It’s Not You, It’s Me. {California Dreamin’}
I know, I know. It’s starting to appear that I’m winding down our relationship but really, I’m not. Everything’s fine. I’ve just been well, busy, is all.
In four weeks, we leave for the US of A. That in itself is not something new. We’ve been twice already this past year as part of my husbands mission to install himself there permanently. (He keeps his watch on US time year round. I wish I was kidding.)
What is new and different is that this time, it’s going to be a proper holiday. No work, no schedule, just relaxation and fun. And the other never-before-attempted thing? We’re taking the small people. Uh huh. Thirteen hours long haul, three children. We’re outnumbered and I’m nervous. Truth be told, I brace myself just taking all of them to the grocery store together. This is big.
They, of course, are becoming more excited by the hour and I’m starting to feel like a human Google with the constant requests for sneak peeks of Disney/Legoland/The Hollywood Sign.
This is where you come in. Well, the American component of you, that is. We have around five weeks or so to really explore California. While I’m all up for the usual tourist haunts, and need to know which ones are worth the time, effort and dollars, I also want to know about that great little restuarant/quirky gift store/fantastic vintage shoppe that can’t be missed. The ones that you’d never find without the help of a local. Shows you might have seen, great art exhibitions, anything at all really.. We’re staying in Orange County for most of our trip but very willing to explore a little further afield.. If you have any suggestions for things to make our trip extra wonderful, I’d be ever so grateful!
Here’s a rather blurry, overexposed me Magnetic Island last weekend. Mid wedding shoot, taken by someone who should probably not have been in charge of my camera.
S xx
83 shared sentiments
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just want to give another vote for the national parks. don’t miss them.
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Corona Del Mar in Newport Beach is very pretty and Laguna beach is a beauty! Laguna has beautiful beaches with all sorts of galleries and boutiques in the area. if you make it to Malibu, there’s a D’Amore’s Famous Pizza which is great. don’t forget to grab an In N Out burger as well!
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You must drive north on Highway 1 and spend a couple of days in Monterey, Carmel, must see Hearst Castle, the sea lions laying around on the beach. I spent two weeks two years ago coming south from Lake Tahoe down the coast to almost LA and then back to Las Vegas. LOVED IT!! Beautiful gorgeous scenery. Five weeks for vacation, what a dream, the kids will do fine. The more you worry about something, the better the outcome, so keep worrying!!!! I so want to fly out there and meet up with you!!!! :)
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we live in ventura, california ~ up the coast a little. not such a touristy town, but a fun place to check out with lots of antique/vintage/thrift stores. downtown is a fun place to check out and is two blocks from the beach. i have to agree, though central cali~cambria/big sur/san luis obispo…fun, fun, fun and gorgeous, too. hope you have a fantastic time in california and feel free to email if you have any questions about ventura.
hugs to you
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Sheye, you must come to Northern California. It’s right up your alley. I can promise you tea and a nice walk along the San Francisco Bay (not IN SF, but just north) if you come! Seriously. You’d love it here.
Email me if you decide (now or later) to come to the SF area, I’d love to show you and your delightful family around.
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You are coming to my neck of the woods. Well you HAVE to go to Disneyland/California Adventure and Sea World. Def. go to Laguna Beach and hang out around the town, the have the best little shops. Go grab a drink and the Montage in Laguna Beach, it is an amazing hotel with a great view. Email if you have questions: Brianna.fabulous.morrow@gmail.com.
Have fun on your trip.
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Sheye, CA is one of my faves! I was just there the week before last. You must visit Big Sur – drive down Highway 1 just south of Monterey. See some of my photos here: http://awphotography.net/blog/
To get to a beach along Big Sur that isn’t marked from the road …
this is about 45 mins from monterey.
-go south on hwy 1, you’ll go over 2 big bridges (we always stop at the second one and stand in awe).
-go past big sur campground.
-go past pfeiffer state park (it was closed when we were there)
-go past big sur station (on the left)
-start looking for a road on the right – it’s marked by a rectangle yellow sign that says: narrow road, no RVs or trailers.
-turn right on this road.
-you’ll soon see a sign that says pfeiffer beach.
go 2 miles.
