O’ahu

O’ahu is the most popular and populated island with the big city of Honolulu and its famous Waikiki Beach for surfing and city life along a beachfront. On one side of the island you get the hustle and bustle of city life, but nearby you also have great opportunities for hiking, stunning beaches, great restaurants, the historical Pearl Harbor, the best surf in the world, and you will get to see how pineapples grow at the Dole plantation. I live on O’ahu, so this island will have the most amount of information on it. For more detailed information, click here.

Big Island (also known as The Island of Hawai’i)

Snorkeling with the glowing manta rays at nighttime is one of the highlights of my life on this island! I also recommend heading up to Mauna Kea under the stars, and witnessing the incredible Volcanoes National Park. The Big Island is also known for Kona Coffee farms. This truly is a “big island” so there is lots of driving time between each experience; but the driving views you get are great too.

Maui

Maui has one of the best sunrises I’ve ever seen, on top of Haleakala National Park (another life highlight!). There is also lots of magical sea life, small adorable towns scattered around the island, and the well-known Road to Hana. Their up-country on the way to Haleakala Mountain has many farms with the flower called Protea (a gorgeous flower - you need to see it!). Maui is probably the second-most popular island in Hawaii, next to O’ahu, and has a much more laid-back atmosphere.

Kaua’i

Kaua’i is frequently mentioned as the most beautiful of all the Islands. This island has the awe-inspiring and striking mountain cliffs called the NaPali Coast. It is similar to what’s the mountains on the windward side of O’ahu, but more dramatic as it’s up against the coastline and not accessible by car. Waimea Canyon is another must-see if traveling here, which is like an island version of the Grand Canyon. There are also various adventures and beaches that are unique to this island.

Moloka’i

Moloka’i, also known as the “Friendly Isle,” is home to the now-gone leper colony at Kalaupapa, with its leader/helping hand Father Damien. The National Park there is currently closed, but you can still go to the Kalaupapa Lookout, which gives me the chills just thinking about its magnificence. On this beautiful and tiny island, there are no police, no stop lights, only two gas stations, and a small yet amazing bakery. The small town vibes really make this island special; every single person I met there were the friendliest I’ve ever met.

Lāna’i

Lāna’i is the least populated of all of the Islands and is closest to Maui. It is known for the ritzy Four Seasons Hotel and golf course, a cat sanctuary, a ship-wrecked beach and the Garden of the Gods which you can only access with a 4-wheel-drive vehicle.

What to Do

Lanikai Beach

Ahhh Lanikai… I’m dreaming just writing about it. This beach is often ranked #1 for the best beach in the world. Tucked into an isolated, upscale, and safe neighborhood, with mountainous cliffs behind and the beach in front, the softest light sand you will ever touch, two small islands off in the distance, and clear turquoise blue water with sea turtles often swimming around, Lanikai Beach is a dream spot. Recently I overheard a tourist sitting on the beach say, “We almost didn’t come here and were planning to stay in Waikiki but I’m so glad we changed our minds, this is the best part of the trip!” Be sure to bring snorkel gear in case you see a sea turtle swimming by. Tip: get here EARLY; parking can be difficult. Park your car on the street in the neighborhood but pay attention to the signs; the residents speak up if you are parked incorrectly. Also, there are NO bathrooms here. Kailua Beach is close by and has bathrooms; go there first if you need to go!

Lanikai Pillbox Hike

One of my favorite hikes on the island is the Lanikai Pillbox Hike. This 1.6 mile there-and-back trail is STEEP, especially at the start of the trail. I recommend using a trekking pole in one hand and your other hand to hold onto trees as you go up/down the beginning section. Bring water, wear appropriate shoes, sunscreen, and enjoy this marvelous hike! As one commenter on the All Trails website stated, “Million dollar views at the top.” “Pillbox?” you may ask! A pillbox is a WWII observation post for military personnel. There are many of these scattered around the islands. Pretty cool to see some history while hiking. Parking is the same as Lanikai Beach. If you plan to do both, you can stay parked in the same spot. Just remember, no bathrooms here!

Kailua Beach

Walk along this 2.5 mile long stretch of beach with turquoise blue water to feel like you are in an entirely different country. As this is on the windward side of the island, this beach is known for windsurfers, which are super fun to watch from the beach unless, of course, you want to join in! This beautiful beach has bathrooms, and a parking lot. You’ll still want to avoid getting there midday as it might be tough to find parking at that time.

Manoa Chocolate & Wine Bar

We were so glad to have just happened upon this place when looking for parking at Rise & Grind Coffee Bar (see below). Manoa Chocolate & Wine Bar was a great find! You will get a FREE chocolate tasting, and will probably want to try some of their wine too (not free) to go along with the chocolate samples. It was pretty cool to learn about how chocolate is made too! This little place has delicious chocolate from cacao beans grown on most of the Hawaiian islands which makes for great gifts (and great chocolate for yourself too).

Mt. Olomana Hike

AKA the Three Peaks hike… at the start of this hike they warn you that multiple people have died going to the second and the third peaks. Although I have seen many people do the trek to all three and they’ve had no issues. But getting to the first was good enough for me! A steady but steep ascent through the forest leads to hiking with ropes to assist you due to an incredible incline as you get closer to the top. At the very top is slightly like climbing a rock/being on the edge but once you get that 360 view, it will all be worth your efforts! Try to go when it hasn’t rained a lot as this could be dangerous if it’s muddy.

Where to Eat

Rise & Grind Coffee Bar

After living in Washington state for 6 months, I got to know really good coffee. After drinking coffee here, I had to know more; come to find out the owners of the Rise & Grind Coffee Bar in Kailua are from Washington! So, they know really good coffee too. A quaint little coffee shop to start your day will wake up all of your senses especially with their adorable decorations, plants in the courtyard out in the back, good coffee, and yummy breakfast sandwiches. Bring quarters as you will have to park in the metered parking garage behind the cafe.

Paia Fish Market

This fish market is also in Waikiki, but I typically like to go to the Kailua location since the line is usually shorter here. Plus, I can’t get enough of this place! I enjoy their fish tacos or the lunch plate with sauteed mahi mahi. Locals tip: Paia is pronounced “PUH - EE - UH” and is named after the town where the original Paia Fish market is on Maui, near the start of the Road to Hana.

What to Do

Sharks Cove

There are many more things to do on the North Shore besides just WATCHING the waves. Some of these include getting in them! Sharks Cove is a great place to go in the summertime when the waves are small beyond the cove, which makes it easy to snorkel here. Some of you might be like “why is there ‘shark’ in the name?!” I believe the reason is because, especially in the summertime, the cove that the lava rock forms protects this area from sharks. Now with lava rock comes sharp rocks… I highly recommend wearing water shoes in this area, or fins if you want to get more adventurous beyond the cove/more shallow area. This is my all-time favorite place to snorkel (so far!). It feels like you are in an aquarium - there are so many different types of fish and usually sea turtles like to swim in here and peck at the coral.

