Visiting New Jersey Shores

Long beach is a great option if you’re looking to get away from the loud and busy nightlife of some of the Jersey Shore’s other beaches. The beach itself is clean and low-key, a perfect place to relax with the little ones. 

We went here around mid August. Beautiful well maintained boardwalk. No rowdy visitors, plenty of cops on bikes so felt very safe.  Plenty facilities for beach goers including cabanas and showers. The beach are has the perfect blend of food and shopping and entertainment. We’ll be back that's for sure.

 

Great location for family with kids.

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11 comments Beaches and Islands, Jersey Shore, New Jersey, Summer Getaway, United States

Visited Alabama Gulf Shores Beach

If you want that white sandy beach and blue ocean but don't want the crowd of Panama City and Destin, Florida come to Gulf Shores. We typically visit Florida beaches at least twice a year, but  this time we decided to split up and go somewhere new this time. At this point in our trip we stop over to Gulf Shores Alabama. 

 

Gulf Shores Beach is absolutely beautiful. If you are a beach lover you will be so happy at Gulf Shores Beach. The sand is white and sugar fine. There are so many spots you can find to chill and relax and enjoy the sound of the waves. We parked across the street in a public lot. There are nice spots to shower off the sand and salt. There are also several large sails which provide shade if you are like me and have to watch that toasty Gulf sunshine. There are lots of bars and restaurants along the beach. We were surprised to find reasonable prices for very delicious seafood.

Definitely a beautiful beach. It was cool on this day, but we needed to see the ocean and make memories.

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11 comments AdBenture, Alabama, Beaches and Islands, Gulf Shores, United States, Vacation

Family Spring Break Vacation for 2022

Every day should be a beach day.

 

Destin is one of our all-time favorite spring break getaways. One of the best beaches in the Florida. We recently stayed at the Embassy Suites Hotel Destin Miramar Beach.  We were very impressed with the hotel, the complimentary breakfast with a delicious buffet as well as made to order omelets, and eggs.  It comes with two complimentary drinks per guest, this was a definite bonus! The hotel is very clean and very open concept which we loved. We enjoyed the beach and the restaurant across the road was very convenient as well.  Excellent customer service. The room was very comfortable and spacious. We want to come back here again sometime soon.

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14 comments AdBenture, Beaches and Islands, Destin, Florida, Outdoor Activities and Adventures, Summer Getaway, United States

Taking our toddler to the beach - Florida Getaway

The beach is one of the best places for a couple to relax and to take your toddler because there’s nowhere to hide and plenty of visibility.  Toddlers will enjoy the sunshine and fresh air and you’ll enjoy getting a tan. Just like our little boy this is probably our toddler’s first real vacation... at least where he is more mobile.  So we let him lead the way, get dirty and have fun.  If you let your little one lead their way you may be surprised at where you end up.

 

It was early April when we  took our boy on a spontaneous trip to the beach to unwind and change of scenery as well.

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17 comments AdBenture, Beaches and Islands, Destin, Florida, Jeep Adventure, Summer Getaway

Live in the Moment at Ventura's best beaches

My family had always have love for a great beach. The Ventura coastline is one of our favorite beaches to go enjoy in a nice beach day. Checking out the sunrise and some beautiful waves. The atmosphere is always on point and the weather is perfect for a walk along the coast. My family will always had great memories here.

Point Mugu State National Park 

From the day we discovered this place we visit here almost every weekend. The water is clean and the color of the water reminded of me of the waters of Miami as the waves crashed. The beach is uncrowded and parking is free.

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13 comments Beaches and Islands, California, California State Park, United States, Ventura, Ventura County Coast

To the Beach Baby!

If you regularly visit the beach like us you may want to spend the money investing in a quality beach tent that can provide shade to an entire family. One benefit of the tent is it also contains a ‘floor’ as part of the tent. The floor serves as a good surface for the baby to play or sleep without the baby laying on sand or seashells. The tent is the most compact option.

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28 comments AdBenture, Beaches and Islands, California, California State Park, Summer Getaway, United States, Ventura, Ventura County Coast

Our Ultimate Florida Jeep Road Trip - Spring 2018

Road trip is our favorite way to explore new places. This Jeep Adventure Quest trip was our second longest trip in the Jeep at 2,200 miles. We follow the Gulf Coast of Florida with stops at Crystal River, The Everglades National Park, Miami beach, explore the Keys then we go up the Atlantic coast to Daytona and ending at Jeep Beach 2018.

