California Travel Tips

Travel host Veronica Hill shares a guide to San Onofre State Beach in this episode of "California Travel Tips." San Onofre State Surfing Beach, nicknamed Old Man's for its endless, rolling waves, is located in San Diego county between San Clemente and Oceanside. If you're learning to surf, or just looking for long, slow party waves, this is the place to go. It's one of the best places to learn to surf in California! Be sure to get here early, especially on a busy weekend, or you'll be stuck in the long line to get in. San Onofre beach parking is $15 for day use, and they take cash or credit cards. Once you find a spot, the atmosphere here is fun and laid back — with tailgate parties along the sand, and longboards as far as you can see. Camp Pendleton marine base divides Old Man's from world-famous Trestles Beach, which can be accessed by walking north from Old Man's, or parking near Carl's Junior at the Christianitos exit. If you're looking for a good place to have lunch, try La Tiendita or Cafe Del Sol. Be sure to stay until sunset, when you roast hot dogs or marshmallows around the fire pit, or catch one last wave before heading home. San Onofre Surf Beach 3030 Avenida del Presidente (http://www.SanOnofre.com), San Clemente, CA 92672 (949) 492-4872 LIKE ME ON FACEBOOK http://tinyurl.com/nqx9osq FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER https://twitter.com/Californiatips FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM http://instagram.com/californiatraveltips

In this episode of "California Travel Tips," Veronica visits Koreatown Los Angeles for a girls' night out with Maangchi Kim and Hilah Johnson of Hilah Cooking. Located at the intersections of Western and Eighth in the Mid Wilshire District, LA Koreatown has experienced a huge boom in tourism, with the largest concentration of 24-hour restaurants and nightclubs in the country. We're starting our night in K-Town with a trip to the Korean market, which is a great place to pick up Korean food like homemade kimchi, banchan and fresh produce. Maangchi is a celebrity in the Korean cooking world, and it's not long before she's recognized by some of her YouTube fans. Next up is dinner, and Maangchi takes us to one of her favorite Korean BBQ restaurants in Los Angeles. Even though it's a weeknight, the place is packed! I hear it's almost impossible to get a table here on weekends. Since this is my first time eating Korean BBQ, I let Maangchi do the ordering. The set menu at Palsaik is a great value, and easily feeds 2-4 people. It includes a seafood soybean paste soup, eight strips of marinated pork belly, green onion salad, kimchee, bean sprouts and kimchi fried rice. The Soju is extra, but highly recommended! :) The pork belly comes out on a long wooden platter, and each strip is flavored with a different marinade. Choices include wine, original, ginseng, garlic, herb, curry, miso paste and (gochujang) spicy red pepper paste. The garlic, spicy and miso are my favorites! The thick slabs are thrown on the slanted griddle to cook, along with some kimchi and bean sprouts. During our meal, Maangchi shows me how to wrap a proper Korean taco. She starts out with the romaine and shiso leaves, adding a bit of kimchi, pickled daikon, and soybean paste. Shiso, also known as perilla, is a relative of the mint family and offers a crisp flavor to the wrap. Word to Korean BBQ novices: Don't wrap it too big. It's supposed to fit in your mouth in one bite! Finally, the leftover soup is made into a delicious Korean fried rice. If you visit Koreatown, be sure to stay through the evening. There are loads of great karaoke bars and nightclubs, and a few great spas here as well! SUBSCRIBE! http://tinyurl.com/p2fveuj LIKE ME ON FACEBOOK http://tinyurl.com/nqx9osq FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER https://twitter.com/Californiatips FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM http://instagram.com/californiatraveltips

Veronica Hill explores the attractions of Long Beach in this episode of "California Travel Tips." Located 20 miles south of downtown Los Angeles, on the border of Orange County, Long Beach makes a great day trip or long weekend. It's LA's second largest city — home to the historic Queen Mary, dozens of hip art galleries, and one of California's best aquariums, Aquarium of the Pacific. Most Long Beach restaurants and shops are found at Shoreline Village. You can check out Wyland's famous Planet Ocean mural at Long Beach Sports Arena, or head to The Pike for a spin on the Ferris wheel. The 3-mile Long Beach Bike Path travels along the waterfront from Shoreline Village to Belmont Shore. Several fun Long Beach events are held throughout the year, including the popular Long Beach Grand Prix (http://www.lbgp.com) in April, and Comic and Horror Con, held twice yearly at Long Beach Convention Center. One of the city's signature attractions is the RMS Queen Mary ship, which has been docked here since 1967. Sailing the Atlantic between 1936 and 1967, it was one of the most luxurious ocean liners of its time. Roughly twice the size of Titanic, the Queen Mary weighs over 81,000 tons and stretches more than 1,000 feet. Check out the Upper Deck, which offers great views of Downtown Long Beach, then enjoy a cocktail in the Observation Bar, which was once the First Class Lounge. For a fun evening on ship, enjoy dinner in Sir Winston's, followed by a ghost tour with paranormal expert Erika Frost. The Aquarium of the Pacific is another good bet — filled with one of California's most impressive collections of Pacific Ocean sea life. More than a million gallons of sea water were barged in from Catalina Island to create this underwater sanctuary, which is divided into three major regions. The Southern California/Baja Gallery is home to playful seals, skates and rays, while the Northern Pacific Gallery showcases sub-arctic critters like horned puffins, sea otters and Japanese spider crabs. One of the most impressive galleries is the Tropical Pacific region, where a three-story tall predator tank provides a glimpse of barracudas, giant black sea bass and leopard sharks. In Shark Lagoon, you can pet bamboo, zebra and epaulette sharks in a shallow pool, then feed the birds in Lorikeet Forest. Dozens of Long Beach cruises and whale watching trips are offered throughout the day, along with daily jaunts to Catalina Island. Around sunset, head south to Naples, where you can enjoy a romantic gondola ride through the canals with Long Beach Gondola Getaway. Credit: Long Beach Grand Prix footage courtesy of Grand Prix Association of Long Beach. http://gplb.com/ STAY IN TOUCH WITH US! LIKE ME ON FACEBOOK http://tinyurl.com/nqx9osq FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER https://twitter.com/Californiatips FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM http://instagram.com/californiatraveltips

In today's episode of "California Travel Tips," we travel to Muscle Beach in Venice Beach to meet the California Strength weightlifting team (http://www.YouTube.com/CaliforniaStrength). California Strength (Cal Strength) is one of the top Olympic weightlifting teams in the nation, based in San Ramon, CA. Shaheen Hashemian tells us a little bit about the team, their methods of training and eating, and demonstrates how they lift weights weighing over 400 pounds!