In the summertime, you can also go to Three Tables next to Sharks Cove (again, you will need to get there early to get parking). Here is a walk-in snorkel spot with “three tables” of coral reef.

Dole Farm Tour

While not necessarily on the “North Shore,” this is on the way there. It is across the street from the Dole Plantation, which is where you can get the famous Dole Whip. I had never heard of this before, but it is soft serve vanilla ice cream with fresh pineapple juice. It is worth it to stay in the long lines as it’s a large serving, you can add toppings, and it is delicious!

But I digress! The Dole Farm Tour is on the other side of the street and you will go on an in-depth tour of the pineapple farming process to learn how they grow pineapples today. You even leave with a fresh pineapple PER PERSON, and get samples of the fresh pineapple and their pineapple juice. This tour is $15/person and lasts about 30 minutes to an hour depending on how many questions you ask. I have been four times so far and have learned something new each time (and got a lot of fresh pineapples!).

Banzai Pipeline

As mentioned before, the Banzai Pipeline is the greatest thrill of being in Hawaii in the winter months. Watching top-notch surfing right in front of your eyes is something you have to see to understand the magnitude of what these surfers can do! Park at Ehukai Beach Park parking lot or if there is a competition, you may have to park on the side of Kamehameha Highway. From the Park, you can walk along the beach a short distance to see the Volcom and Billabong Pro-Surfer houses. That’s usually where people prop themselves to watch the spectacle. Tip: It is extremely dangerous for anyone to surf these waves or even get in the water here.

Turtle Bay

This beautiful upscale hotel right on the tip of the North Shore was made famous in many movies including “Forgetting Sarah Marshall" and "Along Came Polly.” It is fun to walk around and reminisce about all the movie scenes. There are many beaches close to the hotel’s beach that are less-popular and also have gorgeous views. The Turtle Bay to Kahuku Point 2.4 mile walk along the beaches has incredible scenery the entire way. It is mostly sand but turns to grass part of the time. Wearing hiking sandals was the way to go with this one. At Kahuku Point there are lava rocks at the tip, so if you want to get closer to the water in this area proper shoes are important since lava rocks are SHARP.

Where to Eat

Haleiwa (pronounced HAH - LAY - EE - VAH) is the adorable small town at the start of the North Shore. There are many, many places to eat here. Below are a few noteworthy spots.

Green World Coffee Farm

Two of my best friends came to visit me this year, and they LOVE and appreciate coffee. Every morning we went to a different one of my favorite coffee shops on Oahu. At the end of their week-long trip here, they dubbed Green World Coffee Farm the best coffee on the island! Most of the coffee beans are from the Hawaiian Islands and the farm itself, and others are mixed blends, both making for fantastic flavors. Here you can sample coffee, tea, and chocolate. There is also a really nice gift shop attached to it, and in the back are some of the coffee trees that they harvest. You can also ask any of the employees for a free tour of the farm, which I haven’t done yet! Though not necessarily on the “North Shore,” this is close to the Dole Plantation on your way up there.

Haleiwa Bowls

Coming from Waikiki and heading to the North Shore, I usually go to Green World Coffee for coffee, and then Haleiwa Bowls for acai. There are many different types of acai for your liking. Just a heads up, the “small” bowl is VERY filling and I usually can’t finish it. Feel free to split one amongst your friends/family.

Big Wave Shrimp Truck

Featured in Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, this food truck is very popular with their shrimp. I have tried most of the different dishes, and the coconut shrimp is my favorite. The portions are large so you can share with someone if you aren’t super hungry. Park in the parking lot right next to it on the same side of the road. There is usually someone directing the parking lot traffic, so follow what they say!

Farm to Barn Cafe + Juicery

Probably some of the freshest food you will have on the island, this healthy food stand on the North Shore is eager to please your palate. Everything is good here; I have no recommendations! They usually have live music outside, too.

Ted’s Bakery

Ted’s Bakery is close to Sunset Beach, more on the northern part of that side of the island. The lines are always long here as this bakery wins “Best of Hawaii” each year for their baked goods. Whatever you decide to eat, make sure bread is a part of it. Also, they are known for the chocolate cream pie. When I visited there, I ordered one of their breakfast sandwiches and the pie, and they were both delightful and worth the hype!

Sony Open at Wai’alae Country Club

Within the first few weeks of the New Year, the Sony Open occurs at Wai’alae Country Club, close to Diamond Head. This pro golf tournament starts the PGA Tour each year. Golf may be boring to watch on TV, you say, but seeing it in-person is something special. Their talent and precision is incredible, and it is enjoyable to walk around this beautiful golf course, drink, eat, and be merry! You can purchase tickets online here. Go check it out if you are on Oahu in early-mid January!

Waikiki Spam Jam

The Spam Fest never disappoints. Each vendor is required to have some sort of spam-style dish and whoever has the highest votes wins! This is a very fun introduction to Hawai’i late April each year.

Shinnyo Lantern Floating Hawai’i

The Shinnyo Lantern Floating Hawai’i is in the name: a light-up lantern floating festival. It is a somber and humbling event to memorialize those we miss on Memorial Day. Anyone is welcome to join, regardless of their beliefs. The Buddhist master, Her Holiness Shinso-Ito, is the current head of the spiritual community Shinnyo-en. Shinso-Ito has been conducting this grounding ceremony since Memorial Day 1999. To participate, you can simply show up at Ala Moana Beach Park and watch. Or, to float a lantern, you can pick one up earlier that day at the park. This beautiful event is completely free!

Honolulu Marathon

The Honolulu Marathon is the fourth largest running festival in the U.S. More than 35,000 people participated in the race in 2024, myself included! There are two races, including the Start to Park 10k (this is the race that I competed in) and the marathon. The race starts at 5:00 AM and opens with fireworks lasting at least 15-20 minutes to get the runners’ adrenaline going. It is a very fun-filled pro-health event held early December each year that ironically ends at concession stands with fresh malasadas (Portuguese donuts; a Hawaiian treat).

The Eddie

The Eddie is a high-performance surfing competition that occurs anytime between mid-December and mid-March each year, whenever waves on the North Shore consistently reach 40 feet in height. It is extremely difficult to get a spot on the North Shore once the date for the competition is announced. Once you hear from social media or from the website linked above that The Eddie is a go, jump in your car to plan to camp overnight up north. The competition starts at sunrise, and there usually is a traffic jam starting at 2:30 AM the morning of. I’ve never been because the traffic just sounds ridiculous. But, it is for sure a big event worth mentioning. If you are in town in the winter time between those dates, I do recommend going to the North Shore in front of the Volcom House to watch some pro-surfers regardless of whether it’s a competition or not. It’s incredible to see such massive waves and the talented people who brave them.

