Elk Grove Giant Pumpkin Festival

October 2nd-3rd, 10 AM to 5 PM

9950 Elk Grove-Florin Road

Free Admission, $10 Parking, for more information visit YourCSD.com


DOCO Carnival Block Party

Sunday, October 10th, Noon to 4 PM

Free fun for all ages! Interactive games, prizes, music, food, performers and more!

$5 Parking in the DOCO West Parking Garage 11am-5pm.

DOCOSacramento.com

Bishops Pumpkin Farm

1415 Pumpkin Lane, Wheatland, CA 95692

One of our Fall Favorite activities.  They have a petting zoo, carrousel, hay rides, zip line, movie nights and so much more!  They have yummy food for sale and all your fall favorites, caramel apples, pies and so much more!

Admission is free, you must purchase tickets for the activities. There are Value days and Free Parking Days, visit their website for all the details.

BishopsPumpkinFarm.com/



Dell'Osso Family Farms

Opens October 2-October 31st

Monday-Friday Noon to 7 PM and Weekends 10 AM to 7 PM

501 Manthey Road, Lathrop, CA 95330

Corn Maze, Carrousel, Mini Golf, Pumpkin Patch, Food and more!

General Admission $16.95 (Mon-Thurs) $24.95 (Fri-Sun)

Children 2 & Under Free and Parking is Free

General Admission Wristbands include: Corn Maze, Haunted Castle, Dell'Osso Express Train, Hay Ride, Goat Walk, Duck Races, Tire Pyramid, Animal Zoo, Lawn Games, Mini Golf, Pillow Jumping, Pirate Show, Pig Races and more for a full list visit the website.

PumpkinMaze.com/


Dave's Pumpkin Patch

Pumpkins, Corn Maze, Hay Ride, Tractor Trains, Jumping Pillow and farm. Hot Apple Cider Donuts, Smoked Tri-Tip, Specialty Coffees and more!

Special Events (Ticketed Events)

Friday, October 8th - Dave's Pumpkin Harvest Hoedown Concert 

Saturday, October 9th - Family Campout

VierraFarms.com

Cool Patch Pumpkins

Open now through October 31st 9 AM to 8 PM (weather permitting)

Pumpkins, Hay Maze, Hay Rides, Pedal Cars and More.

6150 Dixon Avenue West, Dixon, CA 95620

CoolPatchPumpkins.com


Rickey Ranch Pumpkin Farm

October 1-31st - 10 AM to Dusk

6950 Cavitt Stallman Road, Granite Bay 95746

Farm-Grown Pumpkins, Hayrides, Skeleton on Old Farm Equipment

RickeyRanchPumpkinFarm.com


Apple Hill 

There are too many farms to list, you definitely need to visit a variety, they each are unique. You can see a map of all the Farms here AppleHill.com.

We love and most often frequent High Hill Ranch, DelFino Farms, Boa Vista and Larsen Apple Barn.  There are so many farms to explore, check out the map here AppleHill.com/. We have already taken two trips up to Apple Hill in September and plan on visiting again in October.  


Zittel Farms

Pumpkins, Fresh Produce, and more.

6781 Oak Ave, Folsom, CA 95630

ZittelFarms.com


Keema's Pumpkin Farm

Opens October 1st

Free Parking, Pumpkin Patch, Hay Rides, Hay Pyramid, Farm Animals, Corn Maze, Food Vendors and more.

KeemasPumpkinFarm.com


Bobby Dazzlers Pumpkin Patch

Petting Zoo, Face Painting, Play Zone and more.

23300 Country Road 99 D, Woodland CA 95695

Weekdays 2-7 PM | Weekends 10 AM - 7 PM

DazzlerFarms.com/

I hope you and your family will take some time to enjoy Fall Fun and explore some of the nearby Pumpkin Patches.  Be sure to check on-line, or call ahead to confirm operating hours. Anytime you can go on a weekday, you will have less crowds and often prices on certain things like parking or admission are lower on weekdays.   

