Author Archives: Krista Simmons

Nostalgic Motor Hotels Are Having a Moment. These Are the Best in the West.

To truly understand the West, you have to get on the road. And there’s no better way to do so than visiting some of… Read More

The Best Pet-Friendly Hotels in the West Have Everything from Doggie Tapas to Pooch-Inclusive Weddings

There’s nothing greater than hitting the road with your best friend—and that rings particularly true if your friend happens to have four legs. Thankfully,… Read More

This Flying Boat Is the Robo-Taxi of the Future (and It’s Coming to the Bay Area)

Travelers and locals alike have become increasingly familiar with the Bay Area’s punishing traffic jams, which at times might make L.A.’s freeways look… Read More

California Is Having Another Gold Rush. Here’s Where to Try Your Hand at Panning.

It’s been an incredible winter of punishing storms in California, particularly in the Sierra Nevada. And although the storms have had a… Read More

Plant Rental is the Most Anxiety-Reducing, Mood-Boosting Hotel Amenity We’ve Ever Seen

There have been plenty of studies that have shown that indoor plants can improve focus, decrease depressive moods, and lessen symptoms of anxiety. Read More

This Secret Airport Upgrade Is the Next Best Thing to Flying Private

In an era when travel can reach peak suck—delays, cancellations, weather hazards—I’m all about the little (and not so little) luxuries. Stockpiling credit-card… Read More

This Historic Santa Monica Hotel Is Perfect for Summer

There is perhaps no more iconic facade along Santa Monica’s Ocean Avenue than The Georgian, a turquoise Art Deco… Read More

It’s National Parks Week—Here’s How to Explore Them Easily (and for Free!) Right Now

National Parks Week is upon us, and there’s no better time to celebrate the beauty of our country’s… Read More

Here’s Where to Travel This Spring and Summer Based on Your Zodiac Sign

It’s that time of year where we’re starting to plan our spring and summer travels, and rather than leaving things up to chance or… Read More

This Beachy New Santa Barbara Hotel Is Giving Us All the Spring Wanderlust

The winter weather just won’t let up here in Southern California, and it definitely has us dreaming of sunnier skies. Thankfully,… Read More

Sleep Tourism Is Trending. We Tried it, and the Results Aren’t What You’d Expect.

Healthy sleep has been getting a lot of attention lately in the world of wellness, and for good reason. Proper sleep is absolutely… Read More

Endless Winter: The Ski Season Will Extend Through the Summer at These Resorts in the West

It’s been a punishing winter for California, with unrelenting floods and massive snowfall hitting vulnerable parts of the state, and in some cases, like… Read More

We Have Two Brand New National Monuments (And Yes, They’re Totally Spectacular)

On March 21, President Joe Biden announced the establishment of two new national monuments in Nevada and Texas, done in an effort to… Read More

Yes, You Can Swim with Whale Sharks in the Bay Jacques Cousteau Called ‘The World’s Aquarium’

Growing up in the West, I never had a shortage of opportunities to explore the sea, from rough-water swimming to bodyboarding to one of… Read More

This Super Bloom Hotline Will Give You the 411 on This Year’s Wildflowers

After three years of incredibly dry, hot seasons, we have finally received enough rain to result in what may be a super bloom. In… Read More

Dwindling Supplies, Downed Power Lines, Exploding Homes: Inside the San Bernardino Mountains’ State of Emergency

We’re usually covering Big Bear, Lake Arrowhead, and their surrounding communities for the charming A-Frame cabins, amazing indie food scene, and incredible… Read More

This Live Cam of Bald Eagles in Their Snow-Covered Nest Is the Winter Storm Calm We All Need

Snow is dumping in the West. And with news reporters completely freaking out over the massive winter storm, it’s… Read More

A Vicious Winter Storm Has Already Canceled 1,600 Flights—Here’s What to Know

It’s a wild week in weather, with much of the West under severe weather alerts, and in Los Angeles, there are even blizzard warnings… Read More

Disneyland’s Sleek New Hotel Will Transport You Inside the Most Iconic Animated Movies

If you’re looking for a fully immersive trip into the magical world of Walt Disney, you’re going to want to look into booking a… Read More

This Oakland-Based Org Is Continuing to Shift Nature’s Narrative Around Black Joy

It’s been nothing short of inspirational to follow the journey of Rue Mapp, the founder of Outdoor Afro, a national… Read More

I’ve Been a Solo Traveler for 15 Years—These Are My Tips for Doing It Right

I’ll be the first to admit there’s nothing better than sharing a sunset with your partner, exploring a new destination with your bestie,… Read More

This New Big Bear Hotel Is Like Living in a Magazine (And It’s Now Open for Your Winter Getaway)

Big Bear has always been an iconic mountain escape, especially for Southern Californians. The only problem is, there aren’t a ton of top-tier… Read More

These Items from Target Will Save Your Winter Travel Plans (And They’re All Under $10)

Peak snow season is upon us, and whether you’re a world-class shredder or are just heading out for some après action by… Read More

Now Is the Absolute Best Time To Book This Bucket List California Trip (But You Only Have Until April to Do It!)

If you’re anything like me, your TikTok For You Page is filled with all sorts of encounters with whales these days. The mesmerizing, graceful… Read More