A Brit and A Southerner

48 Hours in San Diego – Enjoy the Best of Southern California

California

Jul 2, 2018

48 Hours in San Diego – Enjoy the Best of Southern California

When you think about Southern California, it’s fair to say that the glitz and glamor of Hollywood, the iconic Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco or perhaps even the natural beauty throughout Yosemite National Park will be at the forefront of your mind. But what about if you head further south and explore the very tip of Southern California? That’s right, on the edge of the Mexican/US border is the city of San Diego and let me tell you, it’s a city that needs to be on your radar! Let’s take a look at how we recommend spending an awesome 48 hours in San Diego.

Whether you have a day or a week to explore San Diego, this is a city that oozes character, beauty and of course, plenty of attractions to keep you occupied. San Diego may not be the first place you think about visiting when you think about the state of California but after reading this post, we are convinced that this city will at least be on your radar. It’s one of those cities that has that effect on you!

Where to Stay in San Diego?

The beauty of visiting San Diego is that if you are flying into the international airport, you are just a short drive from the downtown area where all the main attractions are located. Hop in an Uber and for only $10 you will be transported to your chosen hotel in the downtown vicinity.

Whether you want to stay in the Gaslamp Quarter, also renowned as the heartbeat of the city or perhaps prefer to stay in a more isolated, bayside setting on Coronado Island, there are plenty of accommodation options available. Here are a couple of our favorites that we think will appeal for multiple reasons:

Hotel Del Coronado – For those that want the ultimate luxury experience, why not stay at the exquisite Hotel Del Coronado, now part of the Hilton Curio collection. This hotel is possibly the most iconic in San Diego, and maybe even California, given the role it played in Marilyn Monroe’s “Some Like It Hot” movie. It’s fair to say this is a pretty spectacular hotel and you will be living the dream if you choose to stay here.

Click Here for latest prices and availability at the Hotel Del Coronado

Hilton San Diego Bayfront – If you are looking for a slightly more affordable option, the Hilton San Diego Bayfront is a feasible alternative that offers great access to many of the city’s iconic attractions. Take a stroll along the promenade or hop on one of the many rental bicycles to head out and explore the city center and beyond.

Click Here for latest prices and availability at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront

48 Hours in San Diego

It may not sound like much time but 48 hours is plenty of time to explore many of San Diego’s top attractions. The beauty of this city is that everything is easily within walking distance or a short public transportation ride. Biking in San Diego is another great way to explore, so regardless of your chosen method, there is plenty to experience in a short time.

We have designed this itinerary based on our own experiences and there is even time for a little spontaneity so that you can add a few customized choices to this visit.

Here are the top things to do that you cannot afford to miss during your next visit to San Diego:

USS Midway Museum
Balboa Park/San Diego Zoo
Gaslamp Quarter
Coronado Island

If you manage to experience all of the above in 48 hours, you will have one heck of an amazing visit to San Diego!! As you will see, the San Diego Zoo is itself an experience you could easily spend a full day enjoying but of course, depending on how much time you have in the region will likely determine how many of these attractions you want to see.

The beauty of all the above-listed attractions is that they are easily accessible. Coronado Island may be the most challenging but with a ferry service available from multiple locations or a cheap Uber always just a few minutes away, you can easily add this to your itinerary when planning a visit to San Diego.

USS Midway Museum

Have you ever had an up close and personal encounter with an aircraft carrier? Me either, at least until I visited the USS Midway in San Diego! The first thing you notice is the sheer size and magnitude of this vessel. Measuring a little over 1,000 feet in length, this was a true “beast” in the US naval fleet.

The USS Midway was the longest-serving aircraft carrier in the 20th century until it was finally able to rest and decommissioned in San Diego in 1992. It was left in storage until 2003 before finally opening as the USS Midway Museum in 2004.

Visitors today can take a stroll along the San Diego promenade to admire the beauty of the USS Midway before purchasing tickets to hop inside and learn all about the history and features onboard this vessel.

Whether you are intrigued by the thought of hopping on the flight deck to admire more than 30 restored aircraft (and enjoy amazing views of San Diego Bay!) or perhaps head below deck and explore the spaces where crew lived and worked on a daily basis, your adventure around the USS Midway Museum will likely leave you in awe at this amazing attraction.

Don’t forget to experience the “Battle of Midway Theater” where you can watch a 15-minute film highlighting one of World War II’s iconic naval battles. Listen to first-hand experiences from crew members that fought in this battle while onboard the USS Midway. For those of you that are ready for an interactive experience, check out the two flight simulators where all ages can enjoy an experience of a lifetime.

Information

Tickets are available for purchase online and you will save $2 per ticket if you choose this option. Alternatively, you can purchase tickets on the day of your visit to the Museum.

Adults – $21
Seniors – $18
Retired Military – $8
Students (Aged 13-17 or with valid ID) – $15
Children (Aged 6-12) – $8

The above prices are accurate as of the time of publication but we always recommend visiting the USS Midway Museum website prior to your visit to find any price/time updates.

Balboa Park

New York City is home to Central Park; London is home to Hyde Park; San Diego is home to Balboa Park! After visiting this amazing urban green space in the heart of the city, I can 100% confirm that this should be categorized in the same fashion as those infamous urban parks around the world. Balboa Park is a 1,200 acre urban, cultural space filled with a distinctive blend of museums, iconic architecture, nature and of course, the San Diego Zoo!

