Best California Vacation Ideas for Families: Create Memories

It has always been a challenge for families to locate places that have attributes that depict fun and an aspect of recreation more especially when they are traveling with kids of diverse ages. Too long rides, overcrowded tourist destinations, and never-ending itineraries, turn a wonderful vacation into a nightmare.

Fortunately, there are many family-friendly destinations in California that can be easily planned and enjoyed. Whether it is the beach, hiking or children activities, one can easily come up with a balanced program that satisfies everyone’s needs in terms of utility, interest, and leisure.

You no longer have to worry about where to go when planning for vacation because we have brought to you these top California vacation ideas for families.

Why California is a Top Vacation Destination for Families

There are numerous areas of interest that could be appealing to families in California. Here’s why it’s a prime choice for your next family getaway.

• Mild Climate: Have good weather most of the time, and is perfect for outdoor activities and touring around the beautiful terrains in the state.
• Family-Friendly Attractions: In addition to fun filled theme parks there are similar attractions through engaging museums, zoos for children and even adults.
• Stunning Natural Beauty: Witness amazing cliffs, steep rocks, and equally amazing forests with features such as hiking, camping, and wildlife spotting.
• Cultural Diversity: Explore and learn more about California’s cultural diversity, art, and history by visiting diverse places such as neighborhoods, galleries and landmarks.
• Endless Entertainment: Or you can visit some great fun space, water activities and beautiful city where there is not a chance that all members of the family will get boring.

Family-Friendly Attractions and Experiences

Fascinating and rich in families, kids, and teenagers, California offers the best attractions for each of its visitors. Let’s explore some of the must-visit destinations:

Theme Parks

Disneyland

Disneyland is one of the exciting places to visit in California and every enthusiast must visit the Disneyland. Disneyland is one of the most visited parks in the world and it can be found in Anaheim. There are different rides, cartoon characters, and activity-based attractions for children and the older generation. Hence, with areas such as Adventureland, Tomorrowland or Fantasyland, Disneyland provides an entertainment experience for every member of the family.

LEGOLAND California

The other is great theme park is LEGOLAND California that is located in Carlsbad. This park is suitable for families with children of a younger age, who would love to explore the various LEGO products and go on the various rides which are based on the LEGO bricks. It ranges from constructing small workshops to playful RecyclerViews for children: that’s why the LEGOLAND is so brilliant.

Universal Studios Hollywood

In particular such fans, who are looking for exciting rides for kids and backstag view of moviemaking, kell for visiting Universal Studios Hollywood. This is one of the most preferred parks in Los Angeles that has thrilling ride based on popular films/TV shows; visitors can tour the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and take Studio Tour.

Museums, Zoos, and Aquariums

Los Angeles Zoo & Botanical Gardens

From the Los Angeles Zoo & Botanical Gardens it is evident that it offers an educational aspect of a fun filled day for families. Children, it is fun to watch a number of animals that exist within this planet while for the adults they get to see lovely gardens as well as aspects of conservation.

San Francisco Zoo

Another great attraction which animal lovers will find interesting is the San Francisco Zoo. This zoo has all classes of animals and playing points like, conducting point of a zoo, a live animal point and a large playground for children.

Monterey Bay Aquarium

If you ever want to go somewhere unique underwater then you should go to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. This aquarium is in Monterey Peninsula, and it provides opportunities of touch tanks and excellent views of sea animals and beautiful architecture thus making it recommended for families.

Cultural and Educational

California Missions

Visiting California Missions is one of the most effective ways of discovering more about their history. Missions of California Mission Trail Many families take a tour along the California Mission Trail to acquaint themselves with those early years of the state’s development.

Family Safari Vacation

If one wants to be more out of the ordinary in terms of the family vacation, a family safari holiday in California can be arranged. Several wildlife parks and reserves have what may be termed as guided visits in which families find themselves in close contact with wildlife within the facility.