Visiting a pumpkin patch or local farm during Fall is a wonderful tradition to have as a family.  My boys will sometimes complain about going because they know I am going to take 1,000 pictures, and as they are getting older we have been quite a bit.  I remind them that they always end up having a great time and are happy once they get there.  I try and get out of my box and visit a farm or pumpkin patch we haven't been to even if I have to drive a little farther.  Our kiddos are growing up so fast and in this technology focused world we live in, it is nice to remind them of the simple joys like a good old fashioned hay ride.  

If you need another great reason to go, visiting these nearby pumpkin patches or farms is a great way to support our local farmers and family owned businesses.  Go pick a day you can visit soon, because October will fly by, put it on your calendar now and ENJOY!

October Fall Family Fun Pumpkin Patches & More

Elk Grove Giant Pumpkin Festival

October 2nd-3rd, 10 AM to 5 PM

9950 Elk Grove-Florin Road

Free Admission, $10 Parking, for more information visit YourCSD.com


DOCO Carnival Block Party

Sunday, October 10th, Noon to 4 PM

Free fun for all ages! Interactive games, prizes, music, food, performers and more!

$5 Parking in the DOCO West Parking Garage 11am-5pm.

DOCOSacramento.com

Bishops Pumpkin Farm

1415 Pumpkin Lane, Wheatland, CA 95692

One of our Fall Favorite activities.  They have a petting zoo, carrousel, hay rides, zip line, movie nights and so much more!  They have yummy food for sale and all your fall favorites, caramel apples, pies and so much more!

Admission is free, you must purchase tickets for the activities. There are Value days and Free Parking Days, visit their website for all the details.

BishopsPumpkinFarm.com/



Dell'Osso Family Farms

Opens October 2-October 31st

Monday-Friday Noon to 7 PM and Weekends 10 AM to 7 PM

501 Manthey Road, Lathrop, CA 95330

Corn Maze, Carrousel, Mini Golf, Pumpkin Patch, Food and more!

General Admission $16.95 (Mon-Thurs) $24.95 (Fri-Sun)

Children 2 & Under Free and Parking is Free

General Admission Wristbands include: Corn Maze, Haunted Castle, Dell'Osso Express Train, Hay Ride, Goat Walk, Duck Races, Tire Pyramid, Animal Zoo, Lawn Games, Mini Golf, Pillow Jumping, Pirate Show, Pig Races and more for a full list visit the website.

PumpkinMaze.com/


Dave's Pumpkin Patch

Pumpkins, Corn Maze, Hay Ride, Tractor Trains, Jumping Pillow and farm. Hot Apple Cider Donuts, Smoked Tri-Tip, Specialty Coffees and more!

Special Events (Ticketed Events)

Friday, October 8th - Dave's Pumpkin Harvest Hoedown Concert 

Saturday, October 9th - Family Campout

VierraFarms.com

Cool Patch Pumpkins

Open now through October 31st 9 AM to 8 PM (weather permitting)

Pumpkins, Hay Maze, Hay Rides, Pedal Cars and More.

6150 Dixon Avenue West, Dixon, CA 95620

CoolPatchPumpkins.com


Rickey Ranch Pumpkin Farm

October 1-31st - 10 AM to Dusk

6950 Cavitt Stallman Road, Granite Bay 95746

Farm-Grown Pumpkins, Hayrides, Skeleton on Old Farm Equipment

RickeyRanchPumpkinFarm.com


Apple Hill 

There are too many farms to list, you definitely need to visit a variety, they each are unique. You can see a map of all the Farms here AppleHill.com.

We love and most often frequent High Hill Ranch, DelFino Farms, Boa Vista and Larsen Apple Barn.  There are so many farms to explore, check out the map here AppleHill.com/. We have already taken two trips up to Apple Hill in September and plan on visiting again in October.  