New Years

Boy do Hawaiians love their New Years! Stemming from the Chinese New Year tradition of shooting off firecrackers to ward off evil spirits every year, Hawaiian residents now go crazy lighting up the skies with large illegal fireworks displays. Simply driving down the H-1 freeway will give you a great show (please be safe!). Or, find a parking lot up in the mountains to watch the skies light up below you. If you want to play it safe, Waikiki always has powerful professional fireworks displays that you can view from the beach.

BWI to Keflavik Airport

Rachel and I met at BWI Airport in Baltimore and immediately felt reconnected like no time had passed since we’ve seen each other. Pretty cool to have friends like that. The flight was about 5 hours or so, an overnight flight. I tried to sleep but probably only was able to for 2 hours of it. Other than that I read some pages of my book, Thomas Jefferson’s biography. When we got to the airport we were hungry for breakfast but inside the airport right off the plane was for departing passengers only. Weird! Instead we had to go through border patrol, collect our luggage, and then went through customs to find a convenience type of store before we left the airport. We met this lady named Candice who looked to be in her early 40s, with a very heavy amount of makeup on, and expensive luggage and outfit. All of the tables were filled except for hers. She had a lot of luggage so we thought the rest of her table was taken. I decided to ask her if the seats around her were taken and she said they were not; turns out all the luggage was hers! She was so nice and we had a good conversation talking about our travels. She has been to 70 countries and even went to Antarctica. This time, she was headed to Greenland on a cruise.

Blue Lagoon

For our first destination on this road trip around Iceland, we got on a bus at the Keflavik Airport headed to the Blue Lagoon, a popular touristy spa destination near the airport. It was so luxurious and a great way to start the trip! We got a free cleansing mask and a free drink with our standard entry ticket. It was great! We even had a little history lesson about the Blue Lagoon and of Iceland in general as they have a storytelling event everyday in the afternoon. This lagoon was our favorite part of the day.

Reykjavik

Next up we took a bus to Reykjavik (pronounced Ray-kya-Veek). The bus stopped about a half a mile from our hotel so we walked the rest of the way with our heavy luggage in the not-so-city streets! Reykjavik felt like a bigger-small town. The streets were clean, the view from the harbor was sprawling, and the little row-like homes were mostly brightly colored. The weather was dreary and cold but as we kept saying, “manageable.”

We walked to the rental car location from our hotel, which was about a mile away through the heart of the city. We passed by Hallgrímskirkja, a Lutheran Church founded in 1945 and opened to the public in 1986. It was amazing to walk by. After we picked up our car, we had to relearn using a stick shift! At this point it was getting pretty late. We needed to get snacks and water for our road trip so we went to Costco. It was so interesting to see lots of small families in there with children who were not throwing temper tantrums, and who were just genuinely being good and obedient. Definitely not a normal scene in the mainland U.S.! We had our first hot dog here and we can say this was our favorite; but maybe because we are used to the taste. If you didn’t know, Iceland is known for their hot dogs.

Where to Stay

Hotel Fron

We stayed at the Hotel Fron, a small European-style hotel in the middle of the downtown area in the center of the city. The facilities there were just OK but you can’t beat that location with the ability to walk right out the front door to the main pedestrian street. It was great! We thought it interesting that the window in our room was cracked open but the heat was still on. Maybe this was for air flow. The other noticeable part was the foul smelling sulfur water from the shower and the sink. We learned this was the case in some of the hotels around the country. They also had a complimentary continental breakfast, but we later learned that all of our hotels included breakfast for us. This was possibly due the tour we were on, so be sure to check for this first when you book the hotels.

What to Do

Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail

A slow, steady incline on a paved pathway with great ocean views throughout the hike ends up above the Makapu’u Lighthouse and oh so much more. This is a sight you won’t soon forget! During the wintertime, this hike is also a great whale watching spot. Any time of year, the earlier you arrive here, the better, due to heat, and this trail can get very crowded as the day goes on. There is free parking at the start of the trail; sometimes if you get there a little too late you can park on the sides of the road outside of the gates. This hike is also great for sunrise. If you do make it for this spectacle, the gates will be locked so you will need to park your car on the side of the road. There is enough of an opening for you to get around it; just bring your headlamp! There are no bathrooms here, so I sometimes make a pit stop at Sandy Beach. Tip: there can be theft in this area so please keep your valuables with you, or HIDE them in your car!

Halona Blowhole Lookout

This super-quick pit-stop is a great lookout of Cockroach Beach (crazy name, I know). This beach is nestled in a cliff to the right of the parking lot and reminds me of some places I visited in Australia, except with lava rock surrounding it. To the left-hand side of the parking lot is the blowhole. Every 5 minutes or so the spout can be massive and is fun to watch. Tip: there can be theft in this area so please keep your valuables with you, or HIDE them in your car!

China Walls & Spitting Cave

Nestled in an upscale neighborhood in Hawaii Kai, these two quick hikes lead to dramatic cliffs similar to those I saw in Bali. China Walls is much easier to walk down to, so start with this one if you are unsure of your hiking skills. You should still wear proper shoes for both hikes. From both of these spots, you can see Diamondhead from afar. At China Walls, you can enjoy watching surfers if there is a good surf out. At Spitting Cave, I hope you get to experience the people who jump off the cliff! Tip: You will need to drive to these places separately as they are in different areas of the neighborhood.

Kuli’ou’ou Ridge Trail

At the start of this moderately difficult 4.4 mile there-and-back trail, you will first go through a forest with a steady incline of switchbacks. Here you will see many fern plants along with my favorite tree here, the Norfolk Island Pine, which are the Christmas trees of Hawaii! At the end of the hike are stairs that can be slippery (so be careful!). If it recently rained, I recommend using trekking poles for this hike. When you make it to the tippy top, you will see incredible land-and-seascape of much of the east side of the island. I’ve done this hike in 5 hours when taking my time, or 3 hours when speed-walking. Parking: you will park in the neighborhood right before this trail. Be respectful to the residents (always!) as they are very much used to hikers parking in front of their houses.

Koko Crater Railway Trail

This famous 1.6 mile there-and-back hike leads you straight up an old tramway with over 1,000 stairs and 912 feet of elevation. So, you need to be in good shape to complete this hike! Whenever I come here, I am frequently passed by people a lot older than me who look like they do this hike 5 times a day (and they probably do!). With panoramic views at the top from Hanauma Bay to Diamond Head, and to the east side of the island, it is sure to impress. Bring lots of water! Tip: halfway up, there is a section that takes you on a trail to go around a section that has a dropoff… DO THIS. Please. It’s so much safer. And fun to take a break from all the stairs.

