California

California is known for it’s diverse climates. The southern coastline is sunny and warm year round, while the northern coastline can be cool and foggy. If you travel inland, you’ll find desert in the south and mountains in the north. Central and Northern California have some of the best wineries in the country. The cities are filled with California culture and a diverse food scene.

While Austin and I are native New Yorkers, we began our travels in San Diego, CA. Austin affectionately named our dog “Obie” after the grunge surf town where we met, Ocean Beach. Our recommendations are geared towards those who enjoy the outdoors, as California is truly an outdoor playground. Activities are not limited to surfing, skating, hiking, paddling, and climbing. We hope you fall in love with the state that has become our home.

Recommendations

Towns & Counties

Orange County
San Diego County
- Beach Districts and Downtown
- Borrego Springs (and Anza-Borrego Desert State Park)
- Boulevard & Alpine
- Julian and Cleveland National Forest
Santa Cruz
San Francisco
Sonoma County

National Parks, Monuments, & Seashores

State Parks

Buy a California Explorer pass (included locations) at a state park booth for yearly access to beach lots, dump stations, and campgrounds

A few of some of our favorites:

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Bolsa Chica State Park
Mount San Jacinto State Park
Doheny State Beach
San Elijo State Beach
San Onofre Surf Beach

Orange County

Orange County is located directly below Los Angeles. The coastline offers boastful locations for surf, swim, and skate; the towns range between sleepy and spirited. The county has many State Beaches, making the California Explorer pass (CEP) worth the purchase for here.

Beaches (North to South)

Seal Beach - laid back, small town atmosphere, walk through the town and out on the pier

Bolsa Chica State Beach - large parking lot included with CEP, sandy beaches, fire rings, and option for camping

Huntington Dog Beach - paid lot or street parking, off leash dog beach between bluff and ocean

Huntington Beach Pier - popular short board surf break, paid lots, farmer’s market in town Tuesday nights

Huntington State Beach - sandy beach accessed with CEP, lots of parking and fire rings available

56th Street Newport - quiet, free street parking in Newport, sandy shores and beach break waves,

Newport Pier - popular spot to surf, hang by the beach, or walk around the town. Quieter parking lots are located east or the pier

The Wedge - a famous spot known for massive and unpredictable waves, expert level surfing and bodyboarding, entry level spectating

Corona Del Mar State Beach - picturesque and peaceful, free street parking available or paid lot (not included on CEP), fun fact - nearby Pirate’s Cove is featured as the opening scene in Gilligan’s Island

Crystal Cove State Beach & State Park - open space and natural seashore, included in CEP, walk the sandy shores and explore tide pools OR choose to hike a trail at the state park

Crescent Bay - sweeping ocean views in Laguna Beach, popular yet concealed spot to for intermediate surfers, free street parking

Laguna Beach, Main Beach - street or paid lot parking, explore the main beach and nearby town’s art and food scene

Dana Point Headlands Conservation Area - a public trail system overlooking the harbor

Doheny State Beach - included in CEP, great beginner surf break (summertime only), stay at the campground nearby

T Street, San Clemente - beach surf break by the pier, mostly paid parking

Calafia Beach - quaint beach included in CEP, not the best for surfing but great for a day at the beach

San Clemente State Beach - larger state beach included in CEP, stay the night at the nearby campground

San Diego

Our love for San Diego comes from its natural beauty, friendly atmosphere, and active community. The temperate climate cultivates a spirit based on enjoying time outside and exploring your passions with like minded individuals. Most of our recommendations are for Pacific Beach and Ocean Beach, as that’s where we spend most of our time. One great thing about San Diego is that you can bring your dog on almost every adventure. The county has many State Beaches, making the California Explorer pass (CEP) worth the purchase for here.

