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Sophie Explores 🌞 Sharing the BEST of California
🌲Travel, Roadtrips, Hiking

My only birthday wish this year 🤍✨If you feel called, I would love for you to follow my new pages:biohacking.queen (Engl...
03/04/2026

My only birthday wish this year 🤍✨

If you feel called, I would love for you to follow my new pages:biohacking.queen (English) & .biohacking.queen (français)

Another year around the sun 🤍✨

This past year stretched me in ways I didn’t expect. It wasn’t always easy, and it definitely wasn’t linear… but it was necessary.

I learned that growth can feel uncomfortable, confusing, and even scary, but that’s often how you know you’re on the right path. Choosing to shift, to evolve, to step beyond what felt safe (especially in my career) asked a lot from me… but it also brought me closer to who I truly am.

I was also reminded that nothing is permanent. Even the places that once felt like home can change, and instead of resisting it, I’m learning to flow with it. To trust that every shift is guiding me somewhere I’m meant to be.

This year, I’m choosing intention. I’m choosing alignment. I’m choosing to protect my energy, to trust my intuition, and to keep moving, even when I don’t have all the answers.

Here’s to a new chapter… one that feels more honest, more grounded, and more me. ✨

04/03/2026

Best decision of my life 🥹

🩷

03/03/2026

TAP FOR MORE INFOS ⬇️

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If you’re new here, Hi I’m Sophie ✨ Follow me .explores_ for California travel inspiration, hiking, and road trip itineraries! 🌲🌊🏔️��The Red Loop at Glenwood Open Space Preserve is a springtime dream 💜 This loop takes you up and down rolling hills almost completely blanketed in lupines. Here’s what you need to know 👇🏼

📆 Best time to go?�Mid to late spring, go when the lupines are in bloom!

⏰ When?�Late afternoon for golden light and cooler temps

ℹ️ Hike info�🥾 1.1 mile loop (Red Loop only)�⏱️ ~45 minutes�📈 ~350 ft elevation gain�🌸 Covered in wildflowers during bloom season�☀️ Exposed!! Bring water and sun protection�🐶 Dogs allowed on leash�💰 Free�📍 Glenwood Open Space Preserve, Scotts Valley, CA

Spring hike in the Bay Area

27/02/2026

Event details HERE ⬇️

📍Roseville, California 〚A d〛
📅 February 28
⏰2-6 PM

🎨 Custom hand-painted artwork�Created by a local artist

Choose from 6 exclusive designs
Works on a $75 + same-day purchase

🤩 XPLR Pass® perks�Free TNF beanie + exclusive artist sticker for new members (while supplies last)�Members can enter a raffle to win a custom-painted Base Camp Duffel

🥂 The vibe�Free food & drinks�Happy hour energy�Made for outdoor lovers

26/02/2026

POV: You wanna travel the world but your bank account said “girl, explore California instead” 💅🏼✈️

But honestly?? California is kinda a ✨master of disguise✨�One minute you’re in Europe, the next you’re in Iceland, then suddenly… Bali??

Here are just a few spots that feel like another country:

🇮🇸 Ravine Falls: mini Iceland vibes 🧊�🇩🇪 Gull Lake: calm & cozy like Germany 🥨�🇫🇷 Dixon Lavender Fields: pure Provence energy 💜�🇨🇭 Yosemite: the California version of the Swiss Alps 🏔️�🇮🇪 Point Reyes: moody cliffs and green hills like Ireland 🌧️�🇵🇹 Panther Beach: sea caves + cliffs = Portugal vibes 🏖️�🇮🇩 Mossbrae Falls: lush jungle feels, straight out of Bali 🌿�🇪🇺 Carmel-by-the-Sea: cobblestone cuteness like a European village 🏘️�🪐 Alabama Hills: Mars meets the Wild West 🤠

So if you’re planning a fake Euro summer in California… this is your sign 💃🏼

Follow .explores_ for more dreamy adventures and hidden gems

✨This Reel was inspired by

California hidden gems | California travel inspo | Unique places in California | California vs Europe | California summer destinations | Scenic spots in California | Travel California like Europe | California photography spots | Best places to visit in California | Europe-like places in California

25/02/2026

Am I the only one? 😅

19/02/2026

1 Weekend in Death Valley ⬇️⛰️☀️

Day 1
🌅 Mesquite Sand Dunes (Sunrise)
Arrive before sunrise so you can hike into the dunes in the cool morning air
The further you walk in, the fewer footprints you’ll see = cleaner photos.

