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

Andreotti Family Farm pumpkin patch in Half Moon Bay, California.

7 Best Towns in the West to Celebrate Halloween

See gargantuan pumpkins, walk Halloweentown streets, and more.
Rocky Mountaineer’s Rockies to the Red Rocks on the rails in Utah.

6 Train Routes in the West for Any Traveler

All aboard, train lovers and skeptics—there’s a route for you.
A full rotisserie chicken and sides on a table at RT Rotisserie in Hayes Valley, San Francisco

14 Affordable Restaurants in San Francisco

For a fresh twist on a meal out, follow the locals to the city’s liveliest inexpensive dining spots.
Clouds over Avi Kwa Ame National Monument in Southern Nevada.

5 New and Expanded National Monuments in the West

From Arizona to California, these wildlands offer history and space to spread out.
a creek runs through the trees with a mountain in the background

Sierra’s Majestic Mountain Loop

Central California Sierra’s magic mountain loop: Sequoia, Kings Canyon, and Yosemite National Parks.
A family hike on a trail in Grand Teton National Park.

7 Fun Things to do in the Summer with Kids

Enjoy the best of the West with these family-friendly summer activities.
A couple truck camping in Kaibab National Forest.

11 Spots to Camp Without the Crowds

Get off the beaten track and enjoy some serenity.
Fourth of July fireworks over the water in South Lake Tahoe, California

Where to Watch Fourth of July Fireworks

From Las Vegas to Anchorage, there's an Independence Day fireworks display in the sky near you.
Gentle waves crash onto Cayucos State Beach on the waterfront of Cayucos on the Central Coast of California.

6 Quaint Coastal Towns in the West

Seek ocean breezes and quiet at these laid-back spots.
A hotel housekeeper straightens a made bed

How Much Should You Tip Around the World?

From coffee in Italy to a haircut back home, here's how much you should tip no matter where you are.
The sign outside of Deerwood Ranch Wild Horse EcoSanctuary.

Spend a Weekend in Laramie, Wyoming

Take in world-class art, hike across glacially shaped mountains, and soak in the small town charm.
A vendor pours a glass of wine for a visitor at the Monterey Wine Festival in California.

8 Fantastic Summer Food and Wine Festivals

Taste some of the best foods across the West at these fests.
Athena Photography / Downtown Missoula Partnership

8 Best Walking Tours in the West

Discover the best food and wild history in these towns and cities.
Blooming weeping cherry tree in the Portland Japanese Garden.

7 Spots to See Cherry Blossoms in the West

From California to Utah, delight in these magical displays.
Park City, Utah hill lit up for night skiing

A Weekend in Park City, Utah

Famous for the Sundance Film Festival, the city also boasts great skiing, food, and shops.

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