The Echo Mountain hike in Los Angeles is one of the most rewarding historical hikes that you can do in the area. It is supposed to be a wide, relatively easy but mildly strenuous uphill hike that takes you from the top of Altadena to the ruins of a mountaintop resort.

I love hiking in the Santa Monica Mountains! And now, after hiking to Eagle Rock from Topanga State Park, I can't believe that it has taken me so long to hike it. It is a hike that is doable for almost anyone as it is 4.5 miles on a roundtrip loop and only about 800 feet in elevation gain. Once at the rock, there is so much to explore, even some hidden caves that are a perfect place to relax and have a picnic.

An afternoon on the Palos Verdes peninsula is not a bad way to spend some time – spending it at the Point Vicente Lighthouse is even better! A friend recently got a new drone so we made our way out there to test it out and get some aerial footage of the dramatic cliff-lined coastline. I have driven this section of Palos Verdes many times and it never gets old. If you haven’t been out to PV (Palos Verdes or Pointe Vicente) in a while, make some time and go.

There is no question that Laguna Beach has some of the best beaches in California. However, there is one hidden beach that lies between Crescent Bay and Shaws Cove that just may take the top spot and have me re-think my list of favorite beaches in Laguna. Twin Points has everything you could ever want in a perfect beach – tide pools, crystal-clear water and even a tide-filled soaking pool. Although it is not private, if you catch it at the right time, it can feel like you have your own private piece of paradise.

I never knew I had an addiction to deserted, incredibly straight roads through nothingness until I drove through the high desert of California.