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Tag Archives: coastline

A Gorgeous View of Del Mar

15 April 20253 May 2025

Heading north from LaJolla, I was on a mission to find a beautiful view of Del Mar, California.  Del Mar offers 2.5 miles of coastline and I learned that a stop at Dog Beach would be one of the best locations to watch the sunset.

I parallel parked along the street and found the trailhead that leads up into the cliffs.  Making the climb, I could clearly see the River Mouth, which is where the San Dieguito River dumps into the ocean.  It wasn’t long before I could see the spectacular view of Del Mar and patiently waited for the sun to set.

The beaches of Del Mar are beautiful and this northernmost beach is perfect for walking or jogging.  This is also a lovely location for visitors to bring their dogs for a beautiful hike among the cliffs.

Within minutes, the glow of the sun began to reflect off of the coastal buildings of Del Mar beach, so I knew the sunset was just moments away.  I continued to wait and shortly the sun disappeared into the horizon.  The California sunsets never grow old and I will always search them out on my visits to the Golden State.

Do you have a place where you love to watch the sunset?  I would love to hear about your favorite place if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reminiscing about my amazing sunset adventure in Del Mar and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Del Mar Shores Park
Del Mar, CA  92014

Del Mar Dog Beach
3902 29th Street
Del Mar, CA  92014

Where to Stay:

Hotel Indigo San Diego del Mar, an IHG Hotel
710 Camino Del Mar
Del Mar, CA  92014
Phone:  858 755 1501

Where to Eat:

Poseidon Restaurant Del Mar
1670 Coast Blvd.
Del Mar, CA  92014
Telephone:  858 756 9345

What to Eat:

  • Mexican Tamales
  • Seafood
  • Sushi

What to Read:

  • The Girls in the Stilt House, by Kelly Mustian
  • Of Women and Salt, by Gabriela Garcia
  • The Last Thing He Told Me, by Laura Dave

Photo Guide to San Diego:

  • Flower Child Restaurant
  • The Dog Park
  • The Race Track
  • Fairmont Grand

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Torrey Pines Natural Reserve, California

8 April 20253 May 2025

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Having lived on the coast of California, I was determined to watch the sunset each night in San Clemente.  I would walk down  to the pier, take a stroll along the beach until the last flicker of light disappeared into the horizon.  I vowed never to take the experience for granted and wanted to continue my tradition on a recent visit to San Diego.  I was so excited to meet my friend Kristi with whom I had hiked so many times.  I thought about all of the SoCal hikes we had done as I drove  into Torrey Pines Natural Reserve.  This is absolutely one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world and I couldn’t wait to take in another Pacific Coast sunset.

2 ZView of PCH from TPSP

We decided we would hike the Guy Fleming Trail because it has the most scenic overlooks.  Measuring a short two-thirds of a mile loop, this hike is also known for its wildlife and wildflowers. There are several trails within the reserve including a beach trail.  This one is most popular with the locals during the evening hours because it is easy and in good condition as well as provides the most beautiful views of the sunset from here.

3 ZState Park, San Diego

Torrey Pines surprisingly reminds me of the Badlands.   Approaching the trailhead, we walked up the hill along the paved roadway, but soon turned into a dirt trail.  Parts of the hike were somewhat unstable due to water erosion from a previous rain, so we knew to tread carefully and stay away from the edge.

4 ZBerries 1, Torrey Pines State Park, San Diego

Shortly into the hike, we noticed the berries along the path and the diversity of plant life that grows  in Southern California.  The best time to see the blooms are during the spring season but there is always some type of vegetation to see throughout the year.

7 Rock Formations Torrey Pines

It became clear that we were nearing the edge of the cliff as we caught glimpses of the ocean through the thick vegetation.  I was looking forward to the scenic views once I arrived closer to the shore where we could look out into the horizon, or count the number of people strolling the beach below.  Ghoulish rock formations hiding between the trees appeared as we continued heading west towards the coast.

8 111207 Light Shadow, Torrey Pines

Along the path were Mojave Yucca plants growing along the trail and we began to hear the crashing of waves along the Pacific Coast.    Looking down towards the beach we noticed the sculpted sandstone canyon.  The rocks and vegetation were an interesting desert-like contrast against the ocean and beach below.