Balboa Park is an area that you can easily spend several days exploring but if you are wanting to capture just the highlights, you can enjoy several hours experiencing the very best spots.

Balboa Park has enough arts, culture, and attractions to fill days, weeks, months!

If you only want to spend a few hours, here are the top attractions you won’t want to miss. The California Tower is part of the California Building that houses the Museum of Man. Head to the courtyard to admire this majestic architectural masterpiece before walking through to an area full of Spanish inspired architecture.

The Casa del Prado and Casa de Balboa are two examples of reconstructions to commemorate the 1915 Panama-California Exposition. If you love European architecture, this part of San Diego will surely inspire you to want to head across the pond to explore some of Gaudi’s finest work in Barcelona.

Balboa Park is home to 17 different museums and cultural institutions, so trying to figure out which one to visit can be a challenging prospect. For those of you that want to experience San Diego on a budget, the Timken Museum of Art is a FREE attraction full of works by European artists and featuring the only Rembrandt painting on public display in the city.

As you explore Balboa Park, you could be forgiven for thinking this is more of an urban space because of the various museums and buildings scattered throughout. However, don’t let this stop you from admiring the nature on display. Take a moment to stroll through Alcazar Garden, renowned as one of the most photogenic locations throughout the park.

Regardless of whether you choose to visit the San Diego Zoo, you can be assured that Balboa Park will have plenty to keep you occupied during your visit. The tough part will be trying to put together an itinerary to see as much as possible in only a few hours…unless of course, you want to spend 48 hours exploring everything Balboa Park has to offer!

Gaslamp Quarter

The heartbeat of San Diego can be found in the Gaslamp Quarter, a lively neighborhood with an eclectic blend of restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. If you choose to visit the Gaslamp Quarter during the day, you can not only experience a myriad of delicious cuisine but also enjoy a self-guided walking tour of the area where you can admire a number of gorgeous buildings.

The Balboa Theatre, for example, was recently renowned as one of the world’s most spectacular theatres by CNN Travel. Dating back to 1924 when construction was completed, this theatre was a state-of-the-art building before facing some years of uncertainty in the 1950s when it almost faced demolition.

Fortunately, the Russo family saved this theatre and after years of renovation, it was transformed into a contemporary modern art venue. Whether you choose to attend a performance or simply admire this building on the outside, it’s a place you won’t want to miss while exploring the Gaslamp Quarter.

Ready for a bite to eat in this neighborhood? There are plenty of awesome local restaurants to choose from, in addition to a couple of chain spots such as The Old Spaghetti Factory.

But a visit to San Diego is all about the local cuisine, so head inside one of the following restaurants to sample some of the finest and delicious food in the city.

UNION Kitchen & Tap Gaslamp – A great spot to enjoy lunch (or brunch on the weekend) while sampling one of the local craft beers on tap.
Cold Beer & Cheeseburgers – After a long day exploring San Diego’s plethora of attractions, head downtown to enjoy a cold beer and delicious cheeseburger. This spot immediately made me think about Huey’s in Memphis, another of our favorite local dining spots when looking to enjoy a burger.
Henry’s Pub – A visit to San Diego wouldn’t be the same without sampling the local seafood options. Fish and Chips is always a menu choice I enjoy and I can highly recommend Henry’s Pub in the Gaslamp district if you are ready to indulge in a stereotypical British dish!

A visit to the Gaslamp Quarter will also give you the opportunity to experience Petco Park, home of the MLB team, the San Diego Padres. For the baseball aficionados out there, hopefully, you will have the opportunity to watch the Padres in action but regardless, it’s a pretty spectacular ballpark, even from the outside.

Coronado Island

Ready to explore San Diego’s pristine beaches, luxury accommodation options including the amazing Hotel del Coronado and a variety of amazing cuisine options? Head across to Coronado Island and experience the very best of all the above and much more!

The best way to visit Coronado Island is to hop on the ferry from either the San Diego Convention Center or Broadway, just a few steps from the USS Midway Museum. For only $4.50 each way, you can enjoy a relaxing journey across the bay before arriving at Coronado Island.

Arriving at Coronado Island, you can enjoy the ferry landing with a variety of restaurants, bars and local shops immediately capturing your attention. We strongly recommend wearing a comfortable pair of shoes and then walking across to the other side of the island to enjoy the amazing beaches along the Pacific Ocean…oh yes, and of course, visiting the infamous hotel!

Summary

San Diego is a fun-filled city with plenty of attractions and experiences to keep you occupied for much longer than 48 hours. This is a city that we consider to be perfect for a weekend getaway, particularly given the close proximity of all the attractions that we referenced.

Places such as San Diego’s Old Town and Seaport Village weren’t even mentioned in this itinerary but if you are looking for additional places to enjoy authentic, local cuisine, both of these should be on your radar.

San Diego is unlike anywhere else in California and it’s this uniqueness that makes this a city we immediately fell in love with. We look forward to returning again in the near future and certainly think you will agree when you next venture out west. By the way, hopefully you will encounter some epic sunsets just like we did!

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Enjoy an Amazing 48 Hours in the Heart of the Melbourne CBD

Australia

Chris Boothman

Jun 27, 2018

Enjoy an Amazing 48 Hours in the Heart of the Melbourne CBD

Have you ever imagined what it’s like to explore the world’s most livable city? We had an opportunity to experience a week in Melbourne, Australia and it’s no surprise that we immediately realized why this beautiful city earned that coveted accolade. We used our time in Melbourne to take a trip along the infamous Great Ocean Road but the majority of our time was spent in the heart of the Melbourne CBD.