-it costs $5 at the gate.Also, Point Reyes National Seashore in northern CA is great.
Enjoy!
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Seconds on Big Sur and on taking Highway 1 up to San Simeon/Hearst Castle. It’s just a gorgeous drive, getting there is half the fun. I also recommend the Huntington Gardens and museum in Pasadena. Their cactus garden is huge and extraordinary. You can’t believe plants like that are real. Foodwise, make sure to eat at least once at In n’ Out Burger as that is a de rigeur Califorrnia experience and the kids will love it. They are everywhere and your GPS can tell you which one is closest.
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You’re coming to my neck of the woods! Sooooo let’s see.
Downtown Laguna has many, many beautiful and unique shops. I can’t recall the names of any (I’m awful at that), and I seem to recall that you’ve been to Laguna before, so I’m sure you know what I mean. Not too far from that: Mission San Juan Capistrano and Dana Point. Dana Point has several lovely shops and parks, I wish I could go down and take pictures there all day long, and the beaches are pristine. The mission is also amazing. It doesn’t cost much to get in, which is a bonus, and there are so many PHENOMENAL little nooks and crannies. I personally am a big fan of missions, I think they really speak of California’s spirit and history, and San Juan Capistrano is one of my favorites. It’s also surrounded by some lovely design boutiques. Of course, if you’re a little farther north, there is also Mission Santa Barbara. I’ve not been there in years, though, so I can’t really remember what to recommend about it lol.
If you’re interested in kid stuff, there is the Long Beach aquarium. Disneyland, of course, in OC (if you decide to go there, shoot me an e-mail, as I can likely get your family in for free – why spend the money on entrance if you don’t have to?) Also, there’s downtown Disney, and if you don’t want to spend a day at the theme park, you can always spend a couple hours in at lunch. You’d have to pay parking, but you can go in just for food and come out without paying admission. Also, by the Mainplace Mall in Santa Ana – right off the 5 freeway – there is the Discovery Science center. It’s perfect for kids the ages of yours – there is plenty of touchy hands-on science stuff like laying on pins and building robots and the like, and they usually have some sort of themed exhibit as well. The last time I went to a themed exhibit, the focus was pirates, which was pretty cool for my nephew!
If you like day-hiking, there are some nice places near Crystal Cove on PCH where you get a welcome ocean breeze.
About 60-90 minutes outside of where I live (I’m on the border LITERALLY between LA and OC counties), there is also Pasadena. Pasadena has a very active artist community, so it’s feel is similar to Laguna, just without the beach. It’s more of a day trip unless you plan on visiting art museums, though. And of course, there’s LA and Santa Monica. You can see the Hollywood sign, visit the oldest buildings in LA (Olvera street), watch some Aztec dancers, and then go to the Santa Monica pier. I know it’s sort of a tourist favorite, but to be honest, it’s not something I’d go for. The piers at Huntington or Newport are equally impressive, less crowded, and easier to find parking for. And Olvera is always very crowded and it’s difficult to keep track of the kiddos there.
It seems like there is so much more, so if I think of anything, I’ll let you know! I hope you enjoy your trip here!!! How exciting!
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Oh, hey, also. There’s San Diego! Scripps aquarium, Sea World, and the Zoo are all there. SD also has a bunch of BEAUTIFUL museums, including a photography museum, that are centrally located. We call it Museum Row, but I don’t know it’s real name lol. And of course, the beachier areas have lovely shops.
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I know this is very touristy type but we really enjoyed the Gettys Museum and the Gettys Villa in Malibu while we were there last week. Breathtaking views, art and architechture. La Brea museum and Tar Pit is also unique. Santa MOnica Beach & Pier are also fun. Drive along the Pacific COast Highway (Hwy 1) is also something not to miss. I loved ethnic dining in CA. They have the most diverse cusine anywhere. I am not a CA native. We were there for vacation last week. We loved Knotts Berry Farm theme park !!
I am sure the Locals there can tell you @ the better beaches and all.
