I live in a state people visit from around the world. California is vast and geologically diverse end to end: deserts, mountains, marshes, volcanoes, ocean–we have it all. Many of our family vacations are CA vacations–there’s just SO MUCH to see.

Santa Cruz is no exception. And Santa Cruz has a dog beach. Our puppy, on his longlead, for safety, was stunned by the gamboling of leash-free dogs.

We stayed in Santa Cruz with good friends, glamping in their airstream parked in their driveway. I would like an airstream now, please. I believe it might be the ultimate She-Shed.

Santa Cruz is not only a beach city, but infused with trees, enough forestry to house Big Foot. That’s right. BF.

Yours in mini-getaways, even if your teen is moody because you forced a vacation on him,

PB