Highway 1 - Pitstops for Kids

What to do in Oceanside California with kids

June 6, 2019 By Amy Hagstrom

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 (be sure to stop in at the small surf museum downtown). Whitlock Surf Experience has surf lessons for all abilities, or if you already know how to surf, you can hire a surf guide to show you local favorite spots! Tip: be sure to check out the small but thorough surf museum a few blocks inland, too.

Scooters: Ride Oside offers fat tire electric scooter bikes, the way to see Oceanside for parents and older kids and teens. You can rent them on your own or opt for a guided tour. They’re located just up from the beach at 306 N. Cleveland Street.

Helicopter rides: Waverider Helicopter Tours is a two-person operation out at the Oceanside airport, just three miles from the pier. Their prices are per ride, not per person, making them a really good value for up to three passengers at a time. We tried out their 10-minute scenic tour of the Pacific, but there are a range of options that work well for both families and date night. If you have more than three people, no worries: for the shorter flights, everyone just takes turns. For date night, they offer tours that stop in wine country or at sunset or night.

Pier and harbor fun:

Beach time: California has public beaches galore, and in Oceanside, the Strand stretches multiple blocks, with beach access. Children’s playgrounds dot this pedestrian and car promenade, and there are public lifeguard stands all throughout. Head out on the pier for a meal at Ruby’s, and rent beach gear, bikes, and surreys right below the pier area (where you’ll also find shave ice and other snacks).

Kayaking and Stand-Up Paddleboarding: boards and kayaks can be rented at the harbor (about one mile from the pier). You can either use them in the calm water right at the harbor or go outside the wall to enjoy some swells, too.

Where to stay: Springhill Suites Marriott

Located one block from the beach, this Marriott hotel is far from cookie-cutter. It features a fun, modern design with a 2nd floor outdoor deck space for lounging, a rooftop pool and hot tub, a nicely appointed fitness room, WiFi, and complimentary breakfast. The rooms are spacious with balconies and bathtubs, and while only valet parking is available, several city lots are within a block or two.

Note: there is construction currently in the works in front of the hotel (which will eventually result in another hotel going up on the beach), so right now, there is some construction noise. The Marriott is very nicely sound-proofed, however; once I closed my balcony door, I could hardly hear the construction, and of course, it’s absent at night. There are ear plugs and white noise machine in the rooms for you, however.

Read our guide to dining in Oceanside.

Where to eat in Oceanside California

June 3, 2019 By Amy Hagstrom

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 the wall on Pier View Way is run by a husband and wife team and serves delicious French-style crepes and local art.

Banana Dang: Smoothies and coffee like no other! Stop in for bananas in blended form in a dozen or more ways!

Petite Madeline: This celebrated local hot spot for breakfast and lunch is not to be missed!

Lunch with kids:

Ruby’s: Yes, it’s a chain, but the best Ruby’s Diners are on California’s piers. This one at the end of Oceanside Pier is fun for kids and has views for days.

Bagby Beer: Plenty of outdoor space for kids and pets to run around and play while adults enjoy the brews right on the Pacific Coast Highway.

Dinner for everyone:

Exhale: casual yet sleek and minimalist, this simple take on wood-fired cuisine takes tortillas, guac, empanadas, and Mexican corn to whole other levels.

Flying Pig: Off the main drag, Flying Pig is actually the food joint that started it all…in terms of a foodie revolution in Oceanside. Stop in to enjoy the eclectic decor and fun menus (spoiler: they repurpose old record covers) and stay for the authentic BBQ.

Master’s Kitchen and Cocktail: Located across the PCH from the newly revamped boutique hotel The Fin, Master’s repurposed a car dealership garage to create an inviting space with inventive salads and sliders, small plates and burgers. The cocktails steal the show, however. Try the Go West if you’re a bourbon fan.

Tip: Thursday is farmer’s market day in Oceanside, right on Pier View Way. It’s a traditional market from 9 am until 1 pm, but then in the evening from 5 pm until 9 pm, it becomes the ‘sunset market’, with street food galore (with an entire row of desserts alone). If you’re in town on Thursday, plan on the farmer’s market being your dinner choice! Stalls not to miss: Flamin Salmon plank-roasted salmon, Viva Paella, Thai rice burgers from Thai Burger, and Wicked Maine lobster.

Date night:

Orfila Wine Tasting Room: this hip and modern wine tasting room has a fantastic chef to pair the wines with tapas, flatbreads, and other shared plates. Start your date night here!

Dija Mara: This fresh take on cuisine from Indonesia is surprising, inventive, and fresh. Try the ceviche with coconut and radishes and the fried rice.

