Lisa BaoExplorer

Vesturhorn, often called "Batman Mountain," is a beautiful mountain (454 m/1450 ft high) where very steep cliffs meet a flat, black sand beach. Come here to photograph the dramatic landscape, or just sit and enjoy the vast beauty. Recently, there have also been some climbing routes set up on the steeper cliffs.To get here, drive east on Ring Road, passing the town of Höfn. After 7 km (4.3 mi), ...

This tucked away neighborhood gem is less than a square block in size, but offers some of the best views of San Francisco. After a quick, but steep, 5 minute walk, you'll be rewarded with incredible views of: the city skyline, Coit Tower, Alcatraz, and the Bay Bridge. There are a few benches available for you to sit and catch the sunrise/sunset, or enjoy some packed food while you take in the v...

Just north of San Francisco, there's a row of giant Monterey cypress trees that forms a “tree tunnel”. Loved by Bay Area locals, it's a tucked away spot in the Point Reyes National Seashore for photographers to capture early morning sun rays, or for anyone to get some moments of solitude. At the end of the tunnel, you'll find the historic RCA/Marconi Station. In the early 1900s, this was a wire...

Just 4 hours north of San Francisco, McCloud Falls offers a quick hike and swimming hole for those looking for something less crowded than Burney Falls. McCloud Falls has 3 tiers, but the middle section offers the best views by far. Getting Here To get here, park at the Fowlers Campground which is roughly 5 miles east of the town of McCloud. Follow signs for the Lower McCloud Falls picnic are...

The glacier Skaftafellsjökull is an outlet of Vatnajökull, which is the largest continental glacier in Europe. It's a part of Skaftafell National Park, about half-way between Höfn and Vík in Southern Iceland. Parking is easily found at the Skaftafell Visitor Centre and you can follow a paved path behind the building towards the face of the glacier. From the end of the paved section, a gravel p...

Also known as Tenaya Creek Falls or Three Chutes Falls, this spot is loved by locals and is definitely worth the hidden trail and scramble over rocks. The hike takes you along Tenaya Creek, Mirror Lake, and a boulder-filled canyon. Great for photos or for relaxing by some secluded falls. To get there, start at the Mirror Lake trailhead (shuttle stop #17, or park at Curry Village and walk up the...

Alan Davis is what the locals call it, but the official name is the “Ka’Iwi Scenic Shoreline” and it's known to be a good place to do some cliff jumping because of the easy access, clear water, and poles that are already positioned for jumpers in the rocky shoreline. Park in the same lot that takes you to the Makapu’u Lighthouse and tide pools. Follow the road as it leads you up to the lightho...

Burney Falls can be seen right from the parking area, but this scenic loop is a great hike for all levels of hiking ability. Heading out on this trail will take you to the base of this 129 foot tall waterfall.  The Hike Burney Falls has a 1.3 mile loop trail that takes approximately 30 minutes to hike (but potentially longer depending on how long you stop to take photos). Starting from the pa...

Bonsai Rock is a popular attraction for photographers as it is a unique boulder with tiny trees growing out of it, enclosed next to the shoreline. This makes it a beautiful place to enjoy a scenic sunset, as well as play with some long exposure photography.It's located on the east side of Lake Tahoe on the Nevada side of the lake, just south of Sand Harbor, and about 20 miles north of South Lak...

If you're looking for one of the best views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Marshall's Beach gives you just that without the tourist crowds of Baker Beach.This small and hidden beach offers a narrow stretch of sand for those looking to throw a frisbee around or just hang out with friends. As it's tucked away next to some steep cliffs, it's quite tranquil with crashing waves being the only sound at t...