there's no question that maui has some of the most beautiful beaches on the planet.  and there's also no question that there is no way you would be able to hit every single one of them while you're visiting the island (wouldn't that be nice, though?)  however, there are a few beaches that are on my "must visit" list when i'm in maui and i make sure to get to them at least once every time i visit.

check out big beach in kihei.  it's down past all the grand hotels and is a bit off the beaten path, but still easily accessible.  grab food from a local food truck on the side of the road and find a picnic bench to enjoy a great picnic while exploring kihei or bring a beach towel, find some sun and catch some rays.

head to black rock beach at the sheraton hotel in whalers village.  there's tons of beach space and it has a great sandy bottom for swimming.  if you want to snorkel, swim out to the rocks, it's a great place to see some beautiful fish and maybe a turtle or too!  if you're really feeling adventurous, join the other thrill seekers and jump off the rocks!

looking for more wildlife? head up to napili bay and swim with the turtles! it's a very rocky beach so be prepared, but the snorkeling is definitely some of the best on the island! 

honauma bay is another awesome place to snorkel.  it's tough to access but worth the trek.  the bay is huge and deep, so plenty of bigger fish like to call it home.  if you're not up for the hike, many snorkel excursions visit honauma bay during their outings.

want something that has it all?  head to kapalua beach.  parking can be hard but if you're lucky enough to find a spot or don't mind a bit of a walk, it's well worth it!  the white sandy beach is definitely the most coveted of areas to hang out, but there's grassy areas as well.  the ocean floor is sandy before the reef, which allows for ample swimming space if you're not a snorkeler.  swim out past the sand and take in all the fish and coral!  there's even a place to rent snorkel equipment or paddle boards! kapalua is definitely my favorite beach in maui!

travel // paia, maui

back in february my parents and i escaped to maui for a week for a little family getaway. maui is one of my favorite vacation spots. it holds a lot of memories for me and i'm always excited whenever i can get back to the island. this trip we took it a bit more mellow with a lot of beach time and relaxation. but of course we had to fit some of my favorite to-do's and must - see's in throughout the week, as well as a few new things! and you can bet i had my camera with me the entire trip! 

one of my favorite little towns in maui is paia. it's a small hippie town on the north side of the island just a short drive from the airport. paia reflects its heritage as a unique hawaiian plantation village that originated in the latter half of the nineteenth century.  now, paia has become a laid back town with local businesses and a coexistence between longtime residents and those attracted by the area's windsurfing. the unique blend of shops, boutiques, and restaurants that make up paia has become a destination in its own right, nestled along some of maui’s best beaches and still surrounded by sugar cane.

a must do when in paia is to eat at milagros, a great little restaurant in the heart of the town.  their fish tacos are delicious and one of my favorite things to eat on maui.  plus, they have a great selection of local craft beer and some over the top margarita flavors!  after lunch, you gotta head up the road to hookipa beach, a world famous wind surfing beach.  the beach is gorgeous and it's always fun to watch the surfers catch some big waves!  be advised - it gets windy so leave your hat in the car!

the greatest show on surf // sc ocean fest

this past weekend was the annual san clemente ocean festival. i always try to make it down and explore at least one of the two days that it goes on. this year, i headed out with a friend to watch some competitions and have some fun. we checked out all the old woody's on the pier, cheered on the swimmers and paddle boarders and enjoyed some coconut shrimp and iced tea at the fisherman's. the weather was gloomy but that didn't stop us from having a great time.

photo adventure // dana point harbor

the other day i wanted to practice shooting on manual since i haven't had a lot of time to take my camera out and really explore with it.  i headed out to dana point harbor and started snapping away, changing settings until i liked what i saw, and then changed them some more.  it was a gloomy afternoon, which made it a bit more challenging, but i'm happy with how some of my pictures turned out.  i still have a long way to go with this whole camera thing, but i'm learning more and more each time i take that baby out.  can't wait for my next photo adventure! 

shake shack // crystal cove

on my last day off i decided to play hooky from any and all grown-up responsibilities and enjoy the beautiful weather.  i hopped in my car, rolled the windows down, turned the music up and headed up pch to laguna beach.  i stopped by the shake shack at crystal cove for lunch and to soak up a little sun.  i had never been to shake shack before and have always wanted to stop and try it.  it's owned by ruby's diner and is said to have great shakes and burgers.  i went with the vegwich and am happy i did because it was delicious.  the best part?  the view.  there is nothing better than enjoying a yummy lunch while looking at the ocean.  but next time, i'm getting a shake!

san-o with the glass'

last weekend i met up with ashley and her hubby who were in san clemente camping at san onofre state beach.  it was a bit of a gloomy day but the company was all i really cared about.  we chatted and laughed the entire time, drinking beer and roasting corn on the cob over the bonfire.  we even made it down to the beach for a bit, just to say we did.  and of course, the day ended with multiple rounds of smores for all of us.  i'm so lucky to have friends like ash (and her hubs) and can't wait to see that crazy couple again soon.

top 5 reasons i love southern california

I have been thinking a lot lately about how lucky I am to live where I do.  I'm not only lucky that I live in Southern California, but I'm lucky because I have lived here my whole life.  So Cal is such an incredible place to grow up and there are so many wonderful things to do and see.  I thought it was about time I shared with you 5 of my most favorite things about where I live.  

1.  The beach.  That's pretty much a given though.  I mean, isn't the beach the main reason anyone ever comes to so cal anyways?  I grew up at the beach and I still live walking distance from it.  There's nothing better than a morning run or evening stroll along the beach.  And the summers?  I would spend every day at the beach if I could.  To me, the best time to go to the beach is the beginning of September.  That's when the weather warms up and the tourists go home.  I get the beach to myself.  Pure bliss.

2.  The culture.  Here in San Clemente, we have this awesome laid back vibe that just fills the air.  This little surf town is the epitome of the So Cal culture.  The surf history in So Cal is bountiful and lives on through museums and murals and gives the ares so much personality.  And not to mention, everyone seems a little happier around these parts.  I hear that the beach will do that to a person.  

3.  The history.  The deep history of the Native Americans and Spanish is still alive and apparent.  You can see spanish style buildings, old missions, Indian ruins and more.  Father Juniper Serra made his way through hundreds of years ago but the mark he left on his way through is still holding strong. 

4.  The food.  You can't find Mexican food that is as good as this unless you are actually in Mexico.  San Diego has the best Mexican food ever.  So many great restaurants and hidden taco shops.  I can't even keep writing about it without my mouth watering.  Yum.

5.  The snow.  Yes, you read that right, the snow!  Did you know that in one day in Southern California you can surf in the morning and snowboard in the afternoon?  Pretty crazy, huh?  We have some great mountain resorts just an couple hours away from us here in coastal so cal.  I love being able to take day or weekend trips to the mountains.  And now that it's getting closer and closer to ski season, I can't wait to grab my snowboard and head up that mountain. 

What about you?  What do you love about where you live?  

If you live in So Cal and want to come meet some other awesome So Cal bloggers, please join us on November 13th in Del Mar for our blogger meet up!  Hosted by Tammy, Olivia, Stephanie and myself.  We have some great things lined up - drinks, raffle prizes and sweets!