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Hi, For a really beautiful nature experience, you can’t miss going to Yosemite National Park. They have the giant red wood trees and beautiful mountains. I’ve only been in the spring and early winter. In the spring, the waters are running from the snow melt and there are beautiful waterfalls. Not sure what it will look like this time of year, but I wouldn’t pass up going to see the GIANT trees. The kids (and you) will never forget it. My breath was actually taken away at several stops throughout the park.
Have fun!
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getty museum in la.
cool off with froyo at pinkberry or red mango.
you MUST MUST MUST get the Mochilato way shaved ice at Mochilato in Irvine. your kids will love you for it.
skip the tar pit. seriously, it’s a glorified dirty pond with fake dinosaurs in it.
ocean view cafe in manhattan beach is beyond awesome. small, ocean view, outdoor seating, and delish food! the beach here is awesome. way better than santa monica or venice. walk the pier for shopping and scenery.
have you had korean bbq before? try shik do rak in irvine. order one of the combo’s for however many people you have in your group. yum!
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Wow Sheye, how exciting yet scary at the same time.It’s such a long flight.
GUESS WHAT,WE ARE GOING TOO! YEAH!! We are leaving on the 4th of June but will only be there for 10 nights. Staying in Anaheim. We won’t be outnumbered though. We’re taking Madalyn & Mason but Evie isn’t coming with us. We were unsure about whether to take her but the 2 hours of screaming on a flight back from QLD recently quickly made up our mind!! You never know we may bump into you at Disney!! That would be cool. I’m going to read over all these responses when I have more time & take some notes :) You will all have a ball and the boys are a great age to go. Gotta love Kids fly Free xx Melissa
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how exciting, sheye! I’m sure you guys will have an amazing time. So much to do & see here in CA.
-If you can, definitely try to make it up to Yosemite. my all time favorite.
-Hearst castle & Solvang
-Descanso Garden in La Canada
-Temecula wineries
-Old Town Temecula
IN & OUT is a must :D
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Sheye,
As a born and bred California girl, there is one thing that I implore of you and your family. You **MUST** try In N Out Burger. ( http://www.in-n-out.com/ ) It is INCREDIBLE. And while you are there, although it is not technically on the menu, you MUST order “Animal Fries”. They will change your life. I have sent so many people to In N Out to try their burgers and milk shakes, but I always, always tell them to get the Animal Fries. The Animal Fries are on the Secret Menu ( http://www.in-n-out.com/secretmenu.asp – here it is listed as Animal Style but can be done to a cheeseburger, hamburger, or fries – the fries are the best).
Enjoy your time there! California is wonderful and I miss it since marrying a military man and moving away. I hope you guys have a blast. :)
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I can’t believe how many people mention In-n-Out Burger! I saw it there last year and thought nothing other than regular burger joint. I’ll definitely put it on the list! (I’m relieved to see the cheese option for this vegetarian girl!)
Thankyou!!
S xx
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Hi Sheye, wow, would you believe how much that photo of you looks like my mum in old pics of her as like a 20 yr old! If you dyed your hair a dirty blonde you could be twins!!! :)
Keira
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I live in Orange County and have a few suggestions for you.
There is a town that is charming and quaint with great shops and is only an hour away from OC. It is Claremont, CA. The part of town I am speaking of is “The Village;” there you will find a store called Barbara Cheatly’s with the most unique and pretty things. You will also find a store call Three French Hens, pricey but nice to window shop. There is a restaurant called Espiau’s that is heavenly, and best of all, you will find Ranch Santa Ana Botanic Garden in Claremont. The most gorgeous flowers, trees, plants, everything. Great place for the family and to take pictures! They permit photographers to take all the pictures they want, but there might be a rule if you use them for comerical purposes (I don’t know because I don’t use my photos for comerical purposes). Another place that is much better known than Claremont is Santa Monica 3rd Street Promenade (neare the beach/pier). Excellent street performers, shops, restaurants, and people watching!
Someone already mentioned the following and I agree they are a must: Orange County Swap Meet; Anthropologie; In-N-Out (even if one doesn’t eat meat, as I don’t, they have great grilled cheese, fries (animal style or regular), and their shakes are unbelieveably good.
Someone else mentioned Wicked at the Pantageus (sp?); sadly, Wicked is no longer playing there.
