I wish you were here

Hiking up the Castle Rock Trail to the viewpoint is tough but rewarding. Once you get to Castle Rock, you'll have sweeping views of Big Bear Lake and the mountains surrounding it.

Did you know? The Castle Rock Trailhead is just 1.1 miles east of the Big Bear Dam, offering a steep climb with an elevation gain of 500 feet. This trail is not only a physical challenge but also a visual treat, showcasing a variety of local flora including pines and cedars.

Since the whole hike is under two miles, I've included an easy extension to a hidden mountain lake, Bluff Lake, which also features ruins from an 1890s mountain resort. There's a lot to see packed into this short hike, and it's worth the effort.

Our canine friends also need places to frolic and enjoy nature, and Orange County is full of Dog Parks where they can roam free and meet other dogs.

In addition to parks and beaches dedicated to dogs, there are several dog-friendly public beaches.  

Costa Mesa Bark Park

The Costa Mesa Bark Park is a fenced-in, off-leash dog park located at 890 Arlington Drive in Costa Mesa, California. It is open daily from 7:30 am to 8:45 pm, except Wednesdays when it is closed for regular maintenance.

One of our most memorable stops in Anaheim was the renowned Anaheim Packing District. This vibrant culinary hub at 440 S. Anaheim Blvd., Anaheim, CA 92805, is housed in a beautifully restored packing house dating back to 1919.

The district blends history with modern flavors, creating an eclectic and exciting dining experience that's hard to match.

Open daily, the Packing District offers food from early morning into the evening—perfect for any meal or a delicious snack.

Spanning over 25,000 acres near Lake Buena Vista, Disney World in Orlando, Florida, is an entire universe of theme parks, hotels, and shopping centers. With its own roads and transportation system, this magical destination offers a unique experience nestled in the surrounding woods.

Seeking the perfect spot for his ambitious eastern resort, Walt Disney chose this largely undeveloped area for its proximity to major highways like the I-4 and the Florida Turnpike.

Disney World has been enchanting visitors since the Magic Kingdom opened in 1971, followed by Epcot in 1982. Over the years, four more parks have been added, culminating with Animal Kingdom in 1998. The resort's themed lodgings and resorts transport guests to worlds of Music, Movies, Animals, the Polynesian, Wilderness, and New Orleans.

At the end of August in Southern California, you don’t expect to find running water and a beautiful cascading waterfall – but that is exactly what we found during our hike through Wildwood Regional Park in Thousand Oaks, California.

Thousand Oaks is situated at the southern end of Ventura County adjacent to Los Angeles County. The area in and around TO, as it is called by its residents, is full of parks and recreational facilities.

Our surprising waterfall was hidden within a deep valley at the park - near Avenida De Los Arboles and North Big Sky Drive intersection. Free parking is available off West Avenida De Los Arboles.