Baja vacation: Cerritos Beach review

During the current Covid environment, face masking and social distancing is necessary everywhere in the world. When traveling to Mexico in spring 2021, testing is required within 72 hours of returning to the U.S. Read on for testing options in Baja. Located approximately one hour north of Cabo San Lucas on the Baja peninsula of Mexico, Cerritos Beach is a laidback surf town perfect for a … [Read more...]

Planning a trip to Door County with kids

The moment I heard Door County, Wisconsin described as ‘the Cape Cod of the Midwest’, this family-friendly destination made perfect sense to me. Despite the fact that Lake Michigan served as the ‘ocean’ in this comparison, the description was spot-on. Door County, the narrow ‘thumb’-shaped peninsula of Wisconsin, is comprised of scenic shoreline, quaint villages, and rolling farmland. It’s Cape … [Read more...]

Give your Kids Adventure on a Riviera Maya Vacation

There are amazing places to go to for a family beach vacation, but few can match the Riviera Maya. Situated on the coast of Mexico, Riviera Maya offers you and other adults a chance to relax and unwind, and children an opportunity to explore, learn, play, and simply be kids. Riviera Maya offers a range of excellent family accommodation options, especially in Tulum. The Tulum all-inclusive … [Read more...]

What to do in Oceanside California with kids

We all know San Diego and Carlsbad are great for kids, but if you’re overlooking Oceanside, you’re missing the opportunity for a prime vacation that includes beachfront, a funky town, and easy access to the best of San Diego county. They say Oceanfront is ‘rising’ for a reason. Here’s what not to miss with kids or without: Around town: Surf lessons: Oceanside has a long surfing history … [Read more...]

Where to eat in Oceanside California

Forget fast food chains or cookie cutter restaurants. Oceanside is brimming with inventive cuisine from earnest, hardworking chefs and restaurant owners, all with a story to tell. You won't go hungry, whether you're in town with your family for some beach time or on a grown-up getaway or solo adventure. Here's where to eat in Oceanside: Breakfast: Elena’s Cafe French Crepes: this hole in … [Read more...]

Santa Barbara CA with kids

Santa Barbara is a land of mission-style terra cotta architecture, sunshine, ocean views, and AVAs. And while it’s gotten plenty of attention as a grown-up getaway, it’s a prime destination for families with kids too. Here’s what not to miss (and what to sneak in should you and your partner get some adult-time): Santa Barbara history: Start with the Santa Barbara trolley tour … [Read more...]

Mendocino Coast: Little River Inn review

The Mendocino coastal area offers stunning natural beauty, warm hospitality, quaint, unpretentious towns, and outdoor exploration galore! It's a great region in which to base your California northern coastal road trip, and a stay at Little River Inn is a must! Tip: We tacked a trip to the Mendocino coast onto our Grown-Up Getaway to Sonoma, and the two destinations paired beautifully, but … [Read more...]

Outdoors and wellness in Gulf Shores Alabama

I love it when a destination surprises me. Before visiting Gulf Shores Alabama, I pictured pretty white sand beaches, a party scene of high rises and beach bars, and plenty of greasy fried seafood in paper-lined plastic baskets. And I'm told that up until about ten years ago, my impression would have been correct. The Gulf Shores and adjacent Orange Beach of today, however, offers so much more. … [Read more...]

24 hours in Carpinteria CA with kids

If you're not familiar, Carpinteria, California is a beach town just south of Santa Barbara that, in the three decades I've visited, has managed to retain its beach-town charm and distinct lack of city or suburbia influence. Located just off Highway 101, Carpinteria is characterized by sandy beach bungalows (each valued around a million dollars, of course), a quintessentially laid-back downtown of … [Read more...]

Best Beach Towns: Newport, Rhode Island

It's time to start planning beach vacations! Our series of best beach towns for families is constantly building. Our latest addition: Newport, Rhode Island.  For a New England beach feel, plenty of shopping and seafood, and quaint lodging, Newport can't be beat. Its location along Narragansett Bay is ideal during the summer months, but Newport has much to offer families in the 'shoulder seasons of … [Read more...]