San Francisco Urban Adventure

San Francisco has a lot of things to do and this makes it a perfect destination for families to explore urban fun. Here are some ideas about things to do in San Francisco: Having a ride in the cable cars, visiting the so famous Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf, Palace of Fine Arts, Chinatown and much more.

Outdoor Adventures and National Parks

Being one of the most popular states in the United States, California is abound with various opportunities of outdoor activities. Here are some of the most popular national parks and outdoor activities to enjoy with your family.

Exploring National Parks

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park has some magnificent features that are cliffs of granite, waterfalls and the giant sequoias. As for families, they are also welcome to engage themselves in activities such as hiking, having a picnic besides enjoying great sceneries of the park.

Joshua Tree National Park

It is found in the Mojave Desert where it facilitates several family exciting friendly activities within the JD National Park. Enjoying an active outdoor vacation by hiking, especially at night and studying interesting geological formations is always a great idea on this park.

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are famous for the existence of the giant sequoia trees and it will empower families to experience some of these huge trees in their lifetime. They also have drives, and trails, as well as splendid view for visitors to take pictures.

Redwood National and State Parks

According to the features the Redwood National and State Parks offer the world’s tallest trees. People can spend leisurely car drives over long distances, mid level hiking through fascinating forests and sightseeing along tremendous coasts.

Lassen Volcanic National Park

Lassen Volcanic NP offers the visitors amazing views of volcanic formations and various forms of geothermal activity which are associated with volcanoes. Boiling springs and fumaroles provide the sights of interest which can be observed while being at the park with families.

Outdoor Activities

Hiking and Biking Trails

California is also well furnished with family standard hiking/biking tracks. There are short nature trails to extended hikes and one can categorize it into difficult, moderate or easy going depending on the physical ability of the individuals. It is also worth mentioning that many trails have good lookouts and are perfect also for bird watching and other wildlife sightseeing.

Camping Spots

I think camping is one of the most effective ways of getting to learn more about California. If you love the outdoors and want to enjoy a vacation with your family then the campgrounds are just what you are looking for, but do not worry there are both beaches and the mountains to choose from.

Horseback Riding

If one is interested in some adventure, then horse back riding in any of the regions in California is a good plan. To top it up, the beaches, mountains and even trails provide the best exciting riding experiences for horse back riding in the state.

Surfing, Skating, and Climbing

Most of California’s shoreline is ideal for surfing while other places have excellent skate parks and climbing facilities for city lovers. There is a number of outdoor sports that families can take part into depending on the type of the family, and the level of hobbyism.

Glamping in Buellton, CA

If you want to go more luxurious outside trip then you can go with glamping trip in Buellton, CA. This options is something between the camping and the more luxurious feeling of a hotel.

Beaches for Family Fun

As you are likely to agree some of the most spectacular shores are in California and within these, there are many areas where families can go for many different activities. Here are some of the top beach destinations.

Santa Monica Beach

Some of the most visited sites include the fairly extensive stretch of sand that is accessible to the public that is Santa Monica beach, the lively Santa Monica Pier where even families can hang out, multitude of eating joints and shopping malls nearby. One can just lie bare on the sand or swim through the sea or play in the amusement park in the pier.

Huntington Beach

Nicknamed ‘Surf City’, Huntington Beach is ideal for families who love the Sea fishing, sand castling etc. The beach has great surfing conditions, a vibrant boardwalk, and many events to cater for families at different times in a year.

Coronado Beach

Coronado Beach located in San Diego, California has good weather, not very large waves but very beautiful scenery. Thus, it is an ideal station for people, particularly families to take a break and spend some time by the coastline.

Pismo Beach

Pismo Beach is a picturesque town which is famous for its wonderful coast and the atmosphere of a friendly community. Visit the beach for activities such as shells searching, children making sand castles and the Pismo Beach Pier.

San Francisco Beaches

Some of the beautiful beaches of San Francisco are Ocean beach and Baker beach. These places are good for views and to take time to appreciate the coastal backdrop of the city.