10 Vegetation at Torrey Pines

The Mojave Yucca plants looked like scarecrows standing along the trail.  Adding to the interesting landscape, they appeared as fireworks sprouting out from pillars of hay.  The yucca bloom between the months of April to May exhibiting green capsules with white flesh that eventually dry up in the late summer months.

11 View of Pacific at Torrey Pines

This area is home to the rarest tree in North America, the Torrey Pine, for which the preserve is named.  Indigenous to southern California, these pines also grow in Santa Barbara, but only in these two locations.  It is for this reason, the Torrey Pines Preserve was designated to protect these trees from further city development.

13 View of TPSP Lookout

Along the trail were several scenic lookouts where we stopped to admire the coastline.  Looking towards the north, I was able to see Del Mar’s Peñasquitos Marsh which is a part of the preserve.  The name is Spanish for little cliffs and forms a natural border between San Diego and Del Mar.

Growing among the rocks were pink sand verbenas that added vibrant color to the clay hues of the sandstone.

15 View for the Torrey Pines Path

Off in the distance, I could see  La Jolla Cove as I looked south from the trail.  On a clear day, San Clemente and Catalina Island can be seen from here as well.

16 PCH View 2, TPSP

Peering down from the trail towards the parking lot and entrance station, we were  looking up the coast towards the north.  From here, we could once again see a small section of the Los Peñasquitos Marsh Natural Preserve and Lagoon.

17 Beautiful View of Ocean and Path, TPSP

We began to travel back inland on the trail through a small forest of Torrey Pines.  Looking closely at the pines we noticed that their needles grow in bundles of five which is unique to its species.  The Kumeyaay Indians collected the pinon nut from the Torrey Pine as food while the needles were used to make baskets.

We were hoping to come across some of the local wildlife on the trail because there were not many hikers that day.  The only encounter we had was a small bunny hopping across the path, but foxes and mountain lions have been spotted on the preserve.

18 Bunny Rabbit on the Trail

We returned to where we had first started our hike and happened to notice shafts of sunlight creating shadows on the rock formations.  We had eventually reached the paved road with only a ten minute walk to the entrance gate up the steep Torrey Pines Park Road.  With plenty of time to arrive at the beach, I was on schedule to watch the glorious sunset.

What trails have you hiked in Southern California?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my hike through Torrey Pines and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Torrey Pines Natural Preserve
12600 North Torrey Pines Road
San Diego, CA  92307
Telephone:  858 755 2063

  • Admission Fee:  The facility use fee depends on which parking lot you use.  South Beach parking during high season (starting at Spring Break until the end of September) costs $15 from Monday – Thursday and $20 from Friday – Saturday.  Low season begins in October until Spring Break where fees are $12 from Monday – Thursday and $15 from Friday to Sunday.  Note that high season prices may be charged during holidays, so be prepared.  For parking on the North Beach, high season (from Spring Break to end of September_ are $10 from Monday – Thursday and $15 from Friday – Sunday.  Payment is accepted at the Automated Pay Machine if no staff is available at the kiosk.  Low season rates are $3 from Monday – Thursday and $10 from Friday – Saturday.  Annual passes are available for $195.
  • Hours:  Open all year from 7:15AM to sunset
  • Amenities:  Visitor center, museum shop, guided nature walks, fishing, parking
  • Scenic View:   Gorgeous views of the coast from the hiking trails and this is the perfect place for watching the sunset.
  • Length of Visit:  3 – 4 hours, but there are hikes that will take under 1 hour
  • Tips for Your Visit:  This is a popular location for sunset and holidays can be extremely busy.  Bring water especially if you are hiking.  Food and drink (with the exception of water) is not permitted on the Reserve, but are permitted on the beach. No alcohol on the Reserve and the beach.  Dogs are not permitted and there is no smoking allowed.  Drones are also banned from the Reserve and beach.

Where to Stay:

San Diego Marriott La Jolla
4240 La Jolla Village Drive
La Jolla, CA  92037
Telephone:  858 587 1414

Where to Eat:

Nozomi La Jolla
4150 Regents Park Row #190
La Jolla, CA  92037
Telephone:   858 452 7778

I absolutely LOVE Nozomi’s Famous Chirashi Salad!

