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Masa Kato

Always hungry for adventure, potato chips, ocean swims, and shared experiences. Let's go, already!

I love this place. I always try to go towards the end of the peak season, sometime around August or super late July. It's warm, the wind is tame, and it's not terribly crowded. Walk up the left side of the beach and hang out in your own secluded beach/cliff section, walk up the right side to hike up to the lighthouse, and then head to the shack for a tasty Jalama burger.

Such a classically Californian camping spot along the Pacific coast, man! Peaceful and cool during the summer and super close to various points of interest in the Big Sur area. Everything is clean, well-maintained, and everyone is damn friendly.

Came here in the late summer and though the temperatures climbed into the high 90's, the strong breeze from the desert winds below offered a pleasant cool down in the shade. Brought my dog, Gerdy, and we hiked this trail in just a few hours, stopping for refreshments and photos along the way. We also ventured down into the Punchbowl to scramble over a few of the larger, smoother formations. Such a treat!

Camping here is like the Las Vegas/NYC of nocturnal nightlife. After dark, the park buzzes with life -- owls, coyotes, and more. Say hello to all of the buffalo as they lazily munch on greens 10 feet away from you. Oh, and check out the Badlands view on your way out!

It's a super shame our cameras can't catch the details that our eyeballs perceive, man! This vista is a beaut from any and every angle. Come during the early mornings to beat the crowds and catch the sunrise.

This hike is always one of my go-to hikes for when it's too hot out but I really want to be outside. The dense foliage and tree cover shades your hike for quite a bit before the switchbacks kick in and you're on the side of the mountain.

Still can't believe this is tucked away in LA. Terrain can be a little unstable after rains, and the trail can be hard to see/find at some parts. I loved walking through the creek/river, especially as the temperature rose during the afternoon. My dog Gerdy loved it, too!