Aug 1

Aug 1 Long Beach Staycation

There’s something kind of magical about staying somewhere new without needing to hop on a plane or pack fifteen snacks per child for a road trip longer than 90 minutes.

This little staycation came at the best time. It was our first mini getaway as a family of four (!!), and we knew we wanted something simple, sunny, and close. Kindred made it so easy to find the perfect place for our family—we found a spot in Long Beach that felt curated, cozy, and completely kid-friendly.

Okay...the kitchen alone was reason enough to never leave. Bright, open, and somehow both minimalist and lived-in. I fell in love with the long island and the sweet little breakfast nook tucked near the windows (you know I took 100 photos there).

Light, bright, stylish, etc.

There were fun bathroom touches that felt like a boutique hotel and the dreamiest tub!

And the best part? A full setup for the kiddos. Crib, sound machine, even a basket of toys—Kindred hosts just get it.

I’ve never used a home swap network before this trip, and now I’m kind of obsessed? Kindred connects verified members and makes it easy to exchange homes (yes, like The Holiday 🥲) with people who actually care about their space and yours. No money is exchanged—just good vibes and travel that feels more intentional.

The app walks you through the process and keeps everything secure and super clear. Plus, the places? So curated. So pretty. So not a random beige Airbnb. 🙌

Our host recommended we check out Lola’s Mexican Cuisine, and if you ever find yourself near Retro Row, please do yourself a favor and order the street tacos with chips + guac. The flavors were wild and the whole vibe was easy-breezy, even with kids in tow.

Also, we spent the afternoon at the Aquarium of the Pacific, and it was the perfect place to take the kids - just minutes from the house!

This little Long Beach escape reminded me that you don’t have to go far to feel refreshed. A cozy home, good tacos, happy babies, and a bathtub that feels like vacation? I’ll take that every time.

Whether you’re itching for adventure or just need a change of scenery without booking a flight, I highly recommend checking out Kindred. You might just find your next favorite place a few cities away.