visit california

Food Diary: Huntington Beach, California

July 20, 2017 By Lena

We can talk about location, attractions, etc. etc… but we all know what makes a good vacation great: the food.
Pictured above, Ahi Poke Bruschetta from Pete’s Sunset Grille. Wakame seaweed salad, ponzu, sriracha aioli, tobiko caviar, bread crisps, olive oil and micro basil.

Our recent trip to Huntington Beach stands out in my mind, in part thanks to the kid-friendly activities, pristine beach and gorgeous weather… and of course, because of the gastronomic delights. Here’s my food diary, showcasing my favourite spots to have a fabulous meal. …

48 Hours in Huntington Beach

July 20, 2017 By Lena

First things first – if you’re ONLY spending 48 hours in Huntington Beach, you’re doing it all wrong.
With 10 miles of pristine uninterrupted beaches, family-friendly activities and a vibrant nightlife, it’s the perfect destination all year round – worthy of at least seven days of your vacation allotment! On our recent #kidifornia adventure we spent two days in Surf City USA (too short!), and today, I’m here with a recap of all the fun – and what we’ll look forward to when we return. …

Front of the Line and Behind the Scenes: Universal Studios Hollywood

July 16, 2017 By Lena

What happens when your kids have complete control of your vacation itinerary?

Oh, you just have the most amazing trip, ever.

For our recent trip to #kidifornia, the boys had a “wish list” – in quotes, because if you have children, you’ll know that any wish list is actually translated to a “must do, won’t accept no for an answer, has to happen” kind of demand. Of course, when Universal Studios Hollywood is at the top of that list, we’re happy to oblige.
From rides and attractions to shopping and entertainment, Universal Studios Hollywood is a mecca of fun. Here’s five things kids LOVE about Universal Studios Hollywood. …

One Week in Kidifornia: A Family Vacation Play-by-Play

June 27, 2017 By Lena

California, you have my heart.

On our drive home from our recent family vacation, I listened as my husband whistled to the tune of California Girls by The Beach Boys. Smiling, I realized there was only one thing wrong with the song; “girls” needed to be substituted with “vacations”.

I wish they all could be California vacations.

This is usually the part where I gush about my amazing getaway. However, if you follow me on Instagram or Twitter, you already know that we had an incredible time – especially the boys, who took the lead in helping us decide where to go and what to do. In fact, including them in the planning process for a trip to Southern California – an authentically kid-friendly destination – made it a vacation we won’t soon forget. And today, I’m here to show you how you can duplicate our efforts with a play-by-play of our entire itinerary.

Welcome to Kidifornia.
First, let’s go over the logistics of the trip: time of year to travel, flight options and length of stay. The great news is that there’s no bad time to visit California, but there are better times to plan your trip depending on your vacation “must haves”. If hitting the beach is high on your priority list, you’ll want to visit from May to October when the waters are more favourable for swimming. If your kids are set on visiting amusement parks like Disneyland, Legoland and/or Universal Studios Hollywood, September to November and January to May (aside from holiday weekends and spring break) are your best bets as crowds will thin with children in school. And for those who love to pound the pavement and spend the day sightseeing, January through March is an ideal time to indulge in a little shopping and take in a film festival or two; the weather is pleasant and it’s a great way to escape our Canadian winter. …