This way to paradise…

Everyone has their own version of paradise, but when I think of paradise the first place that comes to mind is Santa Monica, California! It has the community feel of a small beach town*, but with all the benefits of a big city (Los Angeles) right next door!

I would consider Santa Monica the perfect family beach. It has just about everything a person would think up when dreaming of the perfect beach day!

Here is just a sampling of what Santa Monica Beach has to offer:

Long wide stretches of soft warm sand dotted with brightly colored umbrellas, perfect for picnicking, body surfing, and sandcastle building,
A 22 mile long paved path stretching from the Pacific Palisades to Torrance perfect for biking, running, roller blading or just plain walking, along the way you’ll find playgrounds, bike rentals, ice cream shops, burger joints and shopping.
A pier complete with an amusement park, a mini aquarium and a carousel!

Even with all the activities that Santa Monica Beach has to offer, there are times when it seems like you have your own private beach, with no one around other than the occasional surfer or person passing by.

Muscle Beach

Just south of the Pier you’ll find the original Muscle Beach, which features loads of gymnastics equipment, the Chess Park and easy access to the Carousel. My boys and I have always enjoyed trying out all the equipment. Though I must admit its pretty challenging!

Beautiful views

Fantastic views of the beach, ocean and pier can be seen from Palisades Park which is perched on the coastal bluffs, which run along Ocean Avenue. The Park is a great place to view the sunset and wandering along the path in the evenings, especially when the moon is out is a favorite activity of mine.

Shopping

Though I do enjoy an afternoon at the beach, I’m always up for a stroll and some shopping! Just a short walk from the beach you’ll find world class shopping and big name stores at the Santa Monica Place mall and on the pedestrian friendly Third Street Promenade. Venture just a little further south and you’ll find Main Street which is lined with one of a kind boutiques, coffee shops and restaurants, and though not technically Santa Monica I always love a trip to Abbott Kinney in Venice which is just a tiny bit further!

Where to Stay

Santa Monica is a popular tourist destination, so hotels can be pricey especially in the summer months. Here are my thoughts on the hotels we’ve stayed at most recently:

The Georgian – ***

Located on Ocean Avenue, this place couldn’t be more convenient within easy walking access to everything Santa Monica has to offer, and the rates do reflect that. However it is on the older side and could use some updating. The rooms were fine as were the common areas, but nothing special. There are no services after hours, so if you’re hungry or looking for a drink this isn’t the place.

The Hilton Double Tree – ****

A tiny bit off the beaten path this hotel fits the bill in many other ways. The rates are fair and the rooms are large , and with a separate bedroom and pullout couch in the living area all four of us were able to spread out. There is a pool which my kids really enjoyed as well as a workout facility.

The Shore – ****

Steps from the Santa Monica Pier the Shore is a trendy eco-friendly hotel with rooms on the smaller size. My favorite part about the Shore is the pool area! Elliot likes it too!

Paradise

All year long you’ll find warm days, soft sand, ocean breezes, cool nights, and everywhere you look beautiful flowers… Santa Monica…

Bougainvillea

*Santa Monica has a population of 87,000, but it’s right next door to Los Angeles with its population of 3.8M!

Boasting some of Europe’s best beaches the Algarve Region of Portugal was on my list of must see places. After reading about the area’s amazing cave formations, crystal blue waters and year-round perfect weather this was the leg of our Portugal trip I was most excited for. The boys and I love to swim and Tim loves all things ocean, so a win for everyone.

Hitting It Out Of The park

the Algar Seco rock formations were located just steps from the resort where we were staying. There is an elevated cliff walk and upon further exploration we discovered that there are also stairways and paths which have been carved directly into the rocks.

At first my internal mom voice was absolutely freaking out. Okay, who was I kidding, it wasn’t just internal, but I begrudgingly let Tim take Simon to check it out. Elliot and I waited close to the stairs and enjoyed the view. I must have told him to sit down about 1000 times!

After a while Tim came back and reported that it would be safe for Elliot and I to go a little further. By this time the incredible beauty of the place coupled with the knowledge that this was a once in a lifetime experience won out over my fears. It didn’t hurt that an older couple complete with poodle appeared in the doorway a moment later! If it was safe for them it was safe for us, right?

We had arrived just before sunset and the timing couldn’t have been better! I wish I could describe to you the way it felt standing there on those rocks at the edge of the Atlantic as the sun was setting. Breathtaking, amazing, and spectacular are just a few of the words which came to mind.

Feeling Out Of This World…

The Restaurante Boneca Bar, nestled right into the side of the Algar Seco rock formation, has an almost otherworldly feel. The area’s beautiful weather lends itself to this being an all outdoor restaurant with 5 star views. We liked it so much we went back for lunch the next day.

At the edge of the restaurant’s terrace there are steps which lead down to a small passageway. At the end there is a tiny cave with “windows” which look out onto the ocean and there are benches carved into the walls making this a lovely little spot to watch the sun go down or steal a moment.

The Algar Seco Parque Resort

The Algarve is a very popular tourist destination and finding somewhere to stay off the beaten path was difficult. We found some of what we were looking for in Carvoeiro, a smaller town located between Lagos and Faro.

We choose the Algar Seco Parque resort, which was located just across the street from those spectacular cliffs I mentioned above and within walking distance to many beaches and restaurants. The accommodations were great, very affordable and we would definitely stay there again.

The Beaches

Praia da Marinha

First on my list was a beach that the Michelin Guide listed as one of the ten most beautiful beaches in Europe and as one of the one hundred most beautiful beaches in the world. Not only that, it’s on just about every other beach list too.

It did not disappoint. The Praia da Marinha was stunning, and the entire time we were there I kept thinking how amazing it was and that this couldn’t be real. There were high winds and surf that day, so swimming wasn’t permitted, but we relaxed on the sand, dipped our toes in the surf and took many photos.

The tide was coming in, so after a light snack at the beach bar we went on a portion of The Seven Hanging Valleys Walk, a signposted trail high above the beaches. Again the views are so stunning it was a pinch me is this real moment.

PRAIA DOS PESCADORES

Located 30 minutes down the road in Albufeira we arrived at Praia Dos Pescadores just in time for another jaw dropping sunset. The town of Albufeira is extremely touristy and after a quick look around we decided to head back to Carvoeiro for dinner.

Albufeira

Praia dos Pescadores

Praia dos Pescadores

Albufeira

Super Moon Chasers

Benagil Sea Cave

Unfortunately the same high winds that prevented swimming also foiled my plans to see the famous Benagil Sea Cave. I won’t lie, I was pretty disappointed, but part of traveling is understanding that things might not always work out exactly as planned. At least that’s what I keep telling myself.

The Super Moon Eclipse

Prior to the trip I purchased a long range lens and a tripod with the hopes of taking a few night photos. The Super Moon Eclipse was the perfect excuse! Although we had to set our alarm for a brutal 2:00 am, the clear star filled skies, remote location and the company of my son made for excellent viewing and a very worthwhile experience!