Bird Rock Vista Point

Bird Rock is a haven for wildlife and a must-see for nature enthusiasts.

Lone Cypress

The Lone Cypress is an iconic symbol of the rugged beauty of the Monterey Peninsula.

Kissing Rock is a popular scenic stop along 17-Mile Drive, offering breathtaking views of the rugged Pacific coastline. The rock’s name comes from its unique shape, resembling two rocks leaning together as if they are about to kiss.

Spanish Bay

Spanish Bay is known for its stunning coastal views, sandy beaches, rugged coastline, and breathtaking sunsets.

Point Joe

Point Joe is known for its rugged beauty. This coastal landmark offers panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean’s crashing waves against the rocky shore.

China Rock

China Rock is a scenic spot known for its impressive views and unique rock formations. It is often characterized by dramatic cliffs and clear waters, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and photographers.

Bixby Bridge

Perhaps the single most photographed location on the entire Highway 1 drive, this concrete arch span bridge has been the star of many car commercials and movie driving scenes. We'll share the best angles to capture this great shot for yourself.

You'll see elephant seals year round at the Piedras Blancas Rookery about 7 miles north of San Simeon on Highway 1, and the population can swell to around 17,000 at its peak. There is plenty of parking and a raised boardwalk area where you can safely observe. And often Friends of the Elephant Seals docents (in bright blue jackets) are present that can answer your questions and take donations. A couple of interesting times of the year to note; Dec-Jan when large bull males (approx 16ft and 5,000 pounds) start to show up and fight over mating rights, Dec-Mar is birthing season where many pups are left on shore, and April when the cycle starts again with mating season when females return. It can be a noisy and sometimes smelly experience, but we don't know anyone who isn't memorized while watching them.

Were you expecting to see towering ancient Redwoods along the drive? These trees which grow to more than 360 feet in height are one of the tallest tree species on Earth. The unique micro climate conditions of thick summer fog, moderate temperatures and winter rain allow a thin band of trees to grow along this portion of the Californian coast. Best place to hug these friendly giants is at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park.

Hearst Castle

Once the playground and place where one of America's richest men would entertain his Hollywood friends, artists and global politicians. Filled with an amazing art collection and all manner of European and home-grown stylings, the property grew from a vacation cottage to an estate of palatial quality, and earned the nickname of Hearst Castle. Visitors are taken by shuttle from the welcome center and are provided with a choice of tours to explore the opulent residence.

McWay Falls

The most attractive of many waterfalls to be found along the Big Sur drive. McWay Falls cascades from the forest, over a rock ledge, and tumbles directly onto a white sand beach. Set in a beautiful cove, it’s impossible not to take fantastic photos. Truly a magical place. Seals often choose this as the best place to take a nap on the beach. While the trail to the beach is closed for long-term repair, the falls can be viewed from the turnout along Highway 1.

Morro Bay

Coastal city known for the volcanic plug Morro Rock landmark that juts up from the water. Great stop for dining in oceanfront restaurants and exploring the Embarcadero, filled with stores and art galleries.

Perched on the seaside cliffs, Nepenthe is an historic cafe and restaurant and is an iconic stop to make along the Big Sur drive. Pop in for a coffee, a snack, a sit down meal or even just to poke around in the gift shop. The views you will enjoy from both inside and out, are outstanding. We'll be following in the footsteps of famous artists, writers and entertainers from the California Coast's ethereal past who sometimes pushed at the fringes of the normal society of the time. Nepenthe is located approximately 1 hour south of Carmel.

Pfeiffer Beach

We'll provide a little help to point out the almost hidden turn in for Pfeiffer State Beach but once your make your way down the narrow road to the entrance, we promise it will be worth it. What awaits? A beautiful rugged coastline, crashing waves, the Keyhole Sea Arch and purple sand that is made by tiny flecks of garnet. Remember to take cash as there is an entrance/parking fee. No credit or debit accepted.