Hi guys, I'm Veronica Hill with California Travel Tips. If you're a subscriber to this channel, you're either planning a trip to California, or you're a resident looking for new places to check out. Today I'm going to share some of my Top 10 travel tips for visiting California like a local. Tip No. 1: Book California State Park campgrounds exactly 7 months before you want to visit on http://www.ReserveAmerica.com. If you're hoping to score a busy holiday like the Fourth of July, reserve a few dates in the end of June, then add a few days to your visit. Securing a campground in Yosemite is also tricky. You'll need to log into http://www.Recreation.gov a few minutes before 7 a.m. on the 15th of the month — five months in advance of your visit. Popular campgrounds in the valley sell out in seconds! For example, if you want to book a stay between June 15 and July 14, you need to book on February 15. Tip No. 2: If you're going to Disneyland, take advantage of the FastPass service. Just insert your park ticket into the kiosk for a designated FastPass ride and you'll receive a ticket allowing you to return later and cut the line. I've found it's handy to have one person gather all of your tickets to get the Fast Pass while you wait in line for another attraction. If you have kids too small to ride an attraction, the Baby Switch Pass is another good bet. Just ask a cast member for the pass at the entrance. Make sure you ride the most popular attractions right when the park opens. Knott's has a similar service called FastLane, but you have to pay for it. Tip No. 3: Avoid traveling in the summer if you can. Most of the amusement parks are packed to capacity, with long lines and hot waits in the sun. The fall and winter sees much fewer crowds, and the hotels are cheaper too. Tip No. 4: Get on the Groupon list for each city you are visiting. You'll be able to get discounts on some really cool attractions and restaurants you may not have considered before. If you want great hotel rates, check out sites like Priceline or Hotel Tonight for last-minute lodging. Tip No. 5: If you plan on visiting several theme parks or attractions, look into the Go Card or City Pass. They offer discounts on many of the most popular sights in LA, San Diego and San Francisco. If you're a Costco member, many warehouses sell discount tickets to theme parks, restaurants and sporting events. Tip. No. 6: If there's an expensive restaurant you want to try, go during happy hour. Often you'll get to sample their best dishes and drinks at half the price. Tip No. 7: Families should plan their San Diego vacations in October, when the city hosts its Kids Free month. Many of the area's most popular attractions, including San Diego Zoo, the Wild Animal Park and Balboa Park are free for kids 12 and under. Tip No. 8: If your favorite hotel or campground is booked, try again seven days in advance. This is when many people cancel their reservations to avoid penalties. Tip No. 9: If you're heading to more than one of the seven California national parks, consider getting the annual pass for $80. Admission is free for all the parks in April during National Parks Week, and in November during Veterans Day weekend. Tip No. 10: For the best fares, book your trip midweek for flights departing and arriving on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday. The cheapest rates can often be found online between 10 p.m. Wednesdays and 6 a.m. Thursdays around the 7th of each month. Additionally, the cheapest fares are found 7, 14 and 21 days before you leave. These are just a few tips to get you started. If you some of your own to share, please drop us a line in the comments below. Thanks for watching! STAY IN TOUCH WITH CALIFORNIA TRAVEL TIPS SUBSCRIBE! http://tinyurl.com/p2fveuj LIKE ME ON FACEBOOK http://tinyurl.com/nqx9osq FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER https://twitter.com/Californiatips FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM http://instagram.com/californiatraveltips

Veronica Hill tours the Gibbon Conservation Center in Santa Clarita, CA, with YouTubers Todd Bieber, Bryan Simon and Paige McKenzie in this episode of "California Travel Tips." Watch until the end so you can click on their gibbon videos! https://www.youtube.com/ToddBieber http://www.YouTube.com/Brysi http://www.YouTube.com/HauntedSunshineGirl http://www.YouTube.com/RachelsEnglish Located 33 miles north of Los Angeles, the Gibbon Conservation Center is managed by Neta Ambar and Gabi Skollar, two passionate women who have dedicated their lives to the care and preservation of these endangered apes. Native to the rain forests of Southeast Asia, India and Southern China, Gibbons are among the most musical of primates, and can be heard up to 2 miles away. Gibbons can travel over 35 miles per hour and leap up to 50 feet at a time. All this while swinging 200 feet above the canopy floor. The swinging from branch to branch is called brachiating. I also learned that a gibbon's arms are 1 1/2 times longer than their legs! During our visit, Neta and Gabi share several interesting facts about the gibbons. The conservation center is home to several very rare gibbons, including one species that only has 500 left in the wild. The Gibbon Conservation Center is open from 9:30 a.m. to noon Saturdays and Sundays, with guided tours offered at 10 a.m. both days. In addition to tours, the Gibbon Conservation Center offers an Assistant Caregiver program, which allows you to prepare food, carry buckets and toss food to the gibbons. One important tip. It can get well over 100 degrees out here, so be sure to bring a hat and wear plenty of sunscreen. The Gibbon Conservation Center is located at 19100 Esguerra Rd, Santa Clarita, CA 91350. Call (661) 296-2737 or visit http://www.gibboncenter.org STAY IN TOUCH WITH CALIFORNIA TRAVEL TIPS SUBSCRIBE! http://tinyurl.com/p2fveuj LIKE ME ON FACEBOOK http://tinyurl.com/nqx9osq FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER https://twitter.com/Californiatips FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM http://instagram.com/californiatraveltips

Veronica Hill of California Travel Tips shares her best packing tips using the rolling method. This tutorial will show you what to pack for a week in a carry-on. A separate video will show you what to pack in your second allowance bag, which is a backpack. If you want to avoid checking your bags, buy a suitcase that's 45 linear inches, which is the total of the length, height and width of the bag. What I Pack for a Week in My Carry-On: A good rule is to pack 6 tops, 4 bottoms, 2 dresses, 3 shoes (tennies, dressy ballet flats and sandals), 2 bathing suits, 10 undies and 4 bras for a weeklong trip. Keep everything in 2-3 coordinating shades. In place of one top, bring a cardigan for cool nights, even in California. It's also great for dressing up an outfit and doesn't take up much space. 1) Roll up jeans and heavier garments first. 2) Put shoes in first, soles against the wall, followed by the rolled jeans and lighter items. 3) Camis add a pop of color and are great for layering or sleepwear. 4) Pack underwear and jewelry in your shoes. It will save space. 5) Pack several sizes of Zip bags. The 2 1/2 gallon size can double as packing cubes. Just sit on them and force out the air for the most space. You can pack an entire outfit in each bag for quick access each morning. Others can be used for dirty underwear, wet bathing suits, ice packs, or protection for your camera in wet weather. Put a dryer sheet in each Ziploc bag to keep clothes smelling fresh. 6) Follow the 311 rule. All liquids brought onto planes must be in 3.4-ounce bottles or smaller and inside a single, clear, quart-size zip-top bag. Store your liquids in the front pocket of your carry-on so it's easily accessible during security check. 7) Use tissue paper to roll up your silk, cotton and linen clothing. It helps prevent wrinkles. 8) I always pack a pair of black yoga pants and black tank top. They can double as PJs. Take advantage of the hotel laundry service. 9) Pack a versatile black dress, which can be worn to the beach, used as a coverup at the pool, or worn for a casual night out. 10) If you end up buying too much stuff at your destination, pack up all your dirty clothes and send it home by UPS. Then you'll have more room in your case! SUBSCRIBE! http://tinyurl.com/p2fveuj LIKE ME ON FACEBOOK http://tinyurl.com/nqx9osq FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER https://twitter.com/Californiatips FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM http://instagram.com/californiatraveltips