Hanauma Bay

Hanauma Bay is a beautiful cove that is a well-known place to snorkel for all ages as the waves are typically small here for most of the year, there are typically a wide variety of fish and other sea creatures (I saw an octopus here once!), and it’s just a gorgeous scenic beach. Two days before you go, at 7:00 AM, you will need to be ready on this website to sign up for a time slot on the day you want to visit. Typically these time slots sell out in just a few minutes. So, I would take a look through that website ahead of time to prepare. Tickets are $25/person. Parking is $3 CASH ONLY. If you are a Hawaiian resident (or Kama’aina), tickets are free and parking is $1 CASH ONLY.Personally, Sharks Cove on the North Shore is my favorite place to snorkel, especially because it’s free! But it is only good to snorkel there in the summer/fall as the North Shore waves are monstrous in the winter/spring. Tip: the earlier the better as parking spots fill up around 10:00 AM. Also, it is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, so Wednesdays are the best snorkel day - more sea creatures are usually out and about!

Where to Eat

Island Brew Coffeehouse in Hawaii Kai

Excellent coffee, outrageously delicious food, alongside Kuapa Pond with views of Koko Head. Must. I. Say. More? The setting here is spectacular; it feels like you are in Florida but with a huge ancient volcano sitting right in front of you. After you order your food, head outside to their lanai (deck) and just sit, sip, eat, and enjoy!

Kona Brewing Company

My favorite brewery on the island is Kona Brewing Company. My boyfriend even named his dog after this place! There are many good beers here, the atmosphere is great on Kuapa Pond, and we love the food, especially the sliders on a taro roll. You won’t be able to walk away with one of their merchandise! Be sure to stop by their small shop on your way out.

Keneke’s

Keneke’s Hawaiian style restaurant in Waimanalo is a little hole in the wall with “lunch plates,” meaning platters on a sectioned to-go plate, typically with a meat, rice, and “mac salad” or macaroni salad. I recommend their kalua pork, which is smoked pork with water and salt. YUM. There is another location on the north shore side. If you go to the one on the east side in Waimanalo, eat your meal on the beach behind the shop, you won’t be disappointed 🙂

What to Do

The Duke Statue

A must-do in Waikiki is taking a picture at the Duke statue! Duke Paoa Kahanamoku is known as the “father of modern surfing.” He was a master of the water with being proficient at surfing, swimming, canoeing, and body surfing. “The Duke” won three Olympic gold medals and was known for his great sportsmanship and his personable nature. He also was an actor, and was alive between 1890-1968. This statue of him is always full of Hawaiian leis, which resembles a wholesome Hawaiian welcoming.

Walk through the Moana Surfrider & Royal Hawaiian Hotels

The two oldest hotels on island are the Moana Surfrider, and the Royal Hawaiian (also known as the “Pink Palace of the Pacific”). Whenever I encounter an older local, they say, “I remember the days when Waikiki was just houses, streets, and two hotels; one of which was pink!”

The Royal Hawaiian Resort was built in 1927 and is the iconic pink hotel you will find in many pictures of Waikiki Beach. The drink called “Mai Tai” was invented by a bartender in California with the nickname Trader Vic. In 1944, he tried this concoction with a group of friends, one of which stated “mai tai-roa ae” which means “out of this world - the best” in Tahitian. Thus the name Mai Tai! In 1953, he went to formalize drinks at the bar at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel, and further introduced the Mai Tai. This drink spread rapidly and it is now served daily to thousands of people all over Hawaii. The Mai Tai Bar has many different variations of this drink, which is at the back left-hand corner of this hotel on the beach. I have tried all of their mai tai’s, and would say take your pick! It is first-come first-serve so sometimes you may have to wait for a seat.

The Moana Surfrider, which has been open since 1901, is a large white hotel with pillars on the front that make it look like the White House. Beachside of the hotel is their Beach Bar, which my cousin likes to call the “Tree Bar” as there is a monstrous banyan tree that acts like a very tall ceiling to the entire outdoor bar and pool area. I thoroughly enjoy their pupu (appetizer) platter; the chicken wings are coated with tamarind and coconut, which is a very different take but is oh so “ono” (delicious in Hawaiian). All of the drinks are good, and they always have live music. I also love the Moana Surfrider for their afternoon tea. It was very fancy and relaxing with great food and tea.

Aloha Friday Night Fireworks

Every single Friday night year-round, the Hilton Hawaiian Village Hotel sets off a 5-minute fireworks display that will for sure top off your vacation! In the summers from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, the fireworks show is at 8:00 PM, and during the rest of the year it starts at 7:45 PM. Get to the beach between the Hale Koa and Hilton Hawaiian Village for a burst of fun!

Shopping

There are many places to shop in downtown Waikiki, including the International Marketplace. Part of the building was built around a massive banyan tree, and there is even a tree house! The International Marketplace also has a food court, high-end shopping, Kona Coffee Purveyors (known for their black sesame seed croissant and Kona coffee), and really nice restaurants and a local bakery on the third floor. Another shopping area in Waikiki is the Royal Hawaiian Center, which has more high-end shopping, and other good places to eat like Island Vintage Coffee and Wine Bar, and several food courts.

Diamond Head State Park

Diamond Head is an extinct volcano that is the stunning backdrop of all the photos you may see of Waikiki Beach. It is a must-see to drive through a tunnel into this crater, and take this moderate popular hike up to the peak for amazing views of Waikiki, the mountains, and the east side of Oahu. I recommend to go in one of the earlier slots in the summertime, as it can get hot here during that time of year. If you are here in the wintertime, you can see the sunset on the ocean with the last time slot. Bring water and walking shoes! Reservations can be made by clicking here. Close-by is a locals’ favorite small market for their scones: Diamond Head Market.

Leonard’s Bakery

This iconic bakery is the home of where malasadas, or Portuguese donuts, were first made at a bakery in Hawaii in 1952. Whether you are coming into Waikiki or exiting, it’s a great pit stop! Eating them fresh is key. I love their original malasada but they are all so good.

Where to Eat/Drink

Duke’s Barefoot Bar

Whenever I have visitors, we first drop off our luggage, then we go to Duke’s! The first time I came here was with one of my best friends, Kelly. I have never liked mojitos but she ordered the coconut mojito with lilikoi. After she got the drink and took a sip, she exclaimed, “Alison you HAVE to try this!” I am so glad Kelly pressured me, as this is now my favorite drink of all time! Not only are the drinks good, but the food is great as well! Every time I come here, I always get something different to eat and it’s all been fabulous. Hint! You are very likely to see someone famous at this bar; it has been featured in many songs including “Duke’s on Sundays” by Jimmy Buffet.

Monkeypod Kitchen

Further away from Diamond Head, and closer to the Hilton Hawaiian Village Resort, is a bar nestled in the hotel Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort, directly on the waterfront. The owner of this bar was featured in Somebody Feed Phil, with the last name of Merriman, who owns a fancy restaurant in Ward Village named after himself. Monkeypod is farm-to-table, and is my favorite happy hour spot for their good happy hour prices, Monkeypod Mai Tai with lilikoi foam on top, and Taro Ravioli (small portion but you won’t be disappointed by the flavor!). Just so you know, taro is a root vegetable popularly used in Hawaiian food, much like a sweet potato. The Mai Tai drink here is often considered the best in Hawaii. This restaurant has more locations on Oahu and other islands, as well as a branch of the restaurant called Moku Kitchen in Kaka’ako, Honolulu.

