Still one of my favorite national parks in the United States, Joshua Tree sits just about a 90 minute drive from Los Angeles, and is truly "other-wordly" feeling when you're there. Joshua Tree National Park is characterized by rugged rock formations and stark desert landscapes. Named for the region’s twisted, bristled Joshua trees, the park straddles the cactus-dotted Colorado Desert and the Mojave Desert, which is higher and cooler. Keys View looks out over the Coachella Valley. Hiking trails weave through the boulders of Hidden Valley. The park offers visitors endless opportunities for exploration and discovery. Depending on the number of hours you [...]

Only a little more than an hour's drive from Los Angeles is a valley that features beautiful scenery, ubiquitous citrus groves, world-famous spas, hiking and biking trails, and a charming little historic town full of restaurants, shops and galleries. It's Ojai - and it's the perfect spot for a quick getaway from the Los Angeles area. Start your day by renting a bike for 2 hours (about $25) at The Mob Shop in downtown Ojai. They'll give you an easy-to-follow map of a scenic, 10-mile, paved bike path loop that meanders around the edge of town and goes up a little into [...]