Beaches (From North to South)

San Onofre Surf Beach - included with CEP, secluded surf spot northernmost section of San Diego, only recommended for surfers

San Onfore Bluffs Campground and Day Use - low cost camping on top of bluffs, take trail 6 to access dog friendly sandy beaches, beach break surfing (known to be sharky)

Oceanside Pier - family friendly beach along town with street parking

Terramar Beach - quaint & somewhat hidden, visit a local spot to surf

Grandview Beach and Beacon’s Beach - small lots ideal for surfers in Leucadia/North Encinitas

Moonlight Beach - family friendly with free parking lot, beach access, for swim or surf playground accessible for children

Swami’s Beach - free surf lot overlooking world class point break wave

San Elijo State Beach - included in the California Explorer Pass, free street parking on highway 1, reef surf break, check out the San Elijo Campground for the night

Cardiff State Beach - parking lot along beach, included with California Explorer pass, Free street parking outside of lot

Torrey Pines State Beach & Natural Reserve - California Explorer pass or daily rate, park at the beach lot or head up the hill for short trails with cliffside views

Black’s Beach - nude optional beach (right side facing ocean), access from Torrey Pines Gliderport parking lot. Please respect visitors privacy. One of the best beach breaks for surfing

La Jolla Shores - a family friendly beach, easy to access, & free parking. Beginner surf beach break, walk north toward Scripps pier for more intermediate waves, common kayak and snorkel launch spot

La Jolla Cove - protected marine reserve, launch area for snorkeling. Help to protect wildlife by keeping a safe distance from seals and birds

Tourmaline Surfing Park - free beach lot in north Pacific Beach, longboard wave, only park here if surfing

Pacific Beach (Law Street and Crystal Pier) - free street parking for beach breaks or lounging in the sand, farmers market at intersection of Bayard and Hornblend Tuesday’s 2-7pm

Mission Beach - a mix of locals and tourists. Take your skates, skateboard, or bike out on the 1.5 mile concrete boardwalk along the ocean or bay side, free lot parking by Belmont Park

Ocean Beach (Dog Beach and The Pier)- strip of sandy beaches, grunge surf town. Surf spots include the dog beach, avalanche, and the pier. Bring your pup to dog beach for one of the best off leash beach experiences, popular farmer’s market in town Wednesday’s 4-8pm

Sunset Cliffs - includes a natural park and walkway along the cliffs. Get’s crowded for sunset. Reefy surf spot accessed by the staircase or take the cliff path down to “garbage” beach

San Onofre Bluffs Campground - Group Site 2

Pacific Beach Pier - Shot From Tourmaline Surf Park

Food

Casual:

The Taco Stand - taco spot with various locations in San Diego, best known for their California burrito and fish taco

City Tacos - another spot with many locations, tacos only!

Fish Shop - fresh fish and tacos, multiple shops along coast, $1.25 oysters on Thursdays

It’s Raw Poke Shop - poke in Ocean Beach, usually has a line out the door, well portioned plate for a good cost

Leilani’s Cafe - Hawaiian breakfast spot in Pacific Beach, dog friendly patio

Los Panchos - authentic tacos (taco Tuesday!) and a hefty signature burrito, they gave us complimentary soup and chips late night

Everest Himalayan Cafe - our favorite post surf spot when we’re up in Encinitas, quiet spot with Himalayan music and atmosphere

Sit Down:

JRDN - upscale beachside spot for dinner and drinks, great spot for sunset in Pacific Beach

Cesarina - new age Italian spot in Point Loma with homemade pasta. Reservations are necessary if you plan to go for a weekend dinner. Check out sister restaurant Elvira in Ocean Beach

Monzu Fresh Pasta - Italian spot in the Gaslamp district with quaint decor and delicious homemade pasta

The Red Door - another Italian spot (I’m Italian go figure) with homemade pasta and tasty entree selections, a bit more upscale

Starlite - speakeasy vibes, great for drinks and dinner, moody atmosphere in a unsuspecting location

Monarch Ocean Pub - upscale American restaurant and bar. They have a relaxed outdoor area with games, happy hour 3-6pm, and live music. Great sunset views

Burger’s, Brews and More:

Raglan - New Zealand burger and brew spot in OB, we love the sweet potato fries (check out sister restaurant Bareback in PB & other sister spots in La Jolla, North Park and Little Italy)

Rocky’s Crown Pub - local pub in Crown Point that offers simple seating with a hard to beat burger

Hodad’s - classic dive for burgers and shakes in OB, be prepared for an abundance of fries/onion rings!

