Blog.
Join us for wildlife stories, field notes, and plenty of coastal surprises - from sea lions at the marina to hidden tide pools and a shop full of nature-inspired art.
I started Salt + Noelle because I love wildlife - and honestly, I got tired of seeing nature and travel stories that felt out of reach. Everything either looked photoshopped, staged, or like it required a $20K expedition just to get a glimpse of the real thing. I wanted to share the coast and its wild moments the way I actually experience them: with patience, curiosity, and a camera slung over my shoulder.
This blog is for anyone who’s ever wished they could see more wildlife, but didn’t know where to start - or who just wanted an honest look at what’s really out there, not just the highlight reel. My photography is grounded in real fieldwork, not perfection, and my stories are about what I actually see and feel on the trail, the coast, and everywhere in between.
If you’re craving authentic tips, field notes, and a sense of what to actually expect when you head outside, you’re in the right place. I hope these essays and photos help you feel a little more connected to the wild, and maybe inspire you to slow down and see it for yourself.
I write from the coast, the trail, and sometimes the passenger seat. Thanks for being here - and for wanting something authentic.
Sign up for photo essays, behind-the-scenes notes, and exclusive travel guides.
From Cannery Row to Bird Rock: A Monterey Day Trip Worth Remembering 🐚💫
We followed 17 Mile Drive through Monterey’s coast - spotting sea otters, walking tidepools, and letting the road lead somewhere better than planned.
A Blue Whale Off Long Beach 🐳⚓️
Massive and almost silent, this blue whale surfaced off Long Beach and left a boat full of people speechless.
Sea Lion Saturdays: Photo Walks, Coastal Drives, and Marine Life in Marina del Rey & Beyond 🦭🌞
KC’s crêpes, sea lions in the marina, and a drive along LA’s ever-changing coast - this is what our Sea Lion Saturdays are made of. A casual, camera-filled morning that always leaves me inspired. Read the full story and browse the gallery.
Morro Bay Adventure: Sea Otters, Elephant Seals & Monarch Butterflies Along California’s Coast 🌊🦋
From sea otters floating in kelp to elephant seals sparring on the beach, this Central California coastal trip had it all - ending with a quiet moment beneath a canopy of monarch butterflies. Read the full story and explore the gallery.
Leo Carrillo Beach Is My Favorite Coastal Escape: Tide Pools, Scenic Drives & Malibu Seafood 🐚🌴
Tide pools, sea caves, and scenic drives—Leo Carrillo Beach in Malibu has become my go-to coastal escape. Whether I’m grabbing clam chowder at Malibu Seafood or exploring the rocks at low tide, there’s a rhythm here I never get tired of. Read the full story and explore the gallery.
Zzyzx Road: The Strange History & Hidden Wildlife of This Mojave Desert Landmark 🌵🦎
What’s at the end of Zzyzx Road? I finally took the turn to find out. From a 1940s spa scam to a surprising wildlife habitat, this Mojave detour is full of strange history, ecological importance, and a little desert magic.
Why Malibu Seafood Is Worth the Wait: Fresh Seafood, Ocean Views & the Best Clam Chowder 🌊🦞
It’s the place I take everyone who visits: Malibu Seafood. From creamy clam chowder to ocean-view tables, this casual spot is worth the wait every time. Explore why it’s a must-stop on the California coast.
Whale Watching in Long Beach: Spotting Blue & Fin Whales on an Unforgettable Ocean Adventure 🐋🔭
What starts as a sunny afternoon on the water turns unforgettable when we spot blue and fin whales off the coast of Long Beach, California. Dramamine? Forgot it. Regrets? None. Read the full story and explore the gallery.
Kelso Dunes & Depot: A Journey Through the Mojave National Preserve 🦂🛤️
Trading summer storms for desert heat, I found myself standing at the edge of California’s Kelso Dunes. No hikes, no crowds - just stillness, silence, and a little history at the old Kelso Depot. Read the full story and explore the gallery.
Escaping to Sequoia & Kings Canyon: Giant Trees, Rushing Rivers & Much-Needed Fresh Air 🌲🏞️
Feeling boxed in during the pandemic, I hit the road to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. From towering trees to canyon views, this spontaneous trip was a much-needed reset. Explore the story, tips, and photo gallery.