing one of the longer routes means exciting views that don’t require quite as steep hike as Mount Bonnell!
Interestingly enough, the north side of the park is a part of the city of Austin, while the south side is owned by Balcones Canyonland Preserve system. When going into the Preserve area, it is important to note that dogs must be on their leash.
Shoal Creek Trail
This three and three quarter mile trail consists of many different types of terrain, including concrete, dirt, and gravel. This is in part thanks to the fact that it is the oldest of the hiking trails in Austin, dating back to the 1960s.
Like the Ann and Roy Butler trail, this one is also in the heart of downtown Austin; unlike the previous trail, Shoal Creek is typically less crowded.
This might be in part because instead of giving you city scenery, you feel like you are out in the woods. There is a great deal of shade here, so this one is a good option for warmer sunny days (and are a lot of those in Austin!).
This peaceful Austin hike winds along with a creek, taking you through two parks and even through a canyon towards the northern end of the hike, giving a peaceful backdrop to guide your workout. Despite not having city views, this is one of the Austin hiking trails you don’t want to miss!
Barton Creek Greenbelt
This Austin hike is for everyone! Located in South Austin, there are twelve miles of trails to check out.
If, like me, you are an outdoor enthusiast, there are many other ways you can expand your time along this trek. Other activities you can participate in include hiking, biking, rock-climbing, bouldering, swimming, or even just resting in a hammock.
To get started, the best place to park is Zilker Park. While you have to pay for parking and it does get busy, it starts you off on your first mile and a quarter with fairly flat terrain.
For some of the route, you need to be considerate because it does go through residential neighborhoods. One of the more popular stops includes Gus Fern where, after a good rain, people go for a good, free swim in deeper waters.
The Loop 360 access point is one of the most popular ones throughout the loop because mountain bikers and rock climbers come for the more interesting terrain and the climbing wall Seismic. Something to keep in mind though is it can get rather noisy from the highway located nearby, so it’s not the most relaxing part of the trail.
If you’re looking for an extra challenge on your Austin hike, be sure to check out the Hill of Life! It is a three hundred-foot vertical uphill with some spectacular views and takes about thirty minutes to go up, if you’re going at a decent pace.
McKinney Falls State Park
McKinney Park is one of my favorite places. This state park is located 14 miles from downtown, so it’s a perfect hike near Austin if you are looking for a short drive to get away from the city scenery.
There are six different hiking trails along the state park and they range from half a mile to a little over three miles. You can access information about each hike here.
I do want to note, though, that there are some pretty interesting things to see here, including the remains of Thomas McKinney’s horse trainer’s cabin and a picnic table that was donated by the Smith family, who gave the land to the state to build the state park that it is today. They also have done guided events in the past, though I am not sure if they are currently (especially due to present health concerns!).
Unlike previous Austin hikes I’ve listed, which are all free, this one cost $6 to get into if you’re over thirteen. If you are bringing kids along that aren’t yet teenagers, it is free for them. I recommend going in the spring to this trail because the wildflowers are in abundance along the trails, not to mention the cooler weather!
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
This hiking trail is located the furthest away from Austin, in the town of Fredricksburg, which is about an hour and a half east.
This is also the only one that I would recommend taking advantage of their camping option.
The reason for this is that the natural area is on the list for International Dark Sky Places, meaning there is no light from other areas obscuring your view of the night sky and it is breath-taking, to say the least. They even have ranger-led star parties!
If you’re a stargazing enthusiast, this should definitely be on your Texas bucket list.
There are eight trails to choose from, which range from just over one-tenth of a mile to four miles, with the latter giving you amazing views. The summit of the large rock is 1,823 feet high, and it will definitely get your heart pumping due to the steep incline!
When heading down, you truly get the best view by taking the west side, where the Enchanted Rock meets the Little Rock.
Naturally, in the summer, many people come earlier in the day to shelter themselves from the heat and sun’s rays, since this trail doesn’t offer much shade. I personally think this trail near Austin would be best in fall or spring!
Hamilton Pool Preserve
This one was saved for last on purpose! It is very well-known and with good reason.
The location, located thirty minutes outside of Austin, is best known for its beautiful 50-foot waterfall and natural pool area, which is actually a collapsed grotto! Unlike with many of the other trails, this grotto’s water stays consistent all year round.
The trail is not a long one to reach the pools — only about half a mile — but it can be rocky and steep at times so come prepared. Wear proper shoes and not flip flop type sandals.
If you’re looking for more than just spending several hours at a pool, be sure to check out the trail that will take you to the Pedernales River. While you’re hiking, you can search for several birds that are hard to spot in other parts of the state, including the Golden Cheek Warblers and Cliff Swallows.
The cost to get into Hamilton Pools is twofold. First, you have to pay $12 online per car (each car can hold up to eight people). Then you have to pay $8 per person between 13 and 62, $3 for seniors, and it’s free for children under 13.
It is also recommended you book several months in advance, especially in the summer! Part of the reason for this is that you are given a time slot: either 9 AM to 12:30 PM or 2 PM to 5:30 PM. Within that time slot, only 25 people can come in. This is nice because the pool doesn’t get overcrowded (especially important these days!).
Which Austin hike sounds best to you?
Given Austin’s proximity to so many different types of nature, this list of hikes in and near Austin could go on; however, this is a great start and a way to find beauty in the everyday while you spend time in, and around, the Austin area.
Be sure to let us know how you enjoyed the hike and give some tips to your fellow Austinite hikers!
Tiffany is a culinary teacher by day, writer by night. She spends her free time drinking coffee and planning the next big adventure around the United States with her family. Their latest project involves converting an NV1500 work van into a home on wheels.
Vietnam is a very diverse and beautiful country with something to offer everyone. The country is long, spanning several climates and geographies, meaning that there are so many different places to visit in Vietnam that feel vastly different from the next.
Nature-minded travelers like its cascading rice terraces in the north. Others prefer embracing the romance of Hoi An ancient town or relaxing on golden sands beside turquoise water on the Phu Quoc islands.
Whether you are looking for nature, culture, food, or just pure relaxation: Vietnam has something to offer you.
Here are some of the most remarkable destinations in Vietnam, all worthy of a spot on your Vietnam bucket list.
The 15 Best Places to Visit in Vietnam
Hanoi
The range of cultural sites in Hanoi is extraordinary, from the quaint Old Quarter to its fascinating ethnology museum, from the crumbling French colonial style Opera to the ancient Tran Quoc temple.
The capital of Vietnam is probably the ultimate foodie destination as well! From world-class noodles to the more adventurous grilled pigeon, the food cooked up by the local street vendors in Hanoi is truly some of the tastiest food you’ll find in Vietnam.
Ha Long Bay
This Unesco World Heritage Site needs no explanation, only photos! It is simply one of the must-see places in Vietnam for most travelers. With 1600 karst islands, Ha Long Bay is pretty much a screensaver-perfect backdrop come to life.
On a cruise in Ha Long, every photo is magic: picture vivid shapes of islands reflecting on its emerald waters. It needs no photoshop: imposing rocks, clear lagoons, water-level caves — it’s out of this world.
To make the most of your Vietnam tour, it is recommended to choose a 3-day trip or longer. You will be able to explore the more untouched parts of this magnificent natural wonder, ones that day-trippers and overnight visitors miss.
You can also visit lesser-visited places in the region like Cat Ba in order to have a more off the beaten path experience.
Ninh Binh
With various scenic back roads, beguiling historic sites and its status as UNESCO World Heritage site, Ninh Binh has something to please any visitor — even the most sophisticated ones.
If you enjoy cycling, the 24 km flat terrain around Hoa Lu ancient capital is a must-do. If you’re more a fan of wildlife, Cuc Phuong National Park will fill your days with impressive wildlife photography and inspiring landscapes.
When it comes to time to relax, seat on a sampan ride to observe the picture-perfect Ngo Dong river floating past.