The Point Lobos State Natural Reserve close to Carmel has a rich underwater habitat excellent for spotting a number of sea animals including seabirds, seals and sea lions, otters and gray whales. There's numerous hiking trails and a cultural history museum in a small cabin that showcases the diving and whaling history. Enjoy views directly from the carparks, or walk the easy shoreline trail system. Vehicles over 20 feet may enter the reserve when traffic is light, but not during weekends, school vacations, holidays, or from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Trailers or motor homes towing vehicles are not permitted at any time.

Castle Crest Wildflower Trail

Castle Crest Wildflower Garden is a botanical highlight featuring a vibrant display of native wildflowers. This easy, half-mile loop trail takes about 10 minutes to complete and offers a serene setting for visitors to enjoy the lush, diverse flora in a wet meadow environment, blooming profusely in the warmer months. It's an accessible path that weaves through a variety of plant species, providing educational signs that help identify the different wildflowers and explain their ecological roles within the park’s ecosystem.

Cloudcap Overlook offers a spectacular view of Crater Lake, one of the most scenic spots in the park. Located along the rim, this viewpoint provides sweeping views of the lake, surrounded by dense forests and rugged terrain. The overlook is accessible by a short walk from the parking area and is a must-see for anyone visiting the park. Whether you're here for a quick photo stop or to take in the natural beauty, Cloudcap Overlook is a perfect place to pause and appreciate the incredible vistas. To visit, park at the nearby turnout and take a short walk to the viewing area.

Merriam Point

Merriam Point Overlook offers stunning views of Crater Lake, Mount McLoughlin, Mount Scott, Llao Rock, and Wizard Island. Located at the junction of Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway and Rim Drive, it’s often the first viewpoint visitors see when entering the park from the North Entrance. The nearby Rim Trail provides an easy to moderate hike with breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding landscape. Parking is available at the overlook.

Phantom Ship Overlook offers a mesmerizing view of one of Crater Lake’s most distinctive features, a dark, jagged island that looks uncannily like a ghostly ship drifting across the lake’s deep blue water. Framed by steep crater walls and the lake's intense color, this eerie rock formation creates a scene that feels both dramatic and mysterious. It’s one of the park’s most unforgettable viewpoints, with a haunting beauty that makes it especially captivating to see in person.

Pinnacles Overlook Hike

Pinnacles Overlook showcases a striking landscape of tall, needle-like volcanic spires rising from the earth, formed from ancient pumice and scoria flows that once poured down Mount Mazama’s slopes. Over time, trapped gases escaped through vents in the hardened volcanic material, and wind and water erosion sculpted these dramatic formations into the hollow pinnacles seen today. The result is a surreal, almost otherworldly scene that also attracts a variety of birdlife, including warblers, sparrows, and bluebirds, often perched or nesting within the spires, making it a fascinating blend of geology and wildlife.

Rim Village

Rim Village is a historic area designed specifically for visitors in the early 1900s. Architects worked to blend the rustic buildings into the natural surroundings, using local stone and lumber to complement the landscape. Here, you’ll find a lodge, a community center, and a photography studio, all centered around a promenade offering expansive views of Crater Lake. Rim Village is a beautiful spot to stretch your legs, explore, and appreciate the vision that guided early park design.

Vidae Falls

Vidae Falls, Crater Lake’s most popular waterfall, cascades 100 feet down from a spring fed by snowmelt and rainfall. The falls are most powerful in spring and early summer, tapering off later in the year. Named after the Latin word for “to see,” Vidae Falls is a must-stop for photos and a short walk. To visit, park at the turnout just ahead.

Watchman Peak

The Watchman Peak Trail leads to the historic Watchman Observation Station, a former ranger fire lookout. The moderately challenging 2-mile trail has a 400-foot elevation gain and takes about an hour round trip. From the top, enjoy sweeping views of Crater Lake and the surrounding wilderness. The station was originally used by rangers to spot and report wildfires, a crucial role before modern technology. Today, it offers visitors breathtaking views and a touch of history. Park at the upcoming turnout on the right to start your hike.