Downtown Melbourne is a beautiful area full of historic architecture, a number of parks where you can relax and enjoy nature away from the urban environment and of course, a variety of iconic sporting venues that make this city so popular.

We haven’t even mentioned the delicious local and international cuisine options that are available throughout the diverse neighborhoods that have helped Melbourne become the world’s most livable city.

Although we spent a week in Melbourne, we want to share how you can enjoy 48 hours in this city. Let’s take a look at some of the top attractions you can enjoy if you only have two days here, but first, we want to recommend a great place to stay in the heart of the city.

Where to Stay in the Melbourne CBD?

If you are considering exploring Melbourne in the near future, you will likely want to figure out the best place to stay in the central business district. There are plenty of options but we highly recommend the Pullman Melbourne on the Park.

But why is this the best hotel in the Melbourne CBD? A number of reasons but the old saying of “Location, Location, Location” springs to mind when assessing the advantages of this hotel.

In close proximity to the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the Pullman Melbourne on the Park provides easy access to downtown but is far enough away from the main hustle and bustle of the city to enable guests to relax and enjoy the solitude of nearby Fitzroy Gardens.

This upscale hotel is an escape from the ordinary, where discerning travellers will discover a new level of warmth, service and sophistication. (Pullman Melbourne on the Park)

Arriving at the iconic Flinders Street Station in Melbourne, we hopped on the free tram and took a short walk to the hotel. This proved to be a great location to head out and explore the rest of the city, especially being able to use the free tram network which is a great method of public transportation in Melbourne.

We enjoyed two nights at the Pullman Melbourne on the Park and having devoured an amazing breakfast both mornings, we were ready to head out and explore everything the “City by the Bay” had to offer. The most difficult part about staying at the Pullman Melbourne on the Parks is that everything about the hotel entices you to stay inside or enjoy the amenities available rather than heading out to explore!

Looking for something a little more luxurious and convenient to the CBD? You may also check out these 21 Popular 5-Star Melbourne Hotels for Luxury Travellers by HotelsCombined for more convenient accommodation options in Melbourne.

48 Hour Itinerary to Explore Melbourne’s CBD

If you only have 48 hours to explore Melbourne, be prepared to wake up early and don your walking boots because there is a lot to see in such a short time. Don’t worry, it’s well worth the effort and you will appreciate making the most of your time here.

Here is a recommended itinerary with some of our favorite attractions and landmarks that you cannot afford to miss:

Day 1

Breakfast at Pullman Melbourne on the Park
Walk to the Melbourne Cricket Ground (We enjoyed the Boxing Day test match between Australia and Pakistan during our recent visit)
Walk through Melbourne Park, home of the Australian Open tennis tournament
Explore Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne and have lunch or morning tea here
Visit the Shrine of Remembrance
Visit the Eureka Skydeck
Dinner at a restaurant along Degraves Street
Take a stroll along the banks of the Yarra River en route back to the hotel

Day 2

Breakfast at Pullman Melbourne on the Park
Hop on the free tram and visit Flinders Street Station
Walk across to St. Paul’s Cathedral
Take the free tram to the Docklands area to visit the Melbourne Star Observation Wheel and enjoy lunch here with some local Fish and Chips
Explore Parliament House, Parliament Gardens and nearby St. Patrick’s Cathedral
Visit Carlton Gardens, Royal Exhibition Building and Melbourne Museum
Head to the Queen Victoria Market to experience this historic spot
Take a stroll along Bourke Street Mall for a little retail therapy
Enjoy a late dinner along either Hardware Lane or Little Bourke Street (Chinatown)

Both days may seem like a lot but a lot of these attractions are within a relatively short walking distance of each other. The free tram network is also a great resource to take advantage of while exploring Melbourne’s iconic attractions. This type of itinerary does not lend itself to spending a lot of time at all of these spots.

Let’s take a look at some of our favorite places that you could likely spend a little more time visiting.

Melbourne Cricket Ground

It’s one of the iconic cricket venues around the world and just passing by the “MCG” is a memorable experience. If you are able to spend a little more time in Melbourne, try to find tickets and attend a cricket match because inside the MCG is even more spectacular.

We felt incredibly fortunate to attend one of the Australia’s most iconic sporting events – the Boxing Day Test match between Australia and Pakistan. Walking around the outside of the stadium, you will pass by statues of some of Australia’s most infamous cricketers – Sir Donald Bradman, Shane Warne, and Dennis Lillee to name just a few.

Melbourne Park

Take a short stroll from the MCG to explore another iconic sporting venue, Melbourne Park, home of the Australian Open tennis tournament. Preparations for the 2017 tournament were underway as we walked through the venue but just thinking about the legends that have walked these grounds was an awesome feeling.

From the historic Rod Laver and Margaret Court Arenas to the newer Hisense Arena, just walking through this venue en route to the Royal Botanic Gardens made us realize that we have to make a return trip to Melbourne during the Australian Open.

Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne

The walk from the Pullman Melbourne on the Park to the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne may seem like a fair distance but after passing through two of the world’s most iconic sporting venues, you will soon realize it’s worth the effort.

As we crossed the Yarra River and entered these Botanical Gardens, we soon felt transformed from an urban environment to an area of relaxation and solitude. A moment of quietness could be found with the only sounds being emitted from the local wildlife going about their daily routine.