Sapa
The best Vietnam views belong to Sapa, as it is home to Fansipan Mountain, the highest peak in the Indochina region (which today encompasses Cambodia, Vietnam, and Laos). Thanks to the new arrival of the cable car, capturing Sapa’s panorama from above has become even easier.
For decades, it has been a magnet for trekkers and those in search of learning more about the culture of the many ethnic minority groups who call Sapa home.
The main charm of Sapa comes from its neighboring communities which you can only access through its breathtaking hiking networks. Some of the Sapa highlights you should put on your Vietnam bucket list: Lao Chai rice terraces, Ban Ho Valley, Cat Cat Waterfall, and Love Waterfall.
Unquestionably, the best way to appreciate Sapa’s scenery is to take a tour package with a homestay option to get a real sense of Sapa’s culture.
Ha Giang
No place in Vietnam can beat Ha Giang for road tripping! Each district of this province is tempting enough to tackle.
From Hoang Su Phi to Dong Van, you’ll have opportunity to delve into the national heritage of Ha Giang rice terraces and go through awe-inspiring pass of Ma Pi Leng.
There is another reason that you’ll feel in love with Ha Giang: its hospitality. No matter where you travel in the region, people are welcoming and happy to show you their life.
Do not miss Dong Van market which happens only on Sundays, serving as a beautiful meeting point for local hill tribes including the Hmong, Tay, and Dzao minorities.
Phong Nha National Park
Lying deep in the Truong Son mountain range, Phong Nha National Park has been stealing a bit of the spotlight in Vietnam’s tourism scene in recent years.
Since 2009, when the largest cave in the world was discovered in this national park, Phong Nha has become one of the hottest places for adventure and ecotourism in all of Asia.
To take part in a trek to Son Doong, you even need to register months in advance and pay quite a bit — we’re talking thousands in permit and excursion fees — making it a pricey but gorgeous addition to your Vietnam bucket list.
Hue
For a taste of old Vietnam, visit Hue, the last imperial city that served as Vietnam’s capital from 1802 to 1945.
The city is a perfect introduction to learning more about Vietnam’s feudal era, especially the Nguyen Dynasty. A visit to the Forbidden City, Khai Dinh Tomb, and Thien Mu Pagoda are all Hue musts: they are like stepping back into a time machine.
However, Hue has not its attractions but plenty of other excursions to enjoy to make your time in Hue even more memorable. Take a pleasant Huong river cruise, learn about traditional bonsai, attend a royal cooking class to learn to cook Vietnamese food fit for a king, or dive into Hue’s performing arts scene.
Hoi An
If you want to enjoy the most romantic place to visit in Vietnam, Hoi An is the place to be. If you’re choosing Vietnam as a honeymoon destination, Hoi An simply must be on your trip itinerary.
It has a beautiful location by the picturesque Thu Bon river, and it’s conveniently located next to the pristine sandy beaches of An Bang and Cua Dai.
Hoi An has a long tradition with the arts, and you’ll find opportunities to engage with its craft scene such as observing colorful lantern workshop and silk weaving houses.
Hoi An isn’t lacking a diverse and unique food scene, either! Many dishes are regional to Hoi An including tasty Cao Lau, Banh Bao Banh Vac (aka white rose dumplings), and aromatic Com Ga are widely available — often just for less than $2 USD a plate!
Con Dao Archipelago
With its tranquil lagoons, dense tropical jungles, and an incredible marine national park, this part of Vietnam has a landscape as dramatic as its history.
During the French era, it was a well-known prison and a military base. Nowadays, it’s a much more light-hearted place! Con Dao boasts the ultimate laid-back atmosphere with plenty of secluded, paradisiacal beaches.
It seems there is no better place to find your own slice of paradise without tourists than this archipelago, especially now that the secret is out about Pho Quoc!
Touring relatively unexplored islands is very much a possibility here, since 14 out of 15 are uninhabited and only visited by boat trippers.
Dalat
Dalat is arguably one of the most romantic places to visit in Vietnam, perhaps tied with Hoi An. With its crumbling French colonial relics, pine forests, beautiful lake, and mild weather, it seems a world away from other parts of Vietnam.
For those who enjoy adventurous activities, Dalat spoils for choice. From jungle safaris to navigating thrilling waterfalls, there is always something adventurous close at hand.
It’s also one of the most Instagrammable places in Vietnam! Head to the Buddhist Hand, Lang Biang mountain, or Datanla and Pongour waterfalls.
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
Your trip to Vietnam would be incomplete without including the southern hub of Ho Chi Minh City. The contrast between Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi is stark, and while I love both cities, it’s certainly worth visiting both to compare the two and have a sense of what modern Vietnam looks like.
Although the city is very busy with millions of motorbikes and high buildings, it has no shortage of enchanting attractions.
To start your day, enjoy a guided walk in District One where French architecture remained unchanged like centuries ago — checking out the old Postal Office, Opera House, City Hall, Notre Dame Cathedral, and other colonial-era architecture.
Then, in the afternoon, learn about the history of the Vietnam War by exploring the tunnels of Cu Chi. Follow this up with a visit to the somber but worthwhile War Museum, where you can learn about the catastrophic consequences of the Vietnam War. Be prepared to be moved.
When you feel a little hungry, embark on a motorbike food tour to sample all the best dishes that Ho Chi Minh has! It’s a little scary to first get on the motorbike, but you quickly adjust to – and even enjoy! – the chaos of Saigon traffic.
The fun does not stop at sunset: nowhere else in Vietnam has such wide range of karaoke, night markets, restaurants, and bars.
Can Tho
Not sure where else to go in southern Vietnam? Head to Can Tho, where the fantastic floating market appears on the mighty Mekong river.
Save some time to mingle with locals in Ong Temple, where you’ll get a true insight into the local religious culture.
If you have the time, a 3-day trip combining all the Mekong Delta’s must-sees is a great way to spend some time, especially if you’re a craft lover! These trips often include visits to typical traditional workshops where you can learn more about Vietnamese handicrafts and souvenirs.
Nha Trang
When you ask the Vietnamese their favorite beach destination in Vietnam, Nha Trang will likely be their answer! The city itself beckons with charming fishing markets, gorgeous beaches, and vibrant life.
If you can, save some time to travel offshore from Nha Trang to one of its pristine nearby islands where you can go diving, swim, or simply relax on a sun-kissed beach.
Tasty and delicious seafood abounds here as well!
Phu Quoc
As soon as you kick off your sandals, step on the powdery sand, and behold the blue, transparent waters that surround Phu Quoc, you’ll understand why Phu Quoc is the premier beach hopping destination in Vietnam.
Some great places to hang out in this vibrant island chain are Suoi Tranh stream and Phu Quoc National Park, but there are also countless beaches worth exploring and other unique things to do in Pho Quoc.
While the main islands have already started having a big tourism wave, there are still many islets which have barely been touched by mass tourism to explore in the Phu Quoc archipelago.
Allison Green is a former teacher who has been travel blogging since 2016. She has a Masters in Teaching and a B.A. in English and Creative Writing. Her blog posts merge her background as an educator with her experience traveling to 70+ countries to encourage ethical, meaningful travel. She has been a speaker at the World Travel Writers Conference and her writing, photography, and podcasting work has appeared in National Geographic, CNN Arabic, CBC Canada, and Forbes, amongst others. Now a full-time traveler, she has lived in Prague, Sofia, New York City, and the San Francisco Bay Area.
Most travelers to Ontario focus on three destinations: Toronto, Ottawa, and Niagara Falls.
While there’s nothing wrong with them, I don’t feel they showcase the incredible and beautiful wilderness this province has to offer. So instead, in this itinerary, I will take you to three of my favorite national / provincial parks on this 10 day Ontario road trip.
At Georgian Bay Islands National Park, you will watch the most spectacular sunrises. In Killarney Provincial Park, you will hike The Crack for phenomenal views of the La Cloche Mountain Range. In Algonquin Provincial Park, you will canoe by day and sleep under the stars by night.
If you like an active vacation and lots of incredible scenery, this is the perfect Ontario road trip itinerary for you.