Zittel Farms

Pumpkins, Fresh Produce, and more.

6781 Oak Ave, Folsom, CA 95630

ZittelFarms.com


Keema's Pumpkin Farm

Opens October 1st

Free Parking, Pumpkin Patch, Hay Rides, Hay Pyramid, Farm Animals, Corn Maze, Food Vendors and more.

KeemasPumpkinFarm.com


Bobby Dazzlers Pumpkin Patch

Petting Zoo, Face Painting, Play Zone and more.

23300 Country Road 99 D, Woodland CA 95695

Weekdays 2-7 PM | Weekends 10 AM - 7 PM

DazzlerFarms.com/

I hope you and your family will take some time to enjoy Fall Fun and explore some of the nearby Pumpkin Patches.  Be sure to check on-line, or call ahead to confirm operating hours. Anytime you can go on a weekday, you will have less crowds and often prices on certain things like parking or admission are lower on weekdays.   

Visiting a pumpkin patch or local farm during Fall is a wonderful tradition to have as a family.  My boys will sometimes complain about going because they know I am going to take 1,000 pictures, and as they are getting older we have been quite a bit.  I remind them that they always end up having a great time and are happy once they get there.  I try and get out of my box and visit a farm or pumpkin patch we haven't been to even if I have to drive a little farther.  Our kiddos are growing up so fast and in this technology focused world we live in, it is nice to remind them of the simple joys like a good old fashioned hay ride.  

If you need another great reason to go, visiting these nearby pumpkin patches or farms is a great way to support our local farmers and family owned businesses.  Go pick a day you can visit soon, because October will fly by, put it on your calendar now and ENJOY!

Read more »

This post may contain affiliate links and I may earn a small commission from qualifying  purchases when you click on the links at not additional costs to you.

Hey Friend!

If you’re like me, you’re always on the lookout for info that’s going to give you a shortcut -especially when it comes to keeping things tidy at home.

That’s why I'm excited to announce that I’m partnering with Carly Adams of Tidy Revival for a FREE class LIVE on Wednesday, September 29th at 6:30 PM PDT: How to Create a Clutter-Free Home WITHOUT Giving up All Your Free Time.

REGISTER FOR FREE 

https://event.webinarjam.com/register/28/ogq47aw9

We are going over the proven 4-step process that she uses with her clients and students. It takes the guesswork out of decluttering and organizing (so you have time for the people and things you love). You in? Oh, and it’s free, so it’s kind of a no brainer!

HOW DO I KNOW IF THIS CLASS IS FOR ME?

You have tried decluttering and organizing, but aren’t seeing the results you want.

You have a big, dreamy goal in your head of how you want your home to look and feel, but need guidance on how to make it happen.

You have bought the bins, the closet organizers, and the labels, but your house isn’t coming together the way you want it to.

You feel defeated when it comes to decluttering and organizing.

WHAT ARE WE COVERING IN THIS FREE CLASS?

The 3 BIG mistakes that Carly sees with clients and new students, that can keep you stuck, tired and overwhelmed at home.

Carly’s 4-part process to decluttering and organizing your home that she uses with every client and student.

The secret to seeing real progress (quick!) when it comes to decluttering and organizing.

How to simplify organizing!

This class is also your opportunity to ask Carly ALL your questions about her process, so grab your coziest sweats and favorite drink, because we’re going to make it a party! Click here to register for the free class!

P.S. I seriously am so excited about this free class, and to have Carly share her process with you. She also has a free gift for those who want to take action on what we cover. So come join in and let’s hang out!

Feel free to DM me on Instagram if you have any questions. Looking forward to seeing you online for this FREE class this Wednesday, September 29th at 6:30 PM be sure to register for your link https://event.webinarjam.com/register/28/ogq47aw9.

How to Create a Clutter-Free Home with Tidy Revival

This post may contain affiliate links and I may earn a small commission from qualifying  purchases when you click on the links at not additional costs to you.

