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Eaton Canyon Falls is one of Pasadena’s best kept secrets. This pet friendly hike has to be seen to be believed. 

Hidden Autumn Waterfall Hike in Pasadena 🍁

Start your adventure at Eaton Canyon Trail Head in Pasadena, ready for a moderate, pet-friendly hike surrounded by autumn beauty.

Waterfall Hike

✅ Before you go
• Eaton Canyon Falls is a Moderate level trail. Proper shoes and clothes will go a long way.
• This trail is kid and pet friendly (leash required for the pets, optional for the kids). 🐶 

💪 Pro tips
• This waterfall is beautiful and gaining popularity, so start earlier in the day for less foot traffic. 
• The first half of the trail is exposed so bring plenty of sunscreen and bottled water! 

Ready, Set, Hike!

At Eaton Canyon Falls, enjoy a scenic hike leading to refreshing waterfall dips and a picturesque lunch spot in a natural setting.

Waterfall Hiking

✅ Before you go
• Treat yourself! It’s common for those who reach the top to pack a light lunch and a blanket for a highly aesthetic, no reservation lunch in L.A. 

💪 Pro tips
• There’s several creek crossings as well as the falls. Bring an extra pair of socks to help avoid a soggy trek home. 

Get Your Feet Wet in a Natural Waterfall

Visit the Eaton Canyon Nature Center to learn about local wildlife, borrow walking sticks, and refresh before your hike.

Wildlife Education

✅ Before you go
• Welcome center hours vary depending on the season and available daylight. From Nov 1 until Feb 28, hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 

💪 Pro tips
• Stop before you hit the trail to fill your water bottle, use the restroom and even borrow a walking stick! 

Learn Something New at the Information Center 

me and a few of my besties headed to Eaton Canyon Falls in Pasadena,

This moderate 3.5 mile hike is beautiful. With fall being in full swing,

the cooler temperatures are so nice. About halfway up

the path opens to reveal this bubbling creek straight out of a storybook.

The kids and pets on the trail get pretty excited about it.

This trail is breathtaking. Fall leaves floating downstream.

Look at how pretty and clear this water is.

This time of year, the creek is relatively low and the falls aren't too heavy.

I ended up taking a dip in the natural pool at the bottom but it was pretty cold,

so I hopped out but not before snapping a few selfies.

The walk back from the falls is almost more picturesque.

We were able to really appreciate the changing colors of the season

day literally hit the water different. Before heading home,

we made a quick stop at the welcome center at the trailhead where

you can learn about the wildlife that lives in and around the area.

My friends wanted to see the California king snakes,

the best. Eaton Canyon Falls is the coolest hike you'll take this season.

Here's your plan for exploring desert wildlife, resort boating, dining, and stargazing at night. Watch the video 👇

A full day with nature, a fun resort stop, and stargazing at night.

One Day in Palm Desert 🌵

Visit The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens to see unique desert animals, stroll through gardens, and enjoy a model train exhibit in a natural Palm Desert setting.

Zoo & Gardens Visit

✅ Before you go
• Bring sunscreen, water, and comfortable walking shoes

💪 Pro tips
•  Go early for cooler weather and fewer crowds


Explore a Desert Zoo & Gardens 🌿

Cruise the indoor waterways of JW Marriott Desert Springs on a boat ride, open to non-guests. Stroll the scenic resort and enjoy a relaxing, unique experience.

Resort Boat Ride

✅ Before you go
•  Book ahead 
https://jwdesertsprings.247activities.com/services/BoatTour
• You don’t need to be a hotel guest

💪 Pro tips
•  Walk around the resort after, it’s part of the experience
•  Combine this stop with a meal so you don’t have to move your car


Take a Resort Boat Ride 🚤

Enjoy teppanyaki grill-side dining or sushi at Mikado Japanese Steakhouse. Reserve ahead for a lively and interactive meal experience inside JW Marriott.

Sushi & Teppanyaki

✅ Before you go
• Make a reservation, especially on weekends

💪 Pro tips
•  Sit at the teppanyaki grill for the full experience


Grab a Meal at Mikado 🍣

Explore the night sky at Rancho Mirage Observatory, view planets and stars through telescopes, and enjoy free public stargazing events.

Observatory Stargazing

✅ Before you go
•  Check the event calendar - nights vary https://ranchomiragelibrary.org/observatory/open_nights.php
•  Free entry but weather can affect viewing

💪 Pro tips
•  Arrive early to avoid long telescope lines


Stargaze at an Observatory 🔭

Start at the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens.

Then head to JW Marriott for a boat ride through the resort departing from the lobby.

so you can easily grab a meal while you're there.

and Observatory for their public exploration night

where you can look through telescopes and see planets and stars up close.

Here's your plan for a beginner pottery wheel class with stunning marina views, followed by wine and tasty bites. Watch the video 👇

You’ll take a gorgeous pottery class, followed by a wine bar outing 🏺🍷 

Pottery and Wine with Views in Marina Del Rey

Take a beginner-friendly pottery wheel class at Bitter Root Pottery Aqueous, boasting stunning marina views and expert instruction. No experience needed—create your own bowl in a gorgeous outdoor setting!

Pottery Class

✅ Before you go

• Browse classes at bitterrootpotteryaqueous.com/classes and register.
• We took the Adult Beginner Wheel Throwing Class; it’s two hours and all materials (including aprons) are included. Starts at $115 pp.
• You learn how to make your bowl and choose a glaze. The Bitter Root team glazes and fires the piece for you and you’ll get it back within 6 weeks.
• For this class, you can choose from the Oceanfront Outdoor or Indoor Class; both have absolutely stunning views!

