Peebles on PTO

This last year, with Christmas coming at the beginning of a week, our kids had what felt like an extended holiday school break, keeping them out of school a whole week into January. While we were able to spend the first week of our break in our McCall Winter Wonderland, we made a decision to book a cheap flight down to Long Beach to get some sun for the second half the break. Our last-minute family vacation in Long Beach, California, turned out to be an incredible blend of relaxation and exploration. Long Beach, with its beautiful coastline and vibrant restaurant scene, provided the perfect base for our adventures. From enjoying the local beaches to exploring neighboring towns and hitting up Disneyland to cap it all off, every day gave us a new spot to explore. Here’s a look at our sunny and spectacular trip.

Settling In

Despite our frequent visits to the Southern California coastline, we had surprisingly never taken advantage of the charming Long Beach airport. We were delighted by the small terminal’s outdoor, retro vibe, and the convenience of a quick Uber ride to our weekend retreat just outside Seal Beach. We stumbled upon a gem of a home that turned out to be the perfect escape. This beautiful three-bedroom house offered ample space for relaxation and indoor games, and its pool and hot tub created a true private getaway experience.

We quickly discovered that this spot just outside Seal Beach was an excellent central location, offering easy access to the Belmont Shore area for delicious dining or a quick Uber ride to other beach towns. The neighborhood was quiet and felt incredibly safe, providing all the comforts of home. It served as the perfect base for our family, making it convenient for meals and games both in the mornings and evenings.

Exploring the Area

On our first full day, we set out to explore Newport Beach, starting with a leisurely stroll down the pier. We indulged in a quintessential beachside lunch at Ruby’s Diner, where the stunning ocean views made the fish and chips seem like the perfect choice. The fresh, crispy fare paired perfectly with the sea breeze, enhancing our seaside adventure.

We meandered through the main strip of town, enjoying some shopping and snacking along the way. Eventually, we stumbled upon Mutt Lynch, a beachfront restaurant that perfectly captured the laid-back surfer vibe we were craving. With a few sliders, frosty drinks, and several rounds of Heads Up under our belts, we were fully immersed in the quintessential Southern California ambiance!

At this point, we were committed to savoring every culinary delight Long Beach had to offer, and fresh oysters were high on our list. Roe Seafood did not disappoint! We sampled nearly every fish option on the menu, each dish surpassing our expectations. The restaurant’s ambiance struck a perfect balance between casual and sophisticated, making our meal feel both special and relaxed.

Everywhere we went, we encountered stunning storefronts, captivating art displays, and inviting spots to sit and savor ocean views. My husband and I were amazed that, after all our years of traveling to SoCal, we had never explored this charming part of town. Each neighborhood was distinct and delightful, offering something for every member of our family. We effortlessly transitioned from oyster bars to Irish pubs to relaxed surf shops, all within a few steps of each other, making for an endlessly enjoyable exploration.

Day Trip to Catalina

A day trip to Catalina Island was like stepping into a picturesque postcard of sun-kissed beauty and serene charm. It was certainly the highlight of our trip to take the short ferry ride to escape into a world where time seems to slow down. We splurged to have VIP access on the ferry ride, enjoying snacks and drinks to garner the energy for our big day on the island. Upon arrival, we could see out the window the island’s vibrant, Mediterranean-style village of Avalon, with beautiful buildings along the waterfront and the peaceful lapping of waves against the shore.

Catalina Island offers much more than its stunning scenery. After sampling the local “Buffalo Milk” cocktail, we rented a golf cart and set out to explore the island’s hidden gems. We were pleasantly surprised to find the island cooler than expected, so our first stop was the explore store to pick up cozy sweatshirts. As we navigated the island, each stop revealed another picturesque backdrop perfect for photos. True to our California food tour, we indulged in street food, enjoyed playful cocktails, and treated the kids to special candies. One of the trip highlights for my husband was feeding chips to the ducks at a local spot, adding a silly touch to our adventure.

With its stunning weather, delectable food, and welcoming locals, our day on Catalina Island was the highlight of our SoCal adventures that week. Leaving such a beautiful place was bittersweet, and we’ve resolved to spend at least one overnight there on our next visit. Nonetheless, we couldn’t resist soaking in the breathtaking sunset from the back of the boat as we headed back to our home base, capping off a perfect day.

A Sprinkle of Disneyland Magic

It’s almost impossible to visit the Los Angeles area without spending at least a day at Disney if we can help it. This time, a surprising change in weather—complete with a wind gust storm warning—was the perfect excuse to venture inland to the Happiest Place on Earth. The shift in plans turned out to be a delightful detour, adding a touch of magic to our week of beach town exploration.

Traveling to Disneyland during the holiday season is not without its challenges, and our visit on the last day of the holiday decorations required a fair bit of flexibility and a go-with-the-flow attitude. Fortunately, our experience with Disney has taught us that the true magic lies in being together and enjoying some of our favorite snacks. As long as we get to ride Guardians of the Galaxy, we know the day will be a success, and this visit was no exception. Fun was had by all and we had the opportunity to close out the day at Olga’s Cantina, which remains a family favorite. It’s the perfect spot for Mom and Dad to unwind with a cocktail after a long day and the kids to have a bit of a sweet kick before we make the long trek out of the park. On this particular trip, after a week of adventures and a full day at Disney, exhaustion started to set in, and we found ourselves leaving earlier than ever before on a day trip.

Wrapping Up

On our final day, we opted for a leisurely pace. We chose to relax at the tranquil house we were fortunate to have for the week, savoring the calm and catching up on much-needed rest before returning home to prepare for the new school semester. Looking back, we’re grateful we made the most of the beautiful weather and enjoyed some extra pool time. Little did we know, our return home would bring a surprise—several snow days—that made our peaceful end to the trip all the more fortuitous.

Final Thoughts

Our week outside of Long Beach was a perfect mix of relaxation and adventure. From the vibrant local scene to the exciting day trips and the island adventure, every moment was memorable. Long Beach and its neighboring towns offered something for everyone in the family, making it a fantastic vacation destination. It’s definitely going back on our family list for a repeat! If you’re looking for a fun-filled getaway with a blend of beachside relaxation and new adventures, Long Beach is definitely worth considering! Plus, who can resist these incredible sunsets?

Want to chat about planning your next family trip? Let’s chat! Send me an email at peeblesonpto@gmail.com!