How did I know about all these places? Carla and Linda’s Walking Food Tours! A must for anyone who’s going to be eating their way through Oceanside, Linda and Carla are a wealth of knowledge on the Oceanside food scene. They know the restaurants and their stories, the chefs and the wait staff, and are beloved everywhere they go. Head to http://shoesandchews.com/ to book a your tour; no matter which one you do, you’ll be treated to four stops of sit-down shared plates.

You’ll meet the chefs and serving teams and enjoy the warm company of Linda and Carla. For the $59 tour fee, I sampled four restaurants I would not have likely discovered on my own, and learned about countless more. And I easily came home with to-go boxes to feed two people lunch the next day. The value is incredible. Alcohol and other drinks (aside from water) are not included, but can be purchased at each restaurant. I highly recommend getting the lay of the land with this tour on your first day in Oceanside. Young kids are half price, and as long as they’re old enough to behave in restaurants and are willing to try to be adventurous eaters, they’ll have a great time going from restaurant to restaurant.

Santa Barbara CA with kids

May 30, 2019 By Amy Hagstrom

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 (www.sbtrolley.com), which will give you and your kids a 90-minute overview of all there is to do in Santa Barbara. Grab the trolley at 1 Garden Street down by Stearns Wharf, at the visitor’s center (where you can buy tickets). You can hop-on, hop-off the trolley at any of the attractions, or just stay on for the entire tour, which will give you a good indication of what to return back to. Note that your trolley ticket gets you steep discounts at area attractions, too.

The trolley tour will take you to see the historic courthouse, the Santa Barbara Mission and the Maritime Museum, as well as give a glimpse into how the other half lives with a drive through posh Montecino. You’ll also have the Santa Barbara Museum of Art pointed out, and the Museum of Natural History.

Santa Barbara wharf and Stearns Pier:

Head to the waterfront for family fun. You’ll find Wheel Fun down here, enabling you to rent a surrey bike to cruise around as a crew, and the Museum of Natural History SeaLife, with touch tanks and educational exhibits depicting ocean life. Rent a kayak or SUP at Paddle Sports Center and tool around the harbor for an hour to see sea lions and seals. There are many places to eat here, including candy shops, ice cream shops, and seafood eateries with fresh catches.

Santa Barbara downtown and hillside:

Head inland a few miles over Highway 101 to enjoy the foothills of Santa Barbara as well as the downtown sector of State Street. Along historic State Street, you’ll find quaint one-of-a-kind shops and eateries, and just uphill, families can access the Old Santa Barbara Mission, the Museum of National History, and the Santa Barbara Botanical Garden, which features miles of dirt trails showcasing native Californian plants and wilderness.

We suggest starting at the latter, which opens at 9 am daily, then heading to the mission for a docent-led tour. End at the museum of natural history if your kids have any steam left.

If you can slip away for some grown-up fun:

Head straight to the Funk Zone, which is just a few blocks from the wharf (let Grandma and Grandpa entertain the kids for awhile). In the Funk Zone, parents will find about six square blocks of wine tasting rooms and art galleries, plus a fun boutique or two and delicious dining. I suggest walking along Anacapa Street to hit up popular wine tasting rooms such as Kunin, funky winery rooms like Municipal Winemakers, and the OG of them all, Oreana Winery. Pali and Lafond wine tasting rooms are adjacent, as is Santa Barbara Winery’s tasting venue, which is also where they produce their white varietals.

Where to eat:

Dine without the kids at The Lark, Lucky Penny, or Tyger Tyger, all within easy walking distance or with the kids along the wharf or at Santa Barbara’s authentic Hawaiian shave ice booth, ParadICE. If you find yourself on State Street downtown during dinner, stop with the kids at hip yet accessible Benchmark, which can make the children darn fine homemade barbecue sauce as well as the adults a mean martini. Santa Barbara Public Market is also a winner with multiple dining venues to choose from. The good news is, more and more of these multi-purpose spaces are popping up, with eateries and bars included.

Where to stay:

I settled in nicely at the Best Western Plus Encina Inn, located within minutes of State Street and the mission with lots of extras that added value. The Live Oak Cafe is located directly across the street, offering room service, and you get an outdoor pool, hot tub, fitness area (limited) and free parking and WiFi. It can be worth upgrading to a poolside king suite to enjoy a fully-stocked kitchen and easy access to the pool area.

This Best Western Plus property could use a refresh…the room decor of my pool suite was in desperate need of an update…but all the perks you might want are there, with the exception of free breakfast. Luckily, affordable Daily Grind coffee is only a few blocks away.

Where do you stay in Santa Barbara? What are your favorite activities?

Disclosure: I was hosted by Visit Santa Barbara and Visit California, for the purpose of review. All opinions remain my own.