What to Eat: 

  • Burritos at Fred’s on Pacific Beach
  • Ceviche at Karina’s Ceviches & More
  • Fish Tacos at Wahoo!
  • Uni at Pacific Beach’s Sushi Ota

What to Read: 

  • From What I Remember, by Stacy Kramer
  • Beat, Slay, Love by Thalia Filbert
  • The Tombs, by Clive Cussler
  • How to be an American Housewife, by Margaret Dilloway

Photo Guide for La Jolla: 

  • La Jolla Cove
  • La Plaza La Jolla
  • The beautiful architecture of La Valencia Hotel
  • View from the Park Bench at the Museum of Contemporary Art
  • Salk Institute
  • Scoops Ice Cream
  • Scripps Pier and La Jolla Shores

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The Sun Setting in Torrey Pines

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The Sunset from the Beach at Torrey Pines

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Dusk at Torrey Pines State Preserve

BCheck out more photos of Torrey Pines State Preserve in the Gallery below

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Pacific Coast Highway Roadtrip

8 July 202319 April 2025

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Having just returned from New Year’s in Las Vegas, Peter and I spent a relaxing week in San Francisco and made time to celebrate a friend’s birthday with a day of hiking and dinner in La Jolla.  I was scheduled to go back to Ohio, but Peter suggested I extend my stay to include the weekend so that we could plan a road trip along the Pacific Coast Highway.  We would start with a drive through the scenic towns of Santa Cruz, pass the scenic sanctuary of Big Sur and relax on our final night in Morro Bay before driving back up to San Francisco.

The charming town of Santa Cruz, translated as Holy Cross, is only 75 miles south of San Francisco and was the first stop on our PCH tour.  Attracting surfers and artists, this laid-back beach community is known for its liberal activism and is home to the Resource Center for Nonviolence.  We strolled along the boardwalk taking in the picturesque lagoon with its small sailboats stopping by for an afternoon lunch.  Nearby attractions include the redwood forests and Monterey Bay, which is a protected marine sanctuary.

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Visiting the casual coastal town of Monterey, we parked close to the pier where we  enjoyed exploring the harbor, Cannery Row, San Carlos Beach Park and the world renowned aquarium.  This seaside community has hosted a notable list of artists and writers who have made Monterey their muse.  One of the most famous of these writers was John Steinbeck who celebrated the area of Monterey with his novels Cannery Row, East of Eden and Tortilla Flat.

Deciding at the last minute, we booked a room at the Monterey Bay Lodge realizing we needed more time to take in the fascinating attractions of this seaside village.  Cannery Row is full of shops and restaurants and of course, I can’t miss a stop at Carmel Ridge Winery.  The world renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium, was also a must see on our list before traveling south.

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Awaking early, we found the entrance to Monterey’s 17-mile drive on this overcast day. We paid the $10 entrance fee to enter the gated community of Pebble Beach with its glorious mansions and well-manicured golf courses.   Driving through the scenic loop that passes through some of the most beautiful vistas, we made a few stops to photograph the gorgeous seascapes along the California coast.   Originally known as the 18-mile drive, this section of roadway was opened in 1892 to horse and carriage traffic for scenic tours and remains a major attraction for visitors to Monterey.

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The relaxing trek winds through rocky outcrops with a list of interesting sites that were identified on our map.  Among the several notable overlooks are the Inn at Spanish Bay, Point Joe, Bird Rock, Seal Rock and Fanshell Beach, the Lone Cypress and Pescadaro Point.   We traveled the full loop route which brought us back to the Pacific Grove Gate at Sunset Drive.  From there we caught the PCH, passing through Carmel-by-the-Sea.

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About twenty minutes outside of Carmel, we arrived at the Bixby Bridge, a familiar landmark along the scenic highway providing entrance into Big Sur.  The steel structure seemed to sprout out from the craggy rocks overlooking the Pacific Ocean standing 280 feet high.  Recognized as one of the tallest single-span bridges in the world, we carefully crossed the impending concrete structure continuing south on State Route 1.