Hey everyone! I'm Veronica Hill with California Travel Tips and today I'm sharing my picks for the 10 best travel apps for visiting California. There are a few others worth mentioning, which I'll share with you guys in another episode. I hope you have a chance to check out these California travel apps. They are sure to be your friends next time you visit California! 1. If you're going to Disneyland, the Disneyland Wait Times Walkee app is worth a look. It features up-to-the-minute wait times, along with restaurant menus, park maps and a daily calendar. 2. If you want to spice up your visit, check out the Hidden Mickeys app, which sends you on a hunt for hidden surprises throughout the park. 3. Another favorite is EveryTrail Pro. This app allows you to search for hiking trails near your location, or download GPS-enabled sightseeing tours in big cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles. What's best? You can download the maps so you don't need cell service to follow the map. 4. Most of you are likely going to hit the beach at some time during your visit. For the latest surf reports, I like the free Surf Report by Oakley app. Powered by Surfline, this app shares the latest surf conditions in Southern and Northern California, updated several times daily. You can add your favorite surf spots to a list so they're always available at a glance. 5. Are you renting a car? Then iExit is a must. This app is great for road trips, telling you exactly what gas stations, restaurants and coffee shops are at your next freeway exit. Unlike Google and Apple Maps, it only suggests places that are in the direction you're heading. 6. Want to check out some great restaurants? Yelp is an old favorite. This is one of my favorite apps for discovering nearby restaurants and bars. Each listing has photos, phone numbers and customer reviews. You can add your own photos and reviews straight from the phone. 7. Open Table is another good choice. This app allows you to view restaurant menus near your GPS-enabled location, or search by restaurant name. Browse the menu, then make the reservation right from your phone. 8. Want to find out where the star chefs eat locally? Check out Chef's Feed. 9. Tipulator is another one of my favorites — just because I'm terrible at math. This app allows you to calculate the tip at a restaurant, or split the bill between several people. It's great for people like me who have trouble figuring these things out. 10. If you aren't picky about your activities, set up a Groupon for the cities you'll be traveling to. I've found deep discounts for skydiving in San Diego, wine tasting in Temecula, and winter whale watching cruises off Newport Beach. Why pay full price at the door? Finally, for all you light sleepers out there, check out Sleep Pillow. I've tried about 10 white noise apps, and this one is my favorite — perfect for hotels with thin walls and noisy neighbors. And if you get a good night's sleep, your trip is going to be much more enjoyable. Honorable mentions! TripIt is a great way to organize your trip into one master itinerary, which is available at a glance. You can set it up so hotel and flight reservations are automatically entered into the app. What are your top travel apps? Let me know in the comments below. Thanks for watching!!! STAY IN TOUCH WITH ME! LIKE ME ON FACEBOOK http://tinyurl.com/nqx9osq FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER https://twitter.com/Californiatips FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM http://instagram.com/californiatraveltips

Hi, I'm Veronica Hill and my channel is California Travel Tips! Subscribe for new California travel videos delivered to you every week! SUBSCRIBE! http://tinyurl.com/p2fveuj JOIN ME ON FACEBOOK http://tinyurl.com/nqx9osq TWITTER https://twitter.com/Californiatips INSTAGRAM http://instagram.com/californiatraveltips PINTEREST http://www.Pinterest.com/CaliforniaTips

Hey guys! I'm Veronica Hill with California Travel Tips and I'm really excited to show you a tour of the Wigwam Motel in San Bernardino/Rialto on California Route 66! This Route 66 motel, a beloved relic in San Bernardino since 1949, is the last of three remaining Wigwam motels in the country. (The other two are in Kentucky and Arizona). Designed by Frank Redford in the Native American style, the Wigwam motels on Route 66 have long been a favorite pilgrimage for Mother Road enthusiasts and are among the best Route 66 attractions. Each concrete teepee boasts updated amenities that include new Serta beds, free WiFi, flat screen TVs and refrigerators. Coffee is available in the lobby. While you're there, be sure to say hi to Kumar Patel, the motel's owner and a passionate Route 66 expert and preservationist. During your stay, you can take a dip in the kidney-shaped swimming pool, grill up a burger on the barbecue, or explore nearby attractions that include the site of the first McDonald's restaurant (now a Route 66 museum) or the Auto Club Speedway. If you can, time your visit for the annual Route 66 Rendezvous, held here each September. Fun Fact: The Cozy Cone Motel in Cars Land at Disneyland California Adventure was inspired by the Wigwam Motel in San Bernardino / Rialto and Holbrook, Arizona and the Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari, New Mexico. The "cozy" name comes from the Cozy Dog Drive-In in Springfield, Illinois. WIGWAM MOTEL 2728 E Foothill Blvd, San Bernardino, CA 92410 (909) 875-3005 http://www.wigwammotel.com The Rialto Wigwam Motel does not have a restaurant, so if you want to go out to eat, owner Kumar Patel recommends the following restaurants in San Bernardino: 1) Burger Mania: 124 W. Foothill Blvd., Rialto, CA 92376; (909) 874-5171; http://www.BurgerManiaWorld.com/menu.html 2) Brothers Pizza: 142 E. Foothill Blvd., Rialto, CA 92376; (909) 874-1987; http://www.brotherspizzarialto.com 3) Mitla Cafe (One of the oldest Mexican restaurants in Southern California and birthplace of the Taco Bell chain!) : 602 N. Mt Vernon Ave., San Bernardino, CA; (909) 888-0460. No website. Tip: *Downtown* San Bernardino can be a bit rough, so use caution at night. The location of the motel is perfectly safe. STAY IN TOUCH WITH US! SUBSCRIBE! http://tinyurl.com/p2fveuj LIKE ME ON FACEBOOK http://tinyurl.com/nqx9osq FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER https://twitter.com/Californiatips FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM http://instagram.com/californiatraveltips

Hey guys! Sorry I didn't put up a video today, but I've been filming all week at YouTube SpaceLA on an exciting program I can't talk about just yet. However I can tell you that I had an awesome opportunity to collaborate with some super cool YouTube creators like Maangchi, Jimmy Wong, Hilah Cooking, California Strength and Learning Station, along with some behind-the-scenes work with Cupcakes and Cardio and Cooking and Crafting. Stay tuned for some fun stuff coming your way!!! Cheers, and have a great Veteran's Day weekend!!!! ~ Veronica Maangchi: http://www.YouTube.com/user/Maangchi Jimmy Wong: http://www.youtube.com/user/jimmy Hilah Cooking: http://www.youtube.com/user/hilahcooking Learning Station: http://www.youtube.com/thelearningstation CaliforniaStrength: http://www.youtube.com/user/californiastrength Cupcakes and Cardio: http://www.youtube.com/user/cupcakesandcardio Cooking and Crafting: http://www.youtube.com/user/cookingandcrafting

