Sculpture Beach

Sculpture Beach | Smiling in Sonoma

Do you ever feel like you are being followed on your hikes? We had an adorable sea lion pacing us as we briskly walked along the seashore to Sculpture Beach. I kept seeing a little black head popping up out of the waves and watching us as we were trying to beat the tide coming […]

Kent Lake-Marin

If you were asked which hike is your favorite right now…what would you say? Could you decide? I know I would have a very difficult time! Possibly the one where we saw solar halos, a hummingbird mating dance, and Osprey’s in their nests along with waterfalls and gorgeous views of Mt Tamalpais. But who can […]

Bald Mountain

360 degree views from 2,729 feet above the Sonoma Valley floor out of the fog and in the sunshine with no one around but dragonflies and soaring vultures. AMAZING day!! We had a hard time believing what we were seeing. I know I keep thinking “this hike is the most picturesque hike” but seriously they all […]

Kruse Rhododendron State Reserve

Can you imagine that the lovely rhododendron bush in your yard could get over 20 feet tall and survive for lifetimes? These beauties are gorgeous in spring! After checking out the crazy bowling ball formations along the southern Mendocino Coast we drove back down to Kruse Rhododendron State Reserve. We had stopped in before to see […]

Bowling Ball Beach

The Mendocino coast is known for it’s gorgeous rocky beaches but bowling balls on the beach? Why yes! They are large (rare) round sandstone formations that can be seen at low tide. There’s more info here on how they are formed and here is how to reach this unique little gem! Don’t be discouraged by […]

Oat Hill Mine Trail

There’s more to do in wine country than drink fabulous wine and eat tasty food…seriously! We have nature lovers (like us) who love to explore every inch of land whether it be covered in grapevines or meadows with views. Personally I like both! The hubs and I indulged in a few hours of wine tasting […]

Gerstle Cove State Park

Gorgeous! Gorgeous! Gorgeous! That’s all I have to say about our northern Sonoma coast! We don’t have sandy beaches with blonde babes in bikinis laying out like our SoCal counterparts. We have rocky seashores filled with sea life, crazy rock formations and beautiful wildflowers kissing the sea air! Yes, I lived half of my life […]