If you are looking for the perfect day trip from Seattle that still feels like a real escape, a Whidbey Island day trip with Deception Pass combine a ferry ride, beach time, a cute waterfront town, dramatic bridge scenery, and a forest hike. It is also dog-friendly and you can do it all without an…
Hike
Angel Island Day Trip from San Francisco: Hike Mount Livermore Without a Car
After 18 years in SF, spending the day on Angel Island is one of my favorite day trips from San Francisco, and one you can do without a car! Somehow it still flies under the radar for many visitors, despite offering one of the best combinations of ferry rides, hiking, and panoramic views of the…
A Guide to Walking Bend, Oregon: Design, Trails, and Breweries
Bend, Oregon surprised me in the best ways. I expected great hiking and a strong brewery scene. What I didn’t expect was a town that felt well designed and walkable, while still feeling so close to nature. As an architect, I love a town that values art and design. And as an avid walker and…
Best Road Trip Stops Between Phoenix and Flagstaff: Sedona, Jerome, Prescott, Arcosanti & More
The drive between Phoenix and Flagstaff along Interstate 17 can be done in less than two hours. It is a scenic drive on its own, as you can watch the dramatic landscape change from desert to pine trees as you gain in elevation the closer you get to Flagstaff. If you are looking to explore…
Epic Mount Tamalpais Hike: Redwoods, Waterfalls & Stinson Beach Views
I had a friend in town for Thanksgiving. She has been to San Francisco many times before, so we have done all the obvious touristy things in town and even day trips like wine tasting in Napa. When I asked her if she had any requests for this visit, she wanted to see redwood trees near…