Hey Friend!

If you’re like me, you’re always on the lookout for info that’s going to give you a shortcut -especially when it comes to keeping things tidy at home.

That’s why I'm excited to announce that I’m partnering with Carly Adams of Tidy Revival for a FREE class LIVE on Wednesday, September 29th at 6:30 PM PDT: How to Create a Clutter-Free Home WITHOUT Giving up All Your Free Time.

REGISTER FOR FREE 

https://event.webinarjam.com/register/28/ogq47aw9

We are going over the proven 4-step process that she uses with her clients and students. It takes the guesswork out of decluttering and organizing (so you have time for the people and things you love). You in? Oh, and it’s free, so it’s kind of a no brainer!

HOW DO I KNOW IF THIS CLASS IS FOR ME?

You have tried decluttering and organizing, but aren’t seeing the results you want.

You have a big, dreamy goal in your head of how you want your home to look and feel, but need guidance on how to make it happen.

You have bought the bins, the closet organizers, and the labels, but your house isn’t coming together the way you want it to.

You feel defeated when it comes to decluttering and organizing.

WHAT ARE WE COVERING IN THIS FREE CLASS?

The 3 BIG mistakes that Carly sees with clients and new students, that can keep you stuck, tired and overwhelmed at home.

Carly’s 4-part process to decluttering and organizing your home that she uses with every client and student.

The secret to seeing real progress (quick!) when it comes to decluttering and organizing.

How to simplify organizing!

This class is also your opportunity to ask Carly ALL your questions about her process, so grab your coziest sweats and favorite drink, because we’re going to make it a party! Click here to register for the free class!

P.S. I seriously am so excited about this free class, and to have Carly share her process with you. She also has a free gift for those who want to take action on what we cover. So come join in and let’s hang out!

Feel free to DM me on Instagram if you have any questions. Looking forward to seeing you online for this FREE class this Wednesday, September 29th at 6:30 PM be sure to register for your link https://event.webinarjam.com/register/28/ogq47aw9.

Read more »

Right now as of Monday, September 20, 2021, while supplies last you can score a special Venmo Offer of $10 cash back when you use your Venmo QR Code to pay at Panda Express.  You have to spend at least $10 and you will receive $10 cash back in approximately 1-3 days.  The offer must appear in your Venmo available offers section. 

There are actually a few other Venmo Cash Back offers available right now as well.  You can check your available offers by opening your Venmo and clicking the Setting gear in the top right, then scroll down to offers and you will see the available offers.  

Under the Panda Express Offer it says $10 Cash back on purchases of $10 or more. 

One-time only.

Valid at Participating Panda Express Locations. Offer ends on November 9, 2021.

Offers are redeemable as long as available in the Venmo App. Check the App before making a purchase. 


While looking at my available offers, I see a CVS Offer, a Foot Locker offer and Giant Eagle, which I do not have a Giant Eagle near me.  I am not sure if offers are based on your location. I do think they have limits of how many people redeem the offer, so check your Venmo offers frequently and cash in as soon as possible.  

I took my son to lunch and we both picked out bowls which are $6.70 each, you pick one entrée and one side.  These bowls are quite filling, they loaded ours with chow mein.  We went with our favorite entrees Orange Chicken and Beijing Beef.  



To redeem offer you simply use your Pay to Scan QR at checkout.  The Cashier must select you are paying with Venmo for the QR code to scan and read.  My cashier needed help from a manager, once selecting Venmo as method of payment it scanned easily and completed the transaction.  Under my total in the Venmo App where you see amount deducted, there is a green Venmo Offer icon.  

When I did this for the CVS offer it immediately gave me the cash back in my App, the exact time it was scanned, not the case with this Panda Express Offer, it says it may take 1-3 days for cash back offer. 