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I lived in CA for a few years, visited most areas of the state and by far, Santa Barbara is my most favorite city of all….lots of great restaurants, a cute zoo for the kids, gorgeous beaches with incredible sunsets, fun shopping on State Street….just a quick drive up the 101 from LA and definitely worth it!
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Oh yeah, forgot to mention…if you do go up to Santa Barbara, stop in the little town called Summerland, just a few miles before you hit SB….great little restaurant for breakfast/lunch called the Summerland Beach Cafe, casual with great food.
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If you can make a trip down to San Diego, we’ve got a great ‘exhibit’ going on right now…the Cow Parade :). It’s basically a bunch of life size fiberglass cows planted around the city, decorated by various local artists. They’re mostly in La Jolla and if you check out http://www.cowparadelajolla.com you’ll find a map to help you plan your mostly-walking tour of them. It will take you through some great neighborhoods, and you can check out the cute shops and food stops along the way. It sounds goofy, but they’re really fun to see, especially for the little ones. Enjoy your trip! And yes, you MUST go to In ‘N Out. My favorite – grilled cheese with extra tomatoes!
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Sheye – I thought I left a comment but now can’t find it. So if you’ve already read this, sorry! My vote is for a visit to the trees. They’re further north, but SO worth it! I’m on the east coast, but would make a trip to CA JUST for the trees in a heartbeat. There are three you can drive thru… fun for the kiddos… but the area is just amazing. The Avenue of the Giants is what it’s called… I think a few hours north of San Francisco. But if you can take the time, it’s SO worth it!
Have a wonderful trip! :)
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I used to live in Reno so would point you up north to Lake Tahoe (cold even in the middle of summer), Shasta mountain, Sonoma county vineyards and of course SanFran. Alcatraz is actually really interesting/weird and there are dozens of little shops to check out. Cavallini & Co is a SF company that makes gorgeous magnets and stationary, you can pick them up at Anthropologie. Flax Art is a must-stop too for creative types but be warned, you can spend hours wandering in there. You’ll love Carmel, CA too, up the coast, there’s a tradition of doing up the front gardens and you can find magical little places there plus Monterey, Big Sur, Pebble Beach. Wish I was still over there and could show you guys around! Next time you’re in England though!
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Hi Sheye. I hope you and your family have a wonderful holiday :). I’ve almost always lived in Orange County and these are our musts:
1. Lulu’s Cafe in Laguna Hills. They serve amazing savory and sweet crepes. It’s located in a strip mall next door to a tattoo parlor and car wash. We go about twice a month at least.
2. Fukada in Irvine. Amazing Japanese udon noodles. For lunch, a noodle and rice bowl combo will set you back $10. It’s located next to Wild Rivers which is a water amusement park.
3. Filling Station in Old Town Orange. Great American breakfast served here. After you’ve had your fill, you can spend the rest of the day visiting thrift and vintage shops in the area.
4. Sugar Shack in Huntington Beach. Also another wonderful American breakfast.
5. Orange County is also home to the largest population of Vietnamese outside of Vietnam. If you have a hankering for Vietnamese food, I’d recommend Vien Dong, Brodard’s, Banh Cuon Tay Ho.
6. Montage for amazing views.
For more good eats, check out a local blog called Monster Munching.
Have fun and if you have any questions, I’d be happy to help. tran.meltzer@yahoo.com
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Oops. I forgot to add Sonny’s in San Clemente for authentic Italian food. We always get the white pizza.
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Sheye – would love to meet you while you are here, my two boys (4 and 7) would love to torment your kids. :) I am in Rancho Palos Verdes, about an hour north of Orange County. I have tons of ideas for you and will make a list for you when I get back – I am headed out of town on vacation next week so my mind is crazed as it is! Where in OC are you staying? Are you wanting to sleep there the whole time or can you travel a bit? I want to give you ideas that will work for you. For starters – the Belmont Shores area of Long Beach (Mother’s Beach), Crystal Cove (already recommended), take the train to the Del Mar area and also to the San Clemente petting zoo (Make sure you get the double decker train so that they kids can see out the windows really well.)…the list continues!