Veronica Hill of California Travel Tips checks out Knott's Scary Farm in Buena Park. Held annually since 1973, Knott's Scary Farm is Southern California's largest Halloween event, featuring 160 acres of horror. Each night, more than 1,000 monsters lurk throughout the park and its 10 mazes. Navigate your way through the fog-filled streets of Ghost Town, then brave the twisted terror of Gunslinger's Grave, Forevermore and Pinocchio Unstrung. During Knott's Halloween Haunt, the Boardwalk is transformed into CarnEVIL — where wicked clowns roam the fun zone. While you're here, don't miss Black Magic, where Houdini's ghost haunts you with a host of demonic illusions. Over at Fiesta de Los Muertos, you can join a spooky dance, or head over to Necropolis for a trip inside Mirror Mirror or Uncle Willy's Slaughterhouse. Gypsy Camp is where you'll find most of the action. After getting your fortune told in one of the tents, head into one of its four mazes, including Dominion of the Damned, End Games, Trick or Treat and Delirium. Several shows are offered nightly, including Blood Drums, Carny Trash, Cursed and Calico Square's controversial "Hanging" — a staple here since 1979. Elvira's Sinema Seance, starring Elvira, Mistress of the Dark, plays on the Ghoul Time Theatre at 9 p.m. and 12:30 a.m. nightly. If you don't want to deal with the crowds, pay $65 for the Fright Lane with Skeleton key. You'll bypass all the lines, plus unlock additional rooms and scares in the mazes! Trapped, available for an additional $60 (for up to six people), is a reservation-only maze with a personalized experience. For Knott's Halloween Haunt discount tickets, get them online at Knotts.com for as low as $38 per person. It's $62 at the door! Knott's Halloween Haunt coupons are available at Burger King, offering $38 admission. Knott's Scary Farm parking is $20. Knott's Scary Farm hours are 7 p.m. until 1 a.m. weekdays, and 7 p.m. until 2 a.m. weekends. It runs from Sept. 26 through Nov. 2, 2013. Kids under 13 are not recommended to attend. Knott's Scary Farm tickets : https://www.knotts.com/haunt Music by Kevin MacLeod at http://www.Incompetech.com Songs: Nervous Piano, Day of Chaos, Measured Paces, Night of Chaos, Suvaco do Cristo STAY IN TOUCH WITH CALIFORNIA TRAVEL TIPS SUBSCRIBE! http://tinyurl.com/p2fveuj LIKE ME ON FACEBOOK http://tinyurl.com/nqx9osq FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER https://twitter.com/Californiatips FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM http://instagram.com/californiatraveltips

In today's episode of "California Travel Tips," we hop on the Metrolink Beach Train for a day at San Clemente Pier. San Clemente is one of Southern California's most accessible beaches, thanks to the Amtrak station that sits literally right on the sand. A weekend Metrolink pass is just $10, which is a really awesome deal considering the price of gas these days. Located just south of Dana Point and north of Oceanside, San Clemente is one of California's best surfing spots — home to legendary swells at places like Trestles, T-Street and Lost Winds. When you arrive, head to Fisherman's Restaurant — one of the best restaurants in San Clemente Pier for a Bloody Mary (with a view!) — or snag one of the straw palapas on the south side of the Pier for a day of swimming and sunbathing. The Beach Garden Cafe, located just across the street from the Metrolink San Clemente station, serves up some of the best clam chowder in town. Ready to get active? The 2.3-mile San Clemente Beach Trail is a great place to jog or cycle — stretching from North Beach above the pier down to San Clemente State Beach Park. If you're up for a longer ride, you can take it all the way up to the Ocean Institute in Dana Point. With an average year-round temperature of about 70 degrees, San Clemente weather is great no matter when you visit. In October, the city hosts its popular SeaFest — featuring surfing competitions and clam chowder contests along The Pier. Metrolink Beach Train Rules: It's OK to bring beach chairs, beach toys, beach umbrellas, towels, small pets in carriers, boogie boards, bicycles, fishing poles, ice chests, and strollers. No surfboards are allowed on the train, but there are plenty of places to get surfboard rentals in San Clemente. T Patterson Surf Shop (949-366-2022) and Terry Senate Surfboards (949-361-1740) are closest to the pier, and less than 1 mile from the San Clemente Metrolink Station. STAY IN TOUCH WITH VERONICA HILL OF CALIFORNIA TRAVEL TIPS LIKE ME ON FACEBOOK http://tinyurl.com/nqx9osq FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER https://twitter.com/Californiatips FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM http://instagram.com/californiatraveltips

Veronica Hill of California Travel Tips offers a guide to Lassen Volcanic National Park. Located about 50 miles from Redding in Northern California, Lassen National Park is named for Lassen Peak, which is the largest plug dome volcano in the world. The last Lassen eruptions were between 1914 and 1921, and it remains, along with nearby Mt. Shasta, the most likely volcano in the Cascades to erupt in the next few decades. They say this is the least visited of our national parks, and I find it really hard to believe because there's so much to do here! Most of the Lassen National Park attractions are located along Highway 89, which circles around the park. All four types of volcanoes are found here, including shield, plug dome, cinder cone and composite varieties. Start your Lassen tour at Loomis Museum, where you can check out historic displays of Lassen's 1915 eruption, then take the short 1-mile walk along the Lily Pond Nature Trail. From the southwest entrance, begin at Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center, where you can grab a bite to eat at Lassen Cafe — the only restaurant in Lassen National Park — or stock up on water or picnic fare. If you're looking for Lassen National Park lodging, Manzanita Lake is a great spot to go camping. Bring a tent or RV, or rent one of their cozy wooden Manzanita Lake cabins which start at $59 per night. The lake is a great spot for catch-and-release trout fishing, and they also offer kayak rentals! There are several places to go hiking in Lassen National Park. The Devastated Area Trail is a 1/2-mile loop that showcases evidence of the 1915 eruption. Plan on around 20 minutes to explore the paved interpretive trail, which is where much of the lava and hot rocks settled after the eruptions. Along the trail you'll see Hot Rock, a 27,000-year-old boulder that was blasted 3 miles from Lassen Peak; and Puzzled Rocks, which were torn from Lassen's Summit. Two miles away, you'll find Summit Lake, which is a great place to stop midday for a swim or a picnic. There are two campgrounds here as well! Continuing along Highway 89, you'll come to Kings Creek Falls before arriving at Upper Meadow, which is a great place to stop and stretch your legs. Be sure to pack a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water and snacks before attempting the strenuous 5-mile round-trip hike to Lassen Peak, which sits at 10,457 feet. To avoid the heat, start early in the morning, or come during the cooler fall months. While you're in Lassen, you have to do the Bumpass Hell Trail. It's three miles round trip and it's the signature hike in the park. Set alongside glacial Lake Helen, this 16-acre hydrothermal area sits on the eroded vent of Bumpass Mountain, a dormant dome volcano. Here, you'll find more than 75 fumaroles, turquoise-colored hot springs and mud pots fired by molten lava just 5 miles below the surface. This area was named for Kendall Bumpass, who lost his leg after falling into a boiling mud pot. Bumpass discovered the area in 1864 while hiking, and he called the place "Hell." The name stuck. Boiling pool is one of many unique features in the park. Although the temperatures of these hot spring pools vary, most fall between 150 and 200 degrees. A highlight is Big Boiler, which is the largest fumarole in the park, and the hottest in the world for a non-erupting volcano. If you're not up for the 3-mile hike, another great place to see volcanic activity is at Sulphur Works, which sits right off the highway near the southwest entrance. One word of advice: Stay on the boardwalks and trails. People are severely burned each year when they ignore this caution. Thanks for joining us at Lassen Volcanic National Park. See you next time! STAY IN TOUCH WITH CALIFORNIA TRAVEL TIPS SUBSCRIBE! http://tinyurl.com/p2fveuj LIKE ME ON FACEBOOK http://tinyurl.com/nqx9osq FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM http://instagram.com/californiatraveltips

