Christopher Hall

Contributing Writer, Via
Photo of AAA Via Magazine Contributor Christopher Hall

While reporting on food, architecture, travel and other cultural topics, San Francisco journalist Christopher Hall has carved stones for a medieval French castle, interviewed San Quentin inmate-artists, surveyed Istanbul from its highest minaret, participated in a Brazilian voodoo ceremony, eaten tapas with an octogenarian nun in Seville, bowled with drag queens in Las Vegas, and rowed across a fjord with a Norwegian cheesemaker and one of her goats.

Featured Publications

He has written for many publications, including Smithsonian, the New York Times, Architectural Digest, Saveur, National Geographic Traveler, AARP The Magazine, Gourmet, and Sunset. He is a frequent Via contributor.

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Articles by Christopher Hall

hikers in the Coachella Valley Preserve's Thousand Palms Oasis, picture

4 Ideal Winter Desert Destinations

The West offers no shortage of glorious desert landscapes for winter hikes.
Moorish-inspired modern interior at the Sands Hotel & Spa in Palm Springs, California.

Must-See Icons and Hot Spots in Palm Springs

Old-school cool meets new chic in the Southern California desert.
palm trees lean at water's edge in Ambergris Caye, Belize

4 Affordable Tropical Vacations Outside the U.S.

These tropical destinations deliver natural beauty, creature comforts, and quality beach time.
bucket of hand-picked huckleberries harvested from Gifford Pinchot National Forest in Washington, picture

Huckleberry Foraging in the Pacific Northwest

Huckleberries are the flavor of summer in the Pacific Northwest.
fishing boat passes under Deception Pass Bridge between Whidbey and Fidalgo Islands in Washington, picture

Things to Do on Whidbey Island, Washington

Friendly towns, quiet woods, and gorgeous beaches make the island perfect for a summer idyll.
Lake Alpine near Bear Valley, California on a clear day.

Bear Valley, California: A Low-Key Tahoe Alternative

Beat the Tahoe crowds in this Sierra getaway.
picture of the SFJAZZ Center in San Francisco at night with crowds outside

San Francisco's Mid-Market Neighborhood

Restaurants, bars, and performance spaces are blooming between Powell Street and the Civic Center.
picture of the exterior of hearst castle on a sunny day

Famous Historic Mansions in the West

Fourteen historic homes in the West, including Hearst Castle and the Gamble House, welcome visitors.
Conservatory of Flowers exterior in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, picture

8 Great Weekend Adventures in Golden Gate Park

San Francisco's Golden Gate Park features over 1,000 acres of greenery, and two excellent museums.
chicken tikka two ways—on a sizzling platter or in a saucy bowl—at Tandoori Oven in Logan, Utah, picture

Great Gas Station Food

Find extraordinary eats at service station restaurants. Seriously.
Redwood trees line a trail in Sanborn County Park, Saratoga, California.

Saratoga, California Fall Weekend Trip

Fall foliage, fine food, special events, and winetasting make Saratoga a great autumn destination.
Family eating and chatting around a large outdoor table, image

How to Plan a Family Reunion

AAA Travel Agent Marina Axline offers tips for planning a memorable reunion trip.
an engineer waves from the Griffith Park and Southern Railroad train

Miniature Trains You Can Ride in California

When Thomas the Tank Engine no longer keeps the kids enthralled, it's time for a mini train ride.
beach park of Benicia California, picture

A Weekend in Benicia, California

Benicia, a charming waterfront town on the Carquinez Strait, was once the capital of California.
pie and produce on display Pie Ranch in Pescadero, California

Dig in at Pescadero's Pie Ranch

There's pie and there's really good pie. Some of the best can be found on road trips in the West.