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The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens

Nov. 20, 2025 - Giraffes and Ostrich
Three Chuckwallas
Bennett’s Wallaby
Patas Monkeys Maisha and Naledi
Nov. 20, 2025 - Turkey Vulture at The Living Desert.
Cheetah at The Living Desert

Nestled against the dramatic backdrop of the Santa Rosa Mountains in the Coachella Valley, The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is a unique 1,200-acre sanctuary dedicated exclusively to the preservation and appreciation of the world’s desert ecosystems. Far more than a traditional zoo, this immersive park blends meticulously curated botanical gardens with spacious naturalistic habitats, showcasing flora and fauna from the deserts of North America, Africa, and Australia, including cheetahs, giraffes, and Bennett’s wallabies. Visitors can explore geographic replicas of the Mojave and Sonoran deserts, wander through extensive hiking trails, and engage with active conservation efforts like the “Headstarting Desert Tortoise Hatchlings” program. The Living Desert is a premier destination for understanding the delicate beauty and resilience of desert life.

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Muir Woods: California’s Living Biosphere

Muir Woods National Monument
Muir Woods National Monument
Muir Woods National Monument

Just a short drive across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco, you can step into a world of giants at Muir Woods National Monument. This is one of the last remaining old-growth coastal redwood forests, and it’s a truly spectacular place to discover these towering trees.

Named for the legendary naturalist John Muir, the monument was protected back in 1908 thanks to his dedicated work. As you walk the peaceful, easy-to-navigate boardwalks, you’re surrounded by massive trees—some over a thousand years old and stretching more than 250 feet high. The cool, shaded forest offers a refreshing escape, even on a warm day, providing plenty of spots to stop and gaze up in awe at the sheer scale of the redwoods.

More than just a U.S. treasure, Muir Woods is also recognized as an International Biosphere Reserve, a testament to its unique and irreplaceable ecosystem. It’s an unforgettable and convenient way to connect with one of California’s most iconic natural landmarks.

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Jack London State Historic Park

House of Happy Walls Museum at the Jack London State Historic Park.
Jack and Charmian London Gravesite at the Jack London State Historic Park
Wolf House Ruins at the Jack London State Historic Park
House of Happy Walls Museum at the Jack London State Historic Park

When I was in my early teens, I read Jack London’s books The Call of the Wild and White Fang, and I’ve admired him ever since for his fierce love of adventure and his early passion for nature conservation. Visiting Jack London State Historic Park in Glen Ellen, California, brought that admiration full circle, as I explored the places most connected to his life and legacy.

The House of Happy Walls Museum, built by his wife Charmian after his death, offers a vivid glimpse into Jack’s world through books, photographs, and artifacts from his travels. Nearby, the haunting stone ruins of Wolf House stand as a powerful reminder of London’s grand vision—a 26-room mansion that tragically burned before he could move in. Finally, a quiet walk through the woods leads to his simple gravesite, a peaceful resting place beneath the trees of the land he loved.

Jack London State Historic Park was not originally part of our plans, but after visiting, I’m happy we did.

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San Francisco Botanical Garden

Visiting the San Francisco Botanical Garden is always a highlight when we’re in the City, and this time we arrived early on a chilly Saturday morning, before the crowds and with the bonus of free admission (daily from 7:30 am until 9:00 am). The garden felt freshly awakened, with dew shimmering on the leaves and the air scented with damp earth and blossoms. We wandered past moss-covered stone walls, paused by ponds glowing green beneath the canopy, and lingered in hidden corners where streams murmured over rocks. With few visitors around, it felt like we had the gardens to ourselves.

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Mule Deer Sightings at Big Morongo

Aug. 12, 2021 - Mule deer spotting at Big Morongo.
Aug. 12, 2021 – Mule deer spotting at Big Morongo.

We spent a peaceful morning exploring the Big Morongo Canyon Preserve and were lucky enough to spot a small group of mule deer moving quietly through the brush. The air was cool, the trails shaded by cottonwoods and mesquite, and birdsong echoed through the canyon like a gentle soundtrack. It’s always a treat to see wildlife up close, especially these graceful desert dwellers with their oversized ears and calm, watchful presence. The preserve never disappoints — it’s a little oasis of life and quiet beauty in the heart of the desert.

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An Exotic Encounter in San Marino

July 13, 2020 - A Red-whiskered Bulbul at Huntington Gardens.
July 13, 2020 – A Red-whiskered Bulbul.

While wandering through Huntington Gardens in San Marino today, I spotted an unexpected guest among the tropical foliage—a Red-whiskered Bulbul. With its striking black crest, white cheeks, and unmistakable red patch behind the eye, it was a vivid splash of color and character. These birds aren’t native to California—they come from Asia—but a small population has made a home in the Los Angeles area.

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Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park
March 4, 2011 – Joshua Tree National Park.

Joshua Tree National Park is an incredible place to hike and camp, with massive boulders scattered across the landscape just begging to be climbed. The distinctive Joshua trees add striking color and texture to the desert scenery, giving the park its otherworldly charm. On one visit, I even spotted a coyote strolling casually down the road, completely unfazed—a perfect reminder of the wildness that still thrives out there.

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Greystone Mansion

Greystone Mansion
March 8, 2011 – Exploring one of Beverly Hills’ best-kept secrets.

Tucked away in the hills of Beverly Hills, the grounds of Greystone Mansion and Gardens are a quiet gem—a serene escape where manicured lawns, stately architecture, and trickling fountains offer a rare sense of calm. When we lived nearby, I’d often find myself wandering its peaceful courtyards and shaded pathways. It quickly became one of my favorite respites from the noise and rush of the city below.

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Point Dume in Malibu

Feb. 24, 2011 - Point Dume State Preserve in Malibu.
Feb. 24, 2011 – Point Dume State Preserve in Malibu.

We went for a walk this morning at one of our favorite places around Los Angeles, Point Dume in Malibu. It was a little cool, but there were people at the beach. Point Dume, a dramatic promontory jutting into the Pacific on the western edge of Malibu, is one of Southern California’s most breathtaking coastal spots. On clear days, you can see Catalina Island in the distance and spot migrating whales offshore.

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Adventures in Costa Rica

May 15, 2006 - Ziplining though the Manuel Antonio rainforest.
May 21, 2006 - Whitewater rafting down the Pacuare River in Costa Rica.
May 14, 2006 - Enjoying the beautiful beaches at Manual Antonio National Park.
May 14, 2006 - Spotted a brown-throated sloth in the tree.
May 16, 2005 - View from our hotel.
May 14, 2006 - Black Spiny-tailed Iguanas are everywhere.
May 15, 2006 - Central American squirrel monkeys.

Our week in Costa Rica included zip-lining through a tropical rainforest, white-water rafting down the Pacuare River, and encountering wildlife I’d never seen before—like howler monkeys, coatimundis, sloths, and poison dart frogs. We flew into San José and chartered a small plane to Quepos, in Puntarenas Province, to reach Manuel Antonio National Park. Costa Rica’s vibrant rainforests and pristine beaches are among the most beautiful I’ve ever seen.