Having the freedom to go where you want is amazing. Finding a hotel along the route for your road trip  really can make a big difference to your travel experience. And the more time we spend traveling (or maybe just the older we get?), the pickier we get about the hotels we choose. Do your research and find great hotel deals before booking a hotel to ensure that you are always assured of a good price and comfortable accommodation.

 

Below is our random pics of our epic road trip to Florida Keys during our stop over  - we encourage you to go out there explore too and give yourself plenty of time to enjoy it! 

1. Miami Beach

South Beach is a "must visit" when you come to Miami. The area is filled with hotels of all price range and a variety of shops and restaurants. The beach itself stretches on for miles and the sand is quite nice, though not as soft as some of the other beaches we have been to . Also it was quite disappointing to see that the beach was filled with seaweeds. It really spoiled the look of the beach and the enjoyment. But overall,  we still had a great time spending our afternoon by the beach.

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40 comments Beaches and Islands, Daytona Beach, Florida, Jeep Adventure, Miami, Museum and Exhibits, Road Trip, Travel Tips, United States, US National Park

Watch the sunset at Emma Wood State Beach Ventura California

Emma Wood State Beach is one of my favorite beaches for day trips. It's quite lovely and peaceful compared to the more crowded beaches further down South, and in that way it could be considered a more hidden gem. The sand is nice, there are quite a few logs to climb along. Secluded beach you can primarily focus on the ocean horizon and the waves crashing into the shoreline.

Perfect to explore and certainly a great place for taking your dog on a walk. Dog owners we came across were respectful. They were thoughtful enough to use a leash while we cross paths. If you are into camping, they do have a camp site within walking distance.

By 5:30 and up we watched the most glorious spectacular sunset with waves pounding against the surf-wall.

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32 comments AdBenture, Beaches and Islands, California, United States, Ventura, Ventura County Coast

Visit Ventura Harbor California

When the Pacific Ocean sits at your doorstep, it’s hard not to go to the beach everyday and appreciate its beauty and grandeur.  A wonderful aspect of the California coast living is that it doesn't get too cold to enjoy the outdoors comfortably ALL year round!

We love Ventura for so many reasons.  It's not as busy nor pretentious as other nearby beaches like Malibu.  Amazing California coastline, nice restaurant and ice cream bar and beautiful Pier.  It's close enough to Santa Barbara or Los Angeles.  But mainly, it's the peacefulness of this area that we love the most.  Sure, it can get busy on weekends and especially over summer with the fair happening.

But overall, Ventura harbor is a down to earth beach town that's very casual and mellow. Makes our move so worth it and  content being here.  But don't tell too many people about this ocean side gem, because then the secret on this quiet, great little harbor will get out. 

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42 comments Beaches and Islands, California, California State Park, United States, Ventura, Ventura County Coast

Visit Point Mugu State Park

This is our first time hiking the trails in these beautiful Santa Monica mountains. We got to the trailhead soon after finding ample parking on the side street.  We loved the fact that it did not feel crowded. We were hiking alone most of the time. At a couple of spots we passed hikers coming back but pretty much you're on your own. 

The trail is moderately easy for most of the length, with a few fairly steep sections. Suitable for any age group. The initial climb is steep , go right for the longer gentler ascent or go left for the steep and shorter climb you can also just do a loop.

Picture of the trail during this spring's Super Bloom. Easy hike to lookout. Don't miss this beautiful trail.

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19 comments Beaches and Islands, California, California State Park, Hiking Trails, Mountain, Santa Monica, United States

Visit The San Buenaventura City Pier

The sandy beach at Ventura Pier is the main central beach of Ventura, California. The San Buenaventura City Pier is an old structure on wooden pilings that attracts fishermen and tourists who visit the Ventura waterfront.  This is one of a  popular beach spot. No matter what time or day there's usually someone is surfing in the water below or  walking the pier from paved Ventura Promenade pathway to Surfers Point Park.

For access to Ventura Pier Beach from downtown just head toward the ocean on California Street and you’ll get to the pier. There is a large parking structure next to the Crown Plaza Ventura Beach Hotel just off Harbor Boulevard. Another option is the northern parking lot for San Buenaventura State Beach which is right behind the beach. Restaurants are available on the pier: bikes, beach chairs, and body boards are available for rent at the pier seven days a week in summer and on weekends in the winter month.

The pier is a great place to watch sunsets or really to walk at any time of the day.

