Itzel Solorio

As a college student, I find that I spend a lot of time sitting down; whether it’s in front of my computer or in class, I don’t really give my body the movement it requires on a daily basis. I enjoy scrolling and watching countless hours of media on my phone as much as the next person. Recently I realized the negative impact all of this lack of movement was having on me both mentally and physically, so I decided to act. I conducted some research on various hiking trails in Ventura County, and I’ve been tackling them one by one, feeling incredibly motivated as each week passes by. The moment I reach the highest point of elevation in a trail truly feels liberating, and the scenery is unlike anything else. The fresh breeze is genuinely the best de-stress tool out there. As we enter the last month of this spring semester and stress levels increase with final projects, assignment due dates, and exams, I thought of sharing some of these hiking trails with everyone in hopes that someone finds it beneficial.

I currently own zero hiking equipment. I’ve used my Hoka running shoes up until now because they’re incredibly lightweight and comfortable (not an ad), except for the previous two falls in which those features didn’t help much. But in all seriousness, for my future safety, I will be purchasing some highly recommended slip-resistant hiking shoes. Now I’m not saying everyone should purchase some quality shoes because that comes down to individual opinion; I’m simply sharing my experiences.

Preparation Suggestions:

While indulging in some vitamin D brought to you by the sunny California weather, it’s crucial to take sun-protective measures seriously. Apply your sunscreen, wear a hat, and protect your eyes by wearing sunglasses. Personally, I try to embark on these trails in the mornings to avoid the midday heat. I highly encourage everyone to carry water at all times to avoid heat exhaustion. Preparation is the key to enjoying the outdoors.

Remember to respect the park rangers and the signs; please do not litter. In simple words, respect nature at all times.

Now let’s get to these hiking recommendations! PSA: These trails are not arranged in any order of difficulty.

Mugu Peak

Located: Pt. Mugu State Park (off the PCH)

Difficulty: Hard

Length: 2.0 miles

Time to Complete: 2 hrs. approx.

Pet Friendly: No

Trail Route Type: Out & Back, or you can take this 0.8-mile longer loop trail.

2. Ray Miller Backbone Trail

Located: Pt. Mugu State Park (off the PCH)

Difficulty: Moderate

Length: 5.4 miles

Time to Complete: 2 hrs. 40 min. approx.

Pet Friendly: No

Trail Route Type: Out & Back

3. Arroyo Verde Trail

Located: Arroyo Verde Park in Ventura

Difficulty: Moderate

Length: 2.3 miles

Time to Complete: 1 hr. approx.

Pet Friendly: Dogs on a leash

Trail Route Type: Loop

4. Paradise Falls

Located: Wildwood Regional Park in Thousand Oaks

Difficulty: Moderate

Length: 4.1 miles

Time to Complete: 1 hr. 50 min. approx.

Pet Friendly: Yes. Dogs must be on a leash.

Trail Route Type: Loop

5. The 102 Trail and Price Family Loop

Located: Harmon Canyon Preserve in Ventura

(Offers many paths, but some aren’t currently accessible; this one is!)

Difficulty: Moderate

Length: 4.3 miles

Time to Complete: 2 hrs. approx.

Pet Friendly: Yes. Dogs must be on a leash; they’re not allowed past the 1.8-mile mark.

Trail Route Type: Loop

Overall, whether I’m out there by myself or with others, hiking truly gets rid of every ounce of anxiety and stress in my body. There are numerous trails out there to embark on rather than simply sit around and worry about what can go wrong. I hope this article has sparked some interest in you; don’t be afraid to take some time to create some memorable outdoor moments.

Any hiking trail recommendations are welcomed. Thank you!

Have you ever wondered which coastal destination is next on your vacation list? Sometimes deciding can feel overwhelming when two destinations are fairly close to each other. Baja California Sur is home to a number of Mexico’s well-known, lovely beach destinations, two of them being Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo—these locations are separated by an estimate of 30 minutes, and they offer travelers completely distinct atmospheres. Cabo San Lucas is prominent for its energetic atmosphere, active nightlife, and luxury resorts. On the contrary, San José del Cabo offers a serene atmosphere, cultural richness, and local artistry. This blog post will provide informative details gathered through personal experience where I compare these coastal towns in hopes that an interested traveler finds it convenient.

Atmospheres, Aesthetics, and Tourist Popularity

San José del Cabo’s center offers colorful cobblestone streets made up of numerous restaurants, boutique shops, drinking bars, and cafés, all within walking distance. You will spot small numbers of tourists walking these streets during the day and only increase slightly towards the night. The town presents an Instagram-worthy aesthetic with its marvelous and vibrant wall art. As someone who loves to capture moments, I was constantly mesmerized by all of the story-telling art I encountered in this town.