Veronica Hill of California Travel Tips shares a travel guide to the Bumpass Hell Trail. This is the signature hike in Lassen Volcanic National Park, and one of the most active geothermal areas in California. Get on your best walking shoes for the 3-mile round trip hike, which passes glacial Lake Helen and climbs 500 feet before descending 250 feet into Bumpass Hell. This 16-acre hydrothermal area sits on the eroded vent of Bumpass Mountain, a dormant dome volcano. Here, you'll find more than 75 fumaroles, turquoise-colored hot springs and mud pots fired by molten lava just 5 miles below the surface. This is the same magma system that fed Lassen Peak's eruptions between 1914 and 1922. This area was named for Kendall Bumpass, who lost his leg after falling into a boiling mud pot. Bumpass discovered the area in 1864 while hiking, and he called the place "Hell." The name stuck. Mudpots are essentially the bridge between a boiling spring and a fumarole steam vent. Once solid lava, the bubbling mud pots have been softened by heat, gas and water. During a dry season the mud pots harden up and emit steam as a fumarole. During a wet year, they become more saturated and take the form of a boiling spring. The boiling pool is one of many unique features in the park. Although the temperatures of these hot spring pools vary, most fall between 150 and 200 degrees Farenheit. It's hard to believe, but bacteria can still live in these acid sulfate pools. As you walk along the boardwalk, you'll see evidence of the volcanic features that have shaped Lassen's landscape. A highlight is Big Boiler, which is the largest fumarole in the park, and the hottest in the world for a non-erupting volcano. Scientists have recorded steam temperatures as high as 322 degrees Farenheit. Fumaroles are created when magma or hot rocks mix with geothermal springs, creating an eruption of hot steam and gases. One thing you'll definitely notice is the rotten egg smell; that's hydrogen sulfide gas. The white and orange crust on the ground is formed by evaporated sulfate-rich water. One word of advice: Stay on the boardwalks and trails. People are severely burned each year when they ignore this caution, and it's a long hike plus car drive to the nearest first aid area. STAY IN TOUCH WITH CALIFORNIA TRAVEL TIPS SUBSCRIBE! http://tinyurl.com/p2fveuj LIKE ME ON FACEBOOK http://tinyurl.com/nqx9osq FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER https://twitter.com/Californiatips FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM http://instagram.com/californiatraveltips

Veronica Hill of California Travel Tips offers a guided tour of Old Sacramento State Historic Park in Sacramento, CA. Established in 1849, the Old Sacramento district was formed as eager miners, bankers and businessmen arrived for California's Gold Rush. Today, there are 53 historic Spanish-style buildings to explore, and many have been faithfully restored. Old Sacramento attractions include the 1851 Big Four House, named for the founders of the First Transcontinental Railroad; and the 1853 B. F. Hastings Building, which once housed the Pony Express terminal and California's Supreme Court. During Sacramento's boom years, miners and pioneers flocked to the Eagle Theatre, which was established in 1849. This was the first permanent theater in California, and is rumored to be haunted by its former owner. Set on 28 acres and roughly eight city blocks, Old Sacramento is packed with activities. You can tour Sacramento by electric bicycle or horse and carriage, explore the Sacramento Schoolhouse Museum, or hop aboard the California State Railroad Museum Sacramento Southern Railroad for a 40-minute train ride. Old Sacramento was the terminus of the Transcontinental Railroad and the last stop on the Pony Express. At 2nd and J streets, you'll find the Pony Express Monument, which commemorates the 1,900-mile mail route from Missouri to Sacramento. Another monument honors Theodore Judah, the engineer who helped design the first Transcontinental Railroad. In 1862, a record-breaking rainstorm flooded Sacramento, causing the city to raise the streets up to 14 feet by the 1870s. Underground Tours are offered through the Sacramento History Museum, where you can explore the legends that lurk beneath the city sidewalks; or you can check out Pioneer Park, which offers a glimpse at the lower levels of the city. For a unique overnight, hang your hat at The Delta King, which is docked on the Sacramento River waterfront. This 1920s riverboat cruised between San Francisco and Sacramento until the 1940s and is one of the most unique and charming hotels in Sacramento. In 1982, the Delta King was restored to the tune of $9 million, and now boasts modern hotel rooms, a theater, wine school and two charming Old Sacramento restaurants. One thing to remember — most of Old Town is metered parking, so you'll need some change to park. Change machines are located on almost every city block. LIKE ME ON FACEBOOK http://tinyurl.com/nqx9osq FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER https://twitter.com/Californiatips FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM http://instagram.com/californiatraveltips

Veronica Hill visits the Santa Monica Farmers Market with Hetal Jannu (http://www.YouTube.com/ShowMetheCurry) and Hilah Johnson from Hilah Cooking (http://www.YouTube.com/HilahCooking) in this episode of "California Travel Tips." The Downtown Farmers Market in Santa Monica is Southern California's largest certified farmers market and a favorite of LA's top chefs. The market runs on Wednesdays from 8:30 to 1:30 and has 75 farmers. It's located on Arizona, between Fourth and Ocean. When you arrive in the city, park in one of the garages near Arizona and 2nd streets. The first 2 hours are free! And if you valet at Santa Monica Place Mall, you can get free parking for 3 hours with restaurant validation. Hetal wants to learn how to pick the best peaches for her lassi (http://youtu.be/gkX53peeD2Y), so we're hoping some of the local farmers can help her out. Fresh and colorful produce surrounds us, from sweet cherry tomatoes to exotic passion fruit. Along the way, we discover some fresh ginger, which we've never seen on the stalk before. Some of our favorite finds are the organic dates from Bautista Family Ranch in Mecca .... and the strawberries from Harry's Berries in Oxnard. We also enjoyed some raw almonds from Fat Uncle Farms, and checked out the raw oysters and mussels from Carlsbad Aquafarm. Each week, a different Santa Monica restaurant is featured at the market. During our visit to the Wednesday Santa Monica Farmers Market, True Food Kitchen was serving up a delicious kale salad! So good in fact, that we went there for lunch afterward! __________________________ STAY IN TOUCH WITH US! LIKE ME ON FACEBOOK http://tinyurl.com/nqx9osq FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER https://twitter.com/Californiatips FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM http://instagram.com/californiatraveltips