Mendocino Coast: Little River Inn review

January 31, 2019 By Amy Hagstrom

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 kids love the Mendocino coast as well!

Little River Inn review:

This multi-generational family business lies right on the coast at Little River, just minutes from Mendocino. Families have their pick between seaside luxury accommodations, oceanview rooms, oceanview fireplace rooms, and Victorian gables. Our oceanview fireplace room was spacious, and boasted a wood-burning fireplace, which we really loved. We also loved the value: check for current pricing on the official website, but off-season deals abound at the Little River Inn. The large patio was semi-private and featured several chairs from which to view the ocean, which is directly across Highway 1. From our room, we could even spot seals on the beach at Little River.

Yes, other area hotels probably have sea views as well, but what sets Little River Inn apart is the spacious grounds with so much to do. There’s a golf course on-site, which dips into the woods behind the hotel, as well as a putting green and tennis courts. The small but welcoming spa sits next to the golf clubhouse and pro shop, and offers a full array of services, as well as beauty services. We loved that this option existed, especially during the winter months when the weather might keep you inside.

And if it does, no worries: our room had cozy arm chairs situated by the large windows overlooking the ocean, where we settled down with books. Ole’s Whale Watch Bar is a local favorite, it seems, with a friendly staff and a deep wine list. We loved their signature cocktails, too. Families could order off a bar menu in Ole’s for casual dining, or head into nearby Mendocino for a variety of diners and cafes. Since we were visiting Little River Inn without the kids, we opted to make a reservation in the inn’s dining room, where we enjoyed a stand-out meal. Try the award-winning crab cakes! Dessert was fantastic, too.

Outdoor exploration:

We recommend booking at least a two-night stay at Little River Inn (mostly because we didn’t want to leave when it was time to go!). In the immediate area, there’s lots to do outdoors if the weather is cooperating. The best beaches can be found at Van Damme State Beach (just about one minute away), or Caspar Beach, on the Point Cabrillo Drive off Highway 1.

We went hiking at Van Damme’s Pygmy Forest (ask at the park ranger station at the entrance to the park for directions, as its in a different location, and free to enter), and we wished we’d had time to explore The Fairy Trail inside the Botanical Gardens at Fort Bragg. Jug Handle State Preserve also has hiking, including an ecological science hike for older kids.

Order breakfasts directly to your room each morning to get an early start on your day, or visit the Little River Inn dining room. Their specialty is the Ole’s Swedish pancakes, but I also loved the eggs benedict. There’s a small market and gas station across the street as well. Pets are welcome at Little River Inn for a $25/night fee, and parking on-site is free, as is WiFi.

From Little River, head up the coast past Mendocino to explore Eureka and the redwoods, or cut back to Highway 101 and back toward the Sonoma area if your trip takes you that way!

Disclosure: We were guests of the Little River Inn for the purpose of review. All opinion remains our own.

Grown-Up Getaway: Sonoma County without the kids

January 28, 2019 By Amy Hagstrom

Sonoma County is certainly a kid-friendly destination, but to best enjoy the relaxed atmosphere, fine dining, and wine tasting opportunities of this region of Northern California, we suggest planning a getaway to Sonoma County without the kids. Here’s how we went about it, including our favorite wineries, dining opportunities and hotel options.

Grown-up Getaway: Sonoma County without the kids

Sonoma County runs parallel on the east with Napa County, and as such, all the wineries and tasting rooms of both counties are easily accessible to you. We think it’s best to break up the county into sections by city, then decide where to stay and what attractions you most want to visit. We drove from Southern Oregon and filled our days with wineries, quaint shopping districts, and restaurants.

Healdsburg:

This town represents some of the best of Sonoma County, with a pretty downtown shopping and wine tasting district and nearby wineries that will wow you. We came in on scenic Highway 128, so we could take in the rolling hills lined with wine grapes to immerse ourselves in our location. Along the way to Healdsburg, we stopped at Silver Oak winery, which has recently built a very impressive LEED-certified facility in the Alexander Valley, and at adjacent Hawkes, both of which produce big, bold Cabernet Sauvignon.

Tip: To enjoy popular Sonoma and Napa wineries without crowds and the need for reservations, consider visiting in the off-season, as we did. We had our share of rain during our January visit, but we also got the full attention of staff at wineries and felt completely relaxed.

Once in Healdsburg, we shopped along the central square where we found a lot of fun boutiques and fair trade stores that we doubt the kids would have had the patience to peruse. If you want to stay the night in Healdsburg, you have a wide array of options, from AirBnb rentals to traditional B&Bs and inns. Try The Girl and the Fig for lunch, if you want to linger over a meal here.

