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Favorite places to visit & stay & eat.
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items Our family’s favorite places to stay, eat, and explore—from weekend California getaways to bucket-list vacations. I’ve included the hotels, restaurants, and experiences we genuinely loved.
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One of our favorite California getaways! From the famous 17-Mile Drive and Cannery Row to whale watching, fresh seafood, and breathtaking ocean views, Monterey is the perfect destination for a relaxing coastal escape. These are the places and finds w...
Monterey
🌊 If you’re looking to splurge, Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa is hard to beat. Oceanfront views, a relaxing rooftop spa, and an unbeatable location make it one of Monterey’s most iconic stays
Also, to top it off, the SMELL is one of my favorite sm...
Monterey Hotels | Official Site | Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa
🌿 A peaceful resort just minutes from downtown Monterey and the beach. With beautiful grounds, a golf course, multiple pools, and spacious rooms, Hyatt Regency Monterey is a great choice for families, couples, or anyone looking for a relaxing coasta...
Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa on Del Monte Golf Course
Lake Tahoe is one of our favorite year-round destinations. Whether you’re visiting for skiing in the winter, hiking in the summer, or simply enjoying the crystal-clear water and mountain views, it’s the perfect place to relax, explore, and make unfor...
Lake Tahoe
A stunning luxury lakefront resort with breathtaking views, elegant rooms, a championship golf course, and private beach access. Perfect for romantic getaways or anyone looking for a true luxury Tahoe experience.
Edgewood Tahoe Resort
A beautiful lakeside resort featuring a private beach, year-round heated pool, full-service spa, and plenty of family-friendly amenities. Great for both couples and families.
Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino
A five-star mountain resort with ski-in/ski-out access in the winter and beautiful hiking trails in the summer. Ideal for travelers looking for luxury, relaxation, and outdoor adventure.
The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe
A must-visit in South Lake Tahoe! Located in Heavenly Village, Base Camp Pizza Co. is known for its delicious gourmet pizzas, garlic fries, craft beer, and lively atmosphere with live music. It’s the perfect spot to refuel after a day of skiing, hiki...
Basecamppizzaco
San Diego is the perfect blend of beautiful beaches, amazing food, family-friendly attractions, and year-round sunshine. Whether you’re exploring Balboa Park, visiting the San Diego Zoo, relaxing by the ocean, or discovering local neighborhoods, ther...
San Diego
One of the world’s most famous zoos, the San Diego Zoo is home to thousands of animals from around the globe in beautifully designed, naturalistic habitats. Highlights include giant pandas, elephants, giraffes, koalas, polar bears, and the Skyfari ae...
San Diego Zoo
One of California’s most iconic beachfront resorts, offering beautiful ocean views, historic charm, and direct access to Coronado Beach. Perfect for a luxury coastal getaway.
Hotel del Coronado | San Diego's Legendary Beach Resort
A five-star resort featuring a world-class spa, championship golf course, beautiful pools, and a peaceful setting. Ideal for a relaxing luxury escape.
Luxury Hotel in San Diego - Fairmont Grand Del Mar
A modern luxury hotel in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter with stylish rooms, rooftop pool, exceptional restaurants, and walkable nightlife.
Pendry San Diego
A luxurious adults-only, all-inclusive resort perfect for a romantic getaway. With stunning pools, exceptional dining, beautiful beachfront views, and top-tier service, Impression Moxché offers an unforgettable luxury experience just south of Cancun....
Impression Moxché by Secrets
🌺 Maui is the perfect island for a mix of relaxation and adventure. From world-famous beaches and breathtaking sunsets to the Road to Hana, snorkeling, and incredible whale watching (seasonal), it’s an unforgettable destination for couples, families...
Maui Official Travel Site
🌴 A family favorite featuring incredible pools, a beautiful beach, a full-service spa, and plenty of activities for all ages.
Grand Wailea | Oasis in Maui | A Waldorf Astoria Resort
One of Hawaii’s most luxurious oceanfront resorts, offering exceptional service, beautiful pools, world-class dining, and stunning views. Perfect for a romantic getaway or a once-in-a-lifetime vacation.
Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea
One of Hawaii’s most iconic restaurants, known for incredibly fresh seafood, oceanfront views, and an unforgettable dining experience. Reservations book well in advance, but it’s worth planning for.
Mama's Fish House
A local favorite serving fresh island-inspired dishes, wood-fired pizzas, and the famous lilikoi foam mai tai. Great for lunch, dinner, or happy hour.
Monkeypod Kitchen
An adults-only boutique hotel with spacious suites, breathtaking ocean views, and a peaceful atmosphere. Ideal for couples looking for a quiet, luxurious escape.
Hotel Wailea
If you’re looking for an unforgettable adventure on Maui, this is it! Ride through private trails that most visitors never get to see, with incredible ocean views, jungle canopies, bamboo forests, hills, and river crossings. The guides are friendly, ...
Maui Off-Road Adventures
🌿 Known as the “Garden Isle,” Kauai is a tropical paradise filled with lush mountains, dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and pristine beaches. Whether you’re hiking the Nā Pali Coast, exploring Waimea Canyon, or simply relaxing by the ocean, Kauai offers...
