Sandi Hemmerlein

Sandi Hemmerlein is a writer and photographer. In addition to her work for KCET, she also contributes to Discover Los Angeles and Atlas Obscura. Constantly on the prowl for new adventure, she spends most of her time in L.A. nurturing her interest in birds, animals, neon, historic theaters, puppets, trains, folk art, and stained glass. Sandi is also a field agent for the Los Angeles Obscura Society, and she documents everything on her own website Avoiding Regret.

People walk along the beach at the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve.

Article

SoCal Wanderer

Where to Explore San Diego Outdoors (And Even Cool Off A Bit)

In San Diego, you don't even have to hang around at the beach to stay cool. In fact, there's plenty of terrain to explore outdoors within city limits and just beyond without overheating.

An illustration of a car driving away on the road

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SoCal Wanderer

Where to Feed Your Wanderlust as SoCal Reopens for Exploration

No matter what your comfort level is right now, there are plenty of ways to explore what Southern California has to offer — on the road, at the beach and even up in the air. Not sure where to start? We put our best ideas together in this one handy guide

A sign for Pine Ave Pier in Long Beach, California.

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SoCal Wanderer

Where to Explore L.A.'s Most Fascinating Piers, Both Past and Present

As Los Angeles heads into the summer, find some time to see this historical piers and beaches across the county.

The waterfall at Fish Creek in the Angeles National Forest. To the bottom left corner are two hikers resting by the creek.

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SoCal Wanderer

Six Thrilling Wet Hikes to Try Now (and Two to Save for Later)

Be prepared to get your feet wet! Here are eight SoCal hikes featuring waterfalls, streams and other bodies of water for refreshing summer hikes.

Close-up view of cherry blossoms in Little Tokyo.

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SoCal Wanderer

Where to Find the Most Beautiful Blooming Trees in the L.A. Area

While L.A. may be more closely associated with palm trees lining its sidewalks and streets, this sprawling city and its surrounding municipalities is actually a horticultural delight of varied treescapes. Here are seven spots to get a glimpse of great blossoms.

The landscape along the Desert Willow Trail at Big Morongo Canyon.

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SoCal Wanderer

Where to Explore the Wonders of the High Desert Beyond Joshua Tree National Park

It's not too late to explore the High Desert this year, but you won't be the only squeezing in a last-minute trip. Here are five lesser-known destinations that offer all the the wonders of the High Desert without the big crowds.

A view of LAX airport with planes docked in the runway.

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SoCal Wanderer

Seven Tips to Travel Safely in the Pandemic

Travel might not be quite like the "Before Times" quite yet — or ever — but it's entirely doable. And it can still be wonderful. Here are seven tips for traveling during the pandemic as COVID-19 guidelines shift.

Article

SoCal Wanderer

Six Easy, Lesser-Known Excursions at Anza-Borrego

There's more to the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park than the wildflower blooms. Avoid the crowds and explore six of Anza-Borrego's lesser-known gems.

A silver jeep sits on a dirt path with a wide view of Death Valley behind it.

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SoCal Wanderer

8 Tips to Exploring SoCal Deserts Without Getting Stuck

Though breathtaking and spectacular, SoCal deserts present a special set of challenges even for the most seasoned traveler. Here are some tips to make sure that your next desert trip is a safe journey.

Article

SoCal Wanderer

Five Playful SoCal Beach Escapes

While most people hit the ocean to catch a wave, here are five SoCal beaches that offer more than just the typical surf and sand.

Rediscovering SoCal

L.A.’s Olympic Aspirations

KCET Cinema Series

Rediscovering SoCal

L.A.’s Olympic Aspirations

KCET Cinema Series

Sandi Hemmerlein