You could easily spend hours exploring the 94 acres of these gardens but a quick visit to the local tea room to enjoy a very British cream tea (scone with vanilla bean cream and jam!) was the perfect way to cap and awesome morning in these gardens.

Shrine of Remembrance

On the edge of the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne is another iconic landmark, the Shrine of Remembrance. It’s historic, it’s architecturally beautiful and the views from the summit are breathtaking as you admire the Melbourne skyline.

Originally constructed in 1934 to serve as a tribute to those folks from Victoria that served in World War I, the Shrine of Remembrance is now a fitting memorial to all Australians that have served in wars around the world.

Eureka Skydeck

A trip to Melbourne wouldn’t be the same without taking a trip to the Eureka Skydeck at the summit of one Australia’s tallest buildings. The most intriguing aspect of this visit is “The Edge” which offers visitors the opportunity to test their nerve and head out on a glass platform with the city of Melbourne below them.

The panoramic views from the Skydeck are breathtaking it’s a great way to pick out your favorite attractions and plan your next move as you explore the Melbourne CBD.

Flinders Street Station and St. Paul’s Cathedral

Melbourne is an iconic city and possibly two of the most quintessential landmarks are Flinders Street Station and St. Paul’s Cathedral. Directly opposite each other on the corner of Flinders and Swanston Street, these are historical landmarks that you should spend some time admiring.

Flinders Street Station dates back to the start of the 20th century when construction started in 1905. Before the development of Federation Square, this railway station was frequently known as Melbourne’s favorite meeting place.

St. Paul’s Cathedral is much more modern as it opened in 1931 but unequivocally offers a place of beauty and worship unlike anywhere else in the city.

Docklands Area

Why not take a 30-minute romantic journey on the Melbourne Star to enjoy stunning views of the Melbourne skyline. This observation wheel is located in the Docklands area which is a great area accessible via the free tram network and offers one of Melbourne’s best retail spots – Harbour Town Outlet.

The Docklands area may not technically be in the heart of the Melbourne CBD but it’s a great place to visit for shopping, restaurants, and of course, for the stunning views of the downtown area.

Not only can you enjoy a little retail therapy here at affordable prices, we also recommend sampling The Fish Dept. for lunch or dinner. There is nothing quite like Aussie style fish and chips.

As you wind down your day exploring Melbourne, head back on the free tram to take advantage of your second trip around the Melbourne Star (purchase a ticket that allows two visits and take one during the day and after dark).

Parliament House and St. Patrick’s Cathedral

Having explored much of Melbourne’s “modern-day” infrastructure, be sure to spend some time visiting historic locations like Parliament House and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Both of these locations date back to the 19th century, offering visitors an opportunity to see what Melbourne was like during its founding years (Melbourne was founded on the Yarra River in 1835).

The Gardens outside of the Parliament House offer another relaxing environment, particularly the cascading cool water that streams out of the Coles Fountain in the center of these Gardens.

For those of you that have a passion for architecture, you will soon realize that St. Patrick’s Cathedral is a stereotypical example of Gothic Revival design. Not only is it hugely impressive in terms of the intricate details of the design, it can also lay claim to being the tallest church in Australia!

Carlton Gardens

A short walk from Parliament Gardens if you head north along Nicholson Street will lead you to a World Heritage Site. Carlton Gardens is designated as such in conjunction with the Royal Exhibition Building which sits in the middle of these gardens.

Carlton Gardens offer gorgeous fountains, blooming floral arrangements and perfectly manicured trees that will make botanists quiver with delight as they wander through this gorgeous park.

Locals and visitors alike can be seen relaxing on the grass as they admire the architecture and surrounding beauty that creates a perfect environment to enjoy the Melbourne sun.

Queen Victoria Market

Locals will claim that you have saved the best until last if you choose to visit the Queen Victoria Market at the end of your 48 hours exploring the Melbourne CBD. Frequently referred to as the “heart and soul” of Melbourne, this popular attraction is a great place for locals to enjoy local food halls or simply stroll around the largest open-air market in the Southern Hemisphere.

We visited the “Queen Vic” on Christmas Day during our recent visit to Melbourne so of course, it was closed! This was one of the most disappointing aspects of our visit and we cannot wait to head back to Melbourne just to experience the hustle and bustle of life in this historic marketplace.

Relaxation

As you can see, this was a pretty action-packed itinerary but if you only have a short time in this vibrant city, you have to make the most of it. Be sure to check out many of the local offers available to enjoy a little relaxation while in the city, such as Groupon’s spa deals in Melbourne. Just like anywhere else in the world, Groupon is always one of our favorite “go-to” apps to find the best local deals.

After a long day of exploring, there is nothing quite like having the opportunity to unwind and enjoy the “ultimate” relaxing spa experience.

For those of you that prefer to unwind with your favorite aperitif, don’t worry, Melbourne is home to a variety of awesome bars, restaurants and coffee shops where you can just hang out with the locals and find out the best local spots across the city.

Summary

If you only have 48 hours to spend in the Melbourne CBD, you must be crazy! In all seriousness, you can see a lot of Melbourne’s iconic attractions in a short time, primarily because many of them are in close proximity to each other and also because the free tram network is an awesome way to get around the city.

For those of you that can spend a little longer here, I am sure you will be intrigued by many of the attractions we have mentioned and you will likely want to spend more time in each one learning about the history and beauty of these spots.