Your Perfect 10 Days in Ontario: Road Trip Itinerary
Day 1 – 3: Georgian Bay Islands National Park
Georgian Bay Islands National Parkis one of my favorite places in the world. I spent 13 summers at an overnight camp located within the national park.
The park is known for its incredible sunsets, windswept pines, and rocky geography. The park protects 63 islands and the largest, Beausoleil Island, is home to several activities for visitors.
How to Get Here
On Day 1 drive from Toronto Pearson Airport to Georgian Bay Islands National Park. First, you will need to get to Honey Harbour Boat Clubs Marina, which is located about 2 hours north of Toronto. From the marina, it is a 20-minute boat ride to Beausoleil Island.
If you are staying in roofed accommodations on the island (see next section) you can take the Parks Canada DayTripper boat shuttle. If you are camping on the island, you will need to arrange a boat taxi to the island.
Where to Stay
There are four options for accommodation in the national park: Cedar Spring campground, primitive camping, oTentiks, and cabins.
Cedar Spring Campground – The campground has 45 sites for tent camping that are close to flush toilets, showers, and other facilities.
Primitive Camping – There are eight campsites on the island for tent camping that are more secluded and don’t offer any facilities. I like Honeymoon and Tonch North the most. The campsites at Honeymoon and Tonches can be reserved online in advance, however the other campsites are first-come-first-serve.
oTENTik – The park has a few semi-permanent tent structures that you can rent for a minimum of two nights. They sleep up to four people. You’ll have a proper bed (bring a sleeping bag) and roof over your head, with flush toilets nearby.
Cabins – There are also two sets cabins that can be rented for a minimum of two nights: one set at Cedar Spring (each sleeps 6 people) and one set at Christian Beach (each sleeps 4 people). The cabins offer beds, a picnic table, cookware and other gear.
In all of the above, you should reserve online in advance.
How Long to Stay
I think three nights is the perfect amount of time to spend in Georgian Bay Islands National Park.
That will give you two full days to enjoy the park. From my experience, the park can see thunderstorms / overcast skies persistent for an entire day, but usually not multiple days in a row.
Having the extra night means you decrease the probability of missing out on an awesome sunset due to weather.
What to Do
Hiking: Beausoleil Island has numerous trails for hiking. The trails on the south side of the island are flat and wide, with sugar maples above and pine needles under your feet.
The trails on the north side of the island are rocky and less defined. I find these trails a lot more beautiful, but be sure to watch for the trail markers as it’s easy to get lost here.
My personal favorite hike is Fairy Trail. This is a loop trail around Fairy Lake, a lake in the top-center of the island. I also love the hike to the lighthouse, which is a stop along the Georgian Trail on the west side of the island.
Biking: Bikes can be rented at the visitor center. Many of the trails on the southern part of the island are flat and wide enough for biking.
Swimming: There are some awesome swimming spots throughout the islands. Beausoleil Point (the most southern point of the island) is probably my favorite place.
A sandy beach stretches out from the shoreline underneath a foot of water, which makes playing frisbee or other games really fun. Honeymoon also has a decent beach, but it would be one of the busier places to swim in the park.
Sunset Gazing: Georgian Bay offers some of the most beautiful sunsets I’ve ever seen. The sunsets are best on the north coast of the island, in my opinion.
Killarney Provincial Park is perhaps the most beautiful park in Ontario. The water ranges from jet black to Gatorade blue; the rocks range from pink granite to shimmering white quartz.
Located on the northern shore of Georgian Bay and stretching across the La Cloche Mountain Range, Killarney protects a truly special pocket of Ontario wilderness, making it an essential stop on your Ontario road trip.
How to Get Here
On Day 4 drive from Honey Harbour Boat Clubs Marina to Killarney Provincial Park. The drive is just under 3 hours, but I think the incredible beauty of Killarney will make up for the drive time.
Optional Detour: Along the highway to Killarney, you will pass a turn for Killbear Provincial Park. This stop would only require an extra ~20 minutes of driving each way.
The park is small and there isn’t much to do that couldn’t be done in Killarney or Georgian Bay Islands, which is why I don’t dedicate more time to it in this Ontario itinerary. That said, the Lookout Trail (1.5 hours return) is excellent and worthy of a quick detour.
George Lake Campground – The campground has numerous sites for car camping and has washroom and shower facilities.
Backcountry Campsite – If you are comfortable hiking or paddling to a campsite, Killarney offers excellent backcountry campsites. There is only one campsite per lake in the park, which means reservations need to be made well in advance (4-5 months in advance) if you are to get one of the nicest campsites.
Yurts / Cabins – At George Lake Campground, there are two cabins and six yurts available for reservation. The cabins sleep five people and the yurts sleep six people.
Killarney Mountain Lodge – This lodge is located just outside the park and offers many cabins of different sizes. I stayed here when visiting Killarney with my parents and really enjoyed it. The lodge is located right on the shore, there is a great restaurant and a huge common room with comfy leather chairs and a stone fireplace. Perfect after a long day in the park!
In all of the above, you should reserve online in advance.
How Long to Stay
Since you will likely arrive in Killarney Provincial Park in the afternoon after three hours of driving, I recommend staying for three nights.
This will allow you to have two full days in the park: one for canoeing and one for hiking.
What to Do
Hike The Crack: The Crack is the most popular hike in Killarney. It’s a little over 6 km return, yet it requires 4 hours of hiking because it is so strenuous.
There is a lot of steep hiking to do. The view from the top is incredible, but you’ll be wiped afterward.
Hike Silver Peak: Silver Peak is the highest point in Killarney and offers stunning views of the many lakes below. Beyond the lakes, you can see all the way to Georgian Bay.
The trailhead is a little tricky to access as you’ll need to rent a canoe and paddle to it. Definitely get a map with your canoe rental! The hike itself requires 5-6 hours, so this is a full day activity and you’ll want to get started early.
Canoe from George Lake to Killarney Lake: Rent a canoe from George Lake and go for a paddle. Two quick portages will bring you to Killarney Lake, which is the perfect place to have a picnic lunch.
There is some stunning geography in this area of the park. There are several cliffs of varying colors – white, black, brown, and pink. George Lake can get windy, especially in the afternoon, so ensure you wear your life jacket and stay by the shore if the wind starts picking up.
Additional Resource
I’ve written a blog post with everything you need to know about visiting Killarney, which should help you plan this part of the trip.
Days 7 – 9: Algonquin Provincial Park
Algonquin Provincial Park is Canada’s oldest provincial park. Covering nearly 8,000 sq km, this park is bigger than some European countries!
There are over 2,000 km worth of canoe routes. Needless to say, canoe camping and Algonquin go hand-in-hand!
How to Get Here
On Day 7 drive from Killarney to Algonquin Provincial Park. The drive is 3.5 hours, but the area around Algonquin gets busier if you’re driving on a weekend. I recommend getting started on this drive early in the morning.
Optional Detour: The drive will take you through the town of Huntsville, which is a very popular town for cottagers in the summer.
There are some cute cafes, thrift shops, and camping gear stores in the downtown area. If you have time to stop for a quick lunch here, I recommend it!
Where to Stay
Backcountry Camping: For Algonquin, I highly recommend doing a canoe camping trip and staying at backcountry campsites. If you are new to canoe camping, Algonquin has excellent outfitters you can rent you with all the gear you need.
I’ve worked with the company ‘Algonquin Outfitters’ before and they are excellent. You can even hire a canoe guide to take you, which I highly recommend for beginner canoeists.
Your outfitter will be able to help you choose a canoe route that is well suited for your abilities. In addition, they can help plan out meals and ensure you’re well prepared for an amazing adventure.
Lodges: If backcountry camping is not your preference, there are also three lodges in the park. I haven’t stayed at any of these lodges myself, but I’ve heard great things about Killarney Lodge (not to be confused with Killarney Mountain Lodge in Killarney Provincial Park).