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Hi Sheye,
As a photo lover and hobby photographer I found your site through blurb, I became a regular visiter (but never posted befor) I couldn’t resist this one….
I’m planning a trip there as well, from Holland (Amsterdam) we’re headed for a long trip too. Not traveling with kids though (hope in a few years ;-)) I’l come back for your expieriences and just wanted you to know it is nice to see a picture of you and read your blog!
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Hi Sheye,
I am born and raised SoCal girl…you will have a fantastic time:) The number one thing to remember is that there is so much to do in California, that you will drive yourself nuts if you attempt to fit it all in, remember to leave time to relax!!! I go to school in San Diego and I am from Ventura County (near LA).In San Diego be sure to check out Coronado Beach (take the ferry there, ride bikes, tour the hotel, relax on the soft sand) The kids would love Legoland, and The San Diego Zoo. Check out In-N-Out, Extraordinary Desserts (you will fall in love), and Yogurtland. Petco Park is also a beautiful place to take in a baseball game. You can see seals for free in LaJolla, and SeaWorld is also a blast. In Orange County, Disneyland is great too, go on a Tuesday/Wednesday to avoid the most lines. If you have any questions feel free to ask!!!!
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Hi Sheye
OC Native here…
A group of gals have put together a blog site of cheap/fun stuff to do in OC for kids. They already have the calendar up for June. Obvious big hits have been mentioned, but if you just want a low-key day with some cheaper stuff to do – this might do the trick…
just-spotted.blogspot.com
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Was so nice to visit your blog again and see how you and your beautiful family are doing. I know I am a little behind in the comments for Cali suggestions, but i am very partial to my hometown of Santa Barbara, especially the time of year you are coming. It’s so charming, it’s worth the two hour drive north from the OC to take in the beauty of our community. My husband owns a great burger place called the Kahuna Grill in downtown Santa Barbara, the kids would love it, of course the Montecito Inn for a super deelish dinner or Cadario, or Opal, or Holdrens for steak, the list goes on! Wherever you happen to land, enjoy your time here in the U.S.
xo
julia
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Sheye-
I’m up in Los Angeles and have some recommendations if you want them for this area:
The Skirball has an AMAZING (and VERY hands on) Noah’s Ark exhibit that is so artsy and incredible- your kids will want to spend hours there. #! thing I would recommend in LA.
If you want a day out at the farm, check out Underwood Family Farms- you can go and pick strawberries (and other local fruits & veggies) and there’s wagon rides, pony rides, etc.,.
The Huntington Library & Gardens has an amazing Childrens Garden which is very interactive as well. The gardens are INCREDIBLE and I can promise you’ve never seen anything like it before.
Griffith Park also has a small train ride and horses/ponys. Also have Travel Town full of large trains, etc.,. It’s enormous, I think bigger than Central Park in NYC.
The Grove is always fun- outdoor farmers market that has been here since the 30′s with a bunch of outdoor eating options. There are shops, a trolley that everyone can ride and a great water show (and music) is always going. Perfect for late afternoon/early evening to walk around and grab a bite to eat.
We just returned from from Central California where we went to Carmel/Monterrey (you can see pics on my blog from May) that was an amazing trip as well.
Anyway- I’m sure you are overwhelmed with suggestions- I’d say for sure the Skirball- you’ll be amazed.
Good luck!
xo
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I love seeing in frames, I love the beauty in the ordinary, I love my camera, I love that when I see images I hear too. I love the latelight, I love finding moments I didn’t imagine and I love creating moments I did. I love learning more every day, I love sharing what I’ve come to know, and I love making pictures pretty.
I’m so glad you stopped by. xx
Mt. Shasta! It’s Northern California, but is a very spiritual place – there is just something about the mountain. There’s a small town called Mt. Shasta City nearby full of cute shops. You can go to the town park and drink the local freezing, pure spring water (which is bottled and shipped all over the country) straight from the source as it flows out the side of a hill. Nearby, off the beaten path in the town of Weed (no kidding) is the Stewart Mineral Springs resort, where you can go and soak in the mineral hotsprings. It’s very relaxing!!
http://www.stewartmineralsprings.com/
I hope you enjoy your trip!