Santa Rosa:

We continued to Santa Rosa, where we settled in at The Sandman. Recently renovated in 2017, The Sandman has been elevated from roadside motel to an up-market boutique feel. The value is definitely there, especially in the off-season, as you get a heated outdoor pool and hot tub, free parking and WiFi, included basic breakfast, and a staffed poolhouse bar (during the weekends). During the summer months, look for weekend pool parties with food trucks and live music! The Sandman is pet-friendly and the rooms have been upgraded to have a chic, modern feel. We were within easy access to downtown Santa Rosa, where we ate a fun meal at Gerard’s Paella, and within just minutes of Healdsburg wineries.

Poolhouse at The Sandman

Sonoma:

From Santa Rosa, we drove about 45 minutes to downtown Sonoma the next day, where we once again browsed boutiques and bookshops, stopped in at Basque Bakery, and had our pick of dozens of tasting rooms. This is a great way to taste area wines more efficiently if you don’t have time to visit the wineries themselves. We spent the better part of a day here, before heading just outside of town to visit Cline Cellars, which we found delightfully down-to-earth (the most affordable wine we found in the valley, but also simply very friendly) and the adjacent Jacuzzi Winery, owned by the same family.

Shop window in Sonoma

Sonoma coast:

From the town of Sonoma, it’s easy to head out to the Sonoma coast on Highway 1. After a scenic hour drive, you’ll hit the coast at Bodega Bay. From here, we drove north up the beautiful California coastline to Jenner, where we were warmly welcomed for the night at the gorgeous and cozy Timber Cove Resort. Built in the 1960s and modernized and updated beautifully since, I cannot recommend Timber Cove enough. After our drive, we were welcomed with a complimentary non-alcoholic beverage from their bar called The Remedy (made with ginger beer to ease any rolling tummies after curvy Highway 1). The spacious lobby had a warm fire roaring, and even in the off-season, the bar was well-populated. We settled into our room, which featured a record player (with a full library of records available to us!) and other retro touches, plus a fireplace (gas burning) and balcony overlooking the stormy sea.

We half-wanted to get right into our cozy robes and curl up with a record, but instead we made it back to the lobby to dine at Coast Kitchen, Timber Cove Resort’s restaurant. The oysters were among the best we’ve ever tasted, and the wine list, as you might imagine, was impressive. Definitely, plan to spend at least one meal here.

Tip: Timber Cove Resort’s WiFi is spotty at best, but that’s okay! There are plenty of board games in the lobby, you have music to listen to, and out on the patio outside the main building, ping-pong and pool tables await, as well as a nice paperback book and many seating options overlooking the ocean.

Timber Cove boosts 25 acres, dotted with benches, nature paths and hiking trails. Consider getting the lay of the land with a personal tour of area hiking options with Unbeaten Path Tours, a local business that introduce guests to nearby Salt Point State Park, Sea Ranch architecture, and the Point Arena Lighthouse and Stornetta Lands National Monument. Timber Cove guests on the Seascapes tour will get an on-site tutorial of our trails, the Bufano Peace Obelisk and the Yakutia Totem (called a Serge).

Fort Ross is also only a mile or so away, a California State Historic Park showcasing a Russian-era church and compound with a National Historic Landmark designation. Fort Ross is surrounded by sandy beaches, panoramic coves, and redwood forests.

After a 1-2 night stay in Timber Cove Resort, we recommend heading back to Sonoma to round out your trip with a few more wineries, or heading north up Highway 1 to explore the Mendocino coast next!

Disclosure: We explored Sonoma County as guests of Timber Cove Resort and The Sandman. All opinions remain our own.

Grown-Up Getaway: What to do in Orange County without the kids

November 10, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

What? Go to Orange County, home of Disneyland, without the kids? Yep! And here’s why you need to go with the fellow grown-up of your choice (and what you need to do):

Orange County without the kids:

Orange County has recently surprised me with mixed use buildings, a more urban flare, and a departure from the beach-and-theme-park vibe I’ve long been used to. Here’s what not to miss in four Orange County cities, including Anaheim.

Spend a day in San Juan Capistrano and Laguna Beach:

Located on the southern end of Orange County, San Juan Capistrano lies adjacent to the beach towns of Dana Point and Laguna Beach, but offers something different than sand and sun. One of the oldest communities on the west coast, visiting San Juan Capistrano adds a layer of history and old-world beauty to your Southern California vacation. Start at the Mission San Juan Capistrano, and try to time your visit to coincide with one of their tours. The powers that be currently at the mission are taking great care with preservation and history, and provide excellent tours for just a nominal fee over the entry fee.

From the mission, peruse the shops adjacent, then cross the railroad trips to the neighborhood of Los Rios. This oldest neighborhood in California is tucked away amid an almost garden-like network of quiet streets, and the cafes, boutiques, and clothing stores here are all run by owners who live on premises.