We can’t speak highly enough of the Pullman Melbourne on the Park Hotel. Regardless of the length of time you are staying in Melbourne, this is a great option and as you can see, it provides a perfect spot to get out and explore many of the city’s iconic landmarks. We cannot wait to head back and visit the world’s most livable city, it truly is spectacular.

A Guide to the Best Hikes in Joshua Tree National Park

California

Chris Boothman

Jun 25, 2018

A Guide to the Best Hikes in Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park in the heart of Southern California may not have the instant breathtaking landscapes comparable to the likes of Yellowstone or Yosemite but what it does have is a distinctive and unique blend of natural beauty. A 2-hour drive from the heart of downtown Los Angeles ensures that Joshua Tree is a popular national park and during our recent visit to SoCal, we decided to take a day trip to find out why this is such an attractive destination for outdoors aficionados. Based on our experiences, we want to highlight some of the best hikes in Joshua Tree that you can enjoy during a one-day visit!

Whether you are a passionate outdoor adventurist that loves rock climbing, mountaineering, and strenuous hiking or simply someone that wants to enjoy epic natural landscapes, you will quickly find that Joshua Tree has something for everyone.

Let’s take a look at how you can best enjoy your visit to Joshua Tree. As always, we strongly encourage you to purchase a National Park Annual Pass so that you can enter Joshua Tree for free and if you are staying in the area, you will want to use this guide to sample several of these hiking trails.

Where is Joshua Tree NP?

Joshua Tree National Park covers 794,000 acres that intersect the Mojave and Colorado deserts. Located only 130 miles east of Los Angeles, this is the perfect place to head outside of an urban environment to relax and enjoy the great outdoors.

Depending on which entrance you choose to start will determine which landscape you immediately face. There are three park entrances, each offering a unique look at Joshua Tree’s landscape.

West Entrance – Located five miles south of the junction of Highway 62 and Park Boulevard at Joshua Tree Village
North Entrance – Located in Twentynine Palms, three miles south of the junction of Highway 62 and Utah Trail.
South Entrance – Located near Cottonwood Spring along I-10, 25 miles east of Indio.

What is a Joshua Tree?

I want to reiterate, if you are heading to Joshua Tree with the impression that this national park is directly comparable to some of the best parks in terms of scenery, this is a very unique landscape that everyone may not appreciate.

As the name suggests, it’s a landscape full of “Joshua” trees…but you may be wondering, as we were, what exactly is a Joshua Tree?

A Joshua Tree is a form of a yucca that grows as a tree and has clusters of spiky leaves, native to arid regions of southwestern North America.

Ok, so that should hopefully clear up any thoughts that Joshua Tree was named after a U2 album…it’s true, I have heard a lot of people associate this national park only with the Irish band and not for a species of yucca!

Best Hikes in Joshua Tree National Park

The beauty of Joshua Tree is that there is a myriad of amazing hiking trails, all of which can be experienced during a day trip. Although the following list certainly isn’t exhaustive and there will always be some other trails available to take spontaneously, this will at least give you an idea for planning an itinerary to explore the best of Joshua Tree.

Ryan Mountain Trail
Warren Peak Trail
Hidden Valley Trail
Cholla Cactus Garden Trail
Skull Rock Trail

Joshua Tree’s hiking trails offer everything from amazing rock formations to spectacular overlooks across the open desert. The huge boulders throughout Joshua Tree are iconic representations of the geology in this part of Southern California but regardless of which geological formations you are intrigued by, this national park has something for everyone.

Hiking trails throughout Joshua Tree range from easy to strenuous but the beauty of many of them is that they are relatively short so you can easily experience several in the same day. A close up look at each of the trails along with some of the amazing landscapes you can experience around Joshua Tree will hopefully give you some inspiration to grab your favorite hiking boots and check out this untouched landscape.

Ryan Mountain Trail

Distance – 3 Miles
Difficulty – Moderate
Hiking Time – 1.5-2.5 Hours

If you are looking to enjoy one of the most popular hikes in Joshua Tree, be sure to add the Ryan Mountain trail to your itinerary. An “out and back” style trail, this offers visitors the opportunity to hike to the summit of Ryan Mountain and enjoy breathtaking panoramic scenes of San Jacinto, San Gorgonio, and Pleasant Valley, to name just a few of the epic landscapes.

From the moment you leave the parking lot, you should be prepared for a pretty steep incline but keep telling yourself that the views will be worth the effort. An elevation increase of 1,075 feet may sound like a challenging prospect and I’m not going to lie, it’s certainly not for the faint-hearted but the rewards await those that push through the pain barrier. The trail is incredibly well maintained and offers some of the best in the park.

The gorgeous sight of red and orange stones means that you have arrived at the site of Wonderland of Rocks but it’s once you reach the summit that you will be rewarded with the incredible views across Joshua Tree. Be sure to take some time at the summit to admire the scenery before heading back down the trail.

Warren Peak Trail

Distance – 5.5 Miles
Difficulty – Difficult
Hiking Time – 3-4 Hours

Located in the northwest corner of Joshua Tree, the Warren Peak Trail is one of the most challenging yet rewarding hikes throughout the park. Be prepared to take a half day or potentially longer to experience this hike and perhaps this is only for those that are planning on spending multiple days at Joshua Tree.

The trail to the summit of Warren Peak starts on the Black Rock Canyon Trail beyond the campsites located here. You will likely find that this is a pretty quiet trail so for several miles it may be just yourself, your thoughts and the dense abyss known as Joshua Tree National Park. Don’t let this convince you to stay away because the scenery is pretty epic!

