Voted best Boardwalk in the USA

That's right it's official the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk was recently voted the best boardwalk in America. Lucky for us a 2 hr plus road trip plops us into the land of surf, sand, and sun filled fun. On our most recent trip to Santa Cruz we explored quite a few different sceneries but today I will share the boardwalk.

View from the Wharf

                           

SKY GLIDER     

 JACK SPARERIBS

 SEA SWINGS

 THE GIANT DIPPER 

 ROCK O PLANE & SWEET SPOT

 FACE PAINTING - TREATS- GAME PRIZES

 LOGGERS REVENGE

VIEW FROM THE FERRIS WHEEL

 LOWER DECK RIDES

 CYCLONE

 CAVE TRAIN

                       

Hiatus Status

Hello everyone, I apologize in advance for not visiting blogs and responding to comments, I'm in a swirling vortex of post vacation hiatus. Santa Cruz was AWESOME and I have plenty of photo's to share once I get my house and other life stuff back in order. I hope everyone is having a peaceful summer.

Hello Summer

SUMMER IS OFFICIALLY HERE !

 Time to find ways to stay cool in the sizzling sun.

Time to play and have adventures.

Time to enjoy nights outdoors.

Time to look up in amazement and be thankful that we are thriving and surviving.

Summer had officially started at Casa Sol y Luna when all four children were finally on Summer break from school last week. There is no consistent routine yet just go with the flow, and maybe it will stay that way this Summer, even though I'm a scheduled O.C.D. type of Mom. Summer Solstice was spent cleaning, swimming, and  first bee sting for {M}. Instead of having a celebratory  fire we ended the day with a trip to urgent care for {S}. Of all the dangerous stunts he does on his skateboard a simple miss landing ended  with a sprain and crutches. This could not have come at a worse time because tomorrow the kids and I are headed on a road trip to Santa Cruz for a 3 day vacation. We are still going because Mama needs a vacation. You can join our adventure by following my Instagram. I'm super excited because we will be experiencing two Summer Bucket List events The Lost Boys Movie on the beach & Blue Oyster Cult Concert at the Boardwalk.  I hope your summer holds some adventures!

Sunday on the Wharf....Santa Cruz Part 3

 I loved waking up to the morning view of the beach . I threw open the curtains and windows to enjoy the sights and sounds as I packed us up.

 Before heading back to the boardwalk for the day we had to take a side trip to a laundry mat to dry  towels and suits. An angel trumpet tree loomed over the fence into the parking lot.

 We're just chilling at the Ultramat waiting for the laundry. Santa Cruz is full of murals and art.

 Even in the bathroom. Art by Spider

 {S} wanted to skate Mike Fox skate park and chill with the locals. His dream is to move here after high school.

 Sunday was a lot sunnier than the day before, and a lot less people. There's the Bahia Apts. that will be torn down to build a hotel. I wonder where in the city the trolley goes, and only 25 cents to ride.

 Bill Lewis is the Sand Man of Santa Cruz. I didn't remember to take a finished photo of his patriotic art.

 We strolled on the Wharf to enjoy the sights and look into the shops. I get really inspired by the crafts I see. This little boat was the the perfect photo prop.

 {E} & {M} were discussing "Jaws" which is crazy because 15 sharks were spotted in Aptos not far from there. 

 The wharf is the perfect place to take panoramic photos. 

 The weather was perfect for the beach and seaside activities.

 My husband even boogie boarded with {E}.

After a weekend of sand and sun, it was time to head on out and drive back home. {E} is full of sand from the ocean, {M} wanted to go on the Haunted Castle ride one last time, {S} is wore out from skateboarding the town, and {L} is upset she didn't go on the Ferris Wheel as promised. Only one way to remedy these summertime blues.....another trip in the future.

I hope you are all finding fun and adventures in the 

haze of summer daze.

Riding The Waves of Amusement ....Santa Cruz Part 2

What makes the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk  the prime amusement destination for my little tribe is the combo of sand, sun, and fun. The sights, smells, and actual feel of the sea on your skin and up your airways is truly good for the soul. This is one of my "Zen Zones".

 To enter the boardwalk is free but parking for the day is $15.00. We bring an ice chest full of food and a sun tent , plop it down on the beach in the morning and when we're hungry and ready to hit the waves we're all set (we save a lot of money this way, just a helpful tip). If you plan on coming to the boardwalk more than once and love to ride the rides I suggest getting a season pass. When you purchase a pass you receive a coupon book and an all day ride pass for a friend. I hope you enjoy our memories and hopefully you can travel here one day and make memories of your own.

The 4th of July was pretty overcast most of the day, but that didn't dampen our fun.

Ghost Blasters

{ L} is finally tall enough to ride The Giant Dipper

The fire truck is {M}'s favorite

 Grabbing a "Paradise Dog" from the Wharf.

 Clam Chowder from the Galley in the arcade.

Texas Donut, and no I did not eat this all by myself, I shared.

 Testing out the ocean

 My older children decided to boogie board and enjoy the water.

 My younger ones decide to stay on land.

Discovering the sea's treasures.

It's not a complete day at the beach until someone gets buried in the sand.

As we celebrate independence I dream of more peace for this world, how about you?

Part 1 of this adventure can be found here 4th of July weekend In Santa Cruz. But wait there's a little more, stay tuned for Day 2 "The Wharf".

Corner View ~ Sunshine

This weekend I cast my worries to the sea, absorbed the warm California sun, and came home refreshed & renewed.

To view more sunshine from around the globe leave your link in the comments and visit Fuoriborgo.