⛰ Golden Canyon (Morning)
Start early, it gets hot fast, even in cooler months.
It’s an easy but exposed hike, so sunscreen is key.
If you want to extend, hike to the Red Cathedral for epic views.

🌄 Dante’s View (Sunset)
One of the highest viewpoints in the park (5,476 ft).
Bring a layer, it gets chilly.
The sweeping view of Badwater Basin below is unreal during golden hour.

Day 2
💙 Artist Palette (Blue Hour)
Best just before sunrise, when the colors pop.
Drive the one-way Artist Drive loop, super scenic in itself.

🌞Zabriskie Point (Morning)
Glows beautifully in the early morning light.
Super short walk from the parking lot

🧂 Badwater Basin (Sunset)
Lowest point in North America (282 ft below sea level!).
Walk out at least 0.5–1 mile to see the salt polygons clearly.
Stay until blue hour, the contrast with the salt flats is stunning.

🗓 When to go?
Late fall → early spring is the sweet spot.

⏰ How long?
You can do it in a day… but 2 days will let you soak in the magic.

Have you ever experienced the desert? 🏜️

Hi, I’m Sophie ✨ I share California travel guides, hidden gems, hiking spots + road trip itineraries 🌊🌲 Follow .explores_ for more adventures!

Death Valley itinerary | Death Valley 2 day trip | Best hikes in Death Valley | Mesquite Sand Dunes sunrise | Zabriskie Point sunrise | Badwater Basin sunset | Artist Palette Death Valley | Dante’s View sunset | Death Valley travel guide | California desert road trip

18/02/2026

Sure, the famous destinations are beautiful (and worth seeing at least once), but some of my favorite memories came from the lesser-known places. ✨

Sometimes it takes a little extra effort, a longer drive, a challenging trail, or waking up before sunrise, but that’s where the magic happens.

California is full of hidden gems waiting just off the beaten path.

Which do you prefer: chasing the iconic spots or discovering the secret ones? 👀

Hi, I’m Sophie ✨ I share California travel guides, hidden gems, hiking spots & road trip itineraries 🌲🌊🏔️

California hidden gems | Off the beaten path California | Secret spots California | Underrated places in California | California road trip ideas | Best hikes in California | Lesser known California destinations | Unique places to visit in California | California outdoor adventures | Non touristy places in California

12/02/2026

TAP HERE FOR MORE INFO ⬇️

{Hosted}

🤎𝐒𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐲!

Looking for the perfect Valentine’s Day escape? 💌✨

Robert and I stayed at last weekend for a little pre-V Day trip and it was everything, peaceful, cozy, and so romantic.

WHERE
📍Monterey, California

LOCATION
🚗 5 min from Cannery Row
🚗 10 min from Carmel-by-the-Sea
🚗 2h from San Francisco

AMENITIES
🎶 Live music on select nights
🔥 Outdoor fire pits for cozy evenings
🌿 Beautiful grounds
⛳️ Championship golf course (125+ years of history!)
🏊‍♀️ Heated pools & hot tubs
🍽️ On-site dining perfect for a date night

👀 Pro tip: Book a room with a fireplace

Would you plan a Valentine’s getaway here? 💕

If you’re new here, Hi I’m Sophie ✨ Follow me .explores_ for California travel inspiration, romantic getaways, and easy road trip ideas 🌲🌊🏔️

Address

1 Old Golf Course Rd

93940-4908

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