Veronica Hill of California Travel Tips visits Santa Monica to tour the Annenberg Community Beach House (http://beachhouse.smgov.net/visit-us/hours-and-admission.aspx). Opened in 2009 at Santa Monica State Beach, this is Southern California's most exclusive public beach club, with all the perks of a private membership without the high price tag. The Santa Monica beach house sits on the former 1929 estate of actress Marion Davies — which was a gift from her boyfriend, William Randolph Hearst. It was partially designed by Julia Morgan, who is best known for creating Hearst Castle in San Simeon. Today, the swimming pool and 7,000-square-foot guest house are all that's left of the original 5-acre compound, which was called the "Versailles of Hollywood." Free docent-led tours are offered through the Santa Monica Conservancy. When you visit, start with a dip in the Annenberg Beach House pool, where stars like Clark Cable, Carole Lombard, Cary Grant and Gloria Swanson often came to swim — then head out to one of the six volleyball courts for a game on the sand. Volleyball clinics and camps are held regularly during the summer, along with beach soccer and tennis. Upstairs, you can take in the ocean views on the Veranda Deck, or read a book in the Rec Room. Yoga classes are offered at 9 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. If you get hungry, the Back on the Beach Café (http://www.backonthebeachcafe.com) serves up a basic menu, ranging from burgers to fish tacos. Just watch out for the seagulls! A long wooden boardwalk heads right out to the beach, where you can rent a private cabana or join a surfing or Stand Up Paddleboarding class. If you want to go on your own, the Beach House offers SUP rentals as well. My suggestion? Just kick back and enjoy the views. Here's a Tip: Admission to the pool, parking passes and class reservations can be made up to three days in advance on their website. The pool season runs May 25 through Sept. 7, but additional pool days are added. To be notified, visit https://app.e2ma.net/app/view:Join/signupId:1355901/acctId:1354771 BEACH HOUSE INFO 415 Pacific Coast Highway, Santa Monica, CA 90402 310-458-4904 STAY IN TOUCH WITH CALIFORNIA TRAVEL TIPS SUBSCRIBE! http://tinyurl.com/p2fveuj LIKE ME ON FACEBOOK http://tinyurl.com/nqx9osq CIRCLE ME ON GOOGLE PLUS http://tinyurl.com/odkmbqk FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER https://twitter.com/Californiatips FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM http://instagram.com/californiatraveltips BUY MY APPS! California Essential Guide App: ITUNES: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/id428163062?mt=8 GOOGLE PLAY: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sutromedia.android.guide.ca.essential.guide568&hl=en Yosemite Travel Essentials App: ITUNES: https://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewSoftware?id=606694986&mt=8 DISNEYLAND INSIDER'S TRAVEL GUIDE ITUNES: https://itunes.apple.com/ua/app/disneyland-insiders-travel/id528739310?mt=8 GOOGLE PLAY: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sutromedia.android.guide.disney.guide&hl=en

In this episode of "California Travel Tips," I'll show you the sights and attractions of Santa Monica Pier — one of the best things to do in Santa Monica! Santa Monica Pier is one of the West Coast's oldest pleasure piers, dating back to 1909. Pacific Park is one of the best Santa Monica attractions, serving up all kinds of family fun — from carnival-style boardwalk amusements to fast moving roller coasters. It's the West Coast's only amusement park located on a pier. Be sure to ride on the Pacific Wheel — the world's first solar-powered Ferris wheel — then hop aboard the West Coaster, which travels 35 miles per hour around the pier. At the Playland Arcade, you can play vintage video games or get your fortune told by Zoltar, a famous icon from the movie "Big." While you're touring Santa Monica Pier, be sure to take a spin on the 1922 carousel, which was featured in Paul Newman's movie, The Sting. Featuring 44 hand-carved horses, the Santa Monica Pier carousel is located inside the historic Santa Monica Loof Hippodrome, which was built in 1916. Downstairs, at the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium run by Heal the Bay, you can get a close-up look at moon jellies, moray eels and other Pacific ocean sea life. Most Santa Monica Pier restaurants serve up typical fun park fare — ranging from funnel cakes and churros to Dippin' Dots and Icees. There are several full service restaurants on the pier, or you can head down to the Santa Monica boardwalk for a Hot Dog on a Stick, an icon here since 1946. (This was the first restaurant in the famous chain.) Bring your circus dreams to life at the Trapeze School of New York, or rent a bike for a leisurely ride to Venice Beach. The South Bay Bicycle Trail in Santa Monica is the world's longest beach cycling path, stretching 22 miles from Torrance to Malibu. Santa Monica Muscle Beach dates back to the 1930s. This outdoor gym, which was a favorite hangout for Jack LaLane, is credited as being the birthplace of America's fitness boom. All of the equipment here is free to use, from the rings and bars to the tightropes. The Muscle Beach in Venice Beach now caters to the weight lifting crowd. Just across the way is International Chess Park, which boasts a human-size chessboard and a variety of free permanent tables. Did we forget your favorite Santa Monica Pier attraction or restaurant? Let us know in the comments below! SUBSCRIBE! http://tinyurl.com/p2fveuj LIKE ME ON FACEBOOK http://tinyurl.com/nqx9osq FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER https://twitter.com/Californiatips FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM http://instagram.com/californiatraveltips

