Vanessa Shields

Guess what?! 💐 The Carlsbad Flower Fields have extended the season, so you still have time to see all the lovely Ranunculus blooms until May 21st! 🤗🌺🌻🌷 #carlsbadflowerfields #carlsbad #california #flowers #flowerfields #sandiego #springflowers #springtime #californiatrip

If you enjoy Egyptian history and immersive experiences, Beyond King Tut is pretty cool! The exhibit takes you on a journey through time tracing back to King Tuts early years up to his death and afterlife. Plus, how his tomb was discovered and what we’ve learned from it. ⚰️ 2022 marked 100 years since his tomb was found sparking the immersive experience created by National Geographic! ⛏️💡 Beyond King Tut San Diego is at the Del Mar Fairgrounds until March 26, 2023. 🎟️ . . . . #kingtut #beyondkingtut #sandiego #sandiegoevents #california #immersiveexperience #history #nationalgeographic #travel #egypt #egyptians #ancientegypt #explore #exploremore #travelingness #sandiegotravel #californiatrip @beyondkingtut

So I’m sure you’ve heard of a cat cafe, but have you heard of a cat wine bar? 😻🍷 What a purrrfect combo! 😉 Whiskers & Wine Bar is the first cat bar in San Diego and it couldn’t be any cuter! Other than sipping wine with adorable company, the goal is to adopt and give these kittens a forever home. But if that’s not possible, then coming in to play and give them some love is fun too. ☺️🐈 I enjoyed a glass of wine and a charCATturie board that was yummy. You can order wine, beer, cocktails and an assortment of food. 😋 It is highly recommend to have a reservation especially on the weekends as they limit the number of people. Each session is 75 mins long. ➡️ Tip: Call ahead and ask how many cats are there. If it’s after a huge wave of adoptions there might not be many. But they are continuously getting new additions too. 🎥 Are you more of a video person? Head over to my TikTok page (travelingness8) and watch these cuties playing in action! . . . . . . #whiskersandwinebar #catbar #catcafe #sandiego #sandiegolife #sandiegotravel #sandiegotrip #california #cats #catlovers #catadoption #travelingness #sandiegoliving

Don’t you love finding great local coffee shops? ☕️ Communal Coffee has excellent coffee, the cutest atmosphere, and probably the best avocado toast I’ve ever had.. 😍🥑 While you’re waiting in line you can browse unique gifts or find a beautiful bouquet of flowers at the attached flower shop! 💐 There are a few locations in San Diego but super happy to have a closer location in Oceanside. Have you been yet? 😄 . . . . . . #communal #communalcoffee #oceanside #oceansidecalifornia #oside #sandiego #california #coffee #coffeelover #oceansideca #travel #exploremore #travelingness

Are you a fan of honey? 😋🍯 In my last post I shared staying at the Inn at Moonlight Beach in Encinitas, California. During my stay I had the opportunity to experience a honey infusion workshop! I sat down with the lovely owner Shangwen, as she showed me how to use local raw honey from Mikolich Family Honey Farm and add various dried herbs and flowers most of which are grown in their garden. After tasting several infused honeys, you get to pick your 3 favorite and make them yourself to take home! 🙌 I selected rose, hibiscus, and rosemary! 🌹 Such a fun experience that you can add on to your stay in addition to massages, yoga, and more. Plus, if you don’t feel like going out for dinner (like me), you can order up an awesome charcuterie board (last photos) that hits the spot… Have you ever infused honey? What herb or flower would you want to add in? 😄 . . . . . . . #innatmoonlightbeach #encinitas #encinitaslife #visitencinitas #hostedstay #staycation #honey #infusedhoney #california #sandiego #sandiegofoodie #sandiegotravel #sandiegotrip #boutiquehotel #hotelblogger #moonlightbeach #travel #travelingness #foodlovers

In need of a tranquil oasis for your next getaway? 😌🛏️ I enjoyed a little staycation at the Inn at Moonlight Beach in Encinitas, California and loved it! Once you check-in, you can leave anything that is stressing you out at the door… Upon entering it has relaxed vibe much like what you would see at a spa emphasizing complete body and mind wellness during your stay. 🔑 Greeted with a delightful afternoon tea and healthy treats, I was able to decompress in minutes! 🫖 What makes the Inn at Moonlight Beach stand out? 🌎 First WELL certified hotel in the world 🥑 The freshest fruits, vegetables & herbs from their biodynamic garden 🍯 A honey infusion workshop ⛱️ Walking distance to the beach 🌿 Beautiful outdoor garden spaces 🍽️ Near tons of great restaurants in Encinitas This boutique hotel is the perfect place to completely recharge in a lovely setting… Are you ready to check-in? . . . . . #innatmoonlightbeach #encinitas #encinitaslife #california #hostedstay #staycation #boutiquehotel #wellness #sandiego #sandiegolife #sandiegotrip #californiatravel #travel #travelingness #visitencinitas

