Bay Area Family Trip: Reuniting with My Dad After a Year
Updated: Sep 2
After more than a year without seeing my dad, I finally got the chance to surprise him during a Bay Area family trip in April.
He had flown in from Iran to visit my sister, and knowing we would both be there at the same time, I knew I had to make the trip to California. After so long apart, getting to simply sit together, talk, laugh, eat, and explore was something I didn't want to miss.
What started as a family visit turned into one of the most meaningful and memorable trips we've shared.
Sometimes the best travel memories aren't about checking places off a list. They're about the people you're with.
A Father-Son Road Trip to Monterey
One of the highlights of the trip was taking my dad on a spontaneous road trip to Monterey.
I borrowed my sister's car, and the two of us headed down the coast with no big agenda. We wandered around Cannery Row, watched the waves crash against the rocks, and enjoyed something that felt surprisingly simple after being apart for so long: just spending time together.
The California coast never really needs an introduction. The ocean, the cliffs, the cool air, and the endless views do most of the work.
But what made that day special wasn't necessarily where we were.
It was who I was there with.
After more than a year apart, even an ordinary drive felt like something worth remembering.
Exploring Santa Cruz and San Francisco
With my sister off work for the next two days, the family adventures continued.
Day One: Santa Cruz
We spent the first day exploring Santa Cruz, wandering through local spots and enjoying the laid-back beach-town atmosphere.
There wasn't a strict itinerary, and honestly, that was part of the fun.
We walked around, talked, laughed, took photos, and enjoyed being together. After spending so much time apart, having an entire day where there was nowhere we needed to rush off to felt pretty damn good.
Day Two: San Francisco
The next day, we went full tourist mode in San Francisco.
We rode the cable cars, explored Chinatown, wandered through the city, and eventually ended the day with an incredible dinner at House of Nanking, a San Francisco favorite that has been around for decades.
It was one of those days where the destination almost became secondary. The real memory was experiencing the city together.
More Santa Cruz Memories
Toward the end of the trip, we returned to Santa Cruz — this time with my dad and my Uncle Farzad.
The day turned into another opportunity to slow down and enjoy each other's company.
We walked along the beach, talked about life, shared stories, and took in the coastal scenery.
There was something really special about seeing my dad and uncle together and getting to be part of those conversations.
Travel doesn't always have to be about doing something extraordinary.
Sometimes it's a walk on the beach.
Sometimes it's sitting around a table telling old stories.
Sometimes it's simply being around people you haven't seen in far too long.
A Quiet Ending With My Sister
Before flying home, I spent some quieter time with my sister, Hoda, and her sweet dog, Simba.
We took a few photos together to remember the moment, and that peaceful final day gave me some time to reflect on the trip.
After all the driving, sightseeing, meals, and family adventures, it was nice to simply slow down.
I left California feeling incredibly grateful.
Not because the trip was extravagant.
Because my family was together.
What This Bay Area Family Trip Reminded Me About Family
This Bay Area family trip reminded me just how precious time with family can be — especially when you don't get to see each other often.
Living far away from the people you love can make ordinary moments feel extraordinary when you finally get them back.
A road trip to Monterey.
A day in Santa Cruz.
Cable cars in San Francisco.
Dinner together.
Walking along the beach.
Sitting around talking.
None of these things sound particularly complicated, but they're the moments I'll remember.
As a photographer, I spend a lot of my time documenting other people's milestones — elopements, weddings, proposals, family sessions, and adventures.
Trips like this remind me why those photographs matter so much.
The older I get, the more I realize that photographs aren't really about preserving a perfect moment.
They're about preserving people.
The people we love.
The places we experienced together.
And the feeling of being there.
More Travel Stories & Personal Adventures
This trip was one of many personal adventures that have shaped the way I see photography, travel, and storytelling.
If you'd like to follow along with more of my travels, you can explore my Travel Stories or browse my Travels for more adventures from Colorado and around the world.
You can also read more about my Western Colorado road trip or my experience Visiting Vatican City.
Final Thoughts
I'm incredibly grateful that I made the decision to fly to California.
After more than a year without seeing my dad, I didn't want to let the opportunity pass.
We didn't need a huge vacation or an elaborate itinerary. We just needed time together.
And that's probably what I'll remember most.
The drives.
The food.
The ocean.
The stories.
The laughter.
And those simple moments when everyone you love happens to be in the same place.
I can't wait until the next one.
Inquire About Your Photography Session
Whether you're gathering with family, planning an elopement, celebrating an engagement, or simply want to document an adventure together, I'd be honored to capture those moments.
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