Tag: view

The Beach House, Exquisite Waterfront Hotel in Hermosa Beach, CA

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I have a special love for this hotel where I’ve stayed many times. I actually never knew there was a beach front hotel in the Manhattan / Hermosa Beach area until my Mom and I happened upon it about 20 years ago. We were out for a walk along the Strand and there it was.

Since then, it’s my go-to place when I want to escape since it’s a 5-6 hour drive along the coast from where I live in Northern California. About two weeks ago, I was heading to Long Beach to meet my Mom and sister to visit Catalina Island. On my way home I pulled over and stayed the night at the Beach House Hotel in Hermosa Beach. Let me tell you a little bit about this special hotel and the area that surrounds it.

I lived in Manhattan Beach years ago and loved it. There are a bunch of small ocean-front towns that string along the cost…Santa Monica, Venice Beach, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Long Beach and on and on. The coolest part of a lot of these beaches is that they have a walkway that allows you to easily walk or ride your bike – listening to the waves, dodging the seagulls, viewing elegant yards of the massive homes and of course stopping at top notch restaurants and bar. Voyeurism at it’s greatest! Before we get to the strand, let’s visit the hotel, The Beach House in Hermosa Beach.

This is a view from my room so you can see that you are right on the water. There are no roads with crazy traffic that you have to look over to see the ocean. No, you’re just there with only The Strand to cross before you can put your feet in the sand. When you enter the hotel you’ll find a beautiful lobby. I can remember my sister waiting on one of the couches on one visit and that was so special. And my Mom and even my childhood friend Anne. At night you’ll find the fireplace burning which is always nice on chilly coastal evenings.

The rooms are wonderful and are actually small suites with kitchenettes, a fireplace (gas now, but I can remember when you could burn a duraflame log!) Not all rooms face the ocean but some have partial views. If you’re in a full ocean front you can open the sliding doors, pour yourself a glass of champagne and watch the volleyball players, bike riders and people strolling along the strand while relaxing on your deck.

Here are some of the images of the hotel room. I always ask for a corner room if possible so you get a window in the bathroom. They can’t guarantee it but they always try.

Once you’ve dropped your luggage off and put on your walking shoes, you’re ready to explore! Let’s take a walk along The Strand…

Manhattan Beach Home along The Strand

If you go, make sure to take good walking shoes. Once you park you can get everywhere on foot or by bike. Let me know if you go! If you’d like to see more of my blogs on that area they are listed below. Cheers! Photogirl

Taking Flight: Manhattan/Hermosa Beach CA: https://photogirltravels.com/category/california/manhattanhermosa-beach-ca/

Road Trip to Mendocino: The Golden Gate Bridge

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First stop while heading over to Highway 1 is the Golden Gate Bridge.  To get to this look-out point, you take your first right after you cross the bridge heading north. The views are amazing and it’s totally worth the stop.

IRON WiNGs

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SFO >- Chicago. Although I’m not a patient flyer (I don’t like to sit still for long periods of time) I do love the beautiful views from an airplane window…

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Biltmore Estate Asheville, NC – A View from Walter’s Back

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While I’m working on the blog that will show you the secret path from the Historical Inn to the Biltmore Estate I’ll send some information on the horseback ride I did. The first photo shows the back of Walter’s head – the best horse ever. Slow and steady, he did tail-gate a bit and ate along the way. But most important he got me there and back safe and sound. Where is there? We road along the back trails, over to a hilltop which had an incredible view of the estate. When you visit the Biltmore Estate I’d highly recommend the trail ride. Ask for Walter and tell him I said “hi”!

Quick tips: You can make reservations in Antler Village for the trail ride. PS – They won’t allow you to bring a purse so leave it back at your hotel.

It’s a wrap

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While I’m writing this blog and looking at this photo, I can’t help but think: “What I wouldn’t give to be there right now!” I took this photo during my trip to the Biltmore Estate in Ashville, NC. I was having dinner on the outside terrace and I remember that evening well.  It was raining, I was wearing my favorite sneakers (since retired), reading a fun book and sipping a glass of wine.  (I love when you can have dinner or a glass of wine outside when it’s raining!) The smell of the wet lawn and spring flowers was strong and literally absorbed every stress in my body.  Yes, dinner when you’re traveling solo, can be a wonderful experience! Continue reading “It’s a wrap” →