Lynne MacFarlane (SiliconValley Realtor)

Always great during the summer with bandstand music and dancing, Ukelele playing and surfers, diners, tourist. Capitola is our wonderful little enclave for all families. Lots of gift shops to purchase souvenirs but the best gathering area is Esplanade park. Although parking on street is limited so look for the blue public 🅿️ parking signs. There are public showers for folks wanting to rinse their boards and feet. There are large public bathroom near the grandstand & a viewing area to watch the waves. Capitola Enjoy!!

Fantastic place to get your steps in and enjoy the scenic Lake Vasona in Los Gatos. During the day you’ll meet joggers, walkers, strollers, bicyclists of all ages. Pedestrian friendly with places to fill your water bottle and benches to enjoy watching the Canada Geese & Coots. Great place to bring your little ones with playground climbing structure (but no fence around so keep an eye out for them wandering off. Choochoo trains 🚂 and a fun adventure. Dining in downtown Los Gatos with plenty of choices.

Always love Betty’s, currently doing the keto diet but they make a lettuce wrap hamburger that’s juicy and flavorful. They also make great milkshakes (2 for one everyday!) My usual was the Texas Two Step ( battered onion rings, bacon, so good, but can be very juicy so make sure to get extra napkins!

Cute, intimate experience & the iconic whale that kids love to climb has been there for decades! This location has plenty of parking and easy for grandparents to navigate because there are inky a few steps from the parking lot! This is the perfect intimate place to bring young naturalist to learn about plants, animals of Santa Cruz. There’s a young children’s craft table and curator to assist and guide the children with projects. The seaweed kelp artist exhibit was interesting and I bought a box of gift cards as a memento of our visit here! If you have time for a picnic take the kids across the street to Seabright Beach & enjoy the afternoon.

Beautiful display of holiday lights in this charming park surrounding the water fountain! Romantic to see the cathedral as backdrop. We walked here after seeing a show at the Masonic Auditorium right across the street. Definitely go during the evening and then grab a night cap at the Top of the Mark or visit the Old Tonga Room. I love San Francisco but hate driving up these steep hills!! 😂 Don’t take your stick shift here. 😬 Enjoy the holidays!