Postcards From California – A Holiday In Pictures

Summer in NorCal

Last summer we’ve visited our friends living in North California and we spent 3 wonderful weeks there. It was so blooming hot, that we really had to plan our stay. On some days, it was around 40 Celsius so we spent those days in water parks or travelled up to the Bay Area where it was generally cooler and breezier. We explored some new places like Stanford, Gilroy, San Jose, Palo Alto and Los Gatos. Revisited other favourites like San Francisco, Santa Cruz and Monterey Bay. We normally planned the days around the children (and the weather) as parents often do when on family holiday, but we also managed to squeeze in some grown up fun too, like a few museums, galleries and some evenings out as it was so nice and balmy to eat out. But most of the time, we enjoyed all the activities together: the beach, the water parks, the broad walks, the red forest trails, the fantastic tech museums designed for both children and grown ups – we really had a fantastic holiday.

Postcards from California

Taking photos with my iPhone

I did take my camera, but I hardly took it out as I still find it hard and fiddly to take photos with the two little busy bees buzzing around. I normally had to carry Lau everywhere as she refused going in the buggy, but she only just started to walk properly back then. So, I took all the photos with my iPhone – you know the modern age saying: the best camera is the one you have with you.

Silver Creek near San Jose

This is where we stayed. It does look a little bit like the Tatooine from a distance (this first photo was taken at a playground), but it is oddly lush green in the creek for the golf clubs. We had some fantastic Mexican food, when in California don’t miss out on Mexican food, as there are some great places to find.

Monterey Bay

It is probably my favourite place around here, we went for a day trip there every week whilst there. The children loved the Aquarium and it has a very pretty little downtown too. We walked the way between the harbour and the Aquarium once when it wasn’t too hot. It’s a beautiful scenic route, takes about 40 minutes, so it was just about doable with the children. Needless to say, we hopped on the free street car service on the way back. We also just missed the annual car show but we have still spotted some gorgeous old cars.

Santa Cruz

It does worth a few days too: the beautiful beach and the and all the broad walk fun can hardly fit into a very long day. Let alone the best ice-cream in California! It has got a very young vibe and quite hippie too. Lots of surfers around and the downtown is really cute. And they have a fab little place for ice cream called Penny Ice.

San Francisco

Always the best fun, always shows something new, always feeling welcomed. My favourite place in the US. There is so much to see and do, it’s such a cool town. Must visit for every travel lovers. This was the first time for me visiting the Castro and it was an item ticked off my all time travel bucket list. 

Palo Alto and Silicon Valley

Very pretty and suburban. Apple products are not less expensive. If you ever wanted to visit a famous US university, then have a potter around in Stanford. 

And other places

We have also revisited Roaring Camp and both my little  and big train enthusiasts were very happy to be back. And some other new places: the Winchester Mystery House and Pebble Beach with the Lone Cypress

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