Kauai
Experience Kauai from above on the famous Jurassic helicopter tour! Fly over the breathtaking Nā Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon, lush waterfalls, and iconic filming locations from Jurassic Park. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime adventure and one of the best ways...
Jurassic Park Helicopter Tour in Kauai
Oahu offers the perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and island culture. From the famous beaches of Waikiki and the North Shore to Pearl Harbor, Diamond Head, and incredible local food, there’s something for every traveler. Whether you’re chasing su...
O‘ahu
Waikiki is the heart of Oahu, known for its world-famous beach, stunning sunsets, luxury resorts, vibrant shopping, and incredible dining. Whether you’re learning to surf, strolling Kalākaua Avenue, or enjoying the ocean views, Waikiki is the perfect...
Waikiki Hawaii Travel Guide & Information
Nestled on Oahu’s beautiful North Shore, Turtle Bay Resort is the perfect escape for those looking to unwind in luxury. With breathtaking ocean views, pristine beaches, world-class dining, and endless outdoor activities, it’s an unforgettable destina...
Turtle Bay
🌺 Experience luxury on Oahu’s breathtaking North Shore at The Ritz-Carlton Oʻahu, Turtle Bay. Surrounded by pristine beaches, scenic coastal trails, and endless ocean views, this resort is perfect for a relaxing getaway with world-class dining, beau...
The Ritz-Carlton O‘ahu, Turtle Bay
* Moderate (1–2 hours)
* One of Hawaii’s most iconic hikes
* Historic crater with sweeping views of Waikiki
* Timed-entry reservation required
Diamond Head
* Strenuous (1.5–2 hours)
* Over 1,000 railroad-tie “stairs”
* Panoramic views from the summit
* A rewarding workout if you’re in good shape
Koko Crater Railway Trail, Oahu: A Grueling Hike With A Stunning ...
This short but steep hike is one of Oahu’s most rewarding adventures. In less than a mile, you’ll climb to historic World War II pillboxes overlooking the turquoise waters of Lanikai Beach, Kailua Bay, and the Mokulua Islands. It’s especially magical...
Hiking the Lanikai Pillbox Trail (Kaʻiwa Ridge) on Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi
🌊 Fort Bragg is a charming Northern California coastal town known for its rugged ocean views, scenic beaches, and laid-back atmosphere. Visit the famous Glass Beach, ride the historic Skunk Train, explore nearby redwood forests, and enjoy fresh seaf...
Fort Bragg
💙 One of California’s most unique coastal destinations! Glass Beach is famous for its colorful sea glass, created over decades as the ocean transformed discarded glass into smooth, beautiful pebbles. It’s a must-see stop for stunning ocean views, ph...
Glass Beach
🌴 Pismo Beach is a classic California beach town with beautiful ocean views, a charming downtown, and a laid-back coastal vibe. Whether you’re strolling the pier, relaxing on the beach, exploring the nearby sand dunes, or enjoying fresh seafood, it’...
Visit Pismo Beach | Hotels, Things To Do, Restaurants, Wineries
A fantastic family-friendly option with oceanfront rooms, multiple hot tubs, and direct beach access
SeaCrest OceanFront Hotel
A beautiful beachfront boutique hotel with a pool, fire pits, and easy access to the pier and downtown.
Vespera Resort on Pismo Beach, Autograph Collection
A Pismo Beach classic! If you’re visiting, this is a must-stop for their famous clam chowder served in a fresh sourdough bread bowl. They also have delicious fish & chips, sandwiches, and seafood favorites. It’s casual, family-friendly, and the p...
Splash Café
🍷 A charming Gold Country town known for its award-winning wineries, historic Main Street, boutique shopping, and cozy small-town atmosphere. Whether you’re wine tasting, exploring nearby caves, or visiting in the fall for colorful scenery, Murphys ...
Murphys
The most iconic winery in the area. Beautiful gardens, a lake, museum, and excellent wines. Perfect if you only have time for one stop.
Ironstone Vineyards
Known for fantastic Rhône-style wines and an outstanding cheese pairing. Visitors consistently rave about the friendly staff and laid-back atmosphere.
Rhône Room » Lavender Ridge Vineyard
A charming tasting room with a peaceful creekside patio that’s perfect for relaxing with a glass of wine.
Milliaire Winery
A favorite among repeat visitors for its family atmosphere and excellent wines.
Tanner Vineyards
Known as “The Biggest Little City in the World,” Reno offers a fun mix of casinos, great restaurants, outdoor adventure, and a growing arts scene. It’s just under an hour from Lake Tahoe, making it a convenient base for exploring both city life and t...
Reno
Stroll along the Truckee River, browse local shops, enjoy public art, and stop at restaurants or breweries.
Riverwalk District
Nestled in the hills above Oakland, the Oakland Zoo is one of Northern California’s best family attractions. It’s known for its spacious animal habitats, conservation efforts, and the scenic gondola ride that takes you to the California Trail, where ...
Oakland Zoo
Perched on historic Cannery Row, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is one of the most spectacular aquariums in the world. It’s famous for its towering Kelp Forest, playful sea otters, mesmerizing jellyfish, and immersive exhibits featuring the incredible mar...
Monterey Bay Aquarium
So far our favorite place we have eating on Oahu. We shared a Cesar salad and margarita pizza. We ate outside beautiful location.
House Without A Key | Dining - Halekulani Hotel