Additional Options: There are also options for car camping, yurts, and other types of accommodation. The Algonquin Park camping webpage has details on all of the options.
Though, again, I recommend canoe camping in Algonquin. It’s an essential part of the Canadian summer.
How Long to Stay
In this Ontario road trip itinerary, I’ve budgeted three nights in Algonquin Provincial Park.
If you’d like a taste of canoe camping, you could reduce this to two nights. Whereas if you’re feeling ambitious or already love backcountry camping, you could adjust to four nights.
What to Do
Canoe Camping: Spend your days paddling under the sun and your nights staring up at the stars. Collect firewood and cook your meals over a fire. Take breaks to swim in the lake or lay out on the warm rocks. You may even be lucky enough to see a moose.
Backpacking: If you decide you’d like to backcountry camp, but aren’t interested in canoeing, there is a 2-night backpacking trail that is really nice. The Highland Trail is a 36 km loop with nice campsites along the way.
Canoeing: Even if you don’t go out for a multi-day canoe trip, you can still rent a canoe for a day and explore some of the lakes. The lodges typically have free canoe rentals. Otherwise, you can rent a canoe from one of the park’s outfitters.
Hiking: There are a few awesome hiking trails in Algonquin. Barron Canyon is a popular short (2 km) hike with a great view. Centennial Ridges is less busy and longer (10 km) but also offers excellent views.
Photography: Algonquin is a super popular destination for landscape and wildlife photographers. There are some locals who run photography tours in the area, which will take you to lesser-known areas of the park.
On the final day, you’ll leave Algonquin Provincial Park and drive back to Toronto.
Depending on what you have next on your trip (a flight departure, perhaps) you may have time to stop in Gravenhurst for lunch on the drive back. The town was nearby the camp I used to work at, so I spent many days off here. The Oar Restaurant is really good and has an outdoor patio!
Additional Information for Planning an Ontario Road Trip
Weather: This itinerary is only suitable for travel in the summer or early autumn. Generally, by early June the weather has warmed up for the season (20 C) and will peak at 30-35 C in late July.
Bugs: Mosquitoes and Black Flies are often an issue early in the season, and will be the worst in Algonquin Park in June and early July.
Best Time to Go: For the reasons above, I think the best time to travel in Ontario is early August. The weather is still very warm, but the bugs are almost non-existent by then. However, if you’re comfortable with a couple of bugs in the early evenings and cooling temperatures, any time between mid-July and late-August would be suitable.
Packing: As you’ll be doing a lot of outdoor adventuring, it’s important to have decent outdoor clothing (especially if you will be canoe camping in Algonquin). I have a canoe camping packing guide in this post that you can use for planning, as well as this road trip packing list!
About the Author
Mikaela is the voice behind Voyageur Tripper, a blog dedicated to outdoor adventure travel. Mikaela spent several seasons working as a hiking and canoeing guide throughout Canada. She now balances weekend adventuring with a full-time job, and writes stories, resources, and travel guides for her blog. You can find her on Instagram and Facebook to follow her travels.
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Allison Green is a former teacher who has been travel blogging since 2016. She has a Masters in Teaching and a B.A. in English and Creative Writing. Her blog posts merge her background as an educator with her experience traveling to 70+ countries to encourage ethical, meaningful travel. She has been a speaker at the World Travel Writers Conference and her writing, photography, and podcasting work has appeared in National Geographic, CNN Arabic, CBC Canada, and Forbes, amongst others. Now a full-time traveler, she has lived in Prague, Sofia, New York City, and the San Francisco Bay Area.
Arizona is one of the most beautiful and diverse states in the entire country.
You have several of the most iconic landmarks of America in one relatively compact state: from the Grand Canyon to Horseshoe Bend to Antelope Canyon, there’s no shortage of Arizona bucket list musts.
But Arizona is more diverse than canyons and red rocks: it’s also home to vibrant cities, lots of important sites to indigenous culture, and even mountains and forests which break up the desert scenery.
Here is a list of the best things to do in Arizona before you die — most of which I’ve done, but some still remaining on my Arizona bucket list.
These are some of the best places to visit in Arizona I can think of — including some Arizona hidden gems — but if there are any I’ve missed that you think need to be added to any Arizona bucket list, please let me know in the comments!
The Arizona Bucket List: Best Things to Do & Places to Visit in Arizona
See the Grand Canyon, the largest canyon in the world, at its South Rim
Visit the lesser-known North Rim of the Grand Canyon
See the sunrise from the Toroweap overlook in Grand Canyon National Park
See the magnificent Horseshoe Bend
Explore both Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon
Photograph the iconic Four Peaks in the deserts near Phoenix
See the iconic Chapel of the Holy Cross in Sedona
See Sedona’s very own Cathedral Rock by sunset
See the many-toned landscapes of Red Rock State Park near Sedona
Hike the Devil’s Bridge trail near Sedona
Explore the volcanic landscapes of Sunset Crater National Monument
Try to get an elusive permit for The Wave
Reserve a camping spot and do the epic hike to Havasu Falls on Havasupai indigenous land
Hike with saguaros near sunset in the Sonoran Desert
Spot the Elephant Arch in Sonoran Desert
See the exquisite landscapes in Hunts Mesa Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park
Enjoy a relaxing spa getaway in Scottsdale
Visit Watson Lake in the Granite Dells near Prescott
Hike in the gorgeous Prescot Valley
See the Hole-in-the-Rock in Papago Park, Phoenix
See a massive crater left by a meteor
Cross the exquisite Midgely Bridge between Sedona and Flagstaff
Visit the film sets of Tombstone, Arizona
Be spooked by the charming ghost town of Youngsberg
Visit the eerie Oatman Ghost Town
Pin These Amazing Arizona Bucket List: Full of the Best Things to Do in Arizona and Places to Visit in Arizona
Allison Green is a former teacher who has been travel blogging since 2016. She has a Masters in Teaching and a B.A. in English and Creative Writing. Her blog posts merge her background as an educator with her experience traveling to 70+ countries to encourage ethical, meaningful travel. She has been a speaker at the World Travel Writers Conference and her writing, photography, and podcasting work has appeared in National Geographic, CNN Arabic, CBC Canada, and Forbes, amongst others. Now a full-time traveler, she has lived in Prague, Sofia, New York City, and the San Francisco Bay Area.
One of the best things about California is the diversity of landscapes you can find within a short drive.
Even from the heart of a metropolis like Los Angeles, you can easily drive to the desert, the mountains, or the beach in a matter of just a few hours.
Some of California’s best hiking is at your doorstep, not to mention a handful of national parks, wine country, cute beachside towns, places to kayak, and cities, and even islands!
Here are the best weekend getaways from Los Angeles, perfect for an overnight trip or even a long weekend!
The Best Weekend Getaways from Los Angeles
Catalina
Contributed by Megan Indoe of Bobo & Chichi
One of the best overnight trips from Los Angeles is off the coast of Southern California. Catalina Island is one of my favorite Southern California getaways that is a popular day trip and cruise stop for tourists.
Even though most visitors are day-trippers, the best of the island can be enjoyed by an extended overnight stay and in our opinion is when the island comes to life.
The tiny town of Avalon is only 1 square mile and packed full of things to do for an overnight trip from food tours, kayaking through the harbor, ziplining with ocean views, sailing, scuba diving, snorkeling, and an unforgettable movie theater in the beautifully restored historic island Casino.
You can also bathe in the sun at Descanso Beach Club where you can have drinks and food delivered to you right on the beach looking over the Pacific Ocean or take a stroll to the botanical gardens and play a game of mini-golf.
Besides being full of activities there’s also a great food and drink scene here, if you’re anything like us you won’t want to leave.
San Diego
Contributed by Whitney of the travel blog Designs For Travel
The best overnight trip from Los Angeles is the beautiful coastal city of San Diego. One of the most popular destinations in California, San Diego is located at the south end of California, just north of the Mexico border.