Have you been to Coronado Island in San Diego? ⛵️ Coronado is a fun and beautiful spot to relax on the beach, eat some great food, take a stroll, and of course visit Hotel Del Coronado! For the best views of San Diego’s skyline you can walk, run, or bike along the bay facing the city. 🚴🏻‍♀️ ➡️ Tip: There are two main ways to get over to Coronado Island, by car on the bridge or take the ferry across from downtown San Diego! . . . . . . #coronadoisland #coronado #sandiego #sandiegolife #sandiegoliving #california #sandiegotrip #sandiegotravel #travel #travelingness #exploremore #sandiegobay #hoteldelcoronado #californian #visitsandiego

My favorite hike in all of San Diego is none other than Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve! Every inch of every trail has sweeping, gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean and you can take the trail all the way down to the beach. 🌊 There are several trails whether you are looking for a short hike or combine to create a longer trek. 🥾 It has been raining like crazy here in California but once the sun pops back out this is an awesome place to explore! ➡️ Tip: Get there early to grab a parking spot at the top of the hill! Otherwise you’ll need to park at the bottom and hike up the steep grade. . . . . . . #lajolla #torreypines #torreypinesbeach #california #californiahikes #sandiego #hikesandiego #hike #torreypinesstatereserve #torreypineshike #travel #sandiegolife #travelingness #exploremore

Are you a fan of Top Gun? And pies? Then you’ll love the High Pie Shop! ✈️🥧 Growing up near Oceanside I always loved walking by the house featured in the the movie (the original) where the character played by Kelly McGillis lived. It had become famous with the scene of Tom Cruise pulling up in front of the house on his motorcycle. 🏍️ This adorable Victorian-style cottage has since been renovated and located in the center courtyard of the Mission Pacific Hotel serving bite size pies! Grab freshly baked pies covered in powdered sugar and enjoy on the patio or across the street at the beach! #topgun #topgunhouse #highpie #pieshop #oceanside #oceansidecalifornia #visitoceanside #sandiego #foodlover #california #oceansidebeach #californialife #travel #travelingness #exploremore

If you’re in need of a little coastal getaway, check in to The Brick Hotel! 🛏 I enjoyed a mini staycation this past weekend and absolutely loved my time there… A historic building turned into a boutique hotel? Yes, please! 🙋🏻‍♀️🛎 The exterior brick from 1888 adds to the character blended with modern touches exuding warm and chic vibes… Located in the uber cool surf town of Oceanside (San Diego) they have mastered contactless service making it super easy to check in to your room with a code so that you don’t have to waste any time kicking off your stay! 🏄🏻‍♀️⛱ Here are some unique perks to enjoy when staying at the 10-room The Brick Hotel: ⛱ Few minute walk to the beach 🔑 Contactless check-in, no lobby 🍹Rooftop CocoCabana bar & restaurant 🦪 Q&A Restaurant & Oyster Bar (yum!) 🧘🏻‍♀️ Yoga on the rooftop (Mon, Tues, Sun) 🍺 Stone Beer Garden connected to hotel 🎵 Frankie’s next door for craft cocktails and live music With proximity to numerous restaurants, bars, the beach, and pier all within a few block radius there is tons of fun to be had. The Brick Hotel has everything you need for the ultimate stay whether it’s for a romantic staycation or a desperately needed beach getaway! ➡️ Keep watch for my next stay in my series, the best places to stay in San Diego’s coolest beach towns! 😎🌴 . . . . . . . #thebrickhotel #hostedstay #oceanside #boutiquehotel #thebrickhoteloceanside #explorecalifornia #california #californiatravel #californiatrip #sandiego #staycation #visitsandiego #hotelstay #hotelstyle #uniquehotels #travelingness #travel #travellife #hotelblogger #travelmore #historichotels #shuckwitus #cococabanaoside

