What do your mini getaways look like? For us it is filled with plenty of diverse things. It is always a mixture of nature, historic, and unique places. We usually can cover or do a variety of things in 2 days. We get up early and are usually one of the first to arrive to our destinations. If you want to learn the secret to seeing more and experiencing places without the crowds and traffic then wake up, leave, and arrive early.
Here is a peek at what our mini getaways look like.
Redwood Grove Trail
Whenever we are surrounded by Redwoods we always feel so small and we realize how big our world is. This 3/4 mile trail is short but oh so gorgeous. This is the only remaining old-growth grove in the area and it is has such a wonderful gated dirt trail.
Felton Covered Bridge County Park
This bridge is pretty covered up and because of it has a larger life span to it than the ones that are not covered up. It was built in 1892 and is about 80 feet long. These covered bridges helped protect pedestrians, wagons, and horses stay dry. We were so glad to see how well it has been preserved.
Located: Graham Hill Rd Felton, Ca 95018.
The Mystery Spot
If you live in California you are sure to see a car or two driving by with a bright bumper sticker that says Mystery Spot. The reason so many drive with these on their car is because they give each person who go on the tour one for free. Now that’s free (or very cheap) advertising if you ask me. 🙂 This is our third “mystery” experience. They are way too cool. The only down fall to it is that you might feel dizzy or feel sick once you see it. If your kids are learning about gravity, velocity, or height then you sure want to bring them here. There is a new tour every 15 minutes and tickets do sell out quick so if your planning to come here reserve ahead of time or you’ll be waiting for your tour 1 hour or more.
Mt. Madonna Park
It has been said that Sarah Millers ghost continues to wander the hills of Mt. Madonna. This small girl who was only 8 years old was thrown from her horse when the horse stumbled. Poor Sarah got crushed by the horse. We have stayed in yurt #128 twice and we have not seen any ghosts here. It’s a great place to stop by and spend the night without bringing your tent. It’s also surrounded by nature.
Sunset State Beach
This was probably one of our favorite experiences at a beach. We got to see a seal up close. We’ve near seen sea dollars in California before. Now I know that there are plenty here. Many of them were broken but it was nice to find them. The sky was beautiful the day we went. We came early which was so wonderful because we were one of the few who were enjoying the beach that morning.
Located at Sunset Beach Rd, Watsonville, Ca 95076
Mission San Jaun Baustista
We always visit the Missions of California whenever we come across them. We have shared a post with previous missions we have visited. Click here. This is the 18th mission established (June 24,1797) in California. You definitely want to see this mission because it is the largest of all the missions.
Gizdich Ranch
We love picking our own fruit. Every year we try to pick blueberries, strawberries, apples, boysenberries, olallieberries, oranges, and lemons. This ranch has so many seasonal fruits you can pick. This time we picked olallieberries and boysenberries. We had a great time picking so many of them too.
Located at 55 Peckham Rd Watsonville, Ca 95076 call (831) 722-1056 to find out what is in season for picking.
Olalliesberries and Boysenberries Pie
Esther made a pie out of the fruit we collected. It was so tasty. She blows my mind away with her baking abilities. The video is a bit long but below you can see how you make your very own pie as well.
Thank you for reading our post.
andrea
this pie looks incredible. like melt in your mouth amazing. and love the berries on the top. and it seems so much fun to be able to go berry picking. i would love to go berry picking and get my own berries
Joanna @ Everyday Made Fresh
Those are all great places for family getaways. We too like to visit places with history. That pie looks so yummy! The best part is your family picked those berries together. 🙂 Such wonderful memories you are creating for your kids.
Rachel
Aww really love reading your posts, you have a beautiful family. Well Done Esther on making a fruit pie, looks yummy!! I would really love to visit the places you go to, I would love to move!!
robin rue
Redwood trees have always impressed me. We don’t have them around here, so I would LOVE to see on in real life someday.
Angela Tolsma
The mystery spot sounds like so much fun! I would love to do something like that. So awesome you got to see a seal!
Melissa Chapman
Those trips were amazing each one I wish you had expanded on one or two of the places. The redwood forest was so awesome but so was the beach. Thanks for the great pictures.
Terri
That pie! That trip! We like doing mini getaways, too, but we often do them in our own city. It’s fun to stay the night in a hotel and do things we normally can’t.
Jalisa
The scenery all looks beautiful. All three places you were able to visit must have been so fun to visit with your family.
Katie
It looks like you guys had a great time visiting all of these places. I’m glad your family got to spend some quality time together is these cool places.
Akim
Lots of great activities of kids and adults of all ages! Your berry pie looks so delicious.. WONDERFUL FAMILY!
Cindy Ingalls
This is one of my favorites things about California, there is so many different places to explore. One day you can be among the redwoods and the next walking along the beach.
reesann723
What a lovely trip! I have always wanted to go to the Redwoods! And there is nothing better than using your own freshly picked fruits.
michenn
Wow those trees are amazing! This is definitely a vacation I would want to take, it must have been so awe-inspiring to be in that area. Love your photos as well!
Charlotte
wow this looks like you have been busy! We like to go away as a family but the kids are still little so we can’t quite get this much adventure in! (or as much walking and exploring without moaning :p )
Blythe
I love how you used the fruit you collected to make a pie. Such a great idea and really teaches your kids to appreciate the land and nature.
Cassie Tucker
It is always a great thing to be reminded that there is so much more to California than the hustle and bustle of LA or SF. I would love to go for a hike in those woods!
Misty Nelson
I’m dying to see the redwoods! wow, looks like you guys really had a wonderful time. We are in the middle of planning our summer vacation and I can hardly wait.
Brandi with Big Fit Fam
You sure packed an amazing amount into one post! I love the history of the places you visited, Those types of places really stick in my memory more than just a plain place…if that makes sense. Yummy pie!
katriza
Wow what a beautiful place! All these pictures are so scenic and peaceful! I would love to visit someday
Glenda
Looks like you guys had a blast! I’m so impressed with all the awesome pictures. I totally love that huge true!!
Heather
The redwoods are gorgeous! My family would love to visit here! I actually visited as a child and remember being in complete awe of the size of the trees; my daughters would love it!
Shannon Gurnee
That looks like such a fun family adventure! I bet our kids would love to go and do a trip like this! Love your pics!