Welcome to my Travel Blog

This blog started as a guide to kid-centric activities in southern California. With the publication of my latest travel guide, Peaceful Places: Los Angeles, it has grown to include the best of all of Los Angeles and its neighbors. Interesting and unique places to take kids will still be a big part of it, but I’m also looking forward to showcasing places that anyone can escape to for an hour or an entire day – to read, sip tea, have a quiet conversation, or meditate alone. I will also use the site to update places in the book that have moved, closed, or changed in some other way.

The blog’s name, Hikes with Jack, stems from my first book, 60 Hikes within 60 Miles: Los Angeles. In Travels with Charley, John Steinbeck’s French poodle Charley joins him on a defining road trip across the country. When I first hit the trails with my GPS seven years ago, it was my baby boy who faithfully (often sleepily) accompanied me as I hiked. He’s still game for hikes and other outings (now with his little brother in tow). But even when he doesn’t come along, his enthusiastic approach to all things inspires me and lifts my appreciation for every flower and skipping stone along the way.

Thanks for dropping by!