Veronica Hill of California Travel Tips tours Lake Shasta Caverns (http://lakeshastacaverns.com) located just north of Redding, CA, off Interstate 5. Open year-round, tours at Shasta Lake Caverns depart every 30 minutes during the summer. Our underground adventure begins with a narrated Lake Shasta tour , followed by a scenic bus ride 800 feet up to the North Gray Rocks visitor center. After enjoying stunning views of the lake, our guide Dave Mundt opens the cave's doors, and we begin our journey. Although first known to the Wintu Indians, Shasta Caverns was "officially" discovered on November 3, 1878 by J.A. Richardson, an employee at the Baird Fish Hatchery. The caverns opened to the public in 1964, and became a National Natural Landmark in 2012. Lake Shasta Caverns are estimated to be roughly 250 million years old, formed by volcanic activity in the Klamath Mountain range. Inside, you'll find a spectacular world of flowstones, stalagtites, stalagmites and fluted columns. Geologists theorize that limestone caverns are formed when ground water and decayed organic materials make its way through the limestone fissures. As carbonic acid was formed, the soft limestone dissolved and created holes that were eventually filled with calcium carbonate. After several hundred years, calcite formations such as stalactites (which hang from above) and stalagmites (formed on the ground) were formed. Our first stop is the Discovery Room, where Richardson first made his descent more than 20 feet above the cave floor. His inscription, written in carbon on November 3, 1878, is still visible in the cave. Next, Dave leads us into the Crystal Room, which is filled with unique and fantastical formations. In the Underground Classroom, also known as the Basement Room, we get to touch some of the cave's flowstone deposits. Our last stop is the cavernous Thompson Room or Cathedral Room, which is the largest and most impressive in the caverns. The 2-hour Shasta Lake tour ends with a scenic walk down to the visitor center, where we catch our boat back to the parking lot. If you plan on staying in the area, the caverns offer dinner cruises on Shasta Lake! LIKE ON FACEBOOK http://tinyurl.com/nqx9osq FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER https://twitter.com/Californiatips FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM http://instagram.com/californiatraveltips# SUBSCRIBE! http://tinyurl.com/p2fveuj

Veronica Hill visits McArthur Burney Falls State Park in this episode of "California Travel Tips." This beautiful evergreen forest, located just north of Redding between Lassen Peak and Mt. Shasta in California's lava country, is famous for its 129-foot waterfall, which cascades from Burney Creek down into Lake Britton. Burney Falls are a sacred place for the Pit River Indian Tribe, who have held ceremonial rituals here for thousands of years. President Theodor Roosevelt called these falls one of the wonders of the world. The year-round falls are formed by melting snow from Burney Mountain, which travels through underground streams before hitting solid rock and flowing back to the surface. Each day, more than 100 million gallons of water plunge over the falls. While you're at Burney Falls, don't miss the Falls Loop Trail, which is a 1-mile hike to the base of the falls and back up. During the walk, you'll see lava flows and fractured basalt — evidence of the region's turbulent volcanic activity. After descending 100 feet into Burney Canyon, we're rewarded with a cool mist at the base of the falls. The 20-foot pool is quite popular with fishermen, who regularly pull in rainbow, brook and brown trout. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks are allowed, and the season runs from late April through Nov. 15. Swimming is discouraged in the pool, which maintains a chilly 48 degrees. As the trail continues uphill, you'll reach the top of the falls and circle back to the visitor center. The cliffs at the edge of the falls are unstable, so be sure to stay behind the fence! If you want to stay the night, Burney Falls State Park has an excellent campground, with 128 sites, flush restrooms and showers. You can also book one of their 1- or 2-bedroom cabins, which are equipped with fire rings, propane heaters, picnic tables and bunk beds. Just note that there is no electricity, so bring along lanterns and your own bedding. At the Burney Falls General Store, you can stock up on grocery items, souvenirs and snacks. During your stay, you can rent a canoe, paddle or rowboat for a day on Lake Britton, or head into Lassen Volcanic National Park. The McArthur Burney Falls park Heritage Day is held annually on Columbus Day in October. After visiting Burney Falls, be sure to pull into Dusty Campground for a peek at the bridge from "Stand By Me." Thanks for joining us at Burney Falls! SUBSCRIBE! http://tinyurl.com/p2fveuj LIKE ME ON FACEBOOK http://tinyurl.com/nqx9osq FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER https://twitter.com/Californiatips FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM http://instagram.com/californiatraveltips

California Travel Tips host Veronica Hill heads into the Mojave Desert to check out Randsburg Ghost Town. Located in Kern County along scenic Highway 395, Randsburg is one of California's few "living" ghost towns, home to approximately 80 residents. The Rand Mining District was established in 1895, when gold was discovered in the Rand mountains. It's estimated that Randsburg produced more than $60 million in gold during its boom. There also was plenty of tungsten ore and silver. One of the most productive gold mines was the Yellow Aster, which yielded $25 million between 1895 and 1933. Be sure to check out the Randsburg Jail, located at the entrance to Randsburg, then head inside the Rand Desert Museum, where you'll find mining exhibits, memorabilia and artifacts from the Rand Mining District. Be sure to say hi to curator J. Bart Parker, and tell him we said hello! Most of Randsburg's surviving Old West buildings are located along Butte Avenue. The Santa Barbara Catholic Church dates back to 1904, but the first church was built here in 1897. The Randsburg Post Office dates back to 1896. On holidays, local thespians don period costumes for plays and melodramas at the Randsburg Opera House. The Randsburg General Store is the hub of action in Randsburg, especially during the fall when the weather cools off and ATV riders arrive. You have to order the Black Bart. It's a signature item here! Built in 1896 as the Jones Drug Store, this popular hangout is a huge draw for tourists who fuel up on burgers and sandwiches, washed down with a phosphate soda. The building still has its original tin ceilings, light fixtures and soda fountain dating back to 1904. For a bit of wild west nostalgia, head into the White House Saloon, which hosted miners, cowboys, Indians and clampers during the boom years; or check out The Joint, a local watering hole that's been here since the 1950s. If you want to stay the night, Goat's Sky Ranch is a B&B with miner's cabin rentals, or you can check into the Randsburg Inn , which sits on the former site of the Orpheum Theater, My Place Dance Hall and Commercial Hotel. One thing to consider — Randsburg literally becomes a ghost town during the week. The best time to visit is on the weekend, when most businesses are operating. Thanks for joining us in Randsburg. I'll see you next time! SUBSCRIBE! http://tinyurl.com/p2fveuj LIKE ME ON FACEBOOK http://tinyurl.com/nqx9osq FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER https://twitter.com/Californiatips FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM http://instagram.com/californiatraveltips

Located just south of Long Beach and north of Huntington Beach, Seal Beach is a quaint seaside community of charming shops, historic homes and great surf. At just 13.2 square miles, it's one of the smallest beachfront communities in Southern California. Start your visit at Main Street and Ocean Avenue, which is the center of action in Seal Beach. Set up a spot on the sand, take your kids to the play park or go surfing. The beach's annual Kite Festival takes place in September. Seal Beach is home to the second longest wooden pier in California. Built in 1906, Seal Beach Pier stretches 1,835 feet. Say hello to Slick the Seal, then stroll to the end of the pier for sweeping views of Long Beach, the Queen Mary and the Seal Beach shoreline. That big white hangar you see in the distance was once home to Howard Hughes' Spruce Goose. Be sure to bring a jacket, as it can get cold out on the pier — even on a sunny day. After enjoying the morning on the beach, take a break for lunch with a stroll along historic Main Street, which is dotted with cute boutiques and some of the best restaurants in Seal Beach. Walt's Wharf is a great place for fresh seafood and clam chowder, and The Hangout is popular for brunch. For dinner, don't miss Mahe restaurant, located in the historic Airport Club building on PCH. The food is incredible! Electric Avenue, which intersects Main Street, once serviced the 40-mile Pacific Electric Railway line from Los Angeles to Balboa Peninsula. The Seal Beach Red Car Museum is housed in a Pacific Electric Tower Car dating back to 1925. Open from noon to 3 on the second and fourth Saturday of the month, the museum offers a glimpse at historic photos, signs and memorabilia from the Red Car line. The Seal Beach Naval Weapons Station is home to the West Coast's World War II Submarine Memorial. It's located on Seal Beach Boulevard and is open to the public. If you're looking to avoid the crowds and enjoy a day on the beach, Seal Beach is a great destination. Have fun!!! SUBSCRIBE! http://tinyurl.com/p2fveuj LIKE ME ON FACEBOOK http://tinyurl.com/nqx9osq FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER https://twitter.com/Californiatips FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM http://instagram.com/californiatraveltips