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36 comments Beaches and Islands, Bridges and Sights, California, Piers and Boardwalks, United States, Ventura, Ventura County Coast

Visit Santa Barbara Art Chromatic Gate Installation

Have you ever wanted to just walk under the rainbow?  How about actually touching it?!  Why not when visiting Santa Barbara's beaches. Designed by famed Herbert Bayer, an artist and architect who lived and created around the globe.  This structure is especially fun to look at as you stand at the beach and watch the clouds pass over the mountains to the east of Chromatic Gate.

This massive piece of work with Unicorn colors is very intriguing with the way the arches are in 90 degree angles.  One of my favorite spots for any photo ops since it's literally across the street from the beach, you get an awesome sunset view as well. Enjoy what this piece of art has to offer on a breathtaking beautiful weather of California. There's lots to do here.

The gate looks great from either side for pictures. Some people can really spend a lot of time taking pictures there. It's really quite photogenic on a clear blue sky day.

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21 comments Beaches and Islands, California, Family Attractions, Historic Landmarks, Santa Barbara, United States

Visit Emma Wood State Beach on your trip to Ventura, California

Emma Wood State Beach is a linear state park that parallels Highway 101 west of the city of Ventura. Moderate temperatures help make Emma Wood State Beach popular for surf fishing, swimming (although the water is chilly), biking, beach combing, photography, whale watching and wildlife viewing.  It attracts a variety of wildlife including raccoons, songbirds and great blue herons.  Dolphins are occasionally seen just offshore.  The park also features the crumbling ruins of a World War II coastal artillery site.  The offshore Channel Islands can be seen from the beach.

Emma Wood State Beach offers family camping with fantastic views.  The campsite is for fully self-contained vehicles (RV) only.  Tents are not permitted.  No water, restrooms, electricity, fire rings, or phones or dump station are available.   You can make reservations from mid-May through Labor Day. After that it is first-come, first-serve. Keep in mind that high-tides may close the campground at any time.

I love being on the beach it’s my favorite place  – where the sky touches the sea.

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38 comments Beaches and Islands, California, California State Park, Jeep Adventure, United States, Ventura, Ventura County Coast

California's Pacific Coast Highway Roadtrip

When it comes to America’s best road trips, it’s hard to beat the Pacific Coast Highway. Driving this route means hours cruising along stunning hillside overlooking the Pacific ocean and vista points for sparkling beach views. That is why, we are so thrilled when we drove for the first time to this iconic Highway.

You can start your trip from San Francisco to San Diego or San Diego to San Francisco.  In addition  you can extend your road trip by adding on the Oregon and Washington state.  Depending on whether you do only California or all three states.  I advise you to take your precious time to really enjoy all the charming beauty of  Pacific Coast road trip.

Checking out the California coast in our rented Jeep.

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24 comments Beaches and Islands, California, Jeep Adventure, Los Angeles, Malibu, Road Trip, Santa Monica, United States

The Jeep Beach Daytona Event

Daytona Beach, once known as the World's Most Famous Beach  that has a very rich history.  It is also the home of NASCAR and miles of sand beaches.  We came here in the month of April during the Jeep Beach Daytona 2018.  It is on the Atlantic side so it's going to be on the cold side.

Daytona Beach is a pretty standard beach for Florida. The beach is ok and the waves are more active compared to beaches on the Panhandle of Florida. The beach itself is typically pretty busy and the sand is not as white as some other places in Florida in fact it is brown sand.   Large hotels and chain restaurants and bars surround the beach.

Jeep Beach is the largest Jeep only event in the Southeast USA.

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24 comments Beaches and Islands, Daytona Beach, Florida, Jeep Adventure

Visit St. Simons Island Georgia

Our vacation to St. Simons Island was very relaxing.  What we discovered was a gem of a beach and a quiet place for retreat and solitude. The slow place of the island was a perfect spot to recharge from a hectic full time life. We enjoyed our time so much we have begun planning to go back again hopefully very soon. 

Surrounded by expansive beaches, moss-draped oaks, and salt marshes, Saint Simons Island, is part of the Golden Isles chain near Brunswick, is a nearly 18 square mile island.  Lots of opportunities to fish in the rivers, tidal creeks,  and the Atlantic Ocean.  You’ll find charters and guides at the Golden Isles Marina, and you can also fish off the St. Simons Island Pier and surf cast on stretches of beach on the island’s north end. For such a compact island, Saint Simons is filled with historic sites.

St. Simons Island  remains a sleepy coastal town with lots of things to do here.

