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Swifty Travels

California State

We visited Natural Bridges State Beach in the fall looking for the monarch migrations, I thought maybe we were there to soon...and then we found them! Natural Bridges State Beach is located at 2531 W Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz, CA 95060.

Finding the Monarch Migration at Natural Bridges State Beach

In this video we visit the beautiful redwood Forest of Nisene Marks State Park near Aptos, California. This state park has over 40 miles of hiking trails!

The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park

Come along as we explore the quaint beach of Rio del Mar and learn about the SS Palo Alto that is visible off shore.

Rio del Mar, California and the SS Palo Alto!

San Jose, CA

Swifty Travels finally visits teh Winchester Mystery House just in time for Halloween! This house was built by Sarah Winchester (heiress of the Winchester Rifle Fortune) and was under continuous construction from 1884 to 1922. There are many legends surrounding this house- and it's the perfect place to visit for the Halloween Season!

The Winchester Mystery House is located at 525 S Winchester Blvd. San Jose, CA 95128

The Winchester Mystery House in San Jose, California

New Mexico State

Albuquerque, NM

The Frontier Restaurant has been open for more than 50 years and is one of our favorite places to eat for comfort food! 

Located at 2400 Central Ave NE across from the University of New Mexico.

What is your favorite dish at the Frontier?

An Albuquerque Icon: The Frontier Restaurant- 

A once in a lifetime event is coming to the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta! A full solar eclipse can be seen from Albuquerque on October 14th and Balloon Fiesta organizers are planning a balloon glow for the event.

The Solar Eclipse is coming to the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta!

The Hoover Dam Bypass bridge was built in 2010 to help ease traffic congestion along the small highway that crossed the Dam, and to provide better security controls. The bridge itself is a sight to see and you can walk along the bridge and enjoy spectacular views of Hoover Dam.

Mike O'Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge

Nevada State

To find the Lake Mead Overlook, look for the turn off just before you reach the Hoover Dam Security checkpoint.

The Lake Mead Overlook

Arizona State

We take an evening stroll along Route 66 in Williams, Arizona. This town does a great job maintaining the historic charm!!

Walking Route 66 in Williams, Arizona

There are two beautiful jaguars at Bearizona and if you are there around 4pm, you can watch them get fed. Inquire at the gift shop about their feeding times, as they may get fed multiple times during the day. It's fascinating to watch!

Watch the Jaguar Feeding- Bearizona!

This summer we visited Bearizona in Williams, Arizona. This is a drive-through wildlife park, but they also have an area to walk around like a zoo. Very well maintained in the beautiful mountain air!

As of summer of 2023 the cost was $30 per person on weekdays and $35 per person on weekends.

Visiting Arizona's Drive-Through Wildlife Park: Bearizona!

In this video I take a tour of the Willow Creek & Blanco Campground at Heron Lake State Park, New Mexico. This campground is accessible for RVs with dump stations and pull through campsites.

Willow Creek & Blanco Campground Heron Lake State Park

We recently visited Heron Lake State Park and the access stairs down to the Rio Chama Trail is still closed. There are however still amazing views from up above!

The Rio Chama Bridge Trail is still closed- Heron Lake State Park, New Mexico

Carlsbad, CA

We happened to find this incredible Ramen restaurant very close to our hotel at the Springhill Suites. Gonzo was a wonderful surprise, very very busy and the staff had top rated customer service! We highly recommend!

Gonzo is located at 300 Carlsbad Village Dr.

Delicious Ramen in Carlsbad California!

In this video I'll give you a full tour of the fantastic Springhill Suites by Marriott located in Carlsbad, California about 1 block away from the Carlsbad State Beach. I highly recommend this hotel!

The Springhill Suites in Carlsbad, Ca

Los Angeles, CA

In this week's video we take a walking tour around Carlsbad, California. We stayed for one night this past spring and walked along Carlsbad Blvd.

Carlsbad, California: The Village by the Sea

South Carolina State

Aiken, SC

Hopelands Gardens is a 14 acre free public park that was gifted to the city of Aiken, South Carolina in 1970 by Mrs. C. Oliver Iselin. This was her private estate and is an absolutely beautiful area to take a peaceful walk! Enjoy Hopelands Gardens with me!

Hopelands Gardens is Gorgeous and Free!

Texas State

San Antonio, TX

We were really surprised to find this gem of a restaurant in the Crockett Hotel just behind the Alamo- the Crockett Tavern, has such a fun atmosphere and the Tex Mex there is delicious!

Delicious Tex Mex at the Crockett Tavern- right behind the Alamo

The Alamo is currently undergoing restoration- here's what it looks like inside the Alamo church in 2023. It is free to tour the church at the Alamo, but you need to reserve a time online prior to your arrival.

Tour of the Alamo Church

The Alamo Plaza in San Antonio is currently undergoing construction, it is actually part of a huge renovation project that is underway for the Alamo. The Plaza is free to explore and includes several memorial statues.