$10 Cash Back Offer via Venmo at Panda Express

Right now as of Monday, September 20, 2021, while supplies last you can score a special Venmo Offer of $10 cash back when you use your Venmo QR Code to pay at Panda Express.  You have to spend at least $10 and you will receive $10 cash back in approximately 1-3 days.  The offer must appear in your Venmo available offers section. 

There are actually a few other Venmo Cash Back offers available right now as well.  You can check your available offers by opening your Venmo and clicking the Setting gear in the top right, then scroll down to offers and you will see the available offers.  

Under the Panda Express Offer it says $10 Cash back on purchases of $10 or more. 

One-time only.

Valid at Participating Panda Express Locations. Offer ends on November 9, 2021.

Offers are redeemable as long as available in the Venmo App. Check the App before making a purchase. 


While looking at my available offers, I see a CVS Offer, a Foot Locker offer and Giant Eagle, which I do not have a Giant Eagle near me.  I am not sure if offers are based on your location. I do think they have limits of how many people redeem the offer, so check your Venmo offers frequently and cash in as soon as possible.  

I took my son to lunch and we both picked out bowls which are $6.70 each, you pick one entrée and one side.  These bowls are quite filling, they loaded ours with chow mein.  We went with our favorite entrees Orange Chicken and Beijing Beef.  



To redeem offer you simply use your Pay to Scan QR at checkout.  The Cashier must select you are paying with Venmo for the QR code to scan and read.  My cashier needed help from a manager, once selecting Venmo as method of payment it scanned easily and completed the transaction.  Under my total in the Venmo App where you see amount deducted, there is a green Venmo Offer icon.  

When I did this for the CVS offer it immediately gave me the cash back in my App, the exact time it was scanned, not the case with this Panda Express Offer, it says it may take 1-3 days for cash back offer. 

Read more »

Talk like a pirate day is this Sunday, September 19, 2021.  You can celebrate with Long John Silvers by talking like a pirate when you order your food and receive a FREE piece of fish or chicken.  If you dress and talk like a pirate you will receive a FREE 2 piece fish or chicken basket.  

We have done this with our kiddos over the years, it is a fun time for our boys and fun for mom when mom get's a night off of dinner!


Krispy Kreme has participated some years and offered a free donut.  I am not sure if they are participating this year, I have not seen any advertisement on their social media page or website, but keep an eye out on their social pages.

Many times you can find pirate accessories at the Dollar Tree or 99 Cents Store.  We have added to our Pirate themed collection over the years.  Party City is another great place to find Pirate costumes and items.  One year we did a Pirate Themed Trunk or Treat for Halloween and so we keep Pirate accessories. 



Talk like a Pirate Day started in 1995 and became a National day in September 2002. I enjoy Talk like a Pirate day because it's an excuse to have some Pirate fun.  One of our all time favorite Disneyland rides is Pirates of the Caribbean.  

Looking to celebrate with your family here are some more ideas:

1. Host a Pirate themed party.

2. Watch Pirate movies.

3. Research real life pirates.  

4. Plan a trip to Pirates Dinner Adventure in Southern California, the best Pirate fun!  You could also make your own Pirates themed dinner at home and eat how you imagine the pirates eat. 


I love finding reasons to celebrate and make memories with my family, so thank you to whoever started Talk Like a Pirate Day.  It is a great opportunity for even my now teenagers to be silly and just have fun. I would love to see how your family celebrates this Talk Like a Pirate Day, feel free to tag me in your social media posts @BlogAboutItAll on all platforms.

Ahoy Matey Talk Like a Pirate Day is this Sunday

Talk like a pirate day is this Sunday, September 19, 2021.  You can celebrate with Long John Silvers by talking like a pirate when you order your food and receive a FREE piece of fish or chicken.  If you dress and talk like a pirate you will receive a FREE 2 piece fish or chicken basket.  

We have done this with our kiddos over the years, it is a fun time for our boys and fun for mom when mom get's a night off of dinner!