+Big Sur 1

Stepping out of the car at one of the many overlooks along the route, we took a moment to enjoy the silence of our surroundings.  I felt a sense of solace watching the waves crest over the scattered boulders along the coast.   The air had a smell of salt and earth.

Before us was a stretch of protected seashore boasting some of the most scenic landscapes of the western coast, making it one of the most popular vacation destinations in California.

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Big Sur is credited for the emergence of the “New Age” era and is the location of the first Zen monastery built outside of Asia, the Tassajara.  The inspirational scenery of this location was so beautiful that it attracted movie stars and millionaires. John Kerouac immortalized Big Sur in his writings and a variety of movies were filmed here to include the 1965 film “The Sandpiper” starring Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, “Zandy’s Bride” and “The Stranger in Big Sur”.

In 1944, Orson Welles and Rita Hayworth purchased a cabin here, which is now the Nepenthe, a popular restaurant clinging to the coast about 800 feet above the coastline.

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I was pleasantly surprised to learn that within Big Sur are nine state parks. Detouring off of the main byway, we entered Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. We noticed a short hike that led to a secluded waterfall that claimed to offer another unforgettable scenic overlook.   The well-marked waterfall trail wove back under the roadway and opened up to an endless view of the Pacific.  Soon thereafter, the waterfall eked out between two monoliths resulting in a steady stream deposited onto the light sandy beach below.

The sun was beginning to set as we passed Hearst Castle.  We agreed that we would continue our drive to Morro Bay where we would be staying the last night of our weekend and would come back to the castle the next day.  This would allow us a full day to explore the residence instead of a couple of hours.

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Upon arriving in the immaculate seaside location of Cambria, I felt as though we were entering a quaint little town in Germany.  A charming stop along the Pacific coast, we took the opportunity to walk along Moonstone Beach were we spent about an hour before departing for our final stop of the evening.

We watched the sun as it sank beneath the western sky, leaving its beautiful trademark of kaleidoscope color behind.  By the time we had reached Morro, it was nightfall, so we found our hotel and turned in for the night.

Looking over the map, I noticed a couple of places we could fit in before visiting Hearst Castle and making our final departure back to San Francisco.  We packed up the SUV and soon learned it was not difficult to find Morro Bay with its large rock-like formation dominating the harbor.

A sandy roadway reached the base of the monolith so we decided to check it out.   Morro is the Spanish word for rock, so the naming of this “rock” would seem appropriate until we learned that this megalith is actually a volcanic plug and is one of a series known as the Nine Sisters.

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One of my work colleagues overheard that I would be exploring the Pacific Coast Highway and suggested that I book a night at The Madonna Inn in the college town of San Luis Obispo.  He had attended Cal Poly College of Engineering and fell in love with the town.  So when we read the description of rooms at the Madonna Inn, we were intimidated by the customized themes of Love Nest, Caveman Room, Safari Room and Jungle Rock and decided that if we had time to visit, we would at least stop for a look.

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Pismo Beach’s uncanny quietness seemed more like a ghost town than a vibrant beachside tourist attraction, but it may have been because we had arrived so early in the morning.  Known as one of the Five Cities it had once laid claim as the “Clam Capitol of the World” because the clams were so abundant it drew thousands of clammers to the area.  To commemorate this designation, Pismo hosts their yearly Clam Festival in October.

It would have been a couple of hours until the shops opened, so we agreed to make our way towards San Simeon, with our last stop at Hearst Castle.  Experiencing the Pacific Coast Highway removed us from the hustle and bustle of our city lives and brought us to a place where we could once again enjoy the pure nature of coastal crags and prickly pines.  I can’t wait to do it all over again.