Once you reach the summit, just like Ryan Mountain, you will be 100% glad that you made the effort to hike to the top. The panoramic landscapes of nearby Mt. San Jacinto and Mt. San Gorgonio along with the obvious views of Joshua Tree National Park are beyond incredible. Ready for the good news?? It’s all downhill from the summit so relax and give yourself a pat on the back for such an amazing accomplishment!

Hidden Valley Trail

Distance – 1 Mile
Difficulty – Easy
Hiking Time – 30-60 minutes

If the thought of the first two trails is a little too much for you, don’t worry because Joshua Tree has plenty of “easy” hikes for all the family to enjoy. Regardless of your fitness levels or desire to challenge yourself, the Hidden Valley trail is the perfect hike to enjoy the best of Joshua Tree.

Ever seen the Flintstones? Ok, take a moment to think about the town of Bedrock and this is exactly what we thought about when strolling around the huge stacks of boulders that are scattered across this landscape. For the geologists out there, these stacks are made up of monzogranite which is “biotite granite rocks that are considered to be the final fractionation product of magma.”

The valley itself can be enjoyed at any time of the day but I have to admit, there is an eerie beauty about exploring Hidden Valley either at sunrise or sunset. The angle of the sun reflecting against the boulders creates a magical experience and certainly epitomizes why Joshua Tree’s landscape is so popular among outdoor lovers.

Cholla Cactus Garden Trail

Distance – 0.3 Mile
Difficulty – Easy
Hiking Time – 20-30 minutes

Ready for a short yet thrilling hike through an area of cactus growth? Head over to Cholla Cactus Garden for a weird yet wonderful trail through some of Joshua Tree’s finest collection of fauna. As you stroll through this garden, please remember, DO NOT TOUCH these cacti unless you want to spoil the rest of your trip and suffer the consequences of favoring a cactus for a while!

The fuzzy appearance of the Cholla Cactus may offer picture-perfect selfie opportunities but these are undoubtedly one of the most painful cacti in the park.

For those of you entering Joshua Tree at the Cottonwood Visitor Center near I-10, this short interpretive trail may be the first attraction you want to explore. You can easily enjoy this hike in less than 30 minutes but you will leave with a whole new perception of cacti habitats.

Skull Rock Trail

Distance – 1.7 Miles
Difficulty – Easy
Hiking Time – 60-90 minutes

The easiest attraction to visit throughout Joshua Tree is perhaps also the most iconic – Skull Rock! Hidden amongst a plethora of rock formations, there is one unique design that epitomizes the shape of a skull. It’s no surprise that this is such a popular attraction, not only because it’s such a unique geological feature but also because of it’s location directly off the scenic drive that runs through the park.

For those of you intrigued by the thought of exploring more bizarre rock formations, take the 1.7-mile hiking trail that leads you through a variety of landscapes, all of which are unique and equally breathtaking.

As your eyes gaze around the landscape, you could be forgiven for thinking that many of the other rock formations look like skulls…not going to lie, we fell into the trap of thinking that one other was Skull rock even though we later realized it was not the actual one.

Summary

Joshua Tree may not have the same “wow” factor as it’s more infamous counterparts such as Yosemite, Yellowstone et al but what it does possess is a unique landscape that everyone should explore at least once in their lifetime. The iconic presence of “Joshua Tree yuccas” scattered across this landscape create a memorable experience and combining this with the amazing rock formations, you have an amazing landscape perfect for outdoor lovers.

We thoroughly enjoyed the shorter hiking trails around Joshua Tree, particular the distinctive Cholla Cactus Garden and Skull Rock Trail but regardless of which trails you choose, we are convinced you will have an amazing visit to this national park.

The million dollar question…is it worth the $25 admission fee? Honestly, this is where we would strongly encourage you to pay for the annual pass because this is by far the best way to get the best value out of any national park visit.

Share your experiences and thoughts about Joshua Tree National Park below and let us know which you consider the best national park across the United States!

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7 Best East Coast USA Road Trips You Need to Explore

Travel Tips

Chris Boothman

Jun 18, 2018

7 Best East Coast USA Road Trips You Need to Explore

Whether you are contemplating visiting the gorgeous lighthouses and delicious seafood around the New England states or perhaps heading further south to the iconic attractions such as Walt Disney World in Florida, there is something quite spectacular about the East coast in the US that makes this such an attractive destination for many reasons. Road tripping is undoubtedly the best way to experience the best the United States has to offer. By collaborating with some of our friends from the travel blogging world, we have put together a post highlighting the best East coast USA road trips.

We are all familiar with New York City, Boston, Washington DC etc. but what about those lesser known destinations that are frequently hidden among these larger counterparts? Unfortunately, flying into these major metropolitan areas means that you frequently miss the smaller, hidden gems but by hitting the open road, this enables you to stumble across attractions and locations you may never have considered previously.

Did you read our recent post featuring the best West coast USA road trips? If you did, I am sure you are already inspired to hit the road and enjoy some breathtaking natural landscapes.

If not, don’t worry, because this post has equally spectacular attractions, so regardless of whether your travels take you East or West, we are convinced that the US has something for everyone waiting just around the corner. From gorgeous beaches along the Atlantic Ocean to epic rural landscapes, you can be sure that any East coast road trip won’t leave you disappointed.

