El Cabrillo National Monument

One of my favorite places in San Diego is Cabrillo National Monument, located on the Point Loma Peninsula. The monument was created to honor the landing of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo at San Diego Bay in 1542, the first time that a European expedition touched shore upon the future West Coast of the United States. 

We went last April and I can't wait to go back! From hiking, to tide-pooling, touring the lighthouse (it was closed when we went so we will have to do that next time), whale watching, and looking at amazing views of San Diego, there is plenty to keep us busy on subsequent trips. 

Here are a few tips for visiting  Cabrillo National Monument:

1. Check out the Cabrillo National Monument  page on the National Parks Service website before you visit. They will have information about the different activities available, closure dates etc. It is also a good idea to visit the Cabrillo National Monument webpage to find out when the tides will be low--which is the best time to visit the Tidal Pools. 
2. Bring a jacket, the top of the peninsula around the light house can be really windy and we got pretty cold. Wear the proper footwear. The area near the tidal pools is slippery so shoes with good traction are a must. 

P.S. Here's a little pop culture tidbit if you are familiar with the tv show Veronica Mars, the scene with the bush crash was filmed at Cabrillo National Monument, near the "coast view parking area." Yes I am a bit of a nerd when I travel and like knowing things like that.

The Carlsbad Flower Fields

It is currently freezing cold outside so I am trying to warm myself up by dreaming about warmer locales, such as this delightful place located in Carlsbad, California. I visited the Carlsbad Flower Fields last April and it was a delightful experience. 

I didn't know just how much I adore ranunculus until I visited, and now they are quite possibly my favorite flower. I recommend a visit ti the Carlsbad Flower Fields for anyone and everyone! Walking around the fields is relatively easy but there is also a wagon ride if you would rather not walk. We were happy to have strollers with us, but were one seat shy of enough seats and so the older kids had to take turns walking. There are several fields all in various states of growth and harvest, and so it can be quite a long walk if you allow it to be. It was a little pricey for being a "field of flowers," but there several coupons available and it was so enjoyable that we will definitely visit again if we happen to be in the Carlsbad area during the peak months. Usually they are open during the Easter season, which happens to be right now. 

A few tips before you go-bring a camera, you will want one! Bring bottled water, wear good walking shoes, wear sunscreen, bring strollers, etc. The Fields are located right next to a mall so when you are finished  you can go and treat yourself to a Haggen Das shake, you won't regret that either. 

P.S. I stumbled across this quote while perusing Pinterst last night. While the quote is from an artist, it applies so well to these flower fields. 

Color is the language I speak best...Color sings to me. 
-Vera Neumann