Zion National Park is the perfect weekend trip from Los Angeles any time of year, but it can be especially spectacular in the winter. One of the most popular parks, Zion National Park is definitely a must-visit in winter.

We spent the end of 2018 the same way that we spent the end of 2017, hiking. Griffith Park is one of our favorite hiking spots in Los Angeles because the views of Hollywood, downtown Los Angeles and the entire LA Basin are spectacular. There are so many trails throughout Griffith Park that you are sure to find new adventures each time you go.

Shaw's Cove in Laguna Beach is a small, beautiful cove that is popular with scuba dive classes for doing the PADI open water checkout dive. I always joke that the cove was named after me but it has been around longer than I have. However, it is where I did my checkout dives in May 2014, when I got scuba certified. It is also where Amanda had her first experience scuba diving in the open ocean.

The iconic Santa Monica Pier is a beauty no matter the time of day but sunset provides a great opportunity for some long exposure photography. The pier is home to Pacific Park, a small amusement park that includes, among other things, a roller coaster and ferris wheel. The ferris wheel is lit up with various light patterns that create beautiful designs during a long exposure photo.

Point Reyes National Seashore is one of the most beautiful places that you will find on the west coast, if not the world. On the all-star list of spots in Point Reyes, Alamere Falls tops the list and is one of my personal all-time favorites. Though it is quite a hike to get to, it is well worth the walk. The reward is a waterfall that ends on a beautiful deserted beach - Alamere Falls.