Trips, hikes, runs, and a few places I wanted to write down before I forgot how they felt.
As a Cali-native, I was surprised with how much I love New York City from my time interning there. When deciding which city to start my full time job after college, I struggled between the San Francisco Bay Area and New York City. Plaid had an office at both locations, and San Francisco is clearly the epicenter of the recent AI boom. But, it is hard to overstate how much more I enjoy NYC - from its convenient public transit, to its density, to its extensive parks and views.
Running has been a great way for me to clear my mind and has strong benefits for my productivity. Here are a few of my favorite runs in Los Angeles.
One of my favorite runs is UCLA to Venice Beach. I usually make it a half marathon by adding a few extra kilometers on the way back to Santa Monica Pier.
Scorpion Bay is a beautiful beach located on the Santa Cruz Islands, known for its stunning scenery, crystal-clear waters, and excellent surfing conditions. The beach is surrounded by lush vegetation and towering cliffs, making it a perfect spot for relaxation and outdoor activities.
Often, I say I have better friends than I deserve, and this trip was no exception. We hiked along the coast, enjoyed the views of the cliffs and the ocean, went scuba diving, and saw a variety of marine life, though mostly kelp. We also saw a fox on the beach, which was a unique experience.
The Pacific Palisades starts with tree-covered valleys before opening into views of the Pacific Ocean, the Santa Monica Mountains, and the rest of Los Angeles.
Griffith Park is one of the best places in Los Angeles for a long urban hike. It is a dense mix of city views, iconic landmarks, and enough elevation to feel like a real outing.
Lake Mead is a stunning destination on the Nevada-Arizona border, shaped by the Hoover Dam and framed by desert landscapes.
I really enjoyed swimming in Lake Mead. The water was surprisingly warm, the fish were everywhere, and the desert backdrop made the whole place feel surreal.
One of the engineering wonders of the world, and a place that feels even larger in person.
We hiked from the Grand Canyon down to the Colorado River and back in a single day. Rangers strongly advised against it because of the heat and terrain, which made finishing in under eight hours something I am still proud of.
Zion is one of the most breathtaking places in the Southwest. The park gives you towering canyon walls, cold river hikes, and views that look oversized even in person.
Most of the hike took place in the Virgin River. My biggest concern was not slipping on the wet, mossy rocks.
We did not get the permit for the full route, but even the first section delivered incredible canyon views.
Multnomah Falls is one of the most iconic stops in the Pacific Northwest. I hiked up to the top, took in the mist and the Columbia River views, then ended the day with pizza and a local microbrew.
Washington Park is one of the best urban parks I have been to. It is dense with trails, greenery, and enough variety that it feels like several parks stitched together.