Arch Rock Nature Trail

Though it's spectacular at any time of day, try arriving around sunset for one of the park’s iconic photo-ops: a gorgeous thirty-foot span of granite beneath a pastel-hued sky. It’s a mere 1.4-mile out-and-back hike to the arch, but we recommend you tack on a second formation: Heart Rock. Although a bit lopsided, this formation really does resemble its name, and it's an understandably popular place to snap a photo with a loved one.

Barker Dam Trail

The Barker Dam trail is a 1.3 mile nature loop, with some easy scrambling and interpretive panels. It passes the southern edge of the backcountry area known as the Wonderland of Rocks. It's not quite a true dam, it is actually a natural basin that was walled in in 1902 to improve water storage for cattle ranchers. Either way - it's quite a pretty sight.

Cholla Cactus Garden

You won’t want to miss the surreal sight of hundreds of teddy bear cacti gleaming softly in the sunlight. To be sure, while they may look fuzzy from a distance, these plants are most assuredly not related to teddy bears: their furry appearance comes from the thicket of spines that cover the stems. Beware - though they are pretty to look at, you really don't want to touch them, especially accidentally. Nearby, we will will also have opportunity to view another desert-stunner - the Ocotillo - which is not a cactus at all.

Hall of Horrors

A popular rock climbing area. The namesake hall is a fun photo op for those comfortable with a little rock scrambling, and is reached by circling around the right side of the first formation you see. The narrow dark corridor, or hall, is hidden in the second formation back from the road, it does require some exploration and a sense of adventure to find - but it's worthwhile.

Hidden Valley

A one-mile loop guides visitors through this small valley encircled by giant buttresses and granite domes. It was isolated enough to be used as a hideout for the McHaney Gang, outlaws and cattle rustlers who were active in the 1870s and '80s.

Keys View

A ten-minute side-trip drive climbs up to an elevation of 5,185 feet, and it's the highest road in the park. From here you’ll have views of the entire Coachella Valley, from the San Andreas Fault and distant Salton Sea, to Palm Springs and the snowcapped peaks of San Jacinto Peak and Mount San Gorgonio. A terrific view not to be missed.

Don't need to say much more - the name describes it perfectly. From different angles and when the sun is shining at different levels, the skull changes its appearance and mood.

Split Rock

Split Rock, a gigantic boulder that's been split in two. Admittedly less visually dramatic than some other formations, this is nevertheless a good short hike to the rock and a lovely picnic area. Imagine the forces that caused the boulder to split!

Though not officially situated within the national park, Dungeness Spit is something of an oddity and well worth checking out. Extending 5 narrow miles into the Strait of Juan de Fuca, this is the world's longest sandspit and it continues to grow by about 14 feet each year. You can walk the entire length if you wish - your reward is a lighthouse - but it's not necessary to get the idea and novelty of this environment. The spit also acts as a refuge, birdlife is abundant - 90 bird species are known to nest here. And watch for harbor seals, orcas and minke whales in the water. They can be hard to spot, but there's lots of small mammals - especially rodents - and you may also see deer and skunks. A small entrance fee applies to enter the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge.

Elwha River Trail

Elwha Valley is a short deviation that is located quite close to Port Angeles. The reward at the end of the road is the gentlest of strolls to Madison Falls. We'll also see the remaining buildings from some early homesteaders that were attracted to this friendly valley. However, this is also an interesting place in terms of nature's restorative powers. After being dammed for a century, Congress ordered 2 dams removed so that the river could run freely to the ocean once again, opening the valley to fertile deposits due to flooding, and allowing access for salmon into the river once again.

Hoh Rain Forest

An astounding opportunity to walk among giant trees in a unique temperate rainforest. Green, mossy, fern-covered, and every shade of green, the groundcover adds to the storybook feel of the forest. Watch for wildlife including elk and black bears. It's well worth dedicating at least 2 hours of your Olympic National Park time here.

Hurricane Ridge

The most easily accessed alpine area in the park is Hurricane Ridge. At the top of this 18-mile drive that leaves right from Port Angeles, we'll find ourselves with superb views and a perfect variety of hiking trails to take us away from the parking area to even more vista points. If you just want a taste of the alpine without a big effort, Meadow Trails is recommended. There's many more strenuous options available too.