💪 Pro tips

• It’s a little tricky to find – it’s on the second floor!
• You don’t need any ceramics experience to take the class.
• If you choose the outdoor class, bring a sweater, sunglasses, etc. – the marine layer/breeze can switch up on you fast!
• Don’t forget to get your parking validated for 3 hours.

Pottery Class with Epic Space & Marina Views 🌊 

Relax at STOA Wine Bar & Market in Marina del Rey, savoring delicious food and great wines, with happy hour and unique wine events in a cozy, waterside setting.

Wine Tasting & Dining

✅ Before you go

• STOA is open for 4pm to 9pm Tues – Fri., and 12pm to 9pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Happy hour is from 4pm to 6pm, Tues – Fri. Closed Mondays.
• Reservations available on Resy.

💪 Pro tips

• The food was delicious – don’t miss the chicken parm (and that’s coming from a New Jersey native). 
• They host lots of cool wine events! Follow on IG or check out stoawinebar.com. 


STOA Wine Bar & Market 🍷 

with the most gorgeous ocean view pottery class and an adorable waterside wine bar.

The Marina del Rey location of Bitterroot Pottery,

I was truly blown away by the space and the views.

It's on the 2nd floor and it's sitting right atop the marina.

but the instructor made it truly easy and fun.

Stoa Wine Bar is just a few minutes from the pottery studio in Marina,

The chicken parm and the pizza were my favorites.

Here's your plan for a steep Griffith Park hike followed by a fresh breakfast at The Trails cafe. Watch the video 👇

Get in a workout, great views, AND fresh-made breakfast with this hike and outdoor cafe combo

Observatory Hike with Breakfast at the Finish

Hike the Observatory Trail in Griffith Park for a moderate uphill trek with amazing views of LA, perfect for a workout or a scenic walk with your dog.

Observatory Trail Hike

✅ Before you go
• Check the hourly weather to plan your hike during non-peak heat, and pack a backpack with plenty of water and sunscreen on hand
• There is street parking as well as a park-and-hike lot near both the trailhead and The Trails for after

💪 Pro tips
• I went up the west (steeper up) and down the east (flatter down) but you can do either based on your preference! 
• It took me just over 30 minutes up with plenty of shade stops and water breaks, and then about 15 back down, for a total of about 1.75 miles
• Pace yourself - take it slow on the harder steep portions and wait off to the side until you are ready to keep going

Hike up and back down The Observatory Trail

Relax under shady trees at The Trails, where you can refuel with fresh-baked biscuits, scones, and breakfast favorites after your Griffith Park hike.

Outdoor breakfast

💪 Pro tips
• They have lots of options for a variety of dietary needs: meat-free, gluten free, and vegan
• I like to change my order up here because they have so many great bites including seasonal specials, but I can never skip their flaky buttermilk biscuits with a side of butter!
• A big highlight this time was the chocolate lavender scone - you could see the fresh lavender baked right in

Enjoy breakfast among the trees at The Trails

If you're looking for a local hike with a moderate incline,

Start on Western Canyon at the entrance to the Observatory Trail up to,

It's popular for locals as a workout and dog walk, and for tourists

as a way to live like Angelenos and take in the sights.

enjoy looking out across LA County and down

grab breakfast across the street at The Trails cafe.

They've got whatever you're thirsting for after your hike

and so many yummy house-made baked goods and sandwiches.

Sit under the shade at their tree-covered picnic tables and dig in!

but I still managed to capture just how good

these all looked before they were completely gone.

Here's your plan for a budget-friendly night with burgers, a movie, and ice cream in Eagle Rock. Watch the video 👇

A fun, budget friendly date night in Eagle Rock including smash burgers, movies, and ice cream 

Budget Friendly Date Night in Eagle Rock 

Enjoy delicious, affordable smash burgers and tater tots on a casual outdoor patio at Yellow Paper Burger in Eagle Rock—most items are under $10!

Burgers and Tots

✅ Before you go
• parking on the street 
• great outdoor patio for big parties, families, and dogs! 
• order at the counter spot 


💪 Pro tips
• almost everything is under 10 dollars! 
• every thing is good here, can’t go wrong 
• don’t skip on their homemade “ronch”
• daily dessert specials! 
• beer and wine available 


Burger and Tots at Yellow Paper Burger

Catch a classic or indie movie at Vidiots for just $10–$15, then browse their video rental store for your next movie night. Affordable, nostalgic, and fun!

Watch a Movie

✅ Before you go
• nice walk from Colorado or repark closer to the movie house on the neighborhood streets 
• tickets can be bought on their website https://vidiotsfoundation.org/
• if still hungry, they have sandwiches, treats abd and a full bar inside! 


💪 Pro tips
•tickets average 10 to 15 dollars 
• check out the video store attached to a easy $3 rental for you next at home movie night. 
• buy tickets in advance as many sell out.  
• you can bring drink into the theater! 


Enjoy a Cheap Sit Down Movie at Vidiots  

Enjoy delicious, creamy soft serve for just $3-4 at Fosters Freeze in Eagle Rock, perfect for ending your date night on a sweet note.

Soft Serve Ice Cream

✅ Before you go
• across the street from Vidiots
• does take credit cards 
• soft serve is only 3 to 4 dollars! 🍦
 

💪 Pro tips
• can get busy at night! 
• the added hot fudge is delicious! 


Grab a Soft Serve at Fosters Freeze

Over at Yellow Paper Burger has some delicious

with a fantastic outdoor area that you can enjoy your food.

We got some classic smash burgers and some of

their tater tots with homemade ranch that were delicious.

Then we headed over to Vidiot's to see a movie.

bucks and have a great movie night the next night.

which is a great ice cream and burger place,

and we finished our night with a delicious soft serve ice cream.