California
Sunshine and scenic routes—Where wanderlust meets West Coast dreams
Welcome to California. The first place I ever visited in California was Joshua Tree in 2018. I landed in Palm Springs and was immediately blown away by how different it looked than the East Coast. Sure, I had seen California on television, but there’s nothing like seeing it yourself for the first time. Of course, this is with the understanding that California can look vastly different from city to city. Since 2018, California is the state to which I’ve traveled to most, and I’ve been to many cities in the state. Though I’ve been to Los Angeles the most, it’s my least favorite, and it may or may not shock you to know that Santa Barbara reigns as my favorite city in the state. California is where city lights meet seaside, oceans meet mountains, and every turn is a new vibe with its own personality. There are so many places I’ve not been yet, but for those I have been to, I have stories, eats, and travel tips to prove it. Scroll to explore my favorite stops and perhaps get inspired for your own West Coast getaway.
Joshua Tree
There’s something about Joshua Tree that humbles you—in the best, most soul-stretching kind of way. The landscape feels like a dream you can walk through: twisted trees, massive boulders, and a sky that turns every sunset into a spiritual experience. Whether you’re climbing rocks, hitting a sound bath, or just stargazing from your Airbnb porch, this place forces you to slow down and tune in. It’s weird. It’s wonderful. And it might be just what you didn’t know you needed.
Noah Purifoy Outdoor Desert Art Museum
This 10-acre open-air gallery in the Mojave Desert houses over 100 large-scale assemblage sculptures crafted by black artist Noah Purifoy from discarded materials. He created these thought-provoking installations between 1989 and 2004, turning everyday items into powerful statements on social issues and human resilience. The museum is free from dawn-to-dusk and is a great opportunity to wander a landscape where art and environment merge in a uniquely immersive experience.
Cholla Cactus Garden
Located within Joshua Tree National Park, the Cholla Cactus Garden is a landscape where thousands of “teddy bear” cholla cacti cover the desert floor. Despite their adorable nickname, these cacti are known for their barbed spines that can latch onto visitors and are quite difficult to remove. This garden is a short 0.25-mile loop trail that allows you to explore the cactus closely (but not too close), which is quite the charming activity if you’re looking for something specific to do while in the park.
Pacific Coast Highway
This is, to date, one of the most beautiful trips I’ve ever been on. Every stop reveals a breathtaking landscape, and each view is one you truly have to slow down and savor. The Pacific Coast Highway has everything from beach towns to wine countries to scenic drives, so if you want to take a trip that encompasses varying destination styles, this might just be the trip for you. I’m giving you the tea on everything you need to know to make the most of one of the most scenic routes in the world.
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Los Angeles
It’s the city of angels and also the city of lots of traffic. I don’t make any bones about Los Angeles not being a favorite city of mine, but I will admit that it eventually grew on me. LA can be a lot if you don’t know how to navigate it. As a tourist, you’ll want to see so much of the city, not realizing that there are 88 cities within Los Angeles and many of them are not close to each other. If you’re planning a trip to LA, you’ll need to know which neighborhood most of your activities will be in, which will determine where you stay and can ultimately save you some time by avoiding traffic when possible. There is certainly plenty to do in the city. Maybe you’ll want to shop on Melrose. Maybe you’ll want to catch golden hour in Malibu and dine overlooking the water. Maybe you want to find a spa in NoHo. The city can unnerve you, but it can also surprise you, and maybe teach you to be a bit more patient. Here are some suggestions on where to eat and what to do in the city.
Pappy & Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace is a restaurant right outside of Joshua Tree, and it is an experience. When I think of a roadside saloon from back in the day, this is what i’d imagine. You can hear live music here, but it’s also an unexpected and legendary culinary gem that has earned a reputation as one of the most recommended restaurants in the high desert.