We just got back from a really fun vacation to California. We had to cancel our Disney World vacation for a wedding and happened upon great flights to California. We couldn't pass them up, so we decided to go back to Disneyland! We had such a blast! We took the kids out of school a few days before Thanksgiving and stayed a week in California exploring Palm Springs, Joshua Tree and Disneyland. Our flight was really early on Thursday morning and we left the house at 4am to make our flight.
Caitie was pretty excited about her new big girl luggage
We arrived in long beach just in time for a delicious brunch at Schooner or Later. We ate outside with such a pretty view. It was a great start to the vacation.
After brunch we drove the 2 hours to Palm Springs. We immediately headed towards the pool so the kids could burn some energy after a long day of traveling. That night we headed to the Palm Springs street festival. There is a large festival every Thursday night. It was amazing weather and was fun to see downtown Palm Springs. Unfortunately, I had the worst headache that I didn't enjoy most of it. I think the long flight combined with getting very little sleep didn't help. The kids still had fun exploring though!
There are lots of large art sculptures downtown and we had fun walking around and seeing all of them.
The next morning we woke up and headed to Joshua Tree and had the most amazing day! Joshua tree is only about 30 minutes from Palm Springs and its a really pretty drive. We loved looking at all of the windmills on the way through the mountains.
After our amazing trip to Joshua Tree the day before, we decided to explore more of Palm Springs. We were up early to go to brunch at Cheeky's. We were surprised there was already a line 10 minutes before opening!
It was a really delicious brunch. The kids absolutely loved the bacon flight!
The coffee cups were a little cheeky once you finished!
Then we headed to the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. It's the largest rotating tram in the world. It travels two and a half miles through the Chino Canyon. It goes so fast and it is really fun!
There are gorgeous views once you get to the top. Mount San Jacinto State Park is at the top of the mountain. We decided to hike the 1.5 mile Desert View Trail. It has five really gorgeous viewpoints.
It's a really pretty trail. There are also a ton of rock climbing areas which my kids really loved!
We made it to notch 1, which is the first viewpoint.
Made it to the second notch!
And the 3rd notch!
Goofballs!
Notch 4 was just as gorgeous.
Caitie rounding out the trail by convincing older brother to carry her.
The last fourth of a mile was completely uphill and brutal! We were all pretty winded after the hike! We stopped at the Lookout Lounge for some much needed snacks for the kids and mom and dad!
Headed back down in the aerial tramway
We got back to the hotel and immediately headed to the pool!
After an afternoon swim we headed back to Joshua Tree shortly after sunset to try and stargaze. The moon was so bright, we barely saw any stars! Oh well, back to the pool hot tub for a nice soak before bed!
The next morning we headed out early to Disneyland. We made a quick stop at the Palm Springs sign on our way out!
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