Maguro Spot

Beautiful waterfront beach bars aside, this hole-in-the-wall poke spot in downtown Waikiki is one of my favorites on Oahu due to the freshness of the fish, customizable bowls, and really good sauces. Building your own poke bowl includes choosing which type of rice, fish, sauce, and toppings. I highly recommend their rainbow sauce!

Paia Fish Market

I was never a huge fan of fish until I hit my 30s and had a yellow-tailed fish in the Florida Keys. Now if I find a good fish, I will recommend it until the sun goes down. Here is just one of those places. The wait is typically long to dine in this very casual restaurant, so I usually take my meal back to my condo or eat on the beach (be careful of the pigeons!). I enjoy their fish tacos or the lunch plate with sauteed mahi mahi. YUM! Just typing this out is making me drool. Locals tip: Paia is pronounced “PUH - EE - UH” and is named after the town where the original Paia Fish market is on Maui, near the start of the Road to Hana.

Coffee

Coffee beans are grown on the Islands! For some really fresh and amazing coffee, I recommend Kona Coffee Purveyors. Beware of a very long line! Here all of the coffee is 100% Kona coffee (picked on the Big Island), and has my favorite iced mocha. They are also known for their black sesame croissant. Another great spot is ALOH Cafe, where I love their signature fresh juice as well. Knots Coffee Roasters is on the first floor of the Queen Kapiolani Hotel and is one of our favorites too. We also love the breakfast at Knots. I can’t forget to mention Island Vintage Coffee Roasters - one of the best coffees and breakfasts on the island, but also always with a very long line!

Where to Stay

So many hotels are in downtown Waikiki. If you are looking for high-end, I would recommend the Moana Surfrider, Royal Hawaiian, or the Hilton Hawaiian Village because they are all right on the water. The Hilton has tons of activities, pools, shopping, restaurants and bars all within its borders. As far as the more affordable hotels, I always check Google reviews!

I met one of my friends Ellen here, who lives in Arizona. I was so happy to have her as the leader of this hike since Buckskin Gulch can have serious flash floods if there is any rain in the forecast. We looked ahead and the weather was supposed to stay sunny all day long, so we felt (and ended up being) safe.

When in the Wire Pass slot canyon, there is a rock formation you will need to climb. Apparently a week or so before we got there, there was a flash flood which took the ladder; we ended up seeing it above us and down some of the way. This made climbing the rocks a little technically difficult but was so fun to navigate - some people left ropes which helped us.

Once we made it to the end of the Wire Pass Trail, Ellen showed us on the right side and corner of the rocks petroglyphs! What a treat to see this. Then, we turned right down the Buckskin Gulch slot canyon and continued on until we had to stop due to there still being too much water built up in the canyon from the last rain event.

Bring your sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat to cover you up - there is little to no shade on the way to the slot canyons. Also, bring a lot of water and some snacks - this area is so dry you don’t realize how thirsty you will be, and how much salt you will lose from your body. You will need a permit to park on this trail, and a reliable 4-wheel-drive car.

For the three months I spent in Utah, I asked every person I ran into where their favorite fry sauce place was. I tallied the ones that got mentioned the most and that’s where the 10 that I tried came from. My chart below is the order I tried them, and the ranking is on the right hand side. As you can see, Crown Burgers is the champion! Read below as to why:

Move over, Ketchup! Another condiment is in the house. Cheers to Crown Burgers, for my taste buds give that Utah burger restaurant chain a standing ovation.

There are three land sections of the park that you can visit, and I only got to explore the “Islands in the Sky,” which you can access from Moab, Utah. You can pair this trip with Arches National Park, Dead Horse State Park, and Moab.

What to Do

Shafer Canyon Overlook

See the picture above? Yea… that’s from the Shafer Canyon Overlook. UNREAL. Worth a quick pit stop before or after your other destinations in Islands in the Sky.

Mesa Arch

I was told by a friend that if there was one thing I should do in Utah it’s to see Mesa Arch at sunrise. I got there about 30 minutes before the sun came up and there was already a line of photographers waiting to get the best shot. I recommend getting there an hour ahead of time so you don’t have to squeeze in to take a pic. This is a short and easy looped hike from the parking lot; 0.6 miles in total. You almost feel like you are at Pride Rock as the view overlooks a lot of the Canyonlands. As the sun comes up, the shadows start to reveal what’s truly there! Also, it’s fun to be amongst a group of people just as excited for sunrise as you are. Don’t forget your headlamp if you end up being an early bird, but we were okay using our phone’s flashlight.

Grand View Point Overlook

This is a must-do 0.9 mile easy-to-moderate there-and-back hike that gives you the scenic route the entire way through. I loved the panoramic bird's eye view from the top after climbing the large rock at the end of the trail. I could’ve stayed here all day with my jaw dropped. There’s not much parking so get there early! We came here right after Mesa Arch’s sunrise and we practically had this beautiful trail to ourselves :)

Dead Horse State Park

An amazing stop on the way to Canyonlands (literally, it is right before you get to the Islands in the Sky). We loved this quick stop! Apparently back in the late 1800s, cowboys would use the mesa now called “Dead Horse Point” as an area to round up wild mustangs. They would keep the horses they wanted and leave the others. One time for some reason, they did not open the fenced-in area, and all of the horses died. Hence the name, “Dead Horse State Park.” Pretty somber, eh? But we loved the history lesson.

Tips for Exploring Arches National Park

• In the peak season months (April - October), you will need to get a ticket to enter the park (this is in addition to the National Park Pass or the $30 fee to enter the park). Do this ASAP as the time slots fill up pretty quickly. I recommend the earliest time slot to avoid the desert heat and to get parking spots. Another option is to get there BEFORE 7am, when the park rangers begin guarding the entrance. We did this in April to avoid the line to get into the park, and since we did not get the park pass in time.

• Bring lots of water, sunscreen, a hat, hiking shoes, trekking poles. I also recommend bringing/wearing microspikes if there is snow still on the ground (there was when I went in March). Ice and snow on sandstone make a slippery trek!

• Bring your lunch or plan to go to Moab as there is no restaurant or snack bar in this park.

• The visitors center is in the beginning of the park, and there are no other check points on the one main road. However there are vault toilets at most of the popular trailheads.

What to Do

Delicate Arch Trail

This is the iconic hike that if you are able, is a must-do! Overall this trail is moderately challenging, there and back 3.2 miles in total, and the end is extremely challenging if you are afraid of heights. Beware in the winter months as the end of this hike can be dangerous. When I went in March I did not feel safe to hike, but in April, it was just fine. When you come to Arches National Park (hopefully early), make this your first stop as the parking lot fills up quickly! If it is full, come back later.

