Destinations is where I share the places I’ve actually visited and photographed, with honest impressions and practical tips for visiting yourself.
Promise and despair—these are not uncommon themes throughout California’s history and the establishment of Spanish missions across the state. Of the 21 missions founded from San Diego to Sonoma, perhaps no other mission stands witness to such intricate tales better than Carmel Mission. At the height of its time, the mission once served as headquarters…
Do not let its quirky name nor heavy masonry exterior walls deceive you. Upon entering the lobby, you will find a stark contrast in the interior: a well-lit atrium interwoven with cast iron framing, glass skylight, and moorish-inspired marble patterns. Even on an overcast day, the world just brightens up with the amount of natural…
Walking on the streets of Chicago is like visiting an open-air museum. Each building has its own tale to tell, and a simple turn around the corner awaits yet another history to unfold. This is also one of those places where the landscape mode alone does not do it justice. You have to up your…
It is hard to keep your eyes on the road when surrounded by the towering skyscrapers. In Chicago, the temptation is always looking upwards. Here, you will find yourself immersed in one of the most diverse collections of architecture styles—Art Deco, Spanish Colonial Revival, Mid-Century Modernism, just to name a few. There is no lack…
Whoo-whoo! Slowly and steadily, the train starts moving further away from the depot as the locomotive whistles on. In a minute’s time, the sun has faded into the background and the track is now canopied by towering redwood groves. There is no more unique way to explore these giant trees than aboard the steam train…
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…
With the sun setting further behind the hills and the blue hour gradually taking hold, the field started to glow brighter and morph into a carpet of rainbow. Under the darkened sky, one can’t help but wonder–is it a dream, or reality? Photos taken at Sensorio Paso Robles, an art installation created by British artist…
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…
You are not mistaken. That is indeed an elk, and in fact, it’s a party! Meet Tomales Point, a 10-mile out-and-back trail at Point Reyes National Seashore. Stunning coastal views are guaranteed by default as you hike along the Pacific Ocean, but what makes this trail unique is the occasional elk sighting at the Tule…
With the summer heat raging on inland, what better way to spend the day than at the coast? Meet Montaña de Oro, or “Mountain of Gold” in Spanish, a little-known state park that is only 16 miles west of San Luis Obispo. Hike the Bluff Trail, a flat 4-mile loop with spectacular views of the…
Located approximately 60 miles east of Los Angeles, Riverside prides itself in being home to the first navel orange trees in California, as well as its critical role in the region’s citrus boom. The city is also host to the Mission Inn, generally considered to be the largest Mission Revival style building in the US….
The road undulates and winds on. Every turn around the cliffs leads to another stunning view of the coastline, where the Santa Lucia Mountains and the Pacific Ocean converge. Here, the color blue gives way to more nuanced definitions–be it cobalt, azure, or another shade in-between or beyond. This is Big Sur, a 90-mile stretch…