Laura Kiniry

Contributing Writer, Via
Photo of AAA Via Magazine Contributor Laura Kiniry

Laura Kiniry is a professional freelance journalist and content creator with more than 15 years of experience. She is based in San Francisco (for more than 25 years!), and her work specializes in the SF Bay Area, travel, food and culture, wellness, cultural sustainability, and outdoor adventure. She has also served on a variety of panels as both a travel writer and culinary judge, and occasionally mentors college students looking to pursue a career in travel journalism. Her public speaking topics include everything from how to break into writing to the ins-and-outs-of RVing.

Featured Publications

Her writing has appeared in dozens of national, regional, and online publications, including O, The Oprah Magazine, BBC Travel, AtlasObscura.com, CNN.com, Smithsonianmag.com, National Geographic Traveler, AllRecipes.com, TravelandLeisure.com, Budget Travel, AARP, Popular Mechanics, The San Francisco Chronicle, and Frommers.com. She is also the author of three guidebooks on the Garden State (where she's originally from): Moon Handbooks New Jersey, 1st and 2nd editions, and Moon Spotlight: The Jersey Shore.

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Articles by Laura Kiniry

RVs camp in Devils Garden campground in Arches National Park.

7 Best National Park Campgrounds in the West

Set up camp inside these iconic parks.
A woman looks a park map while planning a camping trip.

How to Get a Campsite When Everything is Booked

Follow these 5 tips to secure a spot and ensure you have the best camping experience possible.
Ahwahnee Hotel at Yosemite National Park on a clear day.

Affordable Ways to Enjoy National Park Hotels

You don't have to break the bank to enjoy the perks at top national park hotels.
Lupines blooming on Darwin Bench in Kings Canyon National Park, California.

7 Affordable Spring Break Spots in the West

From family adventures to quiet retreats, here's where to escape on a budget.
A cup of hot chocolate with handmade marshmallows from Dandelion Chocolate in San Francisco.

​​9 Best Hot Chocolates in the West

Warm up with a steaming cup of hot cocoa.
People ice skate on Lake Louise in Alberta, Canada.

5 Natural Ice Skating Spots in the West

Glide across these beautiful frozen waters.
A road cuts through the mountains in Valley of Fire State Park in Southern Nevada.

Nevada State Parks Will Require Reservations in 2023

The new system will start rolling out at the most popular parks first.
Yosemite Valley on a clear day at sunrise or sunset.

When to Book Popular Campgrounds in the West

It’s nearly time to book your summer camping trip at these beloved spots.
San Francisco Oakland Bay Bridge lit up at night.

Best Places to See Holiday Lights by Car in the Bay Area

Don’t miss these 8 drive-through displays in Northern California.
Kinnamons' cinnamon roll topped with Maple Syrup and Cream Cheese spread and chopped applewood smoked bacon.

12 Best Cinnamon Rolls in the West

From heavily-frosted diner delights to perfectly coiled pastries, these treats are worth the drive.
San Francisco Lands End stairs trail at sunset

The West's Most Alluring Urban Hikes

Opt for a relaxing hike in some of the West's bustling cities.
Fort Point Historic Site beneath the Golden Gate Bridge.

Free Things to Do in Your Favorite California Cities

You don’t have to break your budget to enjoy the Golden State’s vibrant destination cities.
A father and son walk through a Halloween corn maze on a cloudy day.

The Best Haunted Houses and Corn Mazes in the West

Get in the Halloween spirit with these local attractions.
Amtrak train rides past yellow aspens.

8 Stunning Places to Visit by Train

Take the train to these inviting cities in Alaska, Arizona, California, and more.
Bighorn River cuts through the steep canyon walls in Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

7 Late Summer Day Trips

It’s not too late to sneak in a road trip.