Landscape Arch Trail

All the way at the end of the park is the easy Landscape Arch Trail, which is 1.9 miles there-and-back. This arch was made larger in 1991 when rock fall from under the arch was witnessed by hikers. The onlookers said it sounded like a bunch of popping and cracking, and at one point like a lightning strike. See the video here.

Double Arch Trail

This short and easy 0.6 mile there and back walk features two arches connected together on one side. It is humbling to stand under this arch!

The Windows

The Windows was a fun little jaunt to take fun pictures and see the view from the “window.” This is in the same parking area as the Double Arch Trail.

Where to Eat

Trailhead Public House and Eatery

I got into the hotel very late at night (around 1am), and had a long talk with the front desk staff on where to eat. He used to be a chef and has been to almost all of the places in town for eating and drinking. He highly recommended we go to Trailhead Public House and Eatery as it has the freshest quality food. When in Utah, you must get fry sauce, so we ordered french fries and fry sauce as an appetizer. This was one of my favorite sauces that I tried in the state. I recommend all of the food, we were all very happy with our dishes.

Il Posto Rosso

This same hotel staff recommended Il Posto Rosso, which is a restaurant in a hotel in downtown Moab. That was one of the best brunches I’ve ever had, and the coffee was amazing. We were very much pleased with this place! The classy and chic touches to this restaurant really add to the overall feel.

Where to Stay

Moab Valley Inn

There are many hotels to choose from, I am sure any of the options in downtown Moab are good choices. We always go for a cheap rate but decent quality. The Moab Valley Inn did just that. It even had a pool and free breakfast in the morning.

Fifth Water Hot Springs is about an hour south of Salt Lake City. The entire length of the hike were “wow” moments and different types of panorama views, with either snow-topped trees on the mountain side, or a babbling creek. As the hike went on, the picture above was the first sight of steam coming off of the water. About a half mile later were the hot springs, pictured below.

I went here in early March when it was 50 degrees and after a heavy snowfall. Micro-spikes were very much required as we saw the after-math of a trail runner slipping on the snow/ice. I also have grown to love trekking poles. I recommend getting there pretty early; we got there around 9am on a Saturday and there were a few spots left in the parking lot. When we returned around 1pm a state park ranger was ticketing all those parked in the road and it was a pretty hefty fine! We got lucky. These hot springs triggered me to purchasing water shoes; either chaco-type or the foot-covered type. I was worried I was going to step on something at the bottom of the pool.

What to Do

Temple Square

The first thing anybody says what to do in the city of Salt Lake is to go to Temple Square, which is the headquarters for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, less formally known as the Mormon church. The Temple is off-limits to those who are not a part of the church, but the Square has many other buildings to see including the tabernacle choir rehearsal space, the conference center which is where the choir is broadcasted for Easter and Christmas, and the BeeHive House, which is where Brigham Young, the explorer, was housed when he was head of the church. Directly across from Temple Square is a large upscale shopping center. It is closed on Sundays so be aware of that!

Hunt for the Best Fry Sauce

Fry sauce is a dipping sauce for french fries, which became a thing in Utah in the 1950s when Arctic Circle, a burger restaurant (now a chain) came up with the idea of a fry sauce. Go there if you want the original but there are others that have evolved more and have a lot more flavor. The base flavor of most of the fry sauces are ketchup and mayonnaise, and most have incorporate pickle juice into their recipes to give it a little bit of a kick.

See a Theater Production

There are many theaters in town, and we were thrilled to see a show called Putting it Together at the Pioneer Memorial Theater on University of Utah’s campus. We even got to hang out with Broadway’s Judy McLane who starred in the show. To our surprise, we also got to meet Foreigner band member Domenick Allen, whose daughter was also in the play.

Where to Eat

Coffee Garden

This coffee shop reminds me of being in Washington; the coffee is excellent, it is always filled with people excited about good coffee, and the food is also good too! This is nearby University of Utah’s campus and is on one of their cute main street areas. I really liked their lavender vanilla honey latte with oatmilk which was recommended as the locals’ favorite.

Why is it called a hoodoo?

These funny-looking natural structures are called hoodoos because of the Hoodoo spirituality where natural or earthly forms are believed to possess unearthly powers.

Why is it called Bryce Canyon?

Bryce and Mary Ebenezer were serial homesteaders. The canyon filled with majestic hoodoos were this Mormon family’s first piece of land. Bryce and Mary raised twelve children which was a feat among the homesteading life.

Tips for Visiting Bryce Canyon

• As I will always recommend, try your best to get here early. In the springtime we arrived at the park around 9:30am and there were a moderate amount of spots leftover at a parking lot close to Sunrise Point and Bryce Canyon Lodge. When we returned from the hike around noon there were no parking spots left and the trails were pretty filled up with people.

• When here in the wintertime/early spring, bring your winter-ready boots and microspikes or snowshoes.

• Bring lots and lots of water when you're hiking in the spring/summer. This desert atmosphere will really make you want to quench your thirst.

• Trekking poles were great for the Queens Garden Trail. Although my friend Seth did not use them, I was very happy with my decision as this has a steep downhill slope to start, and we all know when you go down, you must come back up!

What to Do

Hike the Queens Garden Trail

When I came here as a kid, I saw the hoodoos from up above and we did not have the chance to hike in the canyon due to snow. This 1.6 mile there-and-back trail fulfilled my dream. The hike starts at Sunrise Point and takes you down into the canyon to walk among the hoodoos. The structures look so massive when you are down in them. Playing hide and go seek down here would be really fun! Right now the Navajo Loop is closed but that would be a fun trail to hike when it opens.

Watch the Sunrise/Sunset

When in the winter, there’s not too much you can do besides go to the overlooks for sunrise/sunset, and maybe do a snowshoe or cross country ski hike along the rim trail. I chose to go to the Bryce Overlook for sunrise, and Inspiration Point directly after before I headed off on my way to Salt Lake City, my last destination on this road trip. I was told the Sunrise Overlook would’ve been too crowded, so I stayed away. But I am sure that would’ve been a beautiful sunrise as well. My favorite overlook was Sunset Point as you are closest to the hoodoos here.

Where to Stay

Best Western Plus Bryce Canyon

This lovely Best Western had an amazing buffet breakfast in the morning with many more options and fresh fruit than a regular hotel breakfast. I stayed here, went to see the sunrise, then came back for breakfast. This was a great idea as right when breakfast opened, the line to the buffet was pretty packed.

Bryce Canyon Lodge

If you get lucky you will get an opening to stay at Bryce Canyon Lodge. Here it is just a short walk away from one of the most beautiful views in the country. It is located in between Sunrise and Sunset Points.

