I have a secret love affair with Southern California.
Ok, it's really not a secret, because I am telling you about it. However, I am in love with Southern California and am always dreaming about the next time I can go!
I recently took a Mommy/Daughter trip to So Cal over Cinco de Mayo weekend and I am still reminiscing about it! I am also still editing pictures of the trip to share with all of you! I told you that we flew Spirit (which we love and saves us a ton of money) and I told you that we stayed at the AMAZING HoJo Anaheim, but I haven't told you much else, so it's time for another piece of the trip!
Here we are, Californina Dreamin' at the Famous Santa Monica Pier!

Have you ever been to the Santa Monica Pier?
It is definitely something that has been on my bucket list and I am happy to say, that it has been checked off! I will let you know that the “Famous Santa Monica Pier” is super busy, super crowded and on a whole other plane of the universe from anywhere else that I have been in Southern California!


I will also let you know that if you are driving, like we did in this awesome 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, that parking is crazy hard to find and SUPER expensive, so prepare to spend or prepare to walk!

My daughter and nephew were super stoked to be at the pier! This was also my nephew's first time seeing the ocean!


When we finally hit the beach, my nephew could not contain himself! He was so happy to meet the ocean and I loved watching every moment of their introduction!

My beautiful little mermaid? Well, she just knew she was home!

Get My Little Mermaid's Look!

These two cousins played in those waves until their hearts were content, which pretty much took all day!



Of course, there was a little time for some snacks and cuddles on the beach with mommy!

Hey, did you know that the famous Santa Monica Pier has an amusement park on the end of it?! It is called the Pacific Park and it looks pretty cool!

After a day of swimming in the pacific ocean and exploring the Famous Santa Monica Pier, the kids were wearing down… Just kidding, the moms were tired as hell and the kids NEVER wanted to leave! I think they could have stayed all day!

I'm glad I got the check this off of my bucket list and I am so happy that I got to watch my nephew meet the ocean, but the best part of this day, was the time that I got to spend with my beautiful daughter…
OH AND THESE AMAZING STREET TACOS!

Seriously though, what an amazing day! [tweetshare tweet=”Come see why we are California Dreamin' at the Famous Santa Monica Pier! #VisitCalifornia #MoreGo #FamilyTravel” username=”irkedmommy”]

Never been there. But totally on my bucket list, too. Seriously ever since I was a kid and I would watch Three’s Company with the intro song showing the Santa Monica Pier sign and more always wanted to go (as crazy as that may sound). So loved seeing all your pics and truly looked like an amazing experience for you all 🙂
I hate the driving part but love the ocean. I live far away from the ocean so I have to fly there.
This looks like the perfect place to take kids. Not only do you have the fun of the beach but also the Pier itself with so many kiddie attractions. A kid heaven!
I’ve always wanted to go to the Santa Monica Pier! It looks like so much fun.
I have yet to go to the Santa Monica Pier but I been to LA several times. I want to make it my mission to go the next time I am visiting Los Angeles!
So jealous!! This looks like one of the places you have to visit sometime in life. I hope to get my girls here soon!
I have always wanted to go to Cali. The pier looks so pretty and like there is so much to do there. If I ever make it out that way I have to go check it out!
I have always wanted to visit California. I have heard great things about the Santa Monica Pier!
Nice post with lots of pictures. Love this post.
I haven’t been there too. But this is probably worth the travel. Did you go to the fair and tried the rides? By the way, your daughter is so adorable and I bet she really had fun too.
Oh my, their faces show how happy they are! This is the place I really want to visit. Looks so fun!
I haven’t visited there but it looks so fun! Reminds me of the beach/boardwalk vacations my family took to New Jersey when I was little.
What a cool post! I cannot wait till I get to visit. It seems like a wonderful place. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
I have not yet gotten the chance to go there. It looks like such a pretty place to go hang out!
I have never been to Santa Monica. It looks so beautiful. Great way to spend the day together as a family.
Looks like a lovely place for whole family and I bet food is great
California is always in my heart. I love California and I will never get tired of it.
I’ve not made it over to California yet – but it is definitely on my bucket list! I love how bright and colourful everything is, it would certainly make for some Instagram-worthy pics 😉 x
Santa Monica is on my Bucket List. Seeing your pictures has made me move it up a few notches on the list. Thanks for sharing on Sunday’s Best.