Do you have any comments or suggestions regarding the Pacific Coast Highway and the small towns mentioned here?  What was your experience taking this amazing scenic drive?  I would love to hear about your favorite stops, restaurants, hotels, etc.  if you would kindly leave your message in the comments section!  Many Thanks and Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

The Pacific Coast Highway

Cannery Row
Monterey, CA

Carmel Ridge Winery Tasting Room
700 Cannery Row
Monterey, CA  93940
Telephone  831 324 0035

Monterey Bay Aquarium
886 Cannery Row
Monterey, CA 93940
Telephone: 831 648 4800

  • Admission Fee:   Tickets for Adults are $49.95, Children (3 – 12, under the age of three are free): $29.95; Student (ages 13 – 17 or college ID): $39.95, and Seniors (ages 65+): $39.95
  • Hours:  Open daily from 10AM to 5PM
  • Amenities:  Animals & exhibits; café & restaurant, gift shops; interactive programs, daily shows and feedings, live cams and animal guides.
  • Scenic View:  The large glass tanks provide amazing views of the fish and additional sea life.
  • Length of Visit:  More than three hours
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Allow yourself plenty of time to visit the aquarium. During the first month of December, the facility provides a reduced admission rate for locals, so the aquarium can be crowded at this time.  Should you decide to go outside of the aquarium to explore Monterey, they will stamp your hand for re-entry.  Knowledgeable docents provide additional information about the aquarium.  You may want to check with AAA if you have a membership for discounted tickets.

17-Mile Drive
Pebble Beach, CA 93953

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
47555 Highway 1
Big Sur, CA 93920
Telephone: 831 667 0148

  • Admission Fee:   $10 per day per car; camping fee is $30 per night
  • Hours:  Open ½ hour before sunrise and ½ hour after sunset.
  • Amenities:  Hiking trails, picnic areas, exhibits and programs, interpretive exhibits, nature & wildlife viewing.
  • Scenic View:  An 80-foot waterfall that drops from granite cliffs into the ocean from the Overlook Trail. A panoramic view of the ocean and miles of rugged coastline is available from the higher elevations along the trails east of Highway 1.
  • Length of Visit:  1 – 2 hours
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Contact the park ahead of time to see which trails are open as recently there have been several closings.  Cell phone service is extremely limited in the park.  Motorized aircraft are prohibited from flying below 1000 feet on the coast of Big Sur. Campfires are only permitted in the provided metal fire rings within the State Parks’ campgrounds. Firewood is available for purchase at the Pfeiffer Big Sur entrance kiosk and camp host sites for $12 per bundle and includes a firestarter.

Hearst Castle
750 Hearst Castle Road
San Simeon, CA 83452
Telephone: 800 444 4445

  • Admission Fee:   $25 per adult and $12 per child ages 5 – 12; children under 5 are free
  • Hours:  Open daily from 9AM to 4PM
  • Amenities:  Several tour options available, movie theater, gardens and restaurant
  • Scenic View: Spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean from Hearst Castle.
  • Length of Visit:  2 – 3 hours or more if you have booked multiple tours.
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Booking a tour is one of the best ways to explore Hearst Castle.  The location is magical during the Christmas season as the castle is decorated for the holidays.

Where to Stay:

The Madonna Inn
100 Madonna Road
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
Telephone: 805 543 3000

Where to Eat:

Nepenthe Restaurant
48510 Highway One
Big Sur, CA
Telephone: 831 667 2345

I ordered the Rueben sandwich with thin-sliced pastrami, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing on marbled rye.

What to Eat:

  • Calamari
  • Ceviche
  • Fish and Chips
  • Local Oysters
  • Oyster Shooters
  • Steamed Clams and Mussels

What to Read: 

  • Big Sur, by Jack Kerouac
  • South on Pacific Coast Highway, by Gary Paul Corcoran
  • California, by Kevin Starr
  • L.A. Noir, by John Buntin

Photo Guide to the Pacific Coast Highway in California

  • Bixby Bridge
  • Carmel-by-the-Sea beach
  • Garrapata State Beach for its wild calla lily valley
  • Hearst Castle
  • McWay Falls at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
  • Pfeiffer Beach shoreline
  • Point Sur Lighthouse

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Entering the tunnel towards the overlook

Big Sur 5

More PCH scenery

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Big Sur at Sunset

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And the Drive In Between: East Coast Driving (Massachusetts)

29 December 201716 September 2024

When my friend Dave asked me to join him on a trip to his childhood home, I was so excited to meet his family and to see where he had grown up outside of Boston. Our first day, we would hang out in Boston and Salem and then we had also made plans for a trip to Portland, Maine to meet up with his childhood friend, Alan.