What to Do

Congress Trail

This is recommended as the #1 thing to do in Sequoia National Park. You can start the hike at the General Sherman Tree, which is THE largest tree in the world measuring at 36 feet in diameter at the base and 274 feet high. It is believed to be 2,300-2,700 years old. It is named the General Sherman Tree because it is believed to be founded by James Wolverton, who served under General Sherman, a union officer, in the Civil War. Take some fun pictures here, then you will proceed on an easy looped 2.9 mile trail. I hiked this in the winter with snowshoes. I do not think snowshoes were necessary for the trail but would recommend microspikes. However snowshoeing is so fun!

Beetle Rock

The most magnificent sunset I’ve ever seen was at Beetle Rock at Sequoia National Park. Apparently most people experience a sunset filled with smog and it is difficult to see. I wonder since I visited in the wintertime, the cold weather potentially helped out brilliantly with the view. If you visit in the summertime, I’d recommend the Sunset Rock trail.

Where to Stay

Wuksachi Lodge

Frequently closed in the wintertime, this lodge provided us with a lovely experience. With it being conveniently located, the inviting lodge-style mealtime, and the service we received, the overall feel of the lodge was exactly what we were looking for. I recommend going into the basement of the lodge to meet the large stuffed animal bear we named “Boozy,” and become friends! See the bottom of this page for our story time with Boozy the Bear.

Where to Eat

The Runway Cafe

On the way to or from Sequoia National Park, to the west is a restaurant called The Runway Cafe. It is an unexpected spot for a glorious brunch on an actual runway! The platters are massive but the flavor is still there; that is key. Be sure that when the waiter/waitress asks if you want salsa to go with your meal, just say YES! I asked for a bunch of to-go salsas since it was that good.

Batter Up Pancakes

In between Sequoia National Park and Yosemite National Park is a place called Batter-Up Pancakes in Fresno, California. It is a locals’ secret spot for an amazing brunch. The orange juice is fresh-squeezed, which means to me that the rest of the meal will be well-thought out as well. Turns out I loved the cinnamon roll pancakes a little too much…

What to Do

Heavenly Ski Resort

Oftentimes I was told that Heavenly Ski Resort has the best views when skiing. I only got to experience the California side of Heavenly, which I think showed off an incredibly powerful landscape as well as the lake. I was able to ski the green and blue slopes here, as I would consider myself an intermediate skier. The ski shop here has a lot of good deals and I even found ski pants in the clearance rack to match my Burton jacket. When getting here for skiing, you will want to make sure you get there before 7:45am on the weekends or else the line to the California Lodge can be unimaginable.

Where to Eat

Curry & Grill

Located at the back of a liquor store… but wait, keep reading… This is some of the best Indian food I’ve ever had. This little literal hole-in-the-wall carryout restaurant is worth it. The chicken tikka masala is one of the best. Be ready for them to ask you your spice level from 1-5. We also ordered the garlic naan bread.

Thai on Ski Run

This is a great little Thai place. I got the yellow curry dish, as I always do at Thai restaurants. This is walking distance from Black Bear Lodge, which is the first hotel I stayed at.

Cafe Fiore

Another little literal hole-in-the-wall restaurant is Cafe Fiore, which centers around Italian food. This restaurant can only seat about 20 people total so be sure to make reservations. If you choose the swordfish dish, there will never be another swordfish dish. The waiter told me this and I can never have swordfish ever again unless it is eaten here! Another notable dish (dessert this time) is the white chocolate ice cream. This restaurant is also walking distance from Black Bear Lodge. I highly recommend coming here!

Sprouts Cafe

Not the grocery store Sprouts, but a healthy really good lunch place. We ordered here on our way back from South Lake Tahoe to Napa Valley, since this restaurant is a little further away from the main area of South Lake Tahoe. We also loved their juices, I especially liked the Kale Refresher and the All Green Juice. We all got the Vegetable Crunch sandwich and enjoyed every bite!

Base Camp Pizza

This really good pizza place is located walking distance from Marriott’s Timber Lodge. If you have a hankering for a pizza, definitely come here and also order a hot chocolate (with some Bailey’s).

Cuppa Tahoe

Cuppa Tahoe is an adorable coffee, bookstore, and gift shop which I loved to sit and look at books/work on this blog while drinking a smoothie. I loved the Mystery Smoothie - very much a darker red and purple-colored berry-filled drink.

Where to Stay

Black Bear Lodge

This lodge is very short driving-distance away from the California Lodge of Heavenly Ski Resort. I loved this location for being able to walk to the really nice restaurants of “Thai on Ski Run” and “Cafe Fiore,” and for a more quaint and homey-experience. Our hotel room got upgraded since we were staying for 4 nights and we were very appreciative of that! The place gave us a fancier experience than I’ve gotten in a while!

Marriott Timber Lodge

You can see and walk to the gondola from this very large hotel. It is also close to many shops and restaurants of South Lake Tahoe. This is the main lodge that most people stay at so it fills up quickly. The convenience is very desirable since you can get on the gondola to the slopes right outside the hotel doors.

When walking through the park, the monster-tall trees will strain your neck (and your eyes!) as you try to spot the top! Grab the pamphlet at the start of the trail to give you more insight into the particular trees that you should pay attention to. The tallest tree is 277 feet tall and is approximately 1500 years old. Another notable tree is called the Fremont tree, which is where explorer John C. Fremont camped in 1848. Go inside this tree just to feel how big it is!

One of my friends in Santa Cruz told me to search for the albino tree… when one of my college besties, Amelia, visited me, we went on the hike and thought we had found it. To be sure, I would ask the park ranger about where it is on the trail.

Important Tips:

• You will need a pass (on top of the national park pass if you have that) to get into the park during the summer/peak months! Book this way in advance. If you are wanting to hike Half Dome you will need to get a pass for that ahead of time too.

• The entrances start to get backed up after 9am in October. Peak season in the summer, get there around or before 7-8am. I lived in Santa Cruz and started my drive around 4am each time I visited (4-5 hours to get there), and only had to wait about 10 minutes to get into the park during the off-season months.

• Tioga Road is closed from around November to around May for the winter.

• The best time to experience Yosemite is in the spring, around April, when the snow starts to melt, it’s not too hot or too cold, and it’s not as crowded as it gets in the summer. The waterfalls are also ever-flowing this time of year.

• On your way to the park from the west coast, Mariposa is a cute small town to stop and get a coffee and bathroom break at Sticks Coffee. I loved their oat milk vanilla latte. They have other very interesting flavors as well. I also absolutely loved their breakfast menu. Be sure to get gas in this town as this may be your last stop for a while!

Yosemite Valley

The Valley is the heart of Yosemite, with the infamous Tunnel View, Firefalls in late February, plentiful amounts of waterfalls and hikes.

Tunnel View

The first time I went to Yosemite, I only did the Tioga Road portion (see below) due to it being close to wintertime and wanting to explore that part of Yosemite as much as I could. After I went, my cousin asked if I had been to Tunnel View. I said I thought so but wasn’t sure. His response, “You would know, so you probably didn’t see it.” He was absolutely right. This is one of the most breathtaking scenes you will experience in the U.S. There are hikes that start from here which you can do. In the popular months in Yosemite (summertime), be sure to get here super early if you want a parking spot.