In this episode of "California Travel Tips," Veronica Hill goes on one of LA's best hikes — the trek to Big Horn Mine and Miner Vincent's Cabin in the San Gabriel Mountains. The trailhead to the cabin and mine is located at Vincent Gap on Highway 2 (Angeles Crest Highway), which connects metropolitan Los Angeles with the mountain village of Wrightwood. Be sure to buy a $5 adventure pass at the Grassy Hollow Visitor Center before heading out, or you're likely be fined. You can also buy passes at Jensen's in Wrightwood, or Big 5 Sporting Goods stores. Plan on a half day for the moderate 4-mile round trip hike to Big Horn Mine, which follows an old wagon trail around the north slope of Mount Baden-Powell. The hike to Vincent's Cabin is roughly 2 miles round trip. Be sure to bring along snacks, plenty of water, sunscreen, and some bug spray. When you come upon the signs, you're going to want to stay right for the mine, or head downhill to the left for Vincent's Cabin. The cabin trail heads down into the valley, cutting through several types of terrain. During the hike, you'll see wildflowers, manzanita, Jeffrey pines, and even a lizard or two. There's no cell service out here, so I always carry my GPS to make sure I'm going in the right direction. You can download directions with the EveryTrail app. When you come upon these two downed trees you're going to cross the log and head down the trail. After walking nearly 25 minutes, the cabin comes into view. This little clearing was the home of prospector Charles Vincent Dougherty, a Civil War veteran who arrived in Los Angeles around 1868. On the run for murdering an Arizona claim jumper in self defense, he ended up hiding out here in San Gabriel mountains. He built a one-room cabin with shingles hewn from nearby trees, and changed his name to Charles Tom Vincent. The fireplace was crafted from locally harvested stone, and Vincent placed two bunks on each side of the fireplace. He lived here in solitude for nearly 40 years. While you're here, you can check out some of Vincent's artifacts, including old tin cans, bottle caps and a frying pan. Be sure to leave everything as you found it so others can enjoy its historical significance. In 1895, while hunting Big Horn Sheep, Vincent struck gold. Big Horn Mine produced 3,701 ounces of gold, 2,430 ounces of silver and 1,357 pounds of copper — generating roughly 100,000 dollars. Recently, the gold mine and its surrounding 277 acres was purchased by the U.S. Forest Service for $2 million. According to the L.A. Times, there are still roughly 262,000 ounces of gold in the mine — which is worth more than $430 million today. There are a few washed out areas and scrambles to get to the mine, but it's well worth the trek. The crumbling mine complex is quite impressive, with a maze of passages and tunnels totaling about 3,500 feet. If you peek inside, you can still see some of the ore cart rails, but most of the sites have been blocked off (and it's always a bad idea to enter an old mine shaft). The Bighorn Mine stamp mill is very rickety, but offers amazing views of the valley, Mount Baldy and Iron Mountain. This is a great place to stop for lunch before heading back down to Vincent Gap. We think this is one of LA's best hikes. Hope you do too! Vincent lived in this valley until the age of 83, making yearly trips into LA to watch the baseball games. He'd bring along a sack of gold each time, placing it in a safe deposit box. Vincent died in 1926, and is buried at the National Cemetery in Los Angeles. For more information about the history of Big Horn Mine and Miner Charles Vincent Dougherty, visit the Wrightwood Firehouse Museum. SUBSCRIBE! http://tinyurl.com/p2fveuj

Veronica Hill offers a tour of Three Arch Bay in Laguna Beach in this episode of "California Travel Tips." This private access beach sits in South Laguna at the intersection of Dana Point. It gets Veronica's vote as one of the best beaches in California! According to resident Karen Turnbull, the name Three Arch Bay came from wandering Spanish Shepherds during the 1800s, meaning "Bay of the Three Little Windows." The 29 acres of private property on Three Arch Bay sold for just $135,000 in 1926. The first home in Three Arch Bay was built in 1927, and sites sold for $500 in 1932. I think there are roughly 500 homes today, which sit on 120 acres. This is not the Laguna Beach you've seen on reality TV. Three Arch Bay homes feel more like New England cottages with large lawns, colorful flower beds and lots of golf carts for getting around. There are tons of families here, and they often host game nights in the community park. During the Fourth, the fireworks in Three Arch Bay light up the cove from a barge off shore. It's really impressive. Famous residents have included costume designer Edith Head, 1940s director Edward H. Griffith — known for movies like Perilous Holiday and Bahama Passage — and Sterling Holloway, who you know better as the voice of Winnie the Pooh and the Cheshire Cat. The brick mansion in the distance was built by General Proctor in 1933. It's called Cliff Coté. Word has it that old time director Cecil B. DeMille wanted to build a castle on Whale Island! Shell Bay is where most of the action is. There are volleyball nets, kayaks, and the snorkeling is great out here. Three Arch Bay has also been the site of a few movies, including Erroll Flynn's 1935 film, Captain Blood., and the 1936 film "Give Us This Night." Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys mentions Three Arch Bay in his song, California Feeling. In fact, a few years ago, the Beach Boys performed a private party down here on the beach! A few local landmarks are Bird Rock, Whale Island (which is where the arches are) and Rogers Point. Read more at http://www.light-headed.com/asite/laguna/laguna_history/three_arch_bay.php SUBSCRIBE! http://tinyurl.com/p2fveuj LIKE ME ON FACEBOOK http://tinyurl.com/nqx9osq CIRCLE ME ON GOOGLE PLUS http://tinyurl.com/odkmbqk FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER https://twitter.com/Californiatips FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM http://instagram.com/californiatraveltips BUY MY APPS! California Essential Guide App: ITUNES: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/id428163062?mt=8 GOOGLE PLAY: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sutromedia.android.guide.ca.essential.guide568&hl=en Yosemite Travel Essentials App: ITUNES: https://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewSoftware?id=606694986&mt=8 DISNEYLAND INSIDER'S TRAVEL GUIDE ITUNES: https://itunes.apple.com/ua/app/disneyland-insiders-travel/id528739310?mt=8 GOOGLE PLAY: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sutromedia.android.guide.disney.guide&hl=en