Catalina Island

Catalina Island an ideal place for family vacations is located near the southern coast of California. Actually, it is something different from the usual beach, with clear water, activities and a very cute town called Catalina Island.

San Diego Beaches

La Jolla Cove and Mission beaches are some of the great fun filled beaches in San Diego for family outings. Every one of the beaches features something different; with tide pools and sea caves, boardwalks, and family restaurants.

Best Time to Visit California with Family

There is no exact time that is best for you to take your family on a vacation to California as this depends with the preferences of the family. Here’s a breakdown of the best seasons for different experiences.

Spring (March-May)

Get beautiful sceneries of flowers, cool weather, and lesser tourist crowding the park. It is a good time for outdoor and the ‘adventure’ to some of the national parks within the country.

Summer (June-August)

You will get the feeling of warm climate which is good for swimming, surfing and any weather adventurous activities. But be ready for people crowded and in result higher prices.

Fall (September-November)

Small crowds, temperatures are generally mild compared to the summer season, and nice colours in the mountains during this season. This is as good as it gets this is for hiking, wine making and some counties close to the sea.

Winter (December-February)

Express themselves in such a way as to experience lower temperatures and particularly in the regions of high altitude. This is the right season for ski or snow boarding and other holiday activities.

Top Cities to Explore with Kids

California possesses a great number of brilliant cities which can be perfect for families. Here are some of the top destinations.

San Diego

• Family-friendly Attractions: Such famous tourist attractions that are located in San Diego are the San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld San Diego, Balboa Park, Gaslamp Quarter, and Coronado Island.
• Dining Options: Tasty seafood restaurants, Mexican restaurants and restaurants for families with children.

Los Angeles

• Best Family-friendly Hotels: The visits made includes Disneyland Resort, Universal Studios Hollywood, Hollywood W kalp of Fame, Santa Monica Pier, Griffith Observatory etc.
• Theme Parks: Disneyland, Universal Studio Hollywood and six flags magic Mountain.

San Francisco

• Attractions: Some of the famous sites include the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz island, and Fisherman’s Wharf, California academy of Sciences, Exploratorium and many more.
• Urban Family Adventure: Ride cable cars, visit the outstanding city neighborhoods and take the best views from different perspectives.

Road Trip Ideas

California is a large state which is located on the west coast of United States and due to its size and variety of terrains its definitely one of the best places for a family road trip. Here are some popular routes to consider.

Pacific Coast Highway

• Scenic Drive: For instance, one can be blessed with the view of the coastlines, beautiful towns by the sea, and arresting facilities such as the Big Sur Bridge and the Santa Monica Pier.
• Stops: Monterey Bay Aquarium, the city of Carmel by the sea, Hearst Castle and Santa Barbara.

Route 66

• Historic Route: Immerse yourself in the allure of America’s main street, drive through nostalgic places such as, restaurants, towns and landmarks.
• Stops: Some of the popular cities situated in the providence include San Bernardino, Barstow, Victorville and Santa Monica.

Coastal California Road Trip

• Combination of Routes: Try for the Pacific Coast Highway and the houses with the route of 66, scenic coastlines with authentic American setting.
• Stops: San Francisco, Monterey Bay, Santa Cruz and Southern California- San Diego.

Northern California Outdoor Road Trips

• Explore National Parks: Visit the Yosemite national park, lake Tahoe and lassen volcanic national park, all those are popular for their natural scenic beauty and adventurous activities.
• Stops: But later I had plans to visit the cities like Yosemite Village, Truckee, and Susanville.

Kid-Friendly Dining Options in California

California provides quite a versatility of restaurants for its families depending with their type of preference. Here are some kid-friendly restaurants and food experiences.

In-N-Out Burger

In operation since 1924, this is an institution with one of the most basic menus, but high quality ingredients, or even cult-like appeal.

The Cheesecake Factory

An extensive restaurant which caters to children and serves a great variety of meals including American cuisine, pasta, and the legendary cheesecake.