Because of its location, you can take advantage of year-round outdoor activities in the sun. One of the best activities in San Diego is to go to the beach at Mission Beach or Pacific beach or to walk or ride a bike on the boardwalk along this stretch of the sea.
The world-famous Balboa Park is 1200 acres and full of pleasant gardens, open space, and home to 17 museums! The San Diego Zoo is one of the most popular activities in San Diego, and considered to be one of the top zoos in the world. In the evening, you won’t want to miss the sunset over the Pacific Ocean from Sunset Cliffs- the colors are unbelievable!
There are endless eating options in San Diego. Due to its proximity to Mexico, San Diego has some of the best Mexican food anywhere. For some of the best tacos in San Diego, eat at one of the Taco Stand locations (there are three.)
Another stand out Mexican food eatery is the Las Cuatro Milpas, with an open kitchen and only a few specialty items on the menu. For a delicious burger and fries, Hodad’s is the place to go. San Diego is well worth the 2-hour drive for a fantastic weekend getaway from Los Angeles.
Ventura
Contributed by Jenn and Ed Coleman of Coleman Concierge
Ventura is a beautiful southern California beach city with not one, but two state beaches: San Buenaventura and McGraff for surfing and sunbathing delights. If you’re looking for something deeper, dive boats leave out of Ventura Harbor for the Channel Islands.
The Channel Islands are one of the least visited National Parks and the best places in the world to dive with sea lions, who are so playful that they earned the nickname the puppies of the sea. Ventura is also next door to the artsy and spiritual village of Ojai.
Going to Ventura is a lot like a weekend in Santa Barbara without the pretense. One could even argue that mile for mile, Main Street Ventura has more to do than State Street up the coast. The wine and tapas at Paradise Pantry delight the palate in a rustic-chic setting. If you’re looking just to chill, there’s a groovy vibe and delicious sourdough pizza at the Fluid State Beer Garden.
Of course, you can always stroll Main Street from the clock tower at Mission Park to the landmark giant fig on Chestnut Street reading the menus until something strikes your fancy. Whether you’re looking for a weekend adventure or a romantic southern California getaway, be sure to look into Ventura.
Solvang
Contributed by Ivan of Mind the Travel
If you are looking to really escape the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles, consider taking a weekend getaway to Solvang.
This is a tiny and picturesque Danish village some 35 miles north of Santa Barbara offers up more than 18 different places to stay ranging from luxury guest ranch resorts to full-service hotels, to B&Bs.
Founded by Danes in 1911 by Danish immigrants, Solvang is home to a number of Danish shops and restaurants serving Danish food. In addition, this beautiful wine country getaway features unique architecture, historic attractions, and wedding venues.
Dubbed “California’s Denmark,” Solvang is a go-to place if you are fond of Danish culture. With plenty of windmills and similar European designs, visitors can also admire documents and a collection of Hans Christaian Andersen’s paper cuttings in his eponymous museum.
Aside from a museum dedicated to a famous Danish writer in Solvang you’ll find the Elverhoj Museum of Danish History, the Mission Santa Inés, the Solvang Festival Theater, and, of course, a cool Vintage Motorcycle Museum.
Situated in the Santa Ynez Valley, the city has more than 20 wine tasting rooms, which can easily keep you busy for a day or more. Solvang also has some attractive eating establishments including Mortenson’s Danish Bakery, Bit O’ Denmark, and Hadsten House Attachments area.
Temecula Valley
Contributed by Laura Lynch of Savored Sips
The Temecula Valley, just an hour and 45 minutes from Los Angeles, has many of the best features of California – rolling hills, beautiful valleys, vineyards, and a lovely old town center. All of these things make Temecula the perfect overnight getaway from Los Angeles.
The biggest reason to visit Temecula is to leave the city behind and immerse yourself in the spectacular outdoors. There’s unlimited hiking, biking, and walking trails, plus some of the best wine country in California. Fancy a hot air balloon ride over the valley?
Another reason to visit is the farm-to-table cuisine being made at creative restaurants like E.A.T Marketplace and Cork Fire Kitchen. There are also craft breweries and local products, like olive oil and lavender bath soaps.
Visit the De Portola Wine Trail along the rural roads of the countryside. Cougar Vineyards & Winery is family owned and operated. They specialize in 100% Estate Italian varietals like Primitivo and Montepulciano. A little way down the road is the Italian-countryside inspired Danza del Sol Winery that’s very dog-friendly. Fazeli Cellars has an amazing view of the valley and their Shiraz is outstanding.
The Temecula Creek Inn is a great place to stay with a view of the Santa Ana Mountains. It’s close to the wineries, but not too far from Old Town Temecula, with its frontier-style storefronts that will make you feel like you’re shopping in an old Western film. If you’re wondering why, visit the Temecula Valley Museum to learn the town’s history.
Santa Barbara
Contributed by Maggie Turansky of The World Was Here First
One of the best (and most popular) overnight trips from Los Angeles is to the charming city of Santa Barbara. Located about two hours north of LA, this beautiful coastal city makes for the perfect weekend getaway from LA and is filled with fun and interesting things to do.
Known for its laid-back atmosphere and vibrant nightlife, Santa Barbara is home to a University of California campus and, therefore it is a thriving student town. However, the city isn’t all about nightlife. Spending a day or two in Santa Barbara can include taking in the iconic Stearns Wharf, walking along the lovely beach, browsing the shops on State Street and enjoying some of the fantastic restaurants the city has to offer.
If you’re looking to get a bit more active, Santa Barbara is the perfect destination to try your hand at surfing, paddle boarding, or kayaking. If you’d rather stay dry but still get your heart rate up, there are also countless hiking trails within easy reach of the city.
And finally, one of the best things about Santa Barbara is its proximity to the incredible wineries in the nearby Santa Inez Valley and, because of this, there are countless tasting rooms throughout the city where you can sample local vintages. Make sure to look into the Urban Wine Trails, where you can walk from wine bar to wine bar and sample some local reds, whites and roses without having to worry about driving!
All in all, a weekend getaway to Santa Barbara is never a bad idea!
Mount Whitney
Contributed by Allison of She Dreams of Alpine
If you’re looking for an overnight trip from Los Angeles that includes a huge outdoor adventure, then make the 3-hour drive north to Lone Pine in the Eastern Sierras. From there, you can attempt to day-hike Mount Whitney, the tallest peak in the lower 48 states at 14,505 feet, or visit one of the many other great hiking trails in the Sierras.
As the crown jewel of California, Mount Whitney is an extremely popular hike, and a permit is required. It’s also no small feat, so training and advanced preparation are an absolute must. If you’re making a more spur-of-the-moment trip, the Lone Pine Lake hike follows the beginning of the Mt. Whitney Trail but ends at an alpine lake which is perfect for a picnic with a backdrop of amazing views of the Sierras. This hike is much easier than the full Mt. Whitney summit hike, and you don’t need a permit.
To fuel up for whichever hike you choose, the Mt. Whitney Portal store offers cheap yet delicious breakfasts and excellent burgers and beer. If you prefer pizza after an outdoor adventure, Pizza Factory in Lone Pine is a great option. And for a fun diversion before heading back to LA, drive along “Movie Road” for a self-guided tour of the Alabama Hills locations where over 400 films have been shot.
San Luis Obispo
Contributed by Dhara from It’s Not About the Miles
Located on California’s beautiful central coast, San Luis Obispo is a charming and very popular getaway destination from Los Angeles, and one of the nicest places to stop on a Pacific Coast Highway road trip.
Wandering the streets of charming downtown SLO is great fun, with lots of small unique stores to browse. You can stock up on artisanal olive oils, wine, and cheeses, and admire the antiques and handmade crafts on display. On Thursday evenings, a downtown SLO farmers’ market featuring fresh flowers and produce, street music, and lots of prepared foods is a huge draw.
While in the downtown area, don’t miss the 18th century Spanish Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa built by Father Junipero Serra. The local art museum showcases works by Californian and other American artists. And there are lots of art galleries in town to browse as well.