Best East Coast USA Road Trips

Road tripping has always been a popular pastime for the American traveler and let’s be honest, it’s certainly with good reason! Affordable gas prices, miles and miles of open road with a myriad of charming attractions along every itinerary and of course, a desire to explore the unknown is always going to be enough inspiration to justify hopping inside your car and experiencing this road trip phenomenon.

Just as we saw with the West coast, the East coast is littered with plenty of options, far more than we could ever cover in a post like this. So how do you even begin to filter out the best of the best? It’s all down to personal perspective, hence the reason we called upon some fellow travel experts to give their honest opinions as to where you cannot afford to miss when you start contemplating the best road trips along the East coast.

Here are the itineraries that made our list but as always, we encourage you to share some of your favorite road trips in the comments below:

Washington DC to Charleston, South Carolina
Shenandoah National Park Skyline Drive, Virginia
Boston, MA to Miami, FL
Boston, MA to Acadia National Park, Maine
Boston, MA to Maine
Blue Ridge Parkway – The Great Smoky Mountains to Shenandoah National Park
Miami to Key West, FL

Washington DC to Charleston, SC

By Dan Bagby from Honeymoon Always

A road trip from Washington DC to Charleston is in order if you have any interest in American history, theme parks, tree-lined highways and topping it all off with relaxing on the beach.

Start with the attractions in DC that are really light on your budget. Most museums are free. You can also contact your congressman to get tickets to the White House and Capitol Building tours. If it is in your budget, make your way to Rose’s Luxury for dinner and sit at the bar next to the kitchen.

Leaving DC, stop in Williamsburg for a few days. As an added bonus, the drive is beautiful when the trees that line the highway are full of leaves and even more amazing when they are turning colors in the fall.

Take a day or two at the world-class theme park, Busch Gardens Williamsburg and a day at Water Country USA to cool down in the water and enjoy some thrills. Spend some time exploring Historic Williamsburg by taking a ghost tour at night. For breakfast, make sure you don’t miss a local diner for simple, affordable eats with a local flare like the Colonial Pancake House.

Leaving Williamsburg, it is up to you how much time you want to spend in North Carolina. You may just want to power through the 6-hour drive or stop in Raleigh or even make a detour to spend some time in Charlotte or Asheville.

Arriving in Charleston there is plenty to see, but make sure you spend some time on one of the nearby beaches relaxing. Walk around admiring the centuries-old mansions and cobblestone streets and make sure you enjoy some of the delicious southern cuisines.

Shenandoah National Park – Skyline Drive

By Stephanie Craig from History Fangirl

I’ve driven Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park three times: in spring, autumn, and in winter. No matter the season or weather, Skyline Drive never disappoints. It’s a beautiful raised country drive above a gorgeous mountain valley. Nearby, you can visit wineries, a craft brewery, and see the UNESCO World Heritage Site at Monticello and the University of Virginia.

The drive itself is about a hundred miles long, with no amenities (just nature) except for a visitor center near the middle of the route. The drive is open year-round and twenty-four hours a day; however, it is best done during daylight or for sunrise or sunset.

There are dozens of overlooks to stop at and take in the stunning views, and the speed limit is relegated to 35 miles an hour. This is great for solo drivers who want to appreciate the beauty from the driver’s seat and stay safe at the same time.

Another reason for the low speed is to keep the road safe for wild animals who may cross the road; however, I’ve never seen one while I was here. Whenever I find myself in southern Virginia needing to head north, I always detour to make sure that I take Skyline Drive north, since it’s one of the most beautiful drives in the country.

Boston to Miami

By Eileen Cotter Wright from Pure Wander

With family and friends up and down the east coast, I frequently hop in the car with buddies to drive good old Route 95. While it’s a solid 24-hours of driving if you go straight through from Boston to Miami, there are a zillion things to see along the road!

The best way to tackle this mega 1,490-mile route is to do so in three days. Try a medium-sized drive the first day, a longer one the second, then another longish one the third.

You can go through NYC, but you’ll want to avoid big cities and traffic as much as possible. We opted instead to stay as close to the coast as we could and ended up in Atlantic City, New Jersey, after a six-hour drive. It’s a fun place for just a night of good food, drink and trying your hand at the casinos. But don’t overdo it; you’ve got 11 hours to Charleston, South Carolina next.

Get an early start and enjoy a little bit of this fun southern city overnight. From there, Miami, Florida, is another 8-hour stint. You can see a few funny landmarks on this leg, including the “kitschy but crazy” South of the Border truck stop.

If you want to switch it up on the way back, consider an overnight in Savannah, which is 8 hours from Miami. Friends driving together to make the long haul all the way to Boston in one day like we did taking shifts, but I advise enjoying one more overnight in-between, such as Richmond, Virginia or Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Boston to Acadia National Park

By Kate Storm from Our Escape Clause

It may only take five hours of driving to road trip from Boston to Acadia National Park in Maine, but what an incredible drive it is! One of the best aspects of New England is how many charming destinations are packed in so close together, making it one of the best places in the USA for a road trip.

Start your route in Boston, where you can get a taste of one of the oldest cities in the USA: explore charming neighborhoods like Beacon Hill, Back Bay, and the North End, sample delicious Italian food, and learn some early US History along the Freedom Trail.

From there, start your drive to Acadia National Park, where breathtaking views from Cadillac Mountain, Thunder Hole, Jordan Pond, and more await you–plus some of the best food in New England, of course!

No visit to Acadia National Park is complete without sampling popovers from Jordan Pond House, a lobster roll from one of the dozens of lobster shacks on the water, and of course, blueberry flavored everything, from blueberry muffins to blueberry wine.