A visit to Oaxaca isn’t complete without tasting a few different mezcals! 🥃 Oaxacan’s have a passion for the process, history, and culture that goes into the making of each bottle of mezcal that is quite evident when speaking with them. 😄💕 Although there are several mezcalerias (mezcal bars) on every block in Oaxaca City, don’t miss out on going mezcal tasting at a palenque (mezcal farm)! You’ll get to see the agave growing and how they make mezcal from it! The best way to drink mezcal? With “little kisses”… 😘 ➡️Tip: If you’re looking for a good mezcal at home, aim to get one that is 40% proof or more and has either artisanal or ancestral on the label! 🇲🇽 Wondering what else there is to do in Oaxaca, Mexico? ⬇️ https://www.travelingness.com/things-to-do-in-oaxaca-city-mexico/ . . . . . . #oaxaca #mezcal #mezcalartesanal #palenque #oaxacatravel #oaxacamexico #mexico #oaxacacity #mexicotravel #mexicotrip #travelmexico #visitoaxaca #mexicomagica #vivemexico #oaxtravel #travel #travelingness #traveltips #traveling #travelwow #travelfun

If you love finding the coolest street art, then you’ll be thrilled to explore the numerous art murals in Oaxaca! 🎨 Although you can find art murals on almost every block, the two neighborhoods that have loads to find are Xochimilco and Jalatlaco! 🇲🇽 Wondering what else to do in Oaxaca, Mexico? ⬇️ https://www.travelingness.com/things-to-do-in-oaxaca-city-mexico/ . . . . . . #oaxaca #montealban #montealbanoaxaca #oaxacatravel #oaxacamexico #mexico #oaxacacity #mexicotravel #mexicotrip #travelmexico #visitoaxaca #mexicomagica #vivemexico #oaxtravel #travel #zapotec #travelingness #traveltips #traveling #travelwow #travelfun #visitmexico #streetart #artmural

Walking up and down the pyramid ruins of Monte Alban beats a stairmaster any day! 🥵😂 About 25 minutes outside of Oaxaca City is the archeological site of Monte Alban that translates to “Sacred Mountain”. ⛰ At the top of this mountain was a massive metropolis center that was established around 500 BC by the Zapotecs and eventually the Mixtecs. They created a bustling city with over 25,000 people at its peak. Even though the Monte Alban you see today is only a fraction of what it looked like in its prime, it’s still remarkably impressive! For reasons that are still a mystery, the city was abandoned around 800. The inhabitants with status were buried in tombs underneath the pyramid structures with all kinds of jewels and treasures. 💍 Fast forward to when the Spanish arrived and they plundered all the tombs. Except one they missed! That is tomb #7 which you can see it’s contents at the Museo de las Culturas in the center of Oaxaca… ⚰️ 🇲🇽 Wondering what to do in Oaxaca, Mexico? ⬇️ https://www.travelingness.com/things-to-do-in-oaxaca-city-mexico/ . . . . . . #oaxaca #montealban #montealbanoaxaca #oaxacatravel #oaxacamexico #mexico #oaxacacity #mexicotravel #mexicotrip #travelmexico #visitoaxaca #mexicomagica #vivemexico #oaxtravel #travel #zapotec #travelingness #traveltips #traveling #travelwow #travelfun #visitmexico

At the center of Oaxaca’s historic district is Templo de Santo Domingo! ⛪️ The church is the perfect backdrop with its impressive architecture standing tall over the city. The square and area around the church is always full of people, most often celebrating and having a good time. 😄 If you visit on a weekend, there is a good chance you will get to watch the festivities and parade after a wedding which is a fun sight to see! 💃🏻✨ 🇲🇽 Heading to Oaxaca, Mexico? Discover the best things to do! ⬇️ https://www.travelingness.com/things-to-do-in-oaxaca-city-mexico/ . . . . . . #oaxaca #oaxacatravel #oaxacamexico #mexico #oaxacacity #mexicotravel #mexicotrip #travelmexico #visitoaxaca #mexicomagica #vivemexico #oaxtravel #travel #travelingness #traveltips #traveling #travelwow #travelfun

Who knew cacti could be so pretty?! 🌵 Jardin Etnobotanico de Oaxaca is a botanical garden on the grounds behind Templo de Santo Domingo (the main church/convent) and is a lovely place to explore right in the center of the historic district. The gardens design is evident from the moment step into the garden. What makes it stand out from most botanical gardens is that it focusing on the study between plants, people, and culture. So every plant, tree, or cacti you learn how they played a role in medicine, food, and everyday items in Oaxacan life. The highlight is walking through the fence-like borders of huge cacti and viewing the cacti in the reflection pool! ➡️ Tip: Currently you can only visit on a tour. English tours are at 11am, Monday- Saturday. 🇲🇽 Heading to Oaxaca, Mexico? Discover the best things to do! ⬇️ https://www.travelingness.com/things-to-do-in-oaxaca-city-mexico/ . . . . . . #oaxaca #oaxacatravel #oaxacamexico #mexico #oaxacacity #mexicotravel #mexicotrip #travelmexico #visitoaxaca #mexicomagica #vivemexico #oaxtravel #travel #travelingness #traveling #travelbucketlist