For adventurous travelers drawn to desert seclusion—without sacrificing good food, thoughtful design, or small-town amenities—Joshua Tree offers a compelling escape in Southern California. The nearby communities of Joshua Tree, Yucca Valley, and Twentynine Palms function as natural bases for exploring the park and the surrounding high desert, shaping a trip that balances wide-open landscapes with lived-in local culture.
Set between the Rio Grande Gorge and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Taos carries a mix of rugged landscape and deeply rooted creative culture. The shifts in light define the place: long shadows stretching across the mesas, soft winter sun on adobe walls, and a muted palette that feels distinct to northern New Mexico. Though compact, town life moves at an unhurried pace: coffee at a local hub, wandering through art galleries, an afternoon hike above the river, and dinners in cozy, mountain-adjacent spaces.
At 3.4 million acres large, Death Valley National Park is the largest national park in the lower 48 states. It’s also the hottest, driest, and lowest national park; it famously recorded temperatures of 134° at the Badwater Basin, a dry salty lakebed expanse that’s 282 feet below sea level.
When we think of alpine luxury, Lake Arrowhead immediately comes to mind. Drive a couple hours east of Los Angeles and find yourself up in the San Bernardino Mountains, where a network of trails and forest surround the picturesque lake complete with a charming village town. The lake itself is private and accessible only to residents, but visitors can get on the water via guided paddleboat tours.
Forget Disney World—if there was vote on the real “most magical place on earth,” Sedona, AZ would surely be a top contender. From its iconic rugged rock landscapes to its mysterious vortexes, the energy in Sedona is undeniably special. Add a vibrant arts and culinary scene to boot, and we’re all in.
Ojai, CA is a small, sleepy town nestled at the foot of the Topatopa Mountains in Ventura County, California. Just two hours and 80 miles northwest of L.A., it’s quickly becoming a destination–not only for LA getaway seekers, but also drawing in creative types from places like Brooklyn, Denver, and Austin.
Brought into popularity by the 1930s by Hollywood elite, Palm Springs remains a hot spot where historical charm meets all things modern. Whether you are searching for ultimate poolside relaxation, outdoor adventures, or cultural immersion via the impressive museums and architecture on offer – there is something for everyone at this sunny destination.
A scenic 140 mile drive northwest from Los Angeles will land you in idyllic New Cuyama, CA. This slice of California’s high desert is a destination where the journey is just as much of a prize as arriving in the quaint town located east of Central California’s wine country.
Forget Disney World—if there was vote on the real "most magical place on earth," Sedona would surely be a top contender. From its iconic rugged rock landscapes to its mysterious vortexes, the energy in Sedona is undeniably special. Add a vibrant arts and culinary scene to boot, and we're all ...
During February of 2014, Denny and I embarked on our first-ever Southwest adventure. He grew up in Phoenix, so we went out to meet his folks and do a mini-roadtrip. It was amazing. This year, we wanted to explore the west again but in a slightly different setting–and ended up deciding on West Texas and New Mexico. The scenery was absolutely ...