Stepping Away to Explore California: A Family Adventure

Hello everyone! As your trusted source for great flight deals, I typically dedicate my time to hunting bargains for you. However, last week, I took my annual one-week break to enjoy one of those deals myself, embarking on a family adventure to California! Our adventure started with a fantastic flight deal from Grand Rapids-to-Monterey for just $247. This was a flight that I posted last summer - Original Link Here.

Monterey / Pebble Beach / 17 Mile Drive

We started our trip in Monterey. The beauty of this place exceeded our expectations. We were captivated by 17 Mile Drive, with its scenic forests and dramatic coastlines. Pebble Beach was pristine, featuring stunning golf courses and excellent dining options. We were in awe of the spectacular scenery and our kids LOVED to explore the rocky shores and tide pools.

Big Sur: Majestic but Limited Access

Next, we headed to Big Sur, famous for its massive cliffs and ocean views. Unfortunately, road work limited access, but the bits we did see were enough to ensure we'd return. Even from afar, the redwoods and foggy shores were awe-inspiring.

Whale Watching in Moss Landing

Whale watching in Moss Landing was unforgettable. We saw a humpback whale fully breach on our way out to the viewing area, which was spectacular! We also saw three whales do the tail slap shown below! I was worried about the potential for sea sickness, but we took some Dramamine and all the kids did fine.

Yosemite’s Natural Wonders

Our trip concluded with a two-night stay in Yosemite National Park, which was a 4 hour drive from Monterey. Although we only had two days, we visited the Mariposa Sequoia Grove and tried hiking the Upper Yosemite Falls trail. With three young kids, we didn’t complete the hike, but we managed over 1,600 vertical feet! That was enough to enjoy some incredible views and make it to the base of the upper falls.

Looking Forward

This trip reinforced why I love sharing flight deals—to make amazing trips more accessible and affordable. Over the next few weeks, I'll compile a detailed itinerary, including reviews of our destinations and accommodations. Hopefully this will give you some travel inspiration and might help you plan your own California adventure.

Keep exploring, and remember, the best travel stories often start with unexpected deals! Thanks for your support!