Lake Quinault

It's quite lovely to spend an hour or more driving the loop circuit around Lake Quinault. We'll drive through a lush area of big trees - and find the world's largest Sitka spruce along the way. The rainforest ecosystem is similar to Hoh, often receiving as much as 12 feet of rain in a year. The lake itself was gouged out by an ancient glacier, and glacial runoff still feeds it today, dammed by the moraine left behind. There's a great choice of hikes on the route, and services available include lodging, restaurants, campgrounds and a small museum.

Rialto Beach

One of the favorite photos from Olympic National Park is sunset from Rialto Beach. But this is an excellent beach to visit at any time of day - especially if it's warm and sunny. You'll enjoy the rock pillars and with a half mile walk you'll find the Hole-in-the-Wall arch, which will eventually become 2 new pillars - or haystacks. Tidepools along the beach are also excellent.

Ruby Beach

So easy to visit - parking is accessed right from the highway, and then you'll walk straight onto the beach. Abbey Island sits as a giant sandstone block in the water, but at low tide you can walk right to it - just be sure to make your way back before the tide rises too high again. Will you find actual rubies? Well, you won't - but you should hunt for almandite, a type of garnet that's pretty but not precious!

Sol Duc Falls

Another terrific side trip that takes us off Highway 101 and into one of Olympic's scenic valleys. If we are fortunate to visit during spawning season, we'll see salmon battling their way up the Sol Duc River. One of the very best waterfalls is reached from the end of the road, the triple-tier Sol Duc Falls is less than a mile from the car park. And finish your visit with a soak in a relaxing hot mineral pool at the Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort.

Stout Grove

Stout Grove Trail is a breathtaking half-mile loop that winds through a 44-acre stand of majestic old-growth redwoods, located in the floodplain of the Smith River. The unique setting, shaped by periodic floods, has prevented other vegetation from thriving, allowing the towering redwoods to dominate the landscape. The trail offers an intimate experience with some of the largest trees in the park. In addition to the awe-inspiring forest, a short spur trail leads to a serene, pebbly beach along the Smith River, providing a perfect spot to relax or take a refreshing swim amidst the natural beauty.

Howland Hill Road

Howland Hill Road is a must-see, scenic drive that winds through the awe-inspiring old-growth redwoods of Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park. This narrow, unpaved road offers an intimate, up-close experience with some of the park’s most majestic trees, towering hundreds of feet above. The road meanders through lush, dense forests, providing stunning views around every bend. Perfect for a peaceful, immersive journey, Howland Hill Road takes you deep into the heart of the redwood forest, offering plenty of opportunities for short hikes, photo stops, and a true connection with nature's grandeur. It's an unforgettable experience for any nature lover.

Crescent Beach

Crescent Beach is a stunning, expansive stretch of sand located along the scenic Pacific coastline. Framed by rugged cliffs and lush forested hills, it offers sweeping views of the ocean and a peaceful atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for a leisurely stroll, beachcombing, or simply relaxing by the water. The beach is also a prime location for enjoying breathtaking sunsets and spotting local wildlife, including seabirds and seals. Its tranquil setting and natural beauty make Crescent Beach a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the area.

Trillium Falls Hike

Trillium Falls is a short yet rewarding trail that combines the beauty of towering redwoods with the charm of a multitiered waterfall. The trail is just a mile round-trip to reach the serene Trillium Falls, making it an ideal quick hike for those short on time. For those looking to explore more, the trail offers an extended loop through lush fern-filled forests, adding a few extra miles. This scenic, easy-to-moderate trail is perfect for soaking in the tranquility of the redwoods while enjoying the peaceful sounds of the cascading waterfall.

False Klamath

False Klamath Cove is a hidden gem along the northern California coast, offering a secluded and scenic beach experience. With its dramatic rocky cliffs, windswept shoreline, and crashing waves, the cove provides breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. It's a great spot for beachcombing, birdwatching, and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere away from the crowds. Although swimming isn't recommended due to strong currents, the beauty of the rugged landscape makes it a perfect place to relax and take in the natural splendor of the coastline.