Pizza Port - a local chain for mediocre pizza and brews! Perfect vibe for a post surf meet up (don’t expect NY style pizza)

Coffee & Cafe

Palmy’s - cafe with great bites for breakfast and lunch, grab a coffee with friends or get some work done outside on their deck

Lovesong Cafe + Market - lovely coffee spot in North Park, coffees are unique and flavorful

Drift Cafe - located in Pacific Beach, this shop has delicious coffee and bits

Kakawa Cafe - A delicious spot in Point Loma, try their signature Kakawa latte for a rich, chocolatey treat.

OB Beans Coffee Roasters - great coffee and teas, friendly baristas, and plentiful indoor/outdoor space to enjoy your brew

The Template - funky and eclectic, grab a coffee here in the morning and return at night for a rotating schedule of events

The Taco Stand, Multiple Locations in San Diego

The Fish Shop, Multiple Locations in San Diego

Tacos El Gordo - 3 Locations in San Diego

Oscar's Mexican Seafood, Pacific Beach and Hillcrest

Del Mar County Fair, June - July Every Year

The Baked Bear, Multiple Locations in San Diego

Menya Ultra, Clairemont, UTC and Mira Mesa

Hikes

Potato Chip Rock and Mt. Woodson Summit - 7.1 mile out and back trail with viewpoint of a “potato chip rock” on top. Base area has picnic tables and restrooms, dog friendly

Iron Mountain Trail - 5.1 mile out and back trail with moderate elevation. Great views of San Diego and the coastline, pit toilets at base, dog friendly

Cowles Mountain - very popular trail since it’s the highest point in city of San Diego. One out of the 5 peaks in Mission Trails Regional Park. Short out and back hike with steady elevation to viewpoint

Kwaay Paay Peak - a less crowded similar hike to Cowles Mountain, our preference when hiking in Mission Trails.

Annie’s Canyon - slot canyon trail, expect crowds on the weekend, be prepared to squeeze through a small slot

Three Sisters Falls - a moderate trail brings you to a swimming hole at the base of the falls, the road to the trailhead is rocky, expect a moderately challenging hike each way with the way back climbing in elevation and exposed areas of sun

Dead Horse Falls Trail - about an hours drive east of the coast, a short trail with moderate climbing to the fall, take a dip in the pool, parking fee required (cash)

Off Leash Dog Areas

Fiesta Island - 90 acre off leash dog area, especially beautiful in the springtime once the wildflowers begin to bloom

Ocean Beach Dog Beach - large off leash dog beach, you can make it a loop but connecting to the fenced trail, note no off leash dogs allowed south of the lifeguard tower

Del Mar Dog Beach - payment required to park, area closed in summertime to dogs

Borrego Springs & Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

Borrego Springs is a designated dark sky community in eastern San Diego County, known for its desert landscape, eclectic town center, and vibrant wildflower bloom each spring

Camping

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park - state park campground at the base of a few trailheads, it’s best to visit here during the cooler months

The Springs at Borrego - An RV campground, housing community, and golf course all in one, this spot is a popular choice for retirees, though anyone is welcome. Visitors can mingle, play discounted golf, and enjoy the mineral pools. Self-contained vehicles are require to stay here.

Bureau of Land Management (BLM) - free camping just outside out town, close to the main “Superbloom” spot

Attractions

Metal Sculptures of Anza-Borrego - crafted by Ricardo Breceda, these metal sculptures are spread out through the desert landscape

Henderson Canyon Road Wildflower Area - popular wildflower viewing area north of town

Borrego Palm Canyon Loop - hiking loop to palm canyon, accessed from Anza-Borrego Desert SP campground or day use

The Springs at Borrego Golf Course (see our campspot in distance)

Santa Cruz

We found Santa Cruz to be a wonderful pick to visit to enjoy time for surfing, skating, and exploring. Below, we’ll list some of our favorite spots.

Surf/Skate

Pleasure Point - a friendly surf break for all. Locals and visitors unite here to catch long waves among the seals

Steamer Lane - for more advanced surfers, wave is best for a short board, right reef break, look out for Bob Pierson in the line up!

Ken Wormhoudt Skate Park - all levels skate park that includes a small and big bowl

West Side Pump Track - your everyday pump track with two route options

National Parks

Joshua Tree

Joshua Tree National Park is a special place for us, as it’s where we began our van journey. The park draws crowds all year long for it’s desert hiking, abundant climbing routes, and vast landscape views. You can’t go wrong on a trail here as many boast similar desert views. Consider the season while here, as most trails are in full sun. Pack extra water and layers, and opt for morning/evening hikes in the heat of the summertime.