Just outside town, the vineyards of Edna Valley offer picturesque views along with tastings of world-class wines. And just 10 minutes from town is the fabulous Montana de Oro State Park, which offers lots of great hiking. Suitable for most visitors, the Bluff Trail is an easy walk that offers spectacular water views and opportunities to spot aquatic life in season.
There are numerous great restaurants in SLO. Big Sky Cafe is a super popular casual eatery offering international choices. Weekend breakfast or brunch at Big Sky Cafe is very popular. Novo Restaurant, by the creek in downtown SLO, is a highly-rated fine dining place offering global fare with California flair. If you enjoy seafood, head to Ciopinot Seafood Grille: it has a delicious cioppino on the menu!
Big Bear
Contributed by Skye Class of Skye Travels
One of my favorite overnight excursions from Los Angeles, when I don’t want to drive as far as Mammoth or Yosemite, is Big Bear. There’s nothing better than hitting the ski slopes at Bear Mountain – one of the closest ski resorts to Los Angeles. In the summer, the slopes turn into hiking and mountain biking trails.
Bear Mountain isn’t the only place to hike. In fact, there are dozens of trails starting from the highway that rings the lake. There’s not one I would recommend over another; they’ll all take you in the trees and mountains of the San Bernardino National Forest. Seeing a bit of green can be a luxury when you’re visiting or live in Los Angeles.
Although you can take the highways directly through San Bernardino to Big Bear, I prefer to take the 15 up to Victorville and then the 16 down to Big Bear. This way I get to traverse the High Desert, and possibly even catch the sunrise over the mountains.
Although there are some really nice restaurants in Big Bear, I have to recommend a picnic on the shores of Bear Lake instead… at least in the summer. In the winter, my meal of choice was usually nachos at the ski lodge.
Salton Sea
Contributed by Lisa of TheHotFlashPacker
The Salton Sea is an accidentally created lake about 227 feet under sea level in the Sonoran Desert. The east side of the Salton Sea makes for a great overnight trip from Los Angeles.
There are several attractions off of Highway 111. n the south end of the lake, you can go birding at the Sonny Bono National Wildlife Refuge and see the natural mud volcanoes. f you’re into art and Instagram, you must visit the surreal art installations at Slab City named Salvation Mountain and East Jesus.
At mid-sea, you should stop into the town of Bombay Beach to see the permanent art installations from the Bombay Beach Biennale art festival. They have a very unique drive-in movie theater. Visit the beach in Bombay Beach, or at the state’s Salton Sea Recreation area. The crunching under your feet as you walk the beach is dead fish bones!
And don’t miss the sunset – the Salton Sea has gorgeous sunsets. For food, you should stop at the Ski Inn in Bombay Beach. It’s the lowest bar in the Western Hemisphere and they serve bar food, or head over to the American Legion where they serve different meals several days a week.
For dessert, head north to have a Banana Shake at the International Banana Museum in North Shore or a Date Shake at Oasis Date Gardens. The best time to visit the Salton Sea is fall, winter, or spring. Summer can be unbearably hot, at over 100 degrees Fahrenheit during the day!
Idyllwild is a little mountain town deep within the San Jacinto Mountains. It’s hard to believe that it’s only a 2-hour drive from Los Angeles: surrounded by national forest and at a mile-high elevation, it’s a secluded mountain retreat that feels worlds away from the largest metropolis in California.
Idyllwild is the perfect weekend getaway from Los Angeles for nature-lovers. There’s heaps of hiking, camping, fishing, rock climbing, and biking. The hiking ranges from easy nature walks to the advanced summit of Mount San Jacinto (20-mile round trip). A good moderate hike is Suicide Rock via the Deer Springs Trail (6.5-mile round trip).
Suicide Rock and Tahquitz Peak are two granite peaks just outside of Idyllwild. Both are popular rock climbing destinations, attracting multitudes of rock climbers every weekend. Tahquitz especially has a lot of California rock climbing history attached to it, as much of the sport was advanced here in the 30s, 40s, and 50s.
For a break from outdoor adventures, the town of Idyllwild is a great place to relax. It has a decidedly ‘artsy’ vibe, with a couple of gift shops and galleries that are fun to browse. There are great restaurants and cafes for nourishment. I’m a fan of Cafe Aroma, I love coming into town straight from a climb and stuffing my face with their delicious bread and garlic olive oil dip.
Paso Robles
Contributed by Francesca from Homeroom Travel
Paso Robles, located about 3 hours from Los Angeles, is a fantastic destination for an overnight trip from Los Angeles. It is the perfect destination for wine lovers, as wine tasting in Paso Robles is the major attraction.
There are over 200 wineries in the region and the backdrop provides gorgeous scenery. Some of the best wineries include Sculpterra, Halter Ranch, and Tablas Creek. Sculpterra is the perfect stop to bring a picnic lunch. You can even buy a bottle of wine to drink there! Halter Ranch has some of the prettiest views in the area. Tablas Creek produces many highly rated Rhone-style wines.
Besides going wine tasting, visitors can also visit the Firestone Brewery, take a stroll through the adorable downtown area, visit one of several museums in the area, or take a dip in the Franklin Hot Springs. Museums of the area include a children’s museum, an art museum, and a history museum.
Grab a bite to eat at Basil Thai Restaurant, which has delicious Thai food and Boba. Another great spot is Pony Club Wine Bar, which serves more pub fare and has a wide assortment of wine. Many of the wineries also offer small bites to eat or have an on-site restaurant. Overall, Paso Robles makes for a fun getaway from Los Angeles.
Montecito
Contributed by Priya Vin from Outside Suburbia
Not too far from Santa Barbara in Southern California sits the exclusive Montecito community. With Santa Ynez mountains on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other, it enjoys a Mediterranean-like climate. For decades it has drawn celebrities like Drew Barrymore, Rob Lowe, Oprah, and Ellen DeGeneres.
This part of SoCal which is an easy California road trip from LA is ultra-luxurious and a well-kept secret. You can stay at the fabulous Rosewood resort at Miramar Beach. The resort takes its name from its stunning location on one of the most pristine and sandy beaches in California.
The resort has beautiful Bungalows and Lanai House guestrooms with views of the Santa Ynez mountains or the ocean. Montecito is only about an hour’s drive from Los Angeles but feels worlds away.
We spent a week there and fell in love with the area. There is so much to do – from visiting the eclectic gardens of Madam Ganna, wine tasting in one of the many tasting rooms in Santa Barbara, checking out the historic pier at Stearns Wharf and riding a surrey or bikes by the coast.
Don’t miss a meal at Bouchon, one of the best places for dinner in Santa Barbara. And Tre Lune Ristorante is another must, located on Coast Village Rd in Montecito, is serves authentic Italian fare. You will see a wall with tiny chairs of the people (including Oprah!) who frequent the place and are never refused a seat at the table.
Torrance
Contributed by Ayngelina Brogan of Bacon is Magic
Torrance is part of Los Angeles County, it’s only 16 miles from LAX and it’s an absolute gem that more people should know about.
If you’re looking to visit an uncrowded beach, Torrance Beach is small 1.5 mile stretch of oasis. The area was original developed for the Hollywood Riviera residents but is now a public area. If you have a bike it is part of the 22 mile coastal bike path that heads to Santa Monica. If you want to get away from it all, this is the place to be.
While Torrance is home to the large Del Amo Fashion Center one of the most popular reasons to visit are the Torrance restaurants, which are known for their diversity and authenticity.
Hakata Ikkousha Ramen is sister restaurant of a famous ramen restaurant in Japan. But what makes it special is that they use the same recipe as the restaurant in Japan. They haven’t adapted it for western tastes. You are able to eat the same ramen they make in Japan.
Madre! Oaxacan Restaurant and Mezcaleria specializes in food from Oaxaca. It’s also a mezcaleria with 350 kinds of mezcal as well as tequila.
King’s Hawaiian Bakery is famous on the Hawaiian islands for its its Portuguese sweet bread. Its mainland office became a restaurant and is a local favourite serving hearty breakfasts like loco moco.
