July 2016 on Marriott Traveler || That PCH route from San Francisco to Los Angeles gets all the attention, but it’s not the only West Coast drive that should be on your map. A road trip through the Pacific Northwest and Northern California is equally epic, but with less traffic. You’ll see some of the West Coast’s fastest growing cities, majestic national parks, windswept beaches and sunsets that need no filter. Here’s the route.
June 17, 2016 on U.S. News Travel || When you imagine driving along the Pacific Coast Highway, you might think of the thrilling stretch of coastal road between San Francisco and Los Angeles. This is one of the country’s most famous drives, and for good reason. But stick to this route and you’ll only see a fraction of the spectacular scenery that lines the West Coast. For a real adventure, hit the road for a longer coastal journey, from Vancouver, British Columbia, to San Diego, taking in soaring redwood forests, hidden beaches, big cities and charming seaside towns. Read on for route highlights.
Published March 4, 2014 on AOL Travel || March weather in San Diego — sunny skies and temperatures in the 70s — makes it a popular spring break hub. While the college crowds may swarm the beaches (or head south over the border), there are things to do all over the city to channel spring break. Read more…
In February 2014 I traveled to Los Angeles for a conference. I had one extra day to explore Downtown L.A. Here’s what I did:
Bradbury Building: A quick stop in the lobby is all you need to appreciate the elaborate ironwork and elegant architecture of this 19th century building.
Walt Disney Concert Hall: You don’t even have to go inside; the best part about this building is the photogenic undulating metallic exterior. The Los Angeles Philharmonic plays here.
Los Angeles Central Library: Take a walk through and marvel at the beautiful interiors — especially the mosaic room with a large globe hanging from the ceiling.
Grand Central Market: Every city needs a gourmet market hub, like Reading Terminal and Pike Place. Grand Central is L.A.’s answer and, at nearly 100 years old, it does not disappoint.
Museum of Contemporary Art, L.A.: The Broad hadn’t opened yet, but this nearby one had an interesting collection of large-scale contemporary works.
The Varnish: A speakeasy behind Cole’s bar, this spot serves awesome Prohibition-style craft cocktails.
Spring St. Bar: Craft beers and industrial decor in Downtown L.A.
Ace Hotel: Downtown L.A.’s version of the hipster hotel chain. The bar here is small, and the
Angel City Brewery: Super laidback and spacious brewery that’s well-lit and well-entertained, with games and music (and craft beers, of course).
Villains Tavern: Weird and wonderfully eclectic, this vintage bar feels out of place among the empty lots that surround it. But it’s a hipster haven, with live bands, awesome cocktails, and L.A.’s equivalent of the fedora crowd.
