Santa Cruz's boardwalk is free admission and it has rides, attractions, food, and shopping that's fun for all ages. If you have time to spare, we recommend making a pit stop for a few hours to enjoy!

For all the Marine Life buffs Monterey Bay Aquarium is pretty darn cool. We went for the first time this year and spent HOURS exploring especially with the kelp forest and deep sea jellyfish collection.

Follow 17-Mile Drive is full of dramatic coastal cliffs, snow-white beaches, mystical forests and iconic golf courses. It's honestly one of the most scenic drives in California. The famous 17-Mile Drive is a visually stunning stretch of roadway which hugs the pacific coastline from Pacific Grove to Pebble Beach (top Golf Course in the US) featuring awe-inspiring sights along the way.

Great hiking and camping spot nearby voted voted "Best Place to Play Hookie," and "Best Romantic Getaway."

Getting to Carmel a day early? They have a 4th of July parade followed by fireworks at 9:45pm.

Super yummy bakery that has desserts from around the world but we especially love that they bring a little slice of Italy to our West Coast doorstep. It's owned by Chef Pepe, an Italian chef. Our favorite dessert is the delizie al limone, an italian mousse sponge cake usually regional to the Amalfi Coast

Chef Pepe is back at it again with not just a bakery but his sister Italian restaurant. The gnocchi is to die for!

Clint Eastwood's iconic restaurant with stunning views