Mirror Lake Trail

This 4.4 mile easy/moderate hike from Curry Village takes you to the foothills of Half Dome on the right, and North Dome on the left. I felt like I was walking next to rock monsters and I even kept reminiscing of the movie Space Jam while strolling through this area. This was a top-rated hike by one of my friends who was also a traveling hand therapist. She recommended this hike and North Dome from Tioga Road as the 2 best trails in Yosemite. This trail is the easier of the two.

Firefalls

The waterfall known as Horsetail Falls, which is to the right hand side off of El Capitan, shows off in all of its glory in mid-February each year. As the sun sets in the Valley, it shines its orange and red rays onto Horsetail Falls turning it into what is also known as the Firefalls. It was thrilling to be a part of this event with hundreds if not a thousand of other photographers. We all left our hotels and parked cars around the same time and almost walked in a sort of “stampede” if you will to El Capitan. There really is no “best spot,” but I made a friend and we searched until we found what we considered to be the “best spot.” The show lasts about 15-20 minutes, and then all of a sudden the cold rolls in. I recommend bringing camp chairs, snacks and drinks, and toe and hand warmers (with mittens/gloves and warm socks) as this time of the year is frigid after the sun sets! The walk back to the hotel almost became a sprint so I could make it to the warm zone. Make friends, have fun, and enjoy the show; I sure did! *This was my first stop on my third road trip from Santa Cruz, California to Salt Lake City, Utah. The next stop was Sequoia National Park.

Mist Trail

In the wintertime, this was one of the only trails that was open. I recommend using microspikes and then glissading back down the hills as you head back to the Valley. We made it to the footbridge to get a far away view of Vernal Falls.

Tioga Pass*

This road (or pass as the locals call it) leads to majestic views and an amazing hike with views of Half Dome. *It is closed around November-March due to dangerous driving conditions.

North Dome Trail

This hike was spectacular, giving amazing views on the northside of Half Dome when you get 4 miles in. The beginning of this trail was easy; it was in the woods with very tall trees, lots of chipmunks, and very loud squirrels (haha!). As this was my very first “long” solo hike, I sang “The Ants Go Marching One By One….” during this section of the trail. Turns out I am very entertaining with myself! The trail then goes upwards and takes you to the top of the mountain. It is easy to get lost in this section, so I followed the All Trails navigation part of the app to a “T.” The directions had me go through the woods to zigzag down vs going straight down from the top of that mountain (you will see when you get there). I stopped at almost exactly the 4-mile mark and did not feel the need to go any further as I got majestic views of Half Dome from there. This was a great area for pictures and to stop for a lunch break. For me, in total it was a moderately difficult 8-mile hike. Others I passed by described it as moderately hard if you go to the 5-mile mark at the end. I recommend bringing binoculars or a really good zoom-in camera so you can see the rock climbers climbing up the side of Half Dome, and the hikers climbing the top of it. Out of the top hikes in Yosemite, this is one of the best that are of moderate difficulty. Overall I recommend this hike and/or Mirror Lake trail.

Tuolomne Meadows

Tuolomne Meadows is a beautiful, relaxing area to be creative in. It is a grassy area along a beautiful flowing river with backdrop of the large Yosemite mountain tops.  I would have loved to picnic here if I had more time! Beyond Tuolomne Meadow is Mono Lake. I kept hearing from people that I need to go to this lake; I wish I had. After I saw pictures, I was disappointed that I had not made more of an effort to get there.

Badger Pass

This southernmost area of Yosemite National Park is known for its wintertime activities of skiing/snowboarding, snowshoeing, and cross country skiing. Here we decided to go snowshoeing on the Old Badger Pass Summit trail.

Where to Stay & Where to Eat

Yosemite Valley Lodge

This lodge is a more expensive option, but worth it for the convenience and the scenery. One of the rooms I was in had a stellar view of Yosemite Falls (see below). There are also great dining options here, including the Mountain Room (more upscale dining but with fabulous food), and the Mountain Room Lounge (more laid-back like a ski resort/lodge type of style with a fireplace and a bar).

Groveland

All Seasons Groveland Inn

I stayed overnight here in the All Seasons Groveland Inn in the cute small town of Groveland. It has 4 rooms that are named based on famous hikes of Yosemite National Park and they are adorably decorated based on these themes. It also has a rich history.

When here, there are a few restaurants that are within walking distance to the hotel. Cocina Muchisimo is a delicious Mexican restaurant. They are very efficient and quick at serving the meals, the food was delicious and perfect for an after-hike meal! Another happening place here is the Saloon; it is the oldest standing saloon in California!

Five Butterflies AirBNB

This beautiful 1-bedroom suite was perfect for a nice relaxing getaway with a living room and kitchenette. The hosts, Buffy and Chip, were so kind, courteous, and a pleasure to meet!

What to Do (south to north)

Rodoni Farms

On Highway One is a farm shop for Rodoni Farms, along with many other pop up farm shops on the side of the road. We saw this chair and just had to stop to take this pic! In the little farm store is a bunch of fresh fruits and vegetables as well as other local finds such as some really good honey!

Davenport Landing Beach

When one of my high school besties (Amanda) visited here with me, we just happened upon Davenport Landing Beach. Here we found lots of photographers, surfers, dogs, and picnic-goers. A close drive away is Shark Fin Cove. I did not see it but was recommended to go there as well.

Año Nuevo State Park

A highlight moment for Amanda and me, we loved this state park! The birds were plentiful, and apparently at certain times of the year the elephant seals can be found here as well! Read the next paragraph to hear more about this park…

Pigeon Point Lighthouse

One of my patient’s and now friends back in Maryland told me I HAD to take a picture of this lighthouse. I could feel the excitement building inside of me as we drove closer and closer to this viewpoint called the Pigeon Point Bluffs.

Half Moon Bay’s Main Street

The cutest little town on Highway One is another great stopping point. We spent about an hour here shopping when Amanda realized that she couldn’t find her phone. The nicest store clerks helped us look around the store until I thought about it more… and I realized that I had a video of Amanda at Año Nuevo State Park running into the birds. Upon looking back at it we saw exactly the moment that her phone dropped into the sand from her coat pocket. We drove half an hour south to the beach and luck be told it was still there, albeit covered in bird feathers to Amanda’s dismay. After I brushed off the feathers for her and cleaned it off a bit she was overall very happy with the outcome :)

Where to Eat

Whale City Bakery

I had many people suggest trying out Whale City Bakery in Davenport. This restaurant/bar has a great atmosphere outside if the weather is nice.

Sam’s Chowder House

A New England-style restaurant, we loved this place for the west coast panorama views. This is almost to Mavericks along Highway One. Try your best to go in the off-times for food as this place is typically pretty packed.