Hi there! As a California native, it’s kind of insane that it has taken me so long to visit Hearst Castle. BUT I planned a weekend getaway to Cambria last month and finally had a chance to explore this historic San Simeon site. If you’ve been thinking of going…GO! It’s such a cool, extraordinarily opulent place. It is well-worth a visit! Here are a few things you should know before you go: You can ONLY visit the property with a tour. Tours can book up quickly, especially during peak season....

Hi there! It's been feeling like spring in Los Angeles the past few days, and I am so ready for the wildflowers to start blooming in Southern California. To get in the spirit of the season, I’m sharing four of my go-to flower spots to inspire your next springtime day trip. Keep in mind that bloom status can be difficult to predict – every year looks different! These spots may or may not have a good bloom this season, so do some research a few days before you go to decide whether it’s worth a...

Hi all, I’m so excited to be sending out my first newsletter! I started this blog over four and a half years ago, so it is long overdue. (Don’t worry, I won’t be spamming your inbox – I’ll just pop in from time to time to connect.) Some of you signed up for my newsletter quite a while ago (thank you!). So if you’re wondering who I am, I’d like to re-introduce myself – hi, I’m Kyra! I’m a California native and travel writer. Having lived in the Bay Area, San Diego, and now Los Angeles, I...