Off-Beat Couple's Travel Blog
Crisp autumn air. Crunchy leaves. Brightly colored foliage. Pumpkins, apples and spooky season – I love EVERYTHING about fall! Just one problem: we live in California, where October is obnoxiously hot and sunny. Thankfully, over the last decade I’ve learned where to find fall in California (and to ignore the fact that it’s also tarantula mating season). So here’s the ultimate guide to where to go for fall foliage, pumpkin picking, apple orchards, and a California specialty – grape stomping!
Encircled by two looming mountain ranges, Salt Lake City is an outdoor paradise. Just minutes outside of the bustling city center, you can find peace, quiet, and absolutely stunning wilderness. In the winter, these mountains are one of the best places to go skiing and snowboarding in Utah; but in the spring, summer, and fall, they’re a hikers paradise. From gushing waterfalls, to gurgling streams, to mirrored lakes, to to rock formations that resemble furniture and snacks, to sweeping views of the city, the valley, and even the Great Salt Lake itself – these 8 hikes near Salt Lake City showcase the best that SLC has to offer!
Grand mountains. Rustling plains. Towering sand dunes. Spectacular lakes. Nope, we’re not talking about the entire United States: you can find absolutely all of this stunning scenery right in Colorado! From the grandeur of Rocky Mountain National Park to the winding roads of the Million Dollar Highway and the breathtaking expanse of the Blue Mesa Reservoir, Colorado is a stunning outdoor playground. And the best way to get to know its vast expanses of wilderness is to go camping! Whether you’re a casual camper or a seasoned backcountry lover, there are limitless opportunities for camping spots in Colorado. Which is, honestly, a little overwhelming. So, we’ve teamed up with a Colorado native to create this list of the 8 best places to camp in Colorado, plus all the tips you need to plan a fun, safe camping trip!
Snow-covered mountains. Rushing waterfalls. Secluded beaches. Otherwordly desert landscapes. If this description of Southern California surprises you, it’s time to head out and explore! Whether you’re looking for good views at the top of a mountain, cacti explorations, or breezy coastal walks next to the ocean, the hiking in Southern California is diverse, scenic, and one-of-a-kind. This guide to the best hikes in Southern California was contributed by a SoCal local.
Sheer cliffs. Towering redwoods. Playful otters. Foggy beaches. Driving the Pacific Coast Highway is not only one of the best California road trips: it’s one of the best road trips in the world! And for Jeremy, it’s home: the Pacific Coast Highway runs through the middle of his hometown. Although we’ve driven Highway One dozens of times, on each road trip we stumble upon new hidden spots, points of interest, towns to explore, and restaurants to return to again and again. We’ve included them all in our massive guide to the best Pacific Coast Highway stops!
Barking sea lions. Salty air. Waves crashing on critter-filled tidepools. Driving Pacific Coast Highway is the most beautiful road trip in the entire world (we’re biased, but it’s true). This massive 10-day California coast road trip itinerary covers all of our favorite Californian things: sunny beaches and foggy coastline, swaying palm trees and towering redwoods, playful otters and flomping elephant seals, fresh oysters and vintage wines – there’s even a clothing-optional hot spring, if you’re up for it. Here’s everything you need to know about driving Highway One (aka the Pacific Coast Highway)!