Krispy Kreme has participated some years and offered a free donut.  I am not sure if they are participating this year, I have not seen any advertisement on their social media page or website, but keep an eye out on their social pages.

Many times you can find pirate accessories at the Dollar Tree or 99 Cents Store.  We have added to our Pirate themed collection over the years.  Party City is another great place to find Pirate costumes and items.  One year we did a Pirate Themed Trunk or Treat for Halloween and so we keep Pirate accessories. 



Talk like a Pirate Day started in 1995 and became a National day in September 2002. I enjoy Talk like a Pirate day because it's an excuse to have some Pirate fun.  One of our all time favorite Disneyland rides is Pirates of the Caribbean.  

Looking to celebrate with your family here are some more ideas:

1. Host a Pirate themed party.

2. Watch Pirate movies.

3. Research real life pirates.  

4. Plan a trip to Pirates Dinner Adventure in Southern California, the best Pirate fun!  You could also make your own Pirates themed dinner at home and eat how you imagine the pirates eat. 


I love finding reasons to celebrate and make memories with my family, so thank you to whoever started Talk Like a Pirate Day.  It is a great opportunity for even my now teenagers to be silly and just have fun. I would love to see how your family celebrates this Talk Like a Pirate Day, feel free to tag me in your social media posts @BlogAboutItAll on all platforms.

Read more »

Okay if you like FREE money you want to RUN to CVS!!!! Right now if you add a special offer coupon QR code to your Venmo or Paypal and use your Venmo or PayPal to pay at checkout at CVS you will receive $20 off a $20 or more purchase.

I stopped on my way home from picking up school kids to try it out and it works!  This offer expires Friday, September 10th so you have to go ASAP. It does say the offer good for first 50,000, I just used it today.  Be sure to add the coupon in your App before you head to the store.  

I bought soda, because well, I live on Coke Zero and my kids talked me into getting them a 12-pack of Sprite since they "helped" load, great negotiators they are.  Make sure your total will come to $20, and use your Venmo or PayPal to pay.  My CVS Receipt said the grand total so I wasn't sure if it worked, but then on my Venmo account, it showed.  So my total was $31.29 and on Venmo only deducted $11.29, showing the $20 coupon applied. 

Scan this QR Code, and save the offer, you have to open your Venmo or PayPal, scan the QR Code it will give you the option to use now or save for later, I clicked on save for later.  Headed to my CVS and when at checkout I used my Venmo QR which you click on SCAN and then SHOW TO PAY.  My Venmo is already linked to my bank account so unless you are brand new to Venmo you should be set to go.  If you are brand new to Venmo you will have to link your bank account.  


I saw this deal on Hip2Save, I love sharing a great deal when I find one.  There may be an additional $10 deposited after three days from what I read, but have not verified that part yet. Below is the link with details on that offer. 

Run to CVS with Venmo/PayPal FREE $20

Okay if you like FREE money you want to RUN to CVS!!!! Right now if you add a special offer coupon QR code to your Venmo or Paypal and use your Venmo or PayPal to pay at checkout at CVS you will receive $20 off a $20 or more purchase.

I stopped on my way home from picking up school kids to try it out and it works!  This offer expires Friday, September 10th so you have to go ASAP. It does say the offer good for first 50,000, I just used it today.  Be sure to add the coupon in your App before you head to the store.  

I bought soda, because well, I live on Coke Zero and my kids talked me into getting them a 12-pack of Sprite since they "helped" load, great negotiators they are.  Make sure your total will come to $20, and use your Venmo or PayPal to pay.  My CVS Receipt said the grand total so I wasn't sure if it worked, but then on my Venmo account, it showed.  So my total was $31.29 and on Venmo only deducted $11.29, showing the $20 coupon applied. 

Scan this QR Code, and save the offer, you have to open your Venmo or PayPal, scan the QR Code it will give you the option to use now or save for later, I clicked on save for later.  Headed to my CVS and when at checkout I used my Venmo QR which you click on SCAN and then SHOW TO PAY.  My Venmo is already linked to my bank account so unless you are brand new to Venmo you should be set to go.  If you are brand new to Venmo you will have to link your bank account.  