We arrived early in the morning, loaded up the rental car and began our journey heading north.  The scenic coastline was dotted with historical buildings, beautifully built of stone and brick.  Reminiscent of a Norman Rockwell painting, we stopped on several occasions to take photographs and enjoy the scenery.

Stained glass windows, colorful siding and delicate roof tiles added so much character to our drive.  We played a game trying to guess the year in which each year they had been built based on their architecture.  From churches and chapels, we were completely entertained and amusing ourselves over the next couple of hours.

The further north we drove, the natural beauty of the coastal rock formations popped up along the Atlantic.  The occasional inlet would appear filled with yachts and sailboats and I wished we had more time to hang out or at least stop for lunch, but we decided that we would stop at Kelly’s Roast Beef in Saugus for their infamous roast beef and lobster rolls and I couldn’t wait.

I loved seeing all of the old signs in Saugus, like the Hilltop Steakhouse which had been opened by local businessman, Frank Giuffrida in 1961.  The restaurant was a popular spot from the 60s through the 90s expanding to 1500 seats.  I learned that it had recently closed and thought of all of the patrons the restaurant must have served over the years.  It also made me think of how hungry I was and couldn’t wait to order some lobster….are we close to Kelly’s?

It was such a great day driving the coast.  Do you enjoy road trips?  What is your favorite activity when you travel?  I would love to hear about your travels if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Thank you for reading about my drive around the NE coast and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and Do:

Take a Coastal Drive!

Where to Stay:

Red Roof Inn Plus+ Boston-Logan
920 Broadway, I-93 North to Rt. 1
Saugus, MA  01906
Telephone:  888 665 1356

Where to Eat:

Kelly’s Roast Beef
410 Revere Beach Blvd.
Revere, MA  02151
Phone:  781 284 9129

What to Eat:

    • Boston Baked Beans
    • Cape Cod Potato Chips
    • Clam Chowder
    • Fluffernutters – a sandwich with peanut butter and marshmallow fluff….amazing!
    • Fresh Seafood
    • Fried Clams
    • Grilled Blueberry Muffins
    • Hoodsie Cups – baby cups of ice cream
    • Lobster Rolls, of course
    • Seared Scallops

What to Read:

  • Mystic River, by Dennis Lehane
  • Sacred, by Dennis Lehane
  • The Handmaid’s Tale, by Margaret Atwood

Photo Guide for Boston:

  • Acorn Street
  • The Amazing Coast
  • Boston Athenaeum
  • Boston Common
  • Boston Public Library
  • Café Susu
  • Fan Pier Park
  • Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
  • Louisburg Square
  • Marshall Street & Union Oyster House
  • Old Signs Along Saugus
  • Public Garden Foot Bridge
  • Rouvalis Flowers

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Holland, Michigan: True to its Dutch Heritage

30 April 201615 September 2024

As my family continues to grow, our vacations are typically based on two factors:  driving distance to our destination and space for all of the kiddos.   If we can find a beach (lake or ocean) and a list of fun attractions, that is also a plus.  After coming up with several ideas and narrowing our search, we all agreed to spend our summer vacation near Traverse City, Michigan with an overnight stop in Holland.

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I had recently visited Holland during a visit to the city’s annual Tulip Time Festival and recommended it as the overnight stop for our trip.  I was impressed with the local attractions, restaurants and shopping opportunities as well as its absolute charm.

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Our first stop in Holland was the city’s state park.  After strolling the beautiful coastline and watching the locals fish from the pier, we headed downtown for an early dinner.  We could not have asked for better weather with sunny skies and a cool breeze.

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The fish were biting and we saw a young boy taking his catch to the end of the dock to drop it into a bucket. Lake Michigan is full of fish including bass, trout, catfish, perch, walleye, bass as well as salmon.

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On the way back from the pier, we took a closer look at the beautiful red lighthouse on the opposite side of the channel.  We learned that the locals call it “Big Red” , but its official name is the Holland Harbor Light.  It plays an important role for guiding the boats through the channel between Lake Michigan and Lake Macatawa.

