Convincing my teenage daughter to hike Pinnacle Peak Mountain turned out to be more than family travel, it was a mother-daughter moment that brought us together.

A travel guide to Surf City where summer lasts forever in Huntington Beach. This place brings the promise of never-ending candy-colored summer days, the perfect wave and glowing sunsets. This is one of my favorite Southern California Beaches, with pristine white sand, a city area that's a part beach town, part downtown just steps from the beach, lots of sunshine, sand, shopping-the kind of place that just sings that Cali vibe.

Experiencing my first hot spring was one goal I had when I road tripped the Loneliest Road in America. I see all of the glamorous shots of sitting in an open pool of fresh, steaming water and it looks so enticing. Here's the reality of experiencing my first natural hot spring.

I was invited to experience a three-day guide to Las Vegas without gambling.  Las Vegas is known for its high stakes, partying, and Elvis weddings. This was an opportunity to check out the other sides of Vegas: the adventure of rural Nevada and the finer side of the city. I have been to Las Vegas about a dozen times previously and I had goosebumps, smiles, and surprises the entire time.  I'm sharing my 36-hour itinerary to replicate my amazing trip. Here is your travel guide to the "New" Vegas.

 The strong personalities of the different home architecture line up as I stroll through Venice. It's like looking at a family portrait of the California family. The colorful houses reflected in the Venice canals under a bright blue sky. If the definition of beauty is symmetry and lighting, well, I just captured the perfect beautiful day.