If you are reading SIN PRISA for the first time, welcome. If you are returning, welcome back. Mil gracias (a thousand thank yous) for being here.
In case you missed it, check out last month's newsletter Going Back to Cali Cali 🇺🇸 on the highs and lows of returning home after an extended period of travel.
Bonjour amies,
If you won an all expenses paid trip to California, where would you spend the majority of your time?
Since returning home, I’ve challenged myself to spend the majority of my time in nature.
Prior to this I was making it rain in IKEA and Target on the weekends buying knick knacks I did not need. Before I knew it the weekend was over and I spent the majority of it filling my home with more clutter.
These days, nature is my go to place to spend my free time. The outdoors has become my portal to connect with the natural world, which has reactivated a few of my stale senses. The outdoors has also proven to be a much appreciated break from our state's materialistic and fast-paced culture.
Never in a million years did I think I would develop an attachment to this side of California. Thank GOD for growth.
Though California is home to a vibrant nature and outdoors scene, it reamains explored by a small percentage of our population.
So much so, the state of California recently announced a $50 million grant for nature-based outdoor programs. The outdoor equity grants program aims to help more Californians explore the outdoors and spend time in the natural world.
Go Cali!
Upon hearing this great news I thought, but what about tourists and travelers? How might we help visitors explore California’s nature-based destinations and enjoy the outdoors too?
I went down a rabbit hole, researching the best ways for tourists to reach the outdoors. I searched high and low for transportation routes, tours, services, and other offerings.
Unfortunately, I found our statewide infrastructure for connecting individuals directly to the outdoors is not as robust as other places in the world. Without a car, exploring nature-based destinations in California can be difficult. There are certainly routes available but most require multiple transfers and few are direct.
This inspired me to curate a guide and round up accessible nature-based destinations individuals can reach without a car. These destinations rarely make headlines and are lesser known areas throughout the state.
If you visit one of these places on a future trip, be sure to share your experience. I’d love to see pictures and hear stories of how you experienced California’s outdoors.
In the meantime, I hope you enjoy!
Southern California
Millard Falls Trailhead @ Millard Canyon, Altadena
Miles: ~ 2.7
Level: Moderate
How to get there: Take the 662 Metro bus toward Altadena. Hop off at Lincoln Ave/Altadena Dr. and walk north toward Loma Alta. Make a right on Sunset Ridge Rd and the Loma Alta Trail is approximately ~500 feet from there and leads to Millard Canyon.
Be sure to bring water and snacks Altadena is known for extremely hot temperatures.
Portuguese Bend, Palo Verdes
Miles: ~4.3
Level: Moderate
How to get there: Take the 225 PVPTA bus toward Palo Verdes Blvd. Hop off at Crest Rd. & Crenshaw Blvd. Take a right on Crenshaw Blvd and walk ~11 minutes to reach Portuguese Bend Reserve.
Central California
Cavern Point Loop @ Santa Cruz Island, Channel Islands National Park
Miles: ~1.7
Level: Easy
How to get there: From Ventura Harbor hop on a Island Packer boat. Boats run 5-7 days a week and take approximately one hour. Day trips are highly recommended.
Monterey Bay Coastal Recreational Trail, Pacific Grove
Miles: ~18 (don’t worry you don’t have to walk all 18)
Level: Easy
How to get there: From the Monterey Transit Plaza take the B JAZZ MST bus toward the Aquarium. Hop off at Foam/Reeside and walk 4 minutes to the trail nearest Sister City Park.
Northern California
Sequoia Bayview Trail @ Joaquin Miller Park, Oakland
Miles: ~3
Level: Easy
How to get there: From Fruitvale BART station take the 39 AC Transit bus toward Skyline High School. Hop off at Joaquin Miller Road and Crockett, cross the road toward Palos Colorados Trail and head east to the trail.
East Peak @ Mount Tamalpais, Marin County
Miles: ~4
Level: Hard
How to get there: From Sausalito Ferry Terminal take the 61 Marin Transit bus. Hop off at Panoramic Hwy & Edgewood Ave.
If you’d like to learn more about hitting the trails via public transportation check out the links below. If you have a favorite nature-based destination in California let me know in the comments.
Until next time, take it slow 🦥
E
California at a glance
Budget: $$$$$
Best time: June - October
Best Public Transportation: Amtrak
Primary Languages: English and Spanish
Best region: Southern California
Best eats: Mexican, support our local food trucks
Questions? Send me a note sinprisatravel@gmail.com.
Need support or want to chat? Book time with me here. I’ve curated 20+ trips for solo, couple, and small group travelers across the globe. I’d love to hear about your trip dreams!
Thanks for sharing these locations. I hope to be able to go to one.
Hi Elise, hope you're enjoying home. I love beaches. But definitely nature's included. I always found it easier to get to beaches transportation wise here. Now I'm in Sacramento, I definitely want to see the big trees.