From February to March, Half Moon Bay comes alive with the first signs of spring, as patches of blossoms begin to sprinkle along the roadside. Just 10 minutes south of downtown Half Moon Bay, you will find one of the most mesmerizing sights ever: a vast sea of golden-yellow mustard flowers, stretching endlessly toward the … Continue reading Half Moon Bay: Spring forward amongst the golden carpet
The ocean roars restlessly, its waves relentlessly crashing against the cliffs. The cypress trees lean against the ever-present wind, as if clinging to the rugged terrain. The 17-Mile Drive, stretched from Pacific Grove to Carmel as suggested by the name, is a scenic drive through rugged cliffs, pristine coastline, and curiously shaped cypress groves. Among … Continue reading 17-Mile Drive: Passage through weathered beauty
Nestled along California’s iconic coastline, Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is a mesmerizing haven and a revered sanctuary. The moment you arrive, you will be captivated by the enchanting blend of turquoise and cobalt ocean, as well as the rich marine life that thrives in these waters. Among the park’s most treasured hikes is the … Continue reading Point Lobos: Nature’s gradient color palette
This trail is one that you do not want to miss, especially during this time of year. At first glance, the unassuming trailhead seems like just another path off Highway 1. It is not until you venture toward the ocean when a hidden treasure gradually unfolds in front of you: a secluded valley, blanketed in … Continue reading Calla Lily Valley: Pristine petals in the ocean’s embrace
A trip to San Francisco would not be complete without paying homage to the Golden Gate Bridge, undoubtedly one of the most enduring symbols of the city. Great vista points abound, yet one that always wins my vote is Battery Spencer, an abandoned military point just north of the bridge. The view here is one … Continue reading Battery Spencer: A vantage point like no other
You will want to take that turn on Highway 1. At first glance, the road leads to an unassuming residential area on the San Mateo coast—at least not until you venture further into the trail, when you realize that there is an unworldly sanctuary out there. Fitzgerald Marine Reserve, located about halfway between Pacifica and … Continue reading Fitzgerald Marine Reserve: An unworldly sanctuary
Palm-trees-lined streets under the azure sky, with wide open white sandy beaches in the backdrop—as soon as you step foot in N. Pacific St in Oceanside, you know that you have reached that quintessential beach town in Southern California. Here, you can catch waves, people-watch, or even just daydream, and there is something for everyone … Continue reading Oceanside: Surf, tan, chill
The Pacific Ocean glistens as the sun moves further towards the horizon during the golden hour, signaling the end of yet another day. The image is so poetic yet powerful—no wonder the French people call the sunset “le coucher du soleil”, literally “the sun is going to bed”. Come experience the sunset at Torrey Pines … Continue reading Torrey Pines State Beach: Where the sun meets the horizon
It was California’s first capital under Spanish and Mexican rule. It was also where California’s first constitution was drafted for admission into the U.S. as its 31st state. This is Monterey, a city of firsts—California’s first theater, public library, printing press, and many more. Aside from these pioneering events, Monterey also saw the boom and … Continue reading Monterey: The city of California’s firsts
This is not your typical ranch. As soon as you step into The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch, you will quickly realize that “in bloom” is quite an understatement. Featuring 55 acres of giant tecolote ranunculus flowers, the ranch boasts more than 200,000 plants per acre with each plant yielding an average of 10 blooms, … Continue reading The Flower Fields: A vivacious color palette
Sandstone cliffs by the ocean, with the coastal fog relentlessly rolling in. You see beachgoers strolling or sunbathing, and even some surfers catching waves. From the distance, this seems like a typical California coastline. Not until you walk further. Your attention is now drawn to something different: a stretch of purple and white flowers! At … Continue reading Montara State Beach: An exotic presence
It’s almost 4pm in the afternoon. You feel like stepping outside for some fresh air. The question is, where though? If you live in the Bay Area, look no further than Mori Point. This coastal gem boasts not only scenic views overlooking the Pacific Ocean and the Pacifica Pier, but also gorgeous sunsets during the … Continue reading Mori Point: A golden hour coastal getaway