I saw this deal on Hip2Save, I love sharing a great deal when I find one.  There may be an additional $10 deposited after three days from what I read, but have not verified that part yet. Below is the link with details on that offer. 
Read more »
If you are near Northern California you need to check out this hidden gem of a beach . . . Capitola Beach.  It is near Santa Cruz Beach and about an hour from Monterey.  From Sacramento you take I-80 West to I-680 S to CA-262 S to I-880 S and CA 17 S to Bay Avenue in Capitola, Bay Avenue to Capitola Ave and Esplanade. Want to see this beautiful beach town up close check out videos of our visit on Instagram or TikTok. 

What makes Capitola Beach distinguished from other beaches is of course the colorful village. Just steps away from the beach you can actually rent and vacation in one of these colorful beach fronts. I would love to do that, imagine being able to wake up every morning with a beach sunrise and top off your evening with a beach sunset, so dreamy! 
The beach itself is on the smaller side, but not too small.  We visited on a Friday Labor Day weekend and it was not crowded at all, I am not sure what it is like on Saturdays.  I think this is a perfect sized beach for families with kids.  

They have the Capitola Wharf that you can walk out on and there are boat rentals as well as a restaurant on the wharf.  Near the beach there are bathrooms available.


They have a little bit of metered parking near the beach, but they also have parking areas a short walk away.  We parked in a lot right near the Police Station on Bay Street and walked down to the beach, it was not far at all.  We actually enjoyed strolling through the main street and seeing the small shops and restaurants.  There is even a Capitola Museum, we will definitely have to visit again soon.
If we had our kids with us we for sure would have eaten at Pizza My Heart, but since we were kid free we went with Tacos from Mijos Taqueria, I had a fish taco and a Tinga Taco, both were delicious.  The Tinga Taco was my favorite, what is a Tinga Taco you ask?  It is shredded chicken in a smoky tomato and chipotle based sauce. My husband had a shrimp burrito that he loved.  Right next door to Mjjos Taqueria is Souza's Ice Cream, the smell of the fresh made waffle cones was absolutely heavenly.  

We happened to be strolling through, when a school nearby must have just gotten out, all the kids riding their bikes and walking through town gave us all the small town vibes.  There is just something about the American Flags waving in the wind at the store fronts and the cool beach breeze that makes my heart happy. 

I could sit out on the beach all day listening to the waves, watching the surfers. I highly recommend a visit to Capitola Beach, especially if you are near Santa Cruz or in Northern California. 
If you love taking Instagram worthy photos, the colorful village makes for a beautiful picturesque backdrop to capture a bright colorful pic for your Instagram.  Please do be respectful of the village area, and mindful of others, as people are renting these spaces for a vacation.  We only took photos near the ones that were clearly vacant as to not be standing in front of someone's rental. We quickly strolled through as to not disturb the occupants. 


There happens to be a Capitola Beach Festival coming up at the end of September.  It is a weekend long event with music, sand sculptures, and an evening water light parade.  The Capitola Beach Festival is September 25-26, 2021.  For a full schedule of events and more info visit CapitolaBeachFestival.com.
From the event website: Capitola’s Annual Beach Festival will have something for everyone to enjoy! The community event will include a 3-Miler Fun Run hosted by the Wharf to Wharf, a Horseshoe Tournament, the Lighted Nautical Parade, a Fishing Derby, a Sand Sculpture Contest, the Chalk Art Event, a Concert in Esplanade Park, Rowboat Races and more! Join us for this free, family-friendly, and fun event.

I hope you will add Capitola Beach to your California Beach Bucket List especially if you live in Northern California or are visiting the Santa Cruz area.  It is quite a hidden gem in my opinion, bright, cheery, picturesque with all the small town vibes, I hope to visit again very soon!  Thank you for reading and following along our family adventures be sure to go give us a follow on Instagram and TikTok for more family friendly fun ideas!