Save room for dessert because the paradise cake is a tropical fruit layered cake made with guava, passionfruit and lime chiffon. It’s beautiful, light and the perfect size for sharing
Conejo Valley
Contributed by Charles McCool of McCool Travel
Conejo Valley is a fun 45-minute escape northwest from downtown Los Angeles (easy directions, take highway 101 between both). In Conejo Valley, you can find amazing hiking and natural scenery, movie and TV filming locations, a US Presidential library, and fun scenic drives to the glorious Malibu beaches and Hollywood.
Highway 101 splits Conejo Valley like a hamburger roll. On the north side, be sure to visit a surprise waterfall—hike to Paradise Falls in the Arroyo Conejo Open Space, accessed through Wildwood Park in Thousand Oaks. At the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, walk through his Air Force One airplane, see a portion of the Berlin Wall, and absorb breathtaking views of the surrounding area.
South of 101, see where Westworld and hundreds of other Hollywood movies and shows were filmed at Paramount Ranch. The village of Cornell is very funky and Cornell Winery is a fun stop. Across the street, the Peter Strauss Ranch hosts concerts and other events during the summer but is also a great spot for a stroll or picnic. Explore the canyon roads while heading south on 23 or Las Virgenes Road, and end up on the gorgeous beaches of Malibu. The classic Mulholland Highway is a must-do drive at least once in your life.
Wonderful places to eat in Conejo Valley include Stella’s in Newbury Park, Jink’s in Agoura Hills, and Ladyface for craft beer and good food (and perhaps cast and crew sightings from Paramount Ranch filmings). When in Malibu, do not miss the oceanfront setting of places like Moonshadow and Gladstones.
Carlsbad
Contributed by Gina Tarnacki of Evergreen & Salt
Carlsbad is a coastal city in North Country San Diego that is about two hours from LA (depending on traffic of course).
Carlsbad is known for its surfer lifestyle vibe, lovely state beach, and lively downtown area called Carlsbad Village. You’ll want to spend a large majority of your time in Carlsbad Village doing some shopping, stopping for an al fresco pint of local craft beer (check out Park 101 or Barrel Republic) or a wine tasting (Paon and Witch Creek both do tastings).
For beaches, Carlsbad State Beach is located right off of the western edge of Carlsbad Village. Those planning to do some surfing while in Carlsbad will want to head a bit farther south to Tamarack Beach for the best waves.
For more water sports, the Carlsbad Lagoon is a fun place to spend a few hours. You can rent kayaks and paddleboards to go on for a leisurely ride around the lagoon, rent a boat and try some waterskiing, or get your adrenaline racing by zipping around the water on a Jet Ski.
If you’re looking for things to do in Carlsbad with kids — or you’re a kid at heart — you can’t miss Carlsbad’s most famous attraction: Legoland California. Located in southern Carlsbad just a couple miles from the coast, Legoland California is a Lego-themed amusement park with rides and games plus an onsite aquarium and water park.
For dinner, head to family-friendly Pizza Port, gather with friends at Compass, or opt for a more romantic meal at Paon. After dinner, head back to the beach to take in one of Carlsbad’s stunning sunsets.
Anza Borrego State Park
Contributed by Kay from The Awkward Traveller
About 2.5 hours outside of Los Angeles lies the Anza-Borrego State Park. The state park is a sprawling desert filled with wildflowers and massive boulders on the edge of the Coachella valley. If Joshua Tree and the Badlands National Parks had a baby, Anza-Borrego would be the result.
For an overnight trip, consider embracing nature and sleep beneath the stars at once of the campsites. Or there are many small rooms and hip trailers in the nearby town of Borrego Springs, the only California town completely surrounded by a state park AND the only California town that is a dedicated International Dark Sky Community, dedicated to protecting the night sky from light pollution.
While in the park, Split Mountain is a fun short hike that leads to an easily accessible (but narrow!) slot canyon conveniently named The Slot. If you are inclined to eat among the wildflowers, pack a lunch to picnic at Coyote Canyon! Otherwise, head back into Borrego Springs for a bit at Carlee’s Place or Kendall’s Cafe!
Then explore the many giant sculptures by artist Ricardo Breceda located randomly throughout the town, about 130 in total! They are fantastic iron pieces, reminiscent of the pop art show “Desert X” that takes place every other year in Coachella Valley. You can also view art from the comfort of an air-conditioned building at the Borrego Art Institute!
Eat dinner at Coyote Steakhouse then settle into your accommodations to stargaze with a happy stomach and a clear head. In the morning before you head home, grab breakfast at Red Ocotillo then squeeze in one more hike at Borrego Palm Canyon! This short hike will lead you to an oasis of palms and wildlife such as golden eagles and bighorn sheep (borrego in Spanish).
Lake Arrowhead
Contributed by Jenifer Byington of The Evolista
A weekend in Lake Arrowhead is a total escape from Los Angeles. In less than 2 hours, you’ll find yourself surrounded by the tall trees of the San Bernardino National Forest taking in views of a sparkling blue lake. It’s the perfect spot to rejuvenate in the fresh mountain air and enjoy lake life.
Since the lake is private, you need to coordinate with a company to take you out on the water. McKenzie ski school is the go-to for waterskiing. The Lake Arrowhead Queen offers a one hour cruise around the perimeter where you can see some of the homes used for filming Hollywood movies. Adventurers can also walk the 10-mile path around the lake but the 2.5-mile hike to nearby Aztec Falls is a lot more fun.
A trip to Lake Arrowhead Village for breakfast at Belgian Waffle Works is a decadent treat. Later, a little shopping, drinks and tacos on El Papagayo’s outdoor lake-view deck and the village free Summer Concert Series are great ways to wind up the day. Kids will enjoy the rides at Lollipop park, while bigger kids love the arcade at Village Pizza.
Some of the best restaurants in the area are outside of the village. No trip to Arrowhead would be complete without a meal at scrumptious Lou Eddie’s Pizza, in a setting so pretty, they have weddings there. Fine dining at The Grill at Antler’s Inn and Stone Creek Bistro are also truly delicious.
By the time you are ready to head home, you will feel like you really went away on vacation, which is what makes Lake Arrowhead so special.
Long Beach
Contributed by Heather Trimm of Trimm Travels
One of the things I loved about living in Los Angeles is that there are so many cool places to get out of the city for an easy overnight trip. A favorite of mine is the port town of Long Beach, California.
Located only 30 minutes (without traffic) from downtown LA, Long Beach is a coastal community packed full of things to do. Among my favorites are spending the night on the Queen Mary, a former ocean liner-turned-museum ship that is rumored to be haunted.
Take advantage of daily tours, nightly ghost tours, murder mystery dinners shows, Sunday brunches, and even dog festivals. At night, the colorful view of Long Beach from the Queen Mary can’t be topped!
I also love visiting the Aquarium of the Pacific where they have a shark lagoon, penguin habitat, animal encounters, sea otter habitat, and many educational programs. After a visit to the aquarium, make the short walk over to Shoreline Aquatic Park and see the Lions Lighthouse. It is actually a ten-story faux lighthouse built by the Lions Club and dedicated to ending blindness in the world.
Additionally, visit the beaches, take in the beautiful sunsets Long Beach has to offer, go on whale-watching cruises, and check out the nightlife.
Be sure to grab dinner at Parker’s Lighthouse, an upscale restaurant featuring Southern California seafood dishes, steaks, and sushi. Its views of Long Beach Harbor are amazing! For more casual eats, try Long Beach Cafe offering all-day breakfast or Vibes Beach Cafe that literally has a little of everything on its menu.
Whatever you choose to do, Long Beach is a fantastic way to get out of the big city into a quiet, more intimate setting providing a much needed overnight getaway from LA!
