Weekend Getaway in Santa Cruz

For Valentine's and the holiday weekend, we were itching to have a getaway aka feel like we were traveling ha. Just forty miles north of Monterey is the surfer/college/laid back city of Santa Cruz. We haven't really explored that area and we had a great time! Santa Cruz not only has a gorgeous coast line, but it also has a really fun downtown and a fun beach boardwalk. It also has a gorgeous redwood forest (I need to blog about it!). Our hotel was up near those redwoods so it really felt like we were on a mini-trip with the change of scenery. 

It also is a good ten degrees warmer in Santa Cruz than in Monterey, which was definitely appreciated. No sweaters at the beach!

This was our first stop: Natural Bridges State Park. J was in heaven trying to run away from me straight into the water. 

I've become like how Jim Gaffigan is--I told Victor we needed a hotel with a swimming pool. Swimming pools make J so happy which makes me happy.

Our Valentine's evening was at the original Pizza my Heart--appropriate for Love Day! There's also one in Monterey and it's delicious.

Fun at the boardwalk!

Cuties!

Dominic was there too!

...And after all that, he was totally on sensory overload and cried pretty much the whole way home. I've been wanting to take him to Disneyland, but after this I'm not so sure haha! Also do you like our new minivan stroller?? It's strange toting around a double. So big!

Until next time, Santa Cruz! We had a lovely time and can't wait to go back.