Welcome to Beyond Ordinary Guides, where we curate gorgeous imagery, locally cherished spots, and accessible stories. We hope you enjoy!
All in California
Why are we putting so much time and effort into trying to trick our plants and ourselves into blooming where the soil, humidity, sunshine, and precipitation doesn’t match how our cells were programmed? Why not plant ourselves in a climate that naturally fosters our being, effortlessly opening us up to inspiration and contentment?
The Lost Coast Trail is not for the faint of heart. This 25 mile trail mostly follows the rugged California coastline four hours north of San Francisco, named for its inaccessibility and lack of roads, towns, or civilization. You spend most of your time hiking on wet sand or shifting pebbles, and have to time your hiking according to the tides in order to not get swept into the freezing Pacific. But the ruggedness is also the reward. Stunning coastline, black sand beaches, and wildlife barely accustomed to seeing humans makes you feel like you are truly passing through untamed and untouched territory.
Simply here for visual nourishment. Two of the most scenic places in Carmel and Big Sur, both captured at the golden hour, with a group of inspiring women. Best enjoyed listening to your favorite indie jams. Enjoy.
Located right in the heart of downtown Carmel, Hotel Carmel is a recently renovated hotel that offers comfortable beds, plush robes, a continental bagel bar breakfast (with local strawberry cream cheese), and Nespresso machines in room. We loved hanging out in the stylishly decorated lobby, and relaxing with a glass of local pinot noir (from the daily happy hour) in the hot tub. A fire pit surrounded by Adirondack chairs makes for the perfect post dinner hang out location, or if you prefer something more secluded, head to your private balcony. Hotel Carmel is a wonderful home base for a weekend.
Only two hours from San Francisco, but seemingly worlds away, the charming little town of Carmel almost transports you to another country or another time with it’s signature fairytale cottage architecture and location just steps from the Pacific ocean. As I walked through town, exploring courtyard after courtyard plush with potted annuals and window boxes pregnant with greenery, the sidewalks buckled beneath my feet, tree roots slowly disrupting the bricks yet adding to the coziness of this small town. I breathed in the smell of pine and eucalyptus mixed with a wisp of sea breeze, and exhaled the stress of city life that I left behind for the weekend.
A winter guide to help you make the most of your visit to these California giants.
While many San Franciscans know of the Presidio and have enjoyed its beauty, they may not know that the most visited U.S. National Park lies in their city limits. Thanks to its location in America’s 13th largest city, the Presidio sees more visitors than any other National Park in the country and offers a plethora of sights and activities that keeps visitors coming back for more. Below are some of our favorite Presidio experiences.
Joshua Tree has long been a haven for those seeking to recalibrate, find their muse, cure writer’s block, or for Angelenos like myself in search of a quick getaway to disconnect from city life. With an area larger than Rhode Island, encompassing the Mojave and Sonoran deserts, the landscapes are as diverse as the visitors who come to tune in and drop out. From the thrill-seeking rock climber to the casual hiker, the art collector and the meditator, there are activities to suit each personality.
Encinitas, which means “Little Oaks” in Spanish, sits in a sweet spot along Historic Highway 101 95 miles south of Los Angeles and 25 miles north of San Diego. A laid-back bohemian enclave that parallels the Pacific Ocean, Enci’ is famed for beautiful beaches, great surf, and good vibes.
A weekend spent indulging in Asian specialties from Korean BBQ to sheet masks.
The nose knows. A food and art inspired tour around one of San Francisco's most fascinating neighborhoods.
To truly experience San Francisco, skip Starbucks and head to one of these local roasters instead.
