California RADtrip

It all started with a random conversation about traveling—one of those laid-back exchanges where someone says, "Wouldn't it be fun to just go somewhere?" Typically, these chats fizzle out after a few jokes, but this time felt different. My friends from Hawaii, always up for an adventure, suggested they pick me up for a road trip. And just like that, a spontaneous plan was born!

**The Beginning: Picking Me Up and a Pit Stop at Porto's**

True to their word, my friends showed up in full force. They drove all the way to pick me up, and we kicked off our adventure together. Our first stop? Porto's Bakery. If you’ve never been, it’s a must-try! With soft, buttery pastries and savory empanadas, we were in food heaven before we even hit the road. It was the perfect pit stop to fuel both our bellies and our excitement.

**First Leg: Sequoia National Park**

From Porto's, we took a leisurely drive to Sequoia National Park—a place we had all dreamed of visiting for a while. After a short rest, we woke up the next morning ready to explore the park. The drive there was breathtaking, and the moment we entered, the towering Sequoia trees left us in awe.

There’s something magical about these ancient giants. We walked a bit to see the General Sherman Tree, the largest tree in the world by volume. Standing next to that colossal tree truly made us feel small in the grand scheme of time. Nature has a remarkable way of putting everything into perspective.

After soaking in the sights, we returned to our hotel to rest before our next adventure.

**Second Leg: Big Sur – Where Beauty Knows No Bounds**

The following day, we drove along the coast to Big Sur, one of California’s most iconic stretches of road. Our first stop was Bixby Creek Bridge—arguably one of the most photographed bridges in the world. Its beauty, soaring across the canyon, felt almost too perfect to be real.

Next, we visited McWay Falls. The falls cascade beautifully into the ocean, and the entire scene seemed like something straight out of a painting. We had lunch at a restaurant perched on a cliff, where the view was almost as delicious as the food.

We wrapped up the day by driving to Monterey to visit John Denver’s memorial stone. As a lifelong fan of his music, seeing that marker felt incredibly personal. His songs have always meant so much to me, and being in that peaceful place brought a sense of closure and joy. We ended the night with some amazing BBQ food—what a perfect way to cap off an unforgettable day!

**Third Leg: San Francisco and Beyond**

On day three, we made our way to the northern part of San Francisco. Our first stop? The other side of the Golden Gate Bridge offered an entirely different perspective of this iconic structure. Afterward, we ventured to Muir Beach, a serene spot where it felt like we had the whole coastline to ourselves.

Next, we explored Bolinas, a quirky little town with lots of charm and very few tourists (and even fewer stop signs). We then visited the Point Reyes Shipwreck—an eerie yet beautiful sight that I’ll never forget.

One of my favorite parts of the trip was flying my drone over Pierce Point Ranch, one of California's most well-preserved ranches. The aerial views were simply breathtaking—rolling hills, deep blue oceans, and the wild, untamed landscapes that make California unique.

We concluded the trip at Mokutanya, a Japanese restaurant that was nothing short of amazing. The food was impeccable, providing the perfect way to wind down after three days of adventure.

**A Few Final Thoughts**

It’s funny how the best trips often stem from the most unplanned moments. What started as a simple conversation turned into one of the best road trips I’ve ever experienced. From the massive Sequoias to the cliffs of Big Sur, every moment was filled with new sights, laughter, and cherished memories with some of my best friends.

Here are some of the shots I took along the way: