One Tank Trips With Lily

  • Nevada: The landscape burns bright in the Valley of Fire Photo

    Every so often I experience a genuine "oh my gosh" moment. In Africa, I rounded a bend and came face to face with a large male lion. In Wyoming, driving south from Yellowstone, I rounded a curve and saw the Tetons rising majestically from the valley floor. And, most recently, in Nevada, as I crested... more

  • Calaveras County: Still hopping to it

    Los Angeles and this tiny Gold Rush town share the same "City of Angels" nickname, and the similarities don't end there. more

  • Nicaragua: A hike up the active volcano Concepcion Photo

    On the road south from the international airport in Managua, Nicaragua swooshes by, unfurling in buzzing, humid green. Fields of swaying banana trees recede from the road in rows, the shaggy fronds bouncing against a searing blue sky. more

Your Favorite Place

Planning a road trip? Where are you planning on going?

  • Somewhere local, within a two hour drive
  • Checking out Eastern Washington
  • Going to Oregon
  • Staying home to save money

Picture Gallery

Dr. Beach's top 10 beaches in America 2009

Dr. Beach's top 10 beaches in America 2009
Each year, Dr. Beach ranks America's top 10 beaches. Here's a look at his picks for 2009.

"Dr. Beach," also known as Stephen Leatherman, is director of Florida International University's Laboratory for Coastal Research. He uses 50 criteria in selecting the best beaches--including water and sand quality, facilities and environmental management. This is the 19th year he has released his list.

--Los Angeles Times