Palm Springs
Contributed by Wendy Lee of Empty Nesters Hit the Road
If you’re looking for a great overnight trip from Los Angeles, you can’t go wrong with Palm Springs. In under two hours you’ll arrive in this desert oasis where you’ll find a wide selection of sightseeing, shopping and dining. This retro-chic city was once the playground of Hollywood stars, but today is a much loved destination for Angelenos looking for a fun and relaxing getaway.
If hiking is your passion, head to Indian Canyons where you’ll find eight trails ranging in distance from one to twelve miles. Home to the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, this area is full of natural and human history. If you’d prefer to explore a local museum, check out the Palm Springs Art Museum. This expansive institution is home to 28 galleries and two sculpture gardens. One of the most unique things to do in the area is the Palm Springs Windmill Tour. Over the course of two hours you’ll learn about the importance of wind power and why it’s so popular in this region.
After all that activity it’s time to eat. If you enjoy Vietnamese fare, then try the local favorite, Rooster & Pig on Indian Canyon Drive. Regulars recommend crunchy Jasmine tea leaf salad, pork belly fried rice, or the chicken-stuffed rice ball served atop yellow curry. For really good Mexican food head to El Jeffe in The Saguaro Hotel. If you’re here on Tuesdays you’ll enjoy cheap margaritas and tacos. Sandfish by Engin onural offers really fresh sushi along with international dishes and a great selection of Japanese whiskeys.
Laguna Beach
Contributed by Christina Grance from Live a Wilder Life
After having lived in Los Angeles for 15 years, I did my fair share of road trips to escape for a weekend. Whenever I needed an easy one night getaway from the city of angels, I loved hopping in my car and driving to nearby Laguna Beach.
Its picture-perfect cliffs, the small beach community, and the lively art scene offer just enough for the casual overnight trip from Los Angles. If visiting for the first time, one of the best things to do is is to check out Main Beach and spend a few hours strolling through the boutique shops within walking distance from the beach.
Another fabulous beach to check out is Aliso Beach, with its aquamarine water and powder-soft sand. If you visit in the morning, you’ll be able to splash around and explore the tide pools.
A popular, as well as a delicious place to eat, is fan-favorite Nick’s Laguna Beach. It’s classic American fare at affordable prices. If you want to splurge on something nice, then a visit to Top Chef contender Broadway by Amar Santana is a must-do.
If you’ve been to Laguna Beach before and are wanting to explore beyond the main drag, a great option is to do a whale watching tour. The Pacific Ocean is home to migrating whales that make their way down to Mexico. Depending on when you visit, you can see grey whales, humpback whales, and the best of all…. blue whales. The last time I went, I was able to see four blue whales. It’s a sight you’ll never forget.
La Jolla
Contributed by Noel Morata of Travel Photo Discovery
One of the best places to explore and also enjoy sunset views for a nice overnight trip from LA has to be in La Jolla, just north of San Diego.
An easy trip to this colorful coastal community, late May to summer is a great time with all the wild flowers coming up in the coastal areas and the cliffs dotting the shorelines are filled with stunning color on all the flowers in bloom, it’s a perfect photo op moment.
One of the best experiences in visiting the city outside of the fabulous beaches is to see the sunset along the coastline and viewing the end of the day while taking a nice long walk on the paved promenades there. There are also many coastal trails that are paved and easy to walk on so finding a spot along the way to enjoy the stunning views and orange to reddish hues popping up in the sky is an amazing experience.
What’s also fun in visiting this lovely city is to explore the town itself with the main shopping venues filled with local art galleries, designer boutique stores, bakery shops and other artisanal food places along with a bevy of bars, cafes and fine dining establishments to enjoy in town. It’s fun just strolling the fashionable streets and window shopping in La Jolla and there are ample parking areas to allow you to park easily around the city.
You’ll love visiting this wonderful part of the city and experiencing sunset on the cliffs of La Jolla, the gorgeous coastlines, wildlife and also beautiful wildflowers in bloom.. For more inspiration check out this post on the top things you can do in La Jolla here for more images and ideas of what to do and see around the area. You’ll enjoy exploring this truly scenic area just north of San Diego for that magical overnight trip from LA.
Allison Green is a former teacher who has been travel blogging since 2016. She has a Masters in Teaching and a B.A. in English and Creative Writing. Her blog posts merge her background as an educator with her experience traveling to 70+ countries to encourage ethical, meaningful travel. She has been a speaker at the World Travel Writers Conference and her writing, photography, and podcasting work has appeared in National Geographic, CNN Arabic, CBC Canada, and Forbes, amongst others. Now a full-time traveler, she has lived in Prague, Sofia, New York City, and the San Francisco Bay Area.
If you’re looking for some funny jokes about Utah, or some Utah puns to share with your friends to make them groan on your next Utah road trip… I’ve got you covered.
These puns about Utah have all passed the groan-test and are sure to be the perfect dad joke about Utah to make all your friends why they ever invited you along anyway.
These funny Utah puns also make fabulous Utah Instagram captions if you’re running out of ideas but you want to make a funny caption for a Utah photo!
Here are my favorite puns about Utah!
General Utah Puns
Are Utah-lking to me?
If Utah-lk the talk, you better walk the walk.
This state is be-Utah-ful
I want to take U-tah all the beautiful places
Have I told you that U-tah best?
How well do you know Utah’s geography — have U-taught yourself well?
The way I speak, U-tah think there’s no better place on earth
Utah National Park Puns
If you haven’t been to Utah yet, Bryce yourself — it’s beautiful.
Bryce to meet you, Utah
Bryce, Bryce, baby
Getting out in nature is free: the Bryce is right
There’s no de-Zion, Utah is heaven on earth
I’m Zion over these views
You better Watchman, Zion sunsets are epic
Canyon-believe these lands?
Arches you glad you’re in Utah?
Utah City Puns
I don’t have to Provo my love for Utah to you!
Moab money, Moab problems
Salt Lake Pretty
I don’t say this Ogden, but Utah is the best
Geological Utah Puns (That Rock)
Hoodoo you think you are?
I checked out some old volcanoes in Utah; it was lava at first sight
Don’t get salt-y when I tell you Utah is the best state!
Utah’s beauty is rock solid
Utah rocks!
Utah Mountain Puns
Utah’s great if Uinta mountains
Wasatch your back in the mountains!
Have you seen the mountains in Utah? They’re really massif!
Allison Green is a former teacher who has been travel blogging since 2016. She has a Masters in Teaching and a B.A. in English and Creative Writing. Her blog posts merge her background as an educator with her experience traveling to 70+ countries to encourage ethical, meaningful travel. She has been a speaker at the World Travel Writers Conference and her writing, photography, and podcasting work has appeared in National Geographic, CNN Arabic, CBC Canada, and Forbes, amongst others. Now a full-time traveler, she has lived in Prague, Sofia, New York City, and the San Francisco Bay Area.
Want some funny (if slightly cringy) Arizona puns and jokes to add some humor to your Arizona road trip?
Or maybe you’ve already been to Arizona and you’re looking for some puns about Arizona to use as your Instagram captions for Arizona photos.
Whatever brought you here, I’m happy to oblige with some of the most cringe-worthy Arizona puns and jokes, Instagram caption-ready or whatever way you choose to wield it!
The Best Arizona Puns & Jokes
General Arizona Puns
Arizona? More like Arid-zona
In Arizona, you’ll find everything from A to Z.
Arizona City Puns
Is it Tucson to make a joke about Arizona?
It’s Friday night and I’m Phoenix fine
What do vegans in Arizona eat? Tempe.
At least here, the weather is Tempe-rate
This view is too beautiful — you may want to Sedona
Allison Green is a former teacher who has been travel blogging since 2016. She has a Masters in Teaching and a B.A. in English and Creative Writing. Her blog posts merge her background as an educator with her experience traveling to 70+ countries to encourage ethical, meaningful travel. She has been a speaker at the World Travel Writers Conference and her writing, photography, and podcasting work has appeared in National Geographic, CNN Arabic, CBC Canada, and Forbes, amongst others. Now a full-time traveler, she has lived in Prague, Sofia, New York City, and the San Francisco Bay Area.