Chipotle Mexican Grill

Build your own meals with fillings of your preference such as burritos, tacos, and bowls.

The Original Farmers Market

A crowded and noisy market place with food and beverages hawking stalls based on delicious food such as burgers, pizzas, and foods from all the four corners of the world.

Food Trucks

Discover California’s lively food truck culture where you can also find various and tasty meals.

Farm-to-Table Restaurants

Experience gourmet dishes with State grown products at the farm to table restaurants across the State.

Family-Friendly Resorts and Hotels

California has numerous and diverse family oriented resorts and hotels that are available to meet everybody’s needs and expectations. Here are some recommendations.

San Francisco

Several hotels located in San Francisco that are quite accommodating to families include Hotel Nikko and the Fairmont with large rooms as well as services developed for families. Accessibility to tourists’ attraction sites and restaurants is very common in most hotels.

Los Angeles

Some of the wonderful family friendly hotels one can find within the city of Los Angeles are the Beverly Garland and the Magic Castle Hotel. These are perfect for families with kids as they are equipped with features that will make the kids comfortable; and are located close to the most-frequented sites.

San Diego

There are available so many families’ resorts in San Diego including the Hotel del Coronado and Legoland California Resort. These resorts offer accommodations, facilities, and facilities for the use of children and other young persons.

Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe offers accommodation of families such as the Resort at Squaw Creek and the Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel. These options allow for the availability of areas for both outdoor recreation and also have accommodation facilities for families.

Budget-Friendly Family Vacation Tips

Taking a family vacation in California may at times be expensive, but there are a number of ways one can take their family and still have a fun and pocket friendly vacation. Here are some tips.

• Plan Ahead: It may seem obvious but try to book your flights and accommodation in advance so that you will get the best prices.
• Consider Off-Peak Seasons: The twin notion is to travel to California during the pre-peak seasons, which are the spring and autumn seasons since one is assured of affordable prices as well as less traffic.
• Pack Smart: Take food and beverages not to be inconvenienced with expensive meals and also carry along a couple of reusable water bottles.
• Utilize Free Activities: Also, there will cheaper activities such as visiting the beach, parks and mountain climbing.
• Use Public Transportation: Check the use of public transport as a way of sparing on costs of parking.
• Look for Discounts: Look for special rates dedicated to families in regards to places to visit, places to eat and even in accommodations.
• Camp or Stay in Hostels: If you are on a tight budget, there are other cheap ways of getting accommodation such as tents for camping or the local hostels.

How to Keep Kids Entertained During Long Drives

Families often face a problem when it comes to long drives, but that has to be sorted because if planned properly, it turns out to be a fun adventure. Here are some tips.

• Pack Plenty of Snacks and Drinks: It is equally important to ensure that children are not hungry so that they do not become grumpy through out the day; ensure the children have taken healthy biscuits, fruits juices etc.
• Bring Entertainment: Bring books, board games, coloring materials and non-electronic gadgets such as tablets that have games and cartoons, DVDs and other portable players for children.
• Take Breaks: Pause every 1-2 hours to do a set of stretches, get up and move around a little, and to take a bio-break and maybe check out tourist sites too.
• Play Games: Play the “I Spy”, the “20 Questions” or “Mad Libs” type of family games.
• Listen to Audiobooks or Podcasts: Have quality time reading stories and enrich children’s knowledge with various kinds of informative content.
• Sing Along to Music: Make a compilation playlist with the songs that everyone in the family likes.
• Use a Car Organizer: Always use a car organizer so as there is order in the car, it will be convenient to keep toys, snacks and other items.

Final Thougts About California Vacation Ideas for Families

California is one of the best family friendly destinations as it has a lot to offer when it comes to places, interest and fun activities. From fairy-tale like theme parks to the magnificent National parks there are parts of the country that every tourist will love. Standing for climate, child friendliness and the beauty of scenery, California is a place that will allow readers to spend the most valuable time with their families.

So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your unforgettable family vacation to California today!

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