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Strolling along the beach, we worked up an appetite and decided it was time to find a restaurant that could accommodate all of us.  The trip into Holland did not take but a few minutes and we were able to find parking on 8th street, the main shopping and restaurant district of town.

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We decided on Crust 54 where we ordered pizza and pasta.  The place was packed, but we were able to find seating for our group of six.   We stepped up to the counter to order and they brought our food to us when it was ready.  The Chicago Special pizza with Italian sausage, mushrooms, green peppers and onions was abundantly cheesy and delicious.

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The sun was beginning to set and we had a little time to shop before reaching the hotel.  Holland is typical small town America and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.   It has won several awards and was ranked by the well-being index as the second healthiest/happiest town in the United States.  CNN ranked it as one of the top five places to retire in 2006.

Have you vacationed in Holland or live here? I would love to hear your suggestions for where to eat and shop if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my family vacation stay in Holland!  Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Holland State Park
2215 Ottawa Beach Road
Holland, MI 49424
Telephone:  616 399 9390

Holland Harbor Light
2215 Ottawa Beach Road
Holland, MI  49424
Telephone:  616 399 9390

Where to Stay: 

Baert Baron Mansion
120 S. Church Street
Zeeland, MI 49464
Telephone: 616 748 1953

Where to Eat: 

Crust 54 – Downtown Holland
54 E. 8th Street
Holland, MI  49423
Telephone:  616 394 3002

Where to Drink: 

  • Bam! Brewing
  • Big Lake Brewing
  • Brewery 4TWO4
  • Coppercraft Distillery
  • Great Lakes Winery Brewery Distillery
  • Hopland Brewstillery
  • New Holland Brewing Company
  • Our Brewing Companies
  • Warner Vineyards

What to Read:

  • Holland, the Tulip Town, by Randall P. Vande Water
  • Boats Made in Holland: A Michigan Tradition, by Geoffrey D. Reynolds
  • Holland, Michigan: From Dutch Colony to Dynamic City, by Robert P. Swierenga

Photo Guide for Tulip Time and Holland: 

  • The Fields of Tulips throughout the city
  • DeZwaan Windmill at Windmill Island Gardens
  • Sunset on Lake Michigan
  • Polder Molen Windmill at Nelis’ Dutch Village
  • Dutch Dancers
  • Nelis’ Dutch Village:  landscaped gardens, canals, carousel, brick walkways, gardens of tulips, petting farm, Carillon Bell Tower, The East Gate, Dutch houses
  • Windmill Island Gardens, merry-go-round, carousel, dutch dancers

Disclosure:   Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

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A Young Boy and his Fish

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About Me!

I have had a passion to travel for as long as I can remember and landed my dream job at the age of 19 on a cruise ship. The Suite Life of Travel is about those experiences as well as my future endeavor to explore this amazing world!

Categories

  • 2016 Trip Out West (26)
  • Africa (3)
  • Arizona (10)
  • Asia (23)
  • Bali (13)
  • Belize (2)
  • California (24)
  • Caribbean (34)
  • Central America (18)
  • China (1)
  • Costa Rica (1)
  • Egypt (1)
  • Europe (35)
  • Florida (18)
  • France (1)
  • France (4)
  • Greece (11)
  • Israel (3)
  • Italy (12)
  • Jordan (3)
  • Las Vegas (18)
  • Louisiana (4)
  • Maine (4)
  • Massachusetts (2)
  • Mexico (6)
  • Michigan (21)
  • Middle East (3)
  • New York (1)
  • North Carolina (12)
  • Ohio (211)
  • Pennsylvania (9)
  • Philippines (6)
  • South Africa (3)
  • Tennessee (24)
  • Texas (2)
  • Travel Tips (14)
  • Turkey (6)
  • Turkey (6)
  • Uncategorized (6)
  • United Kingdom (7)
  • US travel (410)
  • Wineries (57)
  • World travel (110)

Recent Posts

  • Walnut Creek Cheese, Amish Country, Ohio
  • St. Peter’s Basilica: A Cathedral of Art
  • Dungeons and Doges at the Palazzo Ducale in Venice

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Pins

  • Document Travel-Ways to Remember the Adventure - The Boho Traveller
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