Wander List: Cali
I think every wanderer knows there’s no place like home. That fact is what made me a wanderer. I wanted to experience all that I didn’t know, whatever was not right there in front of me. My grandmother used to tell me, “You can’t enjoy or appreciate anything if you don’t appreciate home and yourself first.” I am come to know that she is absolutely correct. So, this wander spirit also explores and discovers at great length my own back yard.
Being a native Californian, I may have under appreciated being from this great state. The biggest plus about SoCal for sure is the opportunity to have vastly different experiences. In the same day it’s possible to go skiing at Big Bear and catch a bonfire at Dockweiler or vice versa. Hiking, water sports, mom-and-pop to fine dining in a variety of neighborhoods, fishing, or museum-ing, the Golden State doesn’t disappoint.
For this reason, my first wander list is dedicated to Cali in no particular order.
Madonna Inn (I’ve picked out several rooms I’d like to try)
Santa Barbara day trip by train (best girl trip ever! You have to walk out onto the pier, coolest pier walk in Cali if you ask me. )
Escondido Falls - Malibu, CA (perfect amount of hiking for a great reward)
Whale watching - Marina Del Rey or Long Beach (this one haven’t done yet, I definitely get motion sickness - Dramamine Please!!!)
Big Bear Cabin (I don’t ski but still find snow cabins fun)
Yosemite National Park(I feel like such a slacker never going, I mean people all over the world come to visit this park, smh.)
Joshua Tree National Park (definitely giving adult glamp vibes)
Paradise Cove - Malibu, CA (I love it here!!!)
PCH Drive (an absolute must.)
Palms Spring (the land of neon flamingoes is so dope. At night the desert is magical; just the right distance from the city to get away and get back.)
Bay Area (I love it here! Bridges, the bay, the boardwalk, the food, the people, and hills.)
Griffith Park (It’s huge and there’s so much to do - Griffith park picnic areas, Griffith Observatory, LA Zoo, Autry Museum, Equestrian Center, the giant carousel, the Greek Theater, surrounding area, and Hollywood)
The Garment District (I love downtown Los Angeles - you can find everything)
Clifton’s (Never been here but my grandmother told me all about it and I’ve always wanted to go.)
Temecula Wine Country ( I can’t believe I haven’t done this one)
Flea Marketing (It looks so cool on Flea Market Flip. I’ve heard of Pasadena and Long Beach, need to do some research.)
City Bus Tours (So far I’ve done one of Hollywood and the surrounding hills. Next I have to try the Compton tour.)
Hollywood Bowl (I love this venue. The fact you can bring your own treats is the cherry on top.)
Restaurants and ethnic neighborhoods (Little Tokyo, Thai Town, Little Ethiopia, China Town, Olvera Street, Sunset Strip. I love to eat!)
Boat Rental (definitely not gonna be a sail boat, had a rough experience on my first and last. But something with a motor and a present dispatch would be fun)
Health and Wellness (Californias are totally into health and wellness. There are endless therapies and treatments and I like trying them. I am willing to give it a shot if a recommended source convinces me it’s going to improve my life. And we all know that reliable source is usually a well presented instagram ad.
I reserve the right to add to this list or change my commentary thoughts any time.