Head up the coastline through Dana Point to the artist haven of Laguna Beach. Take in the pretty streets and impressive art galleries, stroll through the Festival of the Arts or the fun and funky Sawdust Festival if you’re visiting during the summer season, then throw all your impressions of elegant art and refinement out the window during a counter-culture tour of Laguna with Doug from La Vida Laguna. This fascinating walking tour is a new offering from this company that also leads kayak, surf, and paddle board tours and rentals, and talks visitors through the (slightly) dark and completely fascinating underbelly of Laguna, from the time it served as a hotbed of the LSD craze of the 1960s and housed the Brotherhood of Eternal Love, championed by infamous Timothy Leary.

The two-hour tour isn’t all ‘60s drug culture; during the walk, I also learned a lot about the historic origins of iconic Laguna landmarks and the history of many of the famous shops and homeowners in the area. At the end of the tour, take your pick of Laguna eateries with views of the Pacific.

Enjoy at spa day in Huntington Beach:

Treat yourselves to a spa day a the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach. There are many spas in Orange County, but I recommend this one because of the value proposition: with a spa treatment, you can stay at the property all day, enjoying not only the spa amenities but the pools. Valet parking is included, room service can be brought to the spa, and the Watertable, the Hyatt Regency’s on-site dining venue, is a perfect compliment. And if you crave some beach time, it’s right across the street via pedestrian bridge.

Experience world-class theater in Costa Mesa:

The Segerstrom Center for the Arts, located in Costa Mesa, offers all full line-up of theater productions. Whereas I might have assumed I’d need to travel to Los Angeles for quality theater, the Segerstrom impressed. Begin your night with the fixed pris menu at Silver Trumpet, located directly across the street from the theater. Try one of their craft cocktails or ask for the impressive wine list.

Wine and dine:

Speaking of good food, if you explore only one Orange County dining and shopping mixed-use space, make it the Packing House, located in the Packing District of Anaheim. Just minutes from Disneyland, the Packing House is located on the site of an orange packing plant, now converted to two stories of fun, funky, and locally-sourced food, art, and handmade items.

Be sure to get to the Packing House with plenty of time to stroll, then endure the hard part: picking just one or two places to eat. Split up, and return to the central tables with bites to share. Cuisine is quick-serve, and ranges from Indian and Vietnamese fare to Southern comfort food and boba tea and smoothies. If you visit in the evening, be sure to visit The Blind Rabbit, an authentic speak-easy, with an unmarked door (ask for directions).

Outside the Packing House in the greater Packing District, take your pick between breweries with plenty of outdoor seating and live music, and a selection of wine bars.

Similar to the Packing House, OC Mix is located nearby in Costa Mesa, with more craft and handmade items, plus a smattering of unique home decor and design offerings. An outdoor space with Adirondack chairs and other seating is a good place to chill with a tea or coffee, and two wine bars, including LCA Wines, with unique offerings from around the world for excellent prices, offer tastings.

Eat at ARC if the weather is on the cooler side; this warm-hued venue makes meals entirely on open flame and in a wood-fired oven, in an open-concept kitchen. The casseroles and meat dishes are rich and comforting, and the craft cocktails are on point. If you’d rather eat outside, head to Taco Maria for some of the best upscale tacos in the OC (these are not street tacos, by any means). Take them to the courtyard to eat al fresco.

In nearby Irvine, Andrei’s Conscious Cuisine is tucked away in a largely corporate-looking business district, but has a hopping happy hour, as well as truly spectacular cuisine. Start with one of the artisan cocktails, then pursue the extensive wine list (two days a week, Monday and Tuesday, there are no corkage fees if you want to bring bottle of your own). The best thing about Andrei’s: 100% of its profits goes toward retinal eye disease research, in honor of Andrei Olenicoff, the owners’ son and brother. Yes, 100%.

Where to stay:

Treat yourselves to a truly sleek, new hotel with a beautiful lounge and excellent fully-catered breakfast, right in the heart of Irvine. The Marriott AC Hotel Irvine is a business-leisure hybrid with a second-floor outdoor pool and lounge area, a full bar and lounge indoors, and an upscale breakfast buffet (not complimentary) that serves two additional made-to-order offerings per morning as well.

While the AC Hotel does charge for breakfast and parking, it makes up for these factors in its ambiance and convenient central location. The hardest thing to plan during an Orange County vacation is drive time with traffic, and by staying in Irvine, you’ll be within 15 minutes of Costa Mesa and Anaheim, and less than 30 minutes from Laguna and San Juan Capistrano. I enjoyed the ‘city’ vibe of the hotel, since so often, Orange County is equated with ‘beach’ or ‘Disney’.