Having said that, sky-high luxury hotel buildings cram the town of Cabo San Lucas. The powerful beach waves send an ocean breeze scent that fills the air. Music-filled streets add to the lively atmosphere. Both high-end restaurants and food stalls fill their cobblestone streets. This town is perfect for the socializers out there because it is often busy with a diverse mix of visitors. Peak seasons might feel overwhelming when trying to book reservations of any type.

Things to do

San Jose del Cabo offers a variety of activities, from beach clubs to art galleries; here are just some personal recommendations:

For art lovers out there, here are some art galleries recommended by other travelers.
Veleros Beach Club is located at La Playa, and it is one of the very few swimmable beaches in Los Cabos. Its low tourist population contributes to its relaxing atmosphere.
San Jose Del Cabo Art Walk is an open air even that’s free to attend every Thursday from 5pm to 9pm, from November to June. Indulge in art galleries, food, and live music.

Cabo San Lucas offers an assortment of activities, from outdoor water ventures to laying beachside; here are some recommendations:

The Arch of Cabo San Lucas, or “El Arco,” is a captivating natural wonder carved by wind, waves, and erosion millions of years ago. I suggest walking through the harbor if you prefer booking a boat tour in person.
Corazón Beach Club is located at Medano Beach, and it offers delicious food and drinks, but I will say the multitude of tourists can become overwhelming if your intention is to relax or catch an unobstructed view of the ocean.
Book a whale watching tour from January to March (abundant in early March) for a spectacular experience.

Check out this seasonal calendar that may influence your decision on the timing of your visit!

Restaurants and Nightlife

Cabo has a mix of affordable and pricey restaurants; it simply depends on your cuisine interests. As previously mentioned, you will have fun anywhere you decide to go, as Cabo’s energetic and active nightlife is alluring. But please take precautionary actions if you’re planning a night out.

Here are the top 3 personal recommendations on lovely dining and nightlife attractions:

The Office is an unforgettable beachside restaurant that offers scrumptious food at a reasonable price. Highly recommend making a reservation around sunset to enjoy a beautiful view.
Edith is an astonishing restaurant with savory dishes. Their prices are considerably high, but their service is impeccable.
La Vaquita—if you’re a fan of old school R&B, reggaeton, and Latin music, it’s safe to say you’ll enjoy your time here.
El Squid Roe is party-central. Enjoy your time here as you order a rib eye with a side of bottle service.

Just as Cabo, San José offers a variety of cuisines for a multitude of palate interests. Prices range from high to low. I suggest searching through Yelp, as many restaurants include their prices on their online menus. Opposite of Cabo, San José’s nightlife is mellow and typically involves going out for some drinks and ending the night right after.

Here are the top 3 personal recommendations on lovely dining and nightlife attractions:

Visit Jazmin’s Restaurant for some delicious authentic Mexican food. Though it is on the pricier side, I loved my breakfast chilaquiles and thought the restaurant interior was beautiful.
Osteria 107—Visit this Italian kitchen for some flavorful pasta, fresh seafood, a glass of wine, and a picture-perfect interior.

Nomada Bar De Origen—this bar offers a mellow atmosphere where you can grab a drink during the nighttime. Imagine catching up with someone else on a warm night and house music playing lightly in the background. I don’t know…it seems pleasant to me!

Top 5 Accommodation Options:

Now, I think this will be the section that will conclude your decision-making. Price rates vary by season; expect higher prices during high season. Below you will find rates for 1 room, 1 night.

Located in San José del Cabo:

Marquis Los Cabos— all-inclusive and adults-only hotel; from $593
Hotel El Ganzo— adults-only hotel; from $489
Villa del Faro— secluded hotel; from $395
Drift San José del Cabo— boutique hideaway; from $271
Casa Natalia— boutique hotel; from $133

Located in Cabo San Lucas:

Hard Rock Hotel— all-inclusive; from $660
Riu Palace—all-inclusive resort; from $334
Corazón Resort and Spa— luxury resort; from $419
Villa del Palmar— optional all-inclusive; from $147
Fairfield Inn Marriott Los Cabos— modern hotel; from $89

Essential Safety Tips:

Avoid back alleyways late at night or in general.
Only take car rides from licensed taxi drivers or Ubers (I used Uber during my entire stay and had no issue with the service).
Watch for pickpockets in the nightlife areas.
It is crucially important to not beach walk at the water’s edge on the Pacific side, as huge waves may come ashore with little to no notice!

In short, both Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo welcome multitudes of diverse travelers every day. Whether you’re traveling solo, with a couple, or as a family, I hope this has helped you finalize a decision by now. If you are still undecided, do not worry, as their accessible distance makes it simple for everyone to get a glimpse of both. Lastly, I invite you to visit these coastal towns and create your own memories.

Feel free to contact me for any further questions.