Depending on how much time you have, this short road trip can be extended to any number of destinations along the way: the shortest route takes you right through the charming port town of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, as well as the fun and exciting Portland, Maine (if you’re a craft beer fan, stop here!).

Short detours would also allow you to add on destinations like Lexington and Concord for a US History buff, Salem for those interested in the famous witch trials (or just cute New England towns), and the beautiful White Mountains of New Hampshire for hiking enthusiasts.

Boston to Maine

By Rohini Nair from Why You Wander

Boston to Maine Road Trip is a beautiful road trip along the tiny Atlantic coastal towns and can be taken all year round. Here is the list of stopovers on the way.

Perkins Cove

A 75 Mile drive from Boston in 1 hour 15 mins will take you to the beautiful coastal town of Perkins Cove.

Marginal Way walk at Ogunquit was a highlight of my road trip. With its beautiful beaches, artistic mansions & eclectic food scene, this is one of New England’s most scenic Coastal walk. The walk is for 2 KMs which starts at the entrance of Ogunquit’s Main Street and exits at the Perkins Cove, the cute little town.

Kennebunkport

Another 12.5 Miles drive in 25 mins will drive you to the town of Kennebunkport

A popular vacation spot for politicians, Kennebunkport boasts mansions overlooking the cliff & the Atlantic Ocean. A great place for good strolls & delicious lobsters!

Portland

A 35 Mins drive of 28.5 Miles will take you to Maine’s largest city, Portland popular for its dining scene, shopping and the beautiful historic lighthouse, the Portland Head Light. Portland is a great choice for bikers & hikers as well.

Acadia National Park

The longest stretch of this route is towards Acadia National Park which is located 174 miles and takes about 2.50 hours. Halfway on the way to the National Park is the beautiful coastal town of Camden and its historic lighthouse Curtis Island Light.

Acadia National Park has a lot of great options for hikers, bikers, horseback riders and everyone who just want to have a good time. The small town of Bar Harbor is a little place to enjoy some delicious meals. It is a great idea to spend few days in the National Park considering the array of things to do.

Blue Ridge Parkway

By Bret Love and Mary Gabbett from Green Global Travel

Originally known as the Appalachian Scenic Highway, this 469-mile road was built back in the 1930s, during Franklin D. Roosevelt’s presidency. Its main purpose was to connect two of the country’s most beloved conservation areas– North Carolina’s Great Smoky Mountains National Park (the most visited of all the U.S. National Parks) and Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park.

It’s arguably among the world’s greatest road trips, running right along the spine of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The protected land on either side of the road is owned by the National Park Service and U.S. Forest Service, so there’s not much in the way of development or commercialism to spoil the postcard-worthy views.

But that doesn’t mean there’s not a lot to see and do along the way. Great Smoky Mountains National Park alone is home to around 10,000 species of plants & animals, including 1,600 black bears, elk, deer, and birds. There are majestic mountains and scenic hiking trails (including sections of the Appalachian Trail) virtually everywhere you turn, not to mention historic landmarks such as the Daniel Boone Native Gardens and the Hickory Ridge Homestead.

September and October are great times to visit, as the elk start to rut and the autumn colors begin to reach their peak. One trip to this unspoiled slice of Americana and you’ll understand immediately why the Blue Ridge Parkway has been the U.S. National Park System’s most visited attraction nearly every year since the mid-1940s.

Miami to Key West

By Bella from Whisper Wanderlust

Key West is the southernmost point of the United States, being just 90 miles away from Cuba. The distance to Miami is more than that, up to 125 miles, which means about 4 hours of driving without stopping.

I recommend that after leaving Miami, stop in Little Havana to get a taste of Cuba, but also in Coral Gables where are the most beautiful banyan trees and gorgeous villas. Then, you will cross 30 islands, the most famous being Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon and The Lower Keys. You can stop in each of them to try out water sports or to delight yourself with traditional cuisine.

Also on this route, you will cross the famous Seven Mile Bridge which offers spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean. I can say this is the highlight of this road trip. There are many attractions in Key West. So, I recommend you spend at least 3 days on the island.

My top activities involve walking on Duval Street and experiencing the nightlife, visiting Ernest Hemingway Home, Harry S. Truman Little White House, tanning on Smathers Beach, South Beach and Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park.

Perhaps taking some time to admire the amazing sunsets in Key West, tasting the famous Key Lime, or strolling along the lush streets full of colorful and cheerful Floridian houses will entice you to drive all the way.

Summary

Whether you are intrigued by the gorgeous scenery around the New England states, including the potential for sampling some of the finest lobster, or perhaps inspired to head further south and enjoy the Blue Ridge Parkway, there are plenty of options along the East coast to enjoy an amazing road trip. From as far north as Maine to the southernmost point in Key West, the plethora of road trip options is endless.

The Eastern seaboard along the North Atlantic Ocean offers an abundance of breathtaking natural scenery. Move further inland and you can appreciate the beauty of National Parks, including the Great Smoky Mountains and Shenandoah National Park while urban environments such as New York City, Boston, Charleston and many more are always going to be an appealing destination when thinking about the best road trips.

Let’s face it, when we think about road tripping anywhere in the United States, we are literally spoiled for choice. We would like to take this opportunity to once again thank all the contributors to this post and encourage you to follow them on their travels, not only around the United States but across the globe. You never know where their travels will take them but one thing is for sure, it’s likely to be an amazing adventure following them!

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