Dreaming of California ~ Driving the Big Sur Coast

No more "California dreamin', California dreamin', On such a winter day". (Can you hear The Mamas and The Papas singing?)

Now, I'm just reminiscing about the two amazingly beautiful trips we've taken to California, this past year.
 

Today, I have been thinking about driving the famous Highway 1, down the Big Sur coastline. 

Here are some of the highlights that I would recommend:

• Just south of Carmel is Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, the "crown jewel of the California State Parks system".  There are plenty of hiking trails and numerous views of the Pacific.

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

• Bixby Bridge is 13 miles south of Carmel and is one of the most photographed bridges along the Pacific coast.

Bixby Bridge

• Pfieffer Beach is a really fun beach area.  It is a little tough to find, so check the website for directions and watch closely for signs.  If you have time, plan to stay a couple of hours to play in the sand and waves.

Pfieffer Beach

• Nepenthe Restaurant has beautiful views, but it was too pricey to take the kids.  We enjoyed it on our anniversary trip last year.

Nepenthe

• Partington Cove is Josh's favorite spot along this stretch of Highway 1.  It is free to enter and there is a mile long trail that has three branches; one to a stream in the Redwoods, one through a tunnel and one to the beach area.  It has an interesting history, too!

 

• Keep your eyes open for California Condors flying overhead through the Big Sur area.  It is one of North America's largest birds.  We were able to spot a few.

California Condors

• McWay Falls at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is absolutely stunning!

McWay Falls

 

•  Ragged Point is a fun place to stop and explore, stretch your legs and have a snack.

Ragged Point

• And don't forget to stop and see the seals at the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Beaches!

There are so many places to stop along this scenic drive, that it takes books to list them all.  I just listed a few of my favorites. What are some of your favorites?

Disneyland ~ Ultimate Park Bag!!!

 

We just made our first (and already planning a second) family trip to Disneyland in California!  We may never do Disney World again, but more about that later. 

Being the planner and organizer that I am, everyone had a park bag ready to go. I believe that anyone over the age of five is big enough and responsible enough to carry their own things, so each of the girls (8 and 10) had their own backpacks, but little mister (3) got to keep his things in Daddy's backpack.  I carried a backpack purse. 

Our Disneyland trip required each of us to have a light jacket, because the mornings and evenings were chilly, so all of the park bags had enough room to put the jacket in during the warmer part of the day. 

 

GIRLS' PARK BAGS

 

• Water bottle

• Rain Poncho (purchased ahead of time; they are more expensive in the park)

• Snacks (park snacks can get expensive, and snacks make standing in line more fun)

• Sunglasses

 

DAD'S PARK BAG

• Water bottles (his and little man's)

• Rain ponchos

• Matador picnic blanket (to stake out your parade viewing area)

• Wallet (in front pocket, where tickets and fast passes were kept)

• iPhone

And bonus, this Hikpro backpack folds up nicely to fit into the carry-on suitcase. 

 

MOM' S PARK BAG

Okay, I know, this doesn't work for those of you who like to travel minimalist style, but for the rest of us, who like to have it all, here's my must have list:

• DSLR Camera in a padded pouch (this is only a must-have for some, I know iPhones are great, too)

• Water bottle

• Rain poncho

• iPhone 

• Sunglasses

• Wet wipes 

• Sunscreen

• Chapstick

• Gum (Disney doesn't sell gum)

• Wallet

• Kleenex

• First aid pouch (Excederin, Advil, childrens ibuprofen and bandaids)

I hope this list is helpful. Let me know what your must-haves are for a Disney day!