If you are a San Diego hiker and haven't done this hike- WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR???…read more And for those of you who see these photos and think damn I need to go do that, please be aware of the temperature because it is dangerously hot down there at lower temperatures than in other areas. The hike goes down into a canyon and the heat settles down there. Even if it's not as hot as you think coming up can be extremely dangerous. Every year I hear about somebody dying from heat stroke on that hike so don't take it lightly. I always check the weather on the actual trail using the AllTrails app. I saw that the weather out there was max 65° that day and I was like hell yeah. The hike really isn't that difficult, 3 miles down and then 3 miles back up. Lots of nice switchbacks, and there are a few sun shelters for shade. The views are gorgeous all along the trail. I've done this hike, probably 20 times over the years. It's the best in the spring and in the fall. In the winter it's way too cold. The reward for this hike is the gorgeous rock bowl and waterfall that the locals call Devils Punchbowl. This past Thursday when we did this hike, there were a lot of young folks at the Punchbowl when we got there. Some of the guys were climbing up and jumping into the water. I would not recommend it, even if the waterfall is still flowing that water is not safe to swim in. In the fall, the waterfall doesn't flow anymore after being dried out over the brutal summer, but the trees at the bottom of the canyon turn a beautiful gold color. One of the few places in San Diego you can actually experience fall.

Having lived in San Diego for so long, I honestly don't know why it took me this long to do this…read morehike. I finally got the permit online (definitely download it before you arrive since service can be spotty) and decided to go for it. I went in early May and started the trail around 8am, which turned out to be a great decision. The trail was practically empty at that time, and the downhill views were absolutely beautiful. I even saw two rattlesnakes before 9am, so definitely stay alert while hiking. At several points I had to remind myself I was still in San Diego and not somewhere in a huge national park. Once I got near the bottom, I did lose track of the trail a little and it was SOS, so having the AllTrails map downloaded beforehand was really helpful. It took me a little over an hour to reach the waterfall, and there were only two other people there at the time, which made it feel really peaceful and private. The water felt AMAZING after the hike down. There were so many fish in the water, and the whole area was honestly so pretty. By the time I started heading back around 10am, I noticed a lot more people arriving at the falls. The hike back up wasn't terrible, but the sun definitely makes it much harder on the return. I was very happy to make it back to the parking lot by around 11:30am. I would definitely bring lots of water, sunscreen, and some snacks.

The Cleveland National Forest is one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. My niece drove…read moreme through part of the forest on the way to Three Sisters Falls. The mountain views were indescribable. Pictures do not due it justice. The roads were a little scary, narrow with big drop-offs on one side. I'm glad I wasn't driving lol! If you get the chance to check it out, I highly recommend you do! If you want to hike, be sure to use proper shoes and bring sunscreen and lots of water.

I love coming out here! Usually it's just driving through, but one of the most memorable hikes I've…read moredone is Garnet Peak Trail. It was just challenging enough to feel like we earned it, but was still enjoyable. We had a picnic on the top and the whole peak to ourselves for a picnic as the clouds rolled in below. Make a plan before you go, many areas have a parking fee, easily payable online. AllTrails lists a lot of trails in the area that I've bookmarked for hikes this Fall/Winter. I stay towards the beach more in the summer months, but I look forward to updating this review when I explore new parts of this beautiful forest!

Very stunning and beautiful place! It was $20 for our vehicle to enter and was completely worth the…read moreentrance fee! Things start to close between 4:00-4:30pm (some of the trails you must start before 2pm) and they will start to escort people off the monument shortly before 5pm! So plan accordingly if you want to visit more than one location or do a hike. The park rangers are super helpful and kind so don't be afraid to approach them if you have any questions or just want to know more about the area!

I've been here a few times and love this National Monument. Some people that have reviewed this…read moreplace didn't think too much about the tidepools but I disagree with their reviews. I came here recently with Environment California as they were having a guided tidepooling event so I signed up. By attending the event, you also get the $20 entry fee waived so thats really nice. I came earlier than the tidepooling event around 10:30am and had an our to check out the visitor center and then made my way to the tidepool area. If you come earlier, parking is not an issue. But, when I left around 2pm, parking is pretty difficult. My suggestion is to come early. Low tide was from 12pm - 4pm on the day I came and the science educator and the lead from Environment California both did a great job explaining the wildlife in the tidepools and the importance of marine protection areas. I had a great time here looking at all the fun little organisms that live in the tidepools. I saw all sorts of hermit crabs, a Hopkins rose nudibranch, a crab that was eating a kelp pod, and so many snails and mussels and little fishes, tadpoles! The 2 hours flew by and I thoroughly learned so much and also met some great people fighting for marine protection. I would definitely come back here again to look at the amazing ecosystem and get a dose of sun and nature. And never mind all the birds I saw too! I was completely overwhelmed and at one point had a hard time fumbling between binoculars and phone to take videos and photos! I love this place, definitely will come back!!

Great food and great customer service, Super clean and not crowded for a Saturday night!read more

Food is wonderful!!!! Really love the tacos. Everything tasted fresh and flavorful, with great…read moreseasoning and perfect textures. The tortillas were soft and authentic, and the fillings were generous. Service was quick and friendly, and the atmosphere was fun. Would definitely recommend!

Overall Lego land is super charming and I loved the vibe however it's just kinda crappy for 100 per…read moreperson. Like i know it's marketed towards children but the general lack of thought when it comes to the details of the park is kinda annoying. like the merch is abysmal at best. Non of their shirts are cute or reference funny parts from the movies, and similarly the music they play is so boring. it's just classical music. like are you trying to put my to sleep bro, every movie lego comes out with has a fire soundtrack and we're not using it??? and additionally one of legos biggest attractions is the miniature world/ diorama but it's literally filthy. I literally saw the diorama 10 years ago and it's just as nasty. there's literally cobwebs in between each structure and dust collecting on every surface. The structure with water features were covered in layers of debris that I know have been there for at least a couple weeks. I know it's probably costly and time consuming to clean lego structures but is this not lego land. i'm paying 100 dollars per person to see the MGM grand covered in leaf litter. it's just unfortunate. wipe it down, spray it i don't care just do SOMETHING. actually i do care.

We stayed at the Legoland Castle hotel for the first time recently and we had a fantastic time…read more When you go to book the hotel you'll notice that it is a little bit on the pricier end (Though it is still cheaper than staying in a Disneyland hotel and it provides more!) We went back-and-forth with if we wanted to stay there and pay that cost, or if we should stay at another local hotel for our visit. We are glad that we stayed at the hotel. Though the price is high, they provide a lot of great entertainment and things for the children to do right within the hotel. Also, the theming for the hotel is so cool for kids. We loved that there were two separated spaces for adults and kids. We ate at the hotel as well for breakfast and dinner. The food was good enough. It wasn't great, but it wasn't bad at all.