How to spend a day in San Juan Capistrano California

November 1, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

Located on the southern end of Orange County, San Juan Capistrano lies adjacent to the beach towns of Dana Point and Laguna Beach, but offers families something different than sand and sun. One of the oldest communities on the west coast, visiting San Juan Capistrano adds a layer of history to your Southern California vacation. Here’s what to explore in one day.

Mission San Juan Capistrano:

Start here, at the central attraction of San Juan Capistrano. The crown jewel of the California missions, Mission San Juan Capistrano is one of the only standing missions that can still be visited. Plan to spend a few hours here, and I recommend doing it in the morning, before the day gets too warm, as there’s little shade.

There’s an nominal entry fee to the mission ($9 for adults, $6 for kids), which is well worth it, given the scope of all there is to see here. I recommend upgrading to get the audio tour materials (which comes in an adult version and kids’ version), or scheduling your visit to coincide with one of the guided tours. Tours open up so much more of the history of a place like Mission San Juan Capistrano.

The main attraction here is arguably the ruins of the Great Stone Church, which was once the main cathedral, destroyed in an earthquake in the 19th century. Care has been taken to preserve the ruin and honor the 40-some lives lost. Along the far side of the cathedral, check out the swallow nests on the eaves, and learn about the swallows that still return to the mission each year (though in fewer numbers, due to a number of factors discussed at the mission).

After looking at the ruin, step around the back of the mission to peek in to various small courtyards and gardens, then enter the Serra chapel (tours can be had here, too). For those who are not Catholic, Father Serra, the founder of the mission, was recently granted sainthood, a big event for the mission and its faithful. Much care has been taken to not only preserve the mission, but tell the stories of its people, both the Catholic priests and workers who arrived here as well as the Native Americans whose way of life and personal lives were impacted (for good and bad) by the mission. Both sides of this history is now being told, which is a healing and important step.

Kids will enjoy the barracks of the mission, with 19th century weapons and guns on display, and the mission bookstore and shop sells authentic items and locally-made products. It’s worth taking some time to simply walk through the courtyards and gardens, check out the lily pads and Koi fish and mature fruit trees. A small museum is housed in the interior of the mission on the far side from the chapel and ruins.

Los Rios:

After visiting the mission, head across Camino Capistrano toward the railroad tracks, and cross them at the train station to enter Los Rios. The oldest neighborhood in California, Los Rios looks like a residential neighborhood, because it is: shop and restaurant owners in this district must live on premises. A stroll down Los Rios Street will take families past many small restaurants, bakeries, art galleries, and eclectic shops. It’s fun to poke into the stores, but just as lovely to walk the quiet streets and allow kids to stretch their legs.

Dining in San Juan Capistrano:

On Camino Capistrano, families will find many options, including El Adobe, Ellie’s Table, and Mission Promenade, which features many different dining venues to pick from.

A stay at Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel with kids

August 9, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

Parents might assume a Ritz Carlton hotel is too, well, ritzy for a family vacation. In fact, the family-friendly offerings at Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel make the acclaimed resort a smart choice for families looking for great vacation value.

Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel with kids:

The Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel is located right on the Pacific Coast between the beach towns of Laguna Beach and Dana Point, CA. While a stay is expensive by any standards, your room rate stretches beyond luxury accommodations (which are often lost on kids): families will enjoy excellent service, a completely relaxed atmosphere, hassle-free access to a beautiful beach, and local expertise tapped from the team of concierges, bellhops, and front desk staff.

Kid-friendly offerings at Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel:

Families looking for an ideal beach day can take advantage of the Ritz Carlton’s Beach Butler Service, which not only brings your family straight to the beach via beach shuttle, but also keeps your hands free: ‘beach butlers’ will bring all your essentials to you (and always have towels and sunscreen on-hand).

The Dana Pool is tucked into a garden courtyard, with exposure to sunshine but not wind. Located adjacent is pool dining and beverage service, and ice water is always available. We loved that plenty of pool toys were available, and that kids were welcome in the hot tub. An additional pool exists on the Monarch side of the hotel, and tennis courts and basketball courts are also available for families, as well as a full-service fitness center for adults.

On site at the Laguna Niguel property is Eco Adventures, with opportunities for families to experience the local environment with sea hikes, snorkeling, surfing, and more. We attended the then-called Forests Under the Sea snorkeling program, which included a fun (and informative) naturalist talk followed by a full snorkeling trip to nearby Woods Cove in Laguna Beach.

Check it out on the Pit Stops for Kids YouTube channel:

We were able to learn more about the sea life we’d been spotting while snorkeling on our own, and learned what we could do to help sustain the beach and ocean life eco-system. Tip: Ambassadors of the Environment is available to non-resort guests as well, and is a great value for those looking for an informative half-day ocean excursion.