Hikes:

Maze Loop, Window Trail, and North View Loop -

Distance: 7.2 mi

Elevation: 853 ft
Route Type: loop
Difficulty: moderate
Highlights: a popular trail located by the north entrance, relax along a path of Joshua trees in solitude during the quieter times of day

Boy Scout Trail

Distance: 8.0 mi

Elevation: 226 ft
Route Type: point to point (or out and back)
Difficulty: moderate
Highlights: walk through a grove of Joshua trees to find the Wonderland of Rocks. You can treat this trail as an out and back trail and turn around when comfortable (we did about 4 miles in, 4 miles out)

Desert Queen Mine, and Eagle Cliff Boulder House via Split Rock Loop

Distance: 5.2 mi

Elevation: 882 ft
Route Type: loop
Difficulty: moderate
Highlights: located near the Twenty Nine Palms entrance, this trail has points of interest throughout. Be sure to download the map on AllTrails before venturing out

Lost Palms Oasis Trail

Distance: 7.4 mi

Elevation: 1,064 ft
Route Type: out and back
Difficulty: moderate
Highlights: a great pick when coming from the south entrance. You won’t find Joshua trees here, as it’s the southern edge of the park This out and back trail brings you to the lost palms oasis, a shady spot to relax before hiking back

Campsites:

NPS Campgrounds

5 take reservations, 3 first come first serve
Note: we haven’t camped in the park at Joshua Tree as we’ve opted to overnight for free outside the park

BLM Free Camping

BLM public land north and south of the national park
Check the iOverlander to find a spot!

BLM public camping, located near the south entrance, campsites feature fire pits

Pinncales National Park

Pinnacles is Californias newest national Park. It’s a known spot to see a California Condor in the skies or a Townsend's Big-eared Bat in the caves. It’s a spot to visit when passing by.

Hikes:

Condor Gulch Trail to High Peaks Trail Loop

Distance: 5.6 mi
Elevation: 1,633 ft
Route Type: loop
Difficulty: Hard
Highlights: rocks, expansive vistas, condors, and caves. To shorten this hike, take Moses Spring and Rim Trail Loop (you still get all the sights!) Bring lots of water (fill up available at the trailhead) and sun protection in the summertime. We used headlamps, but a phone flashlight will do

Exploring a cave

California Condors sitting in tree

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is a breathtaking natural wonderland, renowned for its towering granite cliffs, stunning waterfalls, and diverse ecosystems that inspire awe and adventure.

Hikes:

Vernal and Nevada Falls via Mist Trail

Distance: 6.4 mi
Elevation: 2,208 ft
Route Type: loop
Difficulty: moderate to strenuous
Highlights: breathtaking views of waterfalls and the back side of Half Dome. This is a popular trail so expect crowd

View of Nevada Falls

Mount Watkins

Distance: 6.2 mi,
Elevation: 1,07 ft,
Route Type: out and back
Difficulty: moderate
Highlights: a hidden gem in Yosemite, this hike features a spectacular view of Half Dome

View of Half Dome from Mount Watkins trail

Campsites

White Wolf Campground

Location: about an hour north from Yosemite Valley and an hour from Mount Watkins trail
Highlights: a quiet campground tucked in a forest, secluded and peaceful, has flush toilet

White Wolf Campground

Upper/Lower/North Pines

Location: located in the heart of Yosemite Valley
Highlights: these 3 campgrounds are walking distance from trails, the free shuttle, and shops/services (Curry Village)
Note: we did not stay here but walked through the campground would have enjoyed it

Lower Pines Campground

Points of Interest:

El Capitan: The Granite Giant of Yosemite

See the spot where Alex Honnold made history free climbing  the iconic granite monolith

Tenaya Lake: A Gem in Yosemite

Drivable lake access, perfect for an afternoon dip or paddle  between the mountains

Recommendations

Orange County

San Diego

Food

Hikes

Off Leash Dog Areas

Borrego Springs & Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

Santa Cruz

Surf/Skate

National Parks

Joshua Tree

Hikes:

Campsites:

Pinncales National Park

Hikes:

Yosemite National Park

Hikes:

Campsites

Points of Interest:

Arizona

Florida

YonderRoads