Simpson-Reed Trail

Simpson-Reed Grove is a beautiful, easily accessible grove within the Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park. This short, flat loop trail takes you through an enchanting forest of towering old-growth redwoods, lush ferns, and moss-covered trees. The grove offers an immersive experience in the heart of the redwoods, providing a peaceful and serene environment perfect for a leisurely stroll. It's an ideal spot for those wanting to experience the majesty of redwoods without a strenuous hike, making it suitable for all ages and fitness levels.

Bald Hills Road offers a scenic drive through diverse landscapes, transitioning from towering redwood forests to wide-open prairies. As you ascend, you'll be treated to panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and sometimes even fog rolling over the distant coastline. Along the way, you'll find trailheads leading to hiking opportunities, such as the Lady Bird Johnson Grove and Tall Trees Grove. This road is a perfect choice for those seeking both the tranquility of the redwoods and the expansive beauty of California's natural meadows and hills.

Fern Canyon

Fern Canyon is a serene, lush area filled with vibrant green ferns that blanket the forest floor, creating a tranquil atmosphere perfect for nature walks and quiet reflection. With the gentle sound of nearby waters in the background, it offers visitors a peaceful escape into the heart of nature’s beauty.

Tall Trees Grove

Tall Trees Grove features some of the tallest redwoods on the planet, standing as silent guardians in a lush, tranquil setting. The grove provides a serene and immersive experience, where visitors can wander through towering giants, their canopies stretching toward the sky, while the forest floor is carpeted with ferns and moss. The sense of ancient history and natural grandeur makes this grove one of the most awe-inspiring spots to connect with nature.

Pebble Beach

Crescent City’s Pebble Beach provides a stunning coastal retreat with its unique blend of smooth, colorful pebbles, rugged cliffs, and expansive views of the Pacific Ocean. It's a fantastic spot for beachcombing, exploring tide pools, and observing wildlife like seabirds and sea lions. The beach offers a serene atmosphere, ideal for a quiet walk, photography, or simply enjoying the sound of the waves against the shore. Whether you’re visiting for a moment of solitude or a scenic picnic, Pebble Beach showcases the raw beauty and tranquility of the Northern California coastline.

Bridalveil Fall

Located in the Yosemite Valley, and with a drop of 620 feet, Bridalveil Falls puts on a show and is one of Yosemite's must-sees. During the Spring snowmelt, expect to get wet as its spray coats the platform and trail. The wind blowing mist off the waterfall represents a wispy white bridal veil. A short 0.5 mile paved trail will take you to the viewpoint. It does have an elevation of 85 feet, so wheelchairs are not recommended. You may have to be patient to wait for a parking space at busy times.

El Capitan

"El Cap" continues to challenge and inspire rock climbers around the world to achieve death defying new records and styles to summit its 3,000 feet granite walls. It obviously commanded respect from Miwok people as they originally named it "The Chief", which was loosely translated into El Capitan by the Spanish. It's easy to enjoy superb views of this monolithic rock face from the bridge that crosses the Merced River in Yosemite Valley. Bring your binoculars to spot rockclimbers on the wall. Sometimes, climber support teams will have telescopes for the public for even closer views.

Glacier Point

Oh what a view! The overlook of the Yosemite Valley, Half Dome and Yosemite Falls is breathtaking. From the car park, the short trail to the lookout is easy and paved. The view down to Curry Village 3214 feet below is a little un-nerving for some of us! Turn onto Glacier Point Road from Wawona Road, for the 16-mile drive to the view points at the end of the road.

Half Dome

One of the most well known images of Yosemite is the distinctive shape of Half Dome. This name however, is misleading, it was never whole. Instantly recognizable from different viewpoints throughout the Park. From down in Yosemite Valley gazing straight up, across from Glacier Point and finally from a distance at Olmsted Point.

Hetch Hetchy Reservoir

Up in the north western area of Yosemite National Park, and with its own dedicated access road, the Hetch Hetchy Valley features more exposed granite formations, the O'Shaughnessy Dam that services Bay Area residents with their drinking water and hiking with roaring spring waterfalls and wildflowers. Turn onto Evergreen Road, just outside of the Big Oak Flat Entrance Station to access Hetch Hetchy.