Date last visited:

July 2012

Distance from the interstate:

Right off PCH (Pacific Coast Highway) in Orange County, CA.

Room rates:

Room rates vary by season and type, from $500-well over $1000. At the time of our visit, we stayed in an oceanview fireside room, located off the Dana Lawn. This location was great for kids: it featured an outdoor fireplace and small patio leading to plenty of lawn space for kids to play on (complete with a horseshoe pitch). Rooms include marble bathrooms, luxury bedding, and in the case of an oceanfront room, amazing views. Note: one thing our Ritz Carlton room lacked was complimentary coffee and tea service, standard in almost all luxury hotel rooms. (Secondary note: my kids are only frowning in the following photo because the sun is in their eyes. They didn’t care about the lack of coffee service…that was all me.)

Dining:

The Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel offers several dining options for families, all featuring wonderful service and ambiance (but all costing families accordingly). We ate an incredible meal at Raya, where our server couldn’t have been more friendly to the two kids I had with me (ages 11 and 13). The food was delicious, but even more impressive was the sunset seen over the Pacific from the floor-to-ceiling windows. Raya is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and while dining here for every meal will not be budget-friendly, I do recommending budgeting for at least one special meal here.

For faster, easier-on-the-wallet fare, the Marketplace serves up a nice, quick breakfast. The poolside dining offers high-qaulity snack and lunch foods (including excellent nachos), but for stays of more than a day or so, I recommend buying some groceries and making use of the mini-fridge. The concierge can recommend many off-property restaurants as well. Tip: if you plan to eat most meals on-property, it may be worth the expense to book a ‘club level’ room. Club level guests enjoy five daily food services included in their room rate, including lunch foods, full breakfasts, and cocktails.

Directions:

From most points in Orange County or LA, guests will take I-5 to Crown Valley Parkway, then turn left (south) on the PCH. From Laguna Beach, the hotel is a straight shot down the PCH (about 15 minutes’ drive).

As I disclose whenever applicable, I experienced the Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel, the Ambassadors of the Environment program, and Raya as guests of Ritz Carlton. While this hospitality is appreciated, it did not come with expectation of a positive review. (And I did pay for my own nachos.)

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The Montage Laguna Beach: beach luxury for families

August 2, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

Laguna Beach is one of Pit Stops for Kids’ Best Beach Town picks, and one of our family’s favorite places to visit in California. Any family vacation to this sunny ocean-front artist colony will be well-spent, but if you want to take your Laguna Beach family trip over the top, stay at the Montage Laguna Beach.

A Preferred Hotel with the Preferred Family seal of approval, the Montage Laguna Beach combines luxury hotel accommodations with family-friendly beach relaxation. Situated right on the Pacific at Treasure Cove, the Montage is steps away from public Aliso Creek beach and within walking or free shuttle distance of downtown Laguna Beach. Families can enjoy the outdoor Mosaic Pool, extensive gardens, tennis and basketball courts, and fitness center.

Activities and Programs:

The Montage Paintbox program is designed for kids ages 2-12, and takes kids outdoors as well as indoors for supervised play and programming. Available by the day or by the hour, kids don’t need to be potty-trained for Paintbox Petite (2-5) and will be served meals. The older kids have the opportunity to learn about the local ecosystems through Paintbox during thematically inspired days.

The Montage Laguna Beach has a full spa with yoga classes, and the virtual concierge can arrange for day trips to Southern California attractions. If you’re like most guests, you won’t want to leave the property except to ride the free shuttle into Laguna Beach to check out the art studios, galleries, shopping, dining, and beach-vibe.

Aliso Creek beach:

Aliso Creek is steps from the Montage (guests enjoy an easy walkway with showers, foot baths, and towel stands) and offers a long stretch of sand to play on. At the far end, Aliso Creek has a concession stand and playground on the beach (as well as public parking), and Aliso Creek tide pools are among the best in Southern California. Note: Aliso Creek’s ocean floor drops off quickly, causing waves to break hard on the shore. Families with young kids who want to swim would do better to go into Laguna Beach and swim at Main Beach.

Room rates and amenities:

Rooms at Montage Laguna Beach range from standard hotel rooms to suites, bungalows, and villas, with rates starting at $495. (Yes, really.) Their Family Fun Package includes overnight accommodations, daily breakfast credit (value to $50), half day at Paintbox, and a children’s welcome amenity at check in. You won’t find a bargain at Montage properties, but you will find value. If it can fit into your vacation budget, I recommend the experience.

