Sea to Sequoia

19/02/2025

I have my fingers crossed for a good California poppy bloom at the Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve this year! If you're thinking of visiting, I've just updated my guide. It has key information on how to decide when to visit, as well as what to do once you're there!

https://seatosequoia.com/antelope-valley-poppy-reserve/

If you want to see the California poppies in 2024, here is everything you need to know before visiting the Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve.

19/02/2025

Reminder: The Flower Fields in Carlsbad will look like this in less than two weeks! They officially open for the season on March 1.
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Spend an afternoon exploring the 55 acres of vibrant ranunculus blooms!
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This is easily one of the best things to do in San Diego in the spring — make sure to buy your tickets in advance online to reserve your spot!

Carlsbad flower fields

15/02/2025

Encinitas, CA is a quintessential coastal surf town in North County San Diego, and is one of my favorite spots to visit (and to take visitors!) when I head back to my hometown.

If you want to plan the perfect trip to this Southern California town, I’ve created the ultimate guide to the best things to do in Encinitas, CA.

https://seatosequoia.com/things-to-do-in-encinitas/

Encinitas is a quintessential coastal surf town in North County San Diego. Read on to learn more about the best things to do in Encinitas.

12/02/2025

Carlsbad and Encinitas are two of the most popular San Diego beach towns...but which is best to visit? Here are some things to keep in mind as you plan your trip!

https://seatosequoia.com/carlsbad-vs-encinitas/

Encinitas and Carlsbad are coastal towns in north San Diego County. Both are popular destinations for travelers looking to relax by the beach and enjoy the laid-back Southern California culture. However, despite their similarities, they also both have some distinct differences that distinguish thems...

08/02/2025

If you have just one day in Carlsbad, here is how you should spend it!

Carlsbad, CA is the ultimate destination for a coastal day trip in SoCal. Here is my guide on how to plan the perfect Carlsbad day trip.

06/02/2025

The vibrant coastal town of Carlsbad has so much to offer! Here is my guide on the best things to do in Carlsbad, CA.

Thinking of visiting the charming coastal town of Carlsbad? I'm breaking down all of the best things to do in Carlsbad, California.

01/02/2025

New Post on the Blog: The Best Time To Visit San Diego!

The early fall is often considered to be the best time to visit San Diego. That said, there are pros and cons to visiting during each season.

31/01/2025

Here’s how to spend a day in San Diego, CA (from someone who grew up in SD!)
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(Share this with a friend that you want to go on a San Diego day trip with!)
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⇢ Explore Balboa Park. Make sure to hit up the Botanical Building and the Spanish Village Art Center (two of my favorite spots in the park!). There are also a ton of cool museums in Balboa Park, including the San Diego Museum of Art (a personal favorite), the Comic-Con Museum, the Museum of Us, and the Fleet Science Center.
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⇢ Get lunch & coffee in Little Italy. While you’re there, be sure to pop into Assenti’s Pasta and/or the market at Mona Lisa Italian Foods for an edible souvenir! If you’re visiting on a Wednesday or Saturday, you can also swing by the Mercato Farmers’ Market.
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⇢ Stroll down the Embarcadero. You’ll see the Star of India (the world’s oldest active sailing ship, which dates back to 1863!), as well as the USS Midway.
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⇢ Visit Old Town (the birthplace of California!). Shop at Fiesta de Reyes, grab a hot chocolate or a sweet treat at Nibble Chocolate, and explore the park’s historic buildings (which date back to the 1800s!).
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⇢ End the day with a sunset at Sunset Cliffs (in Point Loma) or the Gliderport (in La Jolla).
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If you’d like my San Diego day trip guide, let me know in the comments! It goes into full detail on these iconic attractions and neighborhoods, and also includes additional ideas on things to do during your day trip!

27/01/2025

New post: The Best Outdoor Activities In San Diego, CA!

Some of the best outdoor activities in San Diego include watching the sunset at Sunset Cliffs, hiking a local trail, going to one of the many beaches, and more.

26/01/2025

I've created a (free!) California native's guide to bucket list-worthy destinations in SoCal and the Central Coast. Get it emailed right to your inbox by signing up here:

Want to See the Best of California? Sign up for occasional newsletters and to get my FREE local’s guide on must-visit destinations in Southern California & the Central Coast! Privacy Policy Latest on the Blog

25/01/2025

Scenes from the Torrey Pines Gliderport (the best spot to watch the sunset in San Diego!) ✨☀️
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22/01/2025

New post: The Ultimate San Diego Day Trip Itinerary!

The perfect San Diego day trip itinerary will include a stop at Balboa Park, lunch in Little Italy, a walk down the Embarcadero, and a visit to the Gaslamp.

18/01/2025

The coastal city of Santa Barbara is the perfect destination for a sun-filled California getaway. Dubbed “the American Riviera”, Santa Barbara boasts palm tree-lined streets and picture-worthy Mediterranean and Spanish-style architecture.

Here is how to spend a weekend in Santa Barbara!

If you're craving a trip in a beautiful California destination, head to Santa Barbara! Here's my guide to a Santa Barbara weekend getaway.

10/01/2025

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the ultimate Santa Barbara day trip itinerary. I’ve included some of the city’s most popular attractions, as well as my favorite eateries to enjoy along the way!

Santa Barbara is the perfect city for a one-day California getaway. Here's a stop-by-stop itinerary for an amazing Santa Barbara day trip!

06/01/2025

If you want to explore California's wine scene this year, consider booking a trip to Paso Robles! Here's my guide on how to spend a weekend in Paso.

Paso Robles is a great spot for a relaxing trip. This guide breaks down everything you need to know to plan a Paso Robles weekend getaway.

02/01/2025

Ready to get out and explore California in 2025? Here are some ideas to get you started!

Check out my guide on the best day trips from Los Angeles:

Looking to get out of the city and explore more of Southern California? Here are some of the best day trips from Los Angeles!

27/12/2024

5 Fun Things to do in Encinitas, CA - a quintessential surf town in North County San Diego:
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(Save for your next visit!)
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1. Shop on the 101 (tons of cute shops + amazing cafes and eateries!)
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2. Visit Moonlight Beach (a great place to go for a swim when the weather is warm, or just lounge on the sand or go for a stroll)
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3. Eat at the Taco Stand (it’s popular, so be ready to wait in line!)
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4. Chill at the Meditation Gardens (truly on of the most beautiful places in Encinitas!)
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5. Grab a drink at Modern Times (a fun taproom with great bites, as well!).
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26/12/2024

As a California native who now calls Los Angeles her home, I love spending time exploring Santa Monica. If you’re planning a visit, I’ve put together the ultimate itinerary for spending a weekend in Santa Monica (with a stop in Venice!) so you can make the most of your short trip.

Spend a weekend in Santa Monica soaking up the sun along the coast! Explore the downtown area, bike The Strand, and visit Venice Beach.