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25 comments Beaches and Islands, Georgia, Savannah, St. Simons Island, United States

Visit Sombrero Beach Marathon | Florida Keys

It's not every day you can drive to an island. Driving to Florida Keys is the perfect trip we've ever been. Here is one of my favorite beach at the Keys: The Sombrero Beach in Marathon, FL.  The Sombrero Beach is a stretch of public beach just off the Overseas Highway and has been developed to allow a range of activities to take place. Play beach games; go swimming, kayaking or snorkeling; and lounge in the sun at one of Marathon’s most visited beaches.

The atmosphere is very calm and  pleasant. The water is clean less seaweeds compare to Miami beach and there were no rocks or seashells on the ocean to hurt your foot. We enjoy relaxing in shady groves provided by the coconut palms that line the beach. It has a mixture of people here but the people that we encountered were very friendly both local and tourist  they were always willing to help and suggest other areas to go to.

Located at: Atlantic Side - Sombrero Beach Rd Marathon, FL 33052 

This is by far the best beach that we've seen in the Florida Keys.

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31 comments Beaches and Islands, Florida, Jeep Adventure, Key Largo, Road Trip, Summer Getaway

Visit the South Beach Miami Florida

To those who know us or had been following this blog, the beach is our second home. There's something so divine about the ocean that lead us to keep coming back to Florida at least once a year.  Its because of the gorgeous beach, the white sand, blue skies, and those colorful seashells  along the shore.

On this recent trip  to Florida Keys, we only had a short two days stop over to Miami area. We didn't get to see very much of Miami, but were able to drive around downtown to South Beach.  It was super cool to see all the art deco buildings.

South Beach is a "must visit" when you come to Miami. The area is filled with hotels of all price range and a variety of shops and restaurants. The beach itself stretches on for miles and the sand is quite nice, though not as soft as some of the other beaches we have been to (such as: Destin and Tampa Bay area). Also it was quite disappointing to see that the beach was filled with seaweeds. It really spoiled the look of the beach and the enjoyment. But overall,  we still had a great time spending our afternoon by the beach.

South Beach  Miami is as iconic as Venice Beach on the West Coast. The beach is huge and has all the amenities you would expect.

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48 comments Beaches and Islands, Florida, Miami, Summer Getaway, United States

Shelling on Sanibel Island Florida

Thinking about your next vacation destination that is either relaxing or family friendly?  If you’re daydreaming about seaside sunning and likes to spend a quiet afternoon shell-collecting  the Sanibel Island in Florida is just your spot. It is connected to Fort Myers by the Sanibel Causeway Bridge. This Island has beautiful beaches, lots of high-rise hotels and condos, and a laid back atmosphere.

Why there's so many shells?

Sanibel Island coastlines run east and west, different than most islands which run north and south, this direction allows Sanibel Island to catch abundant sea shells.  The Gulf of Mexico scooping up all the seashells imported from the Caribbean and brings it to the shores.  Sanibel Island is world renowned for its shells. People from all over the world come to collect and admire the colorful "Treasures From the Sea".

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45 comments Beaches and Islands, Florida, Jeep Adventure, Miami, Road Trip, Sanibel Island, Summer Getaway, United States

Things to do in Destin Weekend Getaways

One of our favorite weekend getaways is to Destin. Florida.  It is a 7-8 hour drive from our location, so we try to get there about 1-2 times a year.  It is located in the area of Florida called “The Panhandle” because it is shaped like it is the handle of Florida when viewing it on a map.  It is located on the Gulf of Mexico, and is also called the Gulf Coast of Florida and The Emerald Coast due to its beautifully clear colored ocean water.  Destin beaches are characterized by their clear blue/green water and white sand, which is commonly referred to as “sugar sand”.  But trust us, it isn’t because it is sweet 😀 .  The texture and appearance of the sand is similar to sugar.

We enjoy all the beaches but have noticed that each have their own attributes.  Beached located within Destin city limits and to the west seem to have more activity and people.  Food vendors, beach volleyball, a few restaurants, and piers are all located in these areas.  During peak times, these beaches can get quite busy with mostly under 50+ crowd.  So if you like being around people and don’t mind social interaction, then these beaches are for you.  There are many hotels, rental units, and restaurants within close proximity to each other and many that are right on the beach.  Beach and restaurant parking can be challenging at times so be prepared. Shopping centers abound and traffic isn’t bad.

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18 comments Beaches and Islands, Cabin and Hotel Reviews, Destin, Florida, Places to Eat and Shop, Travel Tips, United States