Dining:

Dining is available on-site, including room service. For family-friendly meals, I recommend dining earlier in the evening, or taking the shuttle downtown for a fun, casual meal at Ruby’s Diner or Johnny Rockets. Of course, Laguna Beach is filled with authentic California cuisine; you really can’t go wrong.

Directions:

The Montage Laguna Beach is located directly on Highway 1 (the Pacific Coast Highway) in Laguna Beach. From I-5, take the Laguna Beach exit.

Photo Credit: Mel(issa) and Alex E. Proimos.

Whale watching in Southern CA with Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching

January 14, 2014 By Sharlene Earnshaw

Luck was with us the late December day we boarded the whale watching boat out of Dana Wharf. Winter is prime time for whale watching in Southern CA, and the ocean was as calm as glass and the sun was shining warmly. I grinned at the many passengers wearing green and sporting Michigan State gear in prep for the Rose Bowl to be held several days later. I was sure they were basking in the warmth of the SoCal sun and 75 degree temps.

The captain of the Dana Pride coasted the vessel north along the shore and we enjoyed seeing the beaches that we love to visit. He stopped at a buoy with sun bathing sea lions that barked and swam in the water next to our boat. It was another 30 minutes or so of smooth cruising as we listened to the captain tell us the pattern of the grey whales we were searching for. Between the months of November and April, they make their migrations north and south from the feeding grounds of Alaska to the warm lagoons where they give birth in Mexico. Typically they swim close to shore and thus we were looking for them there.

The water was so calm that day and the inversion layer so unique that suddenly the captain turned the ship out to sea. He had spotted a whale spout far off the coast. We spent the next 30 minutes speeding out the 5 miles to follow the grey whale swimming south. The boat pulled up alongside the whale and we watched with fascination as it spouted, surfaced several times, then fluked (showed it’s tail), and dove to the bottom to eat. Captain Todd is one of the cofounders of the Grey Whale Foundation and he shared lots of great information with us about their migration, speed, breeding, eating, and more. School groups have the opportunity through the Foundation to get classroom experience and to take field trips with Dana Wharf Whale Watching to see the grey whales in person.

Spotting the whale spout 5 miles off the coast was a truly magical opportunity. We might not have seen a whale that day if it hadn’t been for such calm water. Regardless of the luck of future trips, whale spotting is guaranteed. If a whale isn’t found on a trip, passengers receive free passes for a return trip to spot a whale. As luck would have it, Michigan State won the Rose Bowl on New Year’s Day. Must have been partly due to the luck of the whale!

Taking kids on a whale watching cruise is a fun experience, but planning ahead can ensure a good trip without some of the difficulties that can arise. It is great for kids at least 3 years or older. It’s helpful if you don’t have to worry about your child running around on a bumpy ship, falling down, or not being interested in seeing a whale (which can be far off and with only the top of it visible).

Wear layers. No matter the weather or sun, speeding along the ocean can feel very cold. Bring beanies to keep their heads warm and tuck long hair into pony tails or braids.
Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, binoculars, chapstick, and snacks. Drinks, snacks, and burgers are available for sale in the small galley. Salty snacks and full tummies can help prevent seasickness.
Most trips are calm and short enough that seasickness isn’t a problem. We prefer using SeaBands because they can relieve and prevent symptoms without the drowsiness of medications.
Plan on needing to hold your kid’s hand and have your own hand free to hold a rail. It can get bumpy and you will need to walk around (to go inside if it’s too windy and cold, go to the restroom, etc.) Carry a backpack or bag that is hands-free.
Take a few pictures but don’t hold your iPhone over the railing to take a picture. Need I say why? (No, it didn’t happen to me but my heart stopped when I saw other people doing it!)
Don’t stress about getting to the front of the boat. There were way too many people up there for us to get to see anything. Ask a crew member which side of the ship to stand on. They know which side of the whale the captain will pull the ship up alongside.

Grey whale watching season is from November to April but going whale watching is a great experience all year long. Blue whales, humpback whales, fin whales and more can be spotted during different seasons. Dolphins typically are found daily and seeing them swim, jump, and play in the boats wake is a thrilling experience. It’s like a front row seat at a SeaWorld dolphin show.

Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching is one of the first outfitters taking guests whale watching since the 70s. Call (888) 224-0603 or book online for future dates.

Date last visited:

December 2013

Distance from the interstate:

Dana Point is located right on the Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1).

Rate:

$45/person. Call Dana Wharf for tour times and departures, or check the schedule here.

Michelle McCoy lives in sunny SoCal with her husband and four kids. They love finding all the quiet corners in Orange County when they have time after school, work, and church. Michelle is the SoCal Destination Guroo for Trekaroo and loves sharing her findings with other families.

Disclosure: Michelle and family experienced whale watching as guests of Dana Wharf, for the purpose of review. All opinions are her own.