Sharing some pretty cool travel destinations where it's not too crowded, but have beautiful sites to see!
Map
Sections
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Places to Go & Things to See
Places to Stay
Just for Fun
Places to Go & Things to See
Destinations worth seeing in person
Found this gem of a place during a road trip. It's a small town, but with lots to offer like hiking and winery. #HappyTravels
THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Ukiah - Ukiah, CA
A small town up in the San Jacinto mountains. Perfect for hiking and relaxing. Fun Fact!! Did you know the official mayor is a golden retriever named Max!! (see the Mayor's link I posted) #HappyTravels
Idyllwild, California
Cute and lovable :) You can take pictures with him when he's in town! Hand down Best Mayor Ever!!
Mayor Max of Idyllwild, California
This is a great place to find a selection of fresh seafood.
Fisherman's Wharf - Monterey CA
Love exploring a smaller town with lots to see? This would be a perfect stop! Fresh air, good food, kayaking, boat tours, walking hikes, etc.
Cannery Row - Monterey, CA
A neat little pit stop while visiting Joshua Tree/Palm Springs areas!
The Station Joshua Tree - Joshua Tree, CA
It's a 31-mile drive through the beautiful redwoods. You can pick up a pamphlet at the start of the drive and the pamphlet directs you to certain stops and gives you a brief history of each stop, or just enjoy the scenic drive. #Happy travels
Avenue of the Giants - Weott, CA
If you're ever in Mendocino County in California, make time to ride the Skunk Train. There's different routes and adventures to choose from. The Pudding Creek Express was an easy breezy ride and dog friendly!
World-Famous Skunk Train
Beautiful small town by the sea. A nice place to stop by on a road trip.
Visit Eureka - Real. Authentic. Different. - Eureka, CA
It's a bit of a drive to get to Oatman, but if you'd like to see the world-famous burros roaming the streets of this town (and yes you can feed them, just be careful) then you have to put this place on your bucket list!
Donkeys Roam Free - Oatman, AZ
Check the calendar for the current stuff going on during different times of the year. I came here during apple picking season. It was a fun experience for families to do something different together.
Riley's Farm -- The Past is Just a Moment Away - Oak Glen, CA
Easy drive to get to… it's just off the freeway. You can go inside the the belly of the beasts! A definite “instagrammable” spot!
World Famous Cabazon Dinosaurs! - Cabazon, CA
Not your typical California city. It's a cute little Danish town. Do expect to a lot of walking as there's so many shops to check out.
Solvang, CA - Danish Capital of America
Want to learn more about oysters? You get to learn to about oysters, learn how to shuck them, and eat the oysters too!
Oyster Farm Tour & Tasting
It was an old naval base that's now been repurposed for some awesome stuff. You'll find plenty of eateries, shops, museums, miniature golf, and other activities. This place is huge it's not easy to check it all out in one day!
Liberty Station - San Diego, California
Places to Stay
Hotels I've stayed at and would actually recommend
This is a pleasant hotel for a short rest stop. Helpful staff, clean rooms, and pet friendly. There are plenty of food choices around and close the the freeway.
Courtyard Salinas Monterey - Salinas, CA
I love that it's in the heart of downtown Monterey. Fisherman's' wharf, Canary Row, local breweries, parks, casual or fancy restaurants are all within walking distance. So park your car with the hotel valet and go explore! #HappyTravels
Monterey Marriott - Monterey, CA
I stayed here a few days and throughout my stay I saw that the lobby and rooms were well maintained and staff was always professional. It's walking distance from some shops, and a short drive to downtown Ukiah (which has a cool brewery).
Holiday Inn Express & Suites - Ukiah, CA
It's important for me the hotels I stay at is well maintained and staff is friendly. And this was like that. Also pets are welcome!
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Millennium - Palm Desert, CA
A lovely getaway, unique place, and relaxing. Lots to do from hiking, horseback riding, and just exploring!
Pioneertown Motel - Pioneertown, CA
A nice hotel right at the beach and within walking distance from downtown to see cute shops and restaurants. I do recommend asking a room with sunset view so you're view is of the beach!
Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach
The hotel is clean and the rooms are comfortable. It's only a few minutes drive to downtown Moab for food and shopping.
Element Moab - Eco-Friendly Retreat with Complimentary Breakfast
Just for Fun
Fun activities for the day if you happen to be Southern California area
Have your tried riding a hydro-bike? Don't worry it's not as scary as is seems. It's actually a lot of fun and a good workout!
HydroBikes - Long Beach, CA
A fun date night idea. You can be a total newbie to enjoy roller skating. They have “walkers” with wheels to help you skate around the rink, and they also have classes if you want to learn how to skate.
Fountain Valley Skating Center - Fountain Valley, CA
A relaxing scenic long walk that is dog friendly. Also, there are different stops along the trails that give information about the history and how the nature preserve came about. Come check it out!
Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve | Newport Beach, CA
Beautiful nature trails. Lots to interesting sections of the park to see. Dog friendly!
HB Urban Forest - Huntington Beach, CA
Looking for something to do? Geeks Who Drink does trivia at pubs/restaurants locally and across the country! Just search if they have weekly events near you! It's so much fun! I've made lots of good friends attending trivia nights.
Pub Trivia Quiz
Beautiful theatre and not too big so there's not a bad seat in the house. I sat in the 2nd to last row and had no issues with enjoying the show.
South Coast Repertory - Costa Mesa, CA
Not a bad seat in the house whether you catch a show on their main stage or their studio stage in the upstairs. Also, prices are reasonable.