Hidden Gem Capitola Beach

If you are near Northern California you need to check out this hidden gem of a beach . . . Capitola Beach.  It is near Santa Cruz Beach and about an hour from Monterey.  From Sacramento you take I-80 West to I-680 S to CA-262 S to I-880 S and CA 17 S to Bay Avenue in Capitola, Bay Avenue to Capitola Ave and Esplanade. Want to see this beautiful beach town up close check out videos of our visit on Instagram or TikTok. 

What makes Capitola Beach distinguished from other beaches is of course the colorful village. Just steps away from the beach you can actually rent and vacation in one of these colorful beach fronts. I would love to do that, imagine being able to wake up every morning with a beach sunrise and top off your evening with a beach sunset, so dreamy! 
The beach itself is on the smaller side, but not too small.  We visited on a Friday Labor Day weekend and it was not crowded at all, I am not sure what it is like on Saturdays.  I think this is a perfect sized beach for families with kids.  

They have the Capitola Wharf that you can walk out on and there are boat rentals as well as a restaurant on the wharf.  Near the beach there are bathrooms available.


They have a little bit of metered parking near the beach, but they also have parking areas a short walk away.  We parked in a lot right near the Police Station on Bay Street and walked down to the beach, it was not far at all.  We actually enjoyed strolling through the main street and seeing the small shops and restaurants.  There is even a Capitola Museum, we will definitely have to visit again soon.
If we had our kids with us we for sure would have eaten at Pizza My Heart, but since we were kid free we went with Tacos from Mijos Taqueria, I had a fish taco and a Tinga Taco, both were delicious.  The Tinga Taco was my favorite, what is a Tinga Taco you ask?  It is shredded chicken in a smoky tomato and chipotle based sauce. My husband had a shrimp burrito that he loved.  Right next door to Mjjos Taqueria is Souza's Ice Cream, the smell of the fresh made waffle cones was absolutely heavenly.  

We happened to be strolling through, when a school nearby must have just gotten out, all the kids riding their bikes and walking through town gave us all the small town vibes.  There is just something about the American Flags waving in the wind at the store fronts and the cool beach breeze that makes my heart happy. 

I could sit out on the beach all day listening to the waves, watching the surfers. I highly recommend a visit to Capitola Beach, especially if you are near Santa Cruz or in Northern California. 
If you love taking Instagram worthy photos, the colorful village makes for a beautiful picturesque backdrop to capture a bright colorful pic for your Instagram.  Please do be respectful of the village area, and mindful of others, as people are renting these spaces for a vacation.  We only took photos near the ones that were clearly vacant as to not be standing in front of someone's rental. We quickly strolled through as to not disturb the occupants. 


There happens to be a Capitola Beach Festival coming up at the end of September.  It is a weekend long event with music, sand sculptures, and an evening water light parade.  The Capitola Beach Festival is September 25-26, 2021.  For a full schedule of events and more info visit CapitolaBeachFestival.com.
From the event website: Capitola’s Annual Beach Festival will have something for everyone to enjoy! The community event will include a 3-Miler Fun Run hosted by the Wharf to Wharf, a Horseshoe Tournament, the Lighted Nautical Parade, a Fishing Derby, a Sand Sculpture Contest, the Chalk Art Event, a Concert in Esplanade Park, Rowboat Races and more! Join us for this free, family-friendly, and fun event.

I hope you will add Capitola Beach to your California Beach Bucket List especially if you live in Northern California or are visiting the Santa Cruz area.  It is quite a hidden gem in my opinion, bright, cheery, picturesque with all the small town vibes, I hope to visit again very soon!  Thank you for reading and following along our family adventures be sure to go give us a follow on Instagram and TikTok for more family friendly fun ideas!
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