Mariposa Grove Trail

Giant Sequoias are the biggest trees in the world, combining tremendous height with thick trunks. Within Yosemite, there are 3 groves where we can walk among these giants. The largest and best collection of sequoias is at Mariposa Grove, at the very south entrance to the Park, near Wawona. The Tuolumne and Merced Groves are also very worthwhile but you will have to take a short hike to reach these locations.

Olmsted Point

A viewpoint along the Tioga Pass Road looking South to Half Dome, Clouds Rest and Tenaya Canyon. Also look out for the boulders that look oddly placed, which are glacial erratics. Having hitched a ride from their original location, which can be hundreds of miles away, they have been unceremoniously deposited as those glaciers melted. And if your eyesight is good or you brought binoculars, you might see the line of hikers waiting to scale the the last portion of cables to Half Dome's peak.

Tioga Pass

Tioga Pass is the high alpine area and road from the East Entrance to Yosemite Valley. This area is closed through winter, reopening when the road can be safely cleared. There are several excellent domes to view, hikes to explore and the Tuolumne Meadows are a unique environment above the treeline. Tenaya Lake is a pretty alpine lake, and Olmsted Point is perhaps the most famous view in the Tioga Pass area. If you are not entering or exiting the Park through the East Entrance and the town of Lee Vining, it is still very worth while to dedicate a half day to explore the Tioga Pass Road and return to Yosemite Valley.

Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias

Tuolumne Grove is a superb grouping of Giant Sequioas. The car park is located just a 1/2 mile after turning from Big Oak Flat Road onto Tioga Road. Accessing the grove requires a 1-mile downhill hike on a paved trail. There are some superb massive trees to wonder at, and also some character trees, both dead and alive that you will enjoy seeing and exploring. One is the Dead Giant, which was so large, that back in the day, was carved out so that a car could drive through the middle of it. We don't have those same values today, but since it's there, it is fun to take some selfies inside the tree. When finished visiting, take your time for the uphill walk back to the car park. Expect your total time to visit to be 1.5 - 2 hours.

Wawona Covered Bridge

Vermont is well recognized for it's old timber covered bridges and indeed this California one was 'renovated' and covered by 3 brothers who were from Vermont, new owners of the Wawona Hotel and perhaps a little homesick. The Wawona Hotel is also recognized as the original home to pioneering conservationalist Galen Clark. Expected to die after a tuberculosis infection, the move to Wawona physically saved him and continued to spiritually inspire him to perserve Yosemite and its Giant Sequoias. This location also has some old carriages from the days of horse-power and a collection of preserved buildings at the Pioneer Yosemite History Center. And this is the visitor center serving the south entrance of the Park.

Yosemite Falls

If you are here in Spring, you'll see Yosemite Falls at its best with snowmelt driving a thundering amount of water down the upper, middle and lower sections. It is one of the truly iconic images of Yosemite, and hopefully our visit will be at a time when the water is flowing strongly! There is a 1 mile loop trail to the base of the Lower Falls that is wheelchair accessible. Parking can be challenging, so be prepared to take any available spaces as you approach the trailhead area.

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park provides some exhibits depicting the original people who used the valley, the Southern Sierra Miwok, and their lifestyle, language and destruction. You can learn some of their stories at the Indian Village of Ahwahnee, located behind the Yosemite Museum in Yosemite Valley and at the new Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias outdoor displays.

Yosemite Valley

This 7 square miles is the very heart of the park and the most popular area to visit. The Valley contains many of the most famous Park features including Yosemite Falls, Bridalveil Falls, El Capitan and the location of Yosemite Village. The Valley is still open to cars year round, but you should expect traffic congestion in peak summer months after 9am and you may be redirected if there is no longer parking. There is a free shuttle service that has convenient and frequent stops. At busy times, if there are no restrictions, aim to drive the loop yourself one time to get a feel for where things are located. Then park in the day-use parking areas and explore by shuttle.