Local Staycation Ideas for Families in Southern California

Possibly information technology's no coincidence that California is as well known as the Golden Country. With breathtaking sceneries extending from mountains to desert and ocean, a mild climate, and exciting large cities and quaint towns, California offers gilt opportunities to experience unlike worlds within its borders. The best part is that no matter where y'all go, the kids will be alright; these 12 destinations are perfect for families who desire to create memories for a lifetime.

1. The Redwoods

Nearly 200 miles north of San Francisco, aboriginal forests of magnificent coastal redwoods populate Humboldt County. Reaching heights of upwardly to 379 feet, these sequoias are the tallest ones in the world, and half of the earth's specimens can be institute right hither. Imagine walking, biking, horseback riding, and camping ground among these enormous copse at Redwood National and Land Parks, or driving through them (yep, you tin can do just that on the scenic Avenue of the Giants); it's an experience that you and your kiddos will talk about for ages. To make things even more than heady, children of all ages tin can participate in the park'due south scavenger hunt program, Redwood EdVentures, and earn special patches upon completing each quest. Want to make the most out of this already memorable trip? The nearby dramatic beaches and picturesque towns are bully sightseeing spots and packed with family-friendly events and activities.

2. San Francisco

The iconic blood-red cable car going upward and down the steep hills or the ferry going to Alcatraz for some kids could be  a good plenty reason to become to San Francisco. But, there are plenty more things that are certain to make your whole family happy. The Golden Gate Bridge, the hustle and bustle of Alamo Square, the restaurants at Fisherman's Wharf, and the shops and carousel at Pier 39 are all landmarks that offer something for everyone. Not sure if the petty ones will appreciate a stroll by the Painted Ladies? Head to the Aquarium of the Bay, San Francisco Zoo, the Exploratorium, the California University of Sciences, or the Children'southward Creativity Museum for hours of guaranteed fun.

Photo via Bigstock

3. Large SurCoast

With grassy hills dropping to the ocean and rocky beaches, the Central Declension region of California almost resembles the light-green coastline of Scotland or Ireland. Driving alongside the ocean is a care for, where every breathtaking vista makes a great Instagram post. The coastal towns of Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea, and San Simeon are incredibly beautiful and feature world-famous attractions like the Hearst Castle, the Monterey Aquarium, and the Carmel Mission. Only the true star of them all is Big Sur, a rugged and woodsy stretch of coastline bordered by the Santa Lucia Mountains and the ocean. Pfeiffer Beach with arched rock formations and sand dunes is the perfect spot for kids to run around, and McWay Falls with its 80-pes waterfall cascading onto the beach is such a gorgeous sight. In that location are several trails on the mountainside for bird watching (especially condors). Some camping sites have playgrounds, and near restaurants have children's menus (Nepenthe is a favorite).

4. Santa Barbara

Known every bit California'south Riviera for its flora and refined elegance, Santa Barbara is an enchanting mix of culture and fun. There are several maritime museums for aspiring niggling biologists (the Museum of Natural History's Sea Center, the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum, and the Museum of Natural History's Sea Eye) and marine-inspired recreations for the more adventurous (paddling, sailing, and deep-sea fishing). At Stearns Wharf, the whole family unit can lath the Lil' Toot, a water taxi that shuttles to the harbor, or try some pier fishing — and if y'all don't catch anything, don't worry! Y'all can always count on the nearby restaurants for a scrumptious meal. A brusque distance away from the beach, MOXI, the Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation features hands-on engaging activities while Tomol Interpretative Play Area in Carpinteria is a sweetness playground to let the kids run effectually. Former Mission Santa Barbara is a must-encounter, and and so is the quaint downtown surface area for strolling, dining, and shopping.

five. Yosemite

Covering a million square miles of land, Yosemite (located in Key California's Sierra Navada) is the park that inspired the evolution of the national park idea, and once you'll come across it, you lot'll know why. Majestic views and landscapes boasting behemothic sequoias, glaciers, meadows, waterfalls, and a vast biological diversity make Yosemite a unique wonderland that is and then worth a visit. Campgrounds, lodges, and hotels are located inside the park and provide kid-friendly civilities and activities. But hiking and exploring along the numerous trails are perhaps the all-time sports of all as you take in all the beauty that Yosemite has to offer.

Expiry Valley. Photo by Vlad Butsky/CC BY 2.0

6. Death Valley

Death Valley should be renamed "Wonder Valley" for the variety of landscapes and geology it is known for. From slopes of super-fine sand and hills covered in minerals of hundreds shades to salt pans of spikey crystal formations, there is no shortage of vistas to ignite the imagination. This park, after all, is the perfect backdrop for a fantasy story and has been immortalized (no pun intended) in several movies, including George Lucas' originalStar Wars. No incertitude, it'due south an interesting choice for a family unit vacation; if going during libation months and planning strategically, it should be the hazard of a lifetime.

7. Large Bear & Lake Arrowhead

Believe it or not, sunny California gets some snow, too. In winter mountain resorts are equipped for all snow sports, but the 1 that goes above and across is the ever-pop Big Conduct. Both a lake and a customs, Big Bear has two pinnacle-tier ski resorts: Snow Summit (for skiers of all levels) and Bear Mountain (for more avant-garde snowboarders and skiers), as well as an inner tubing park, a bobsled run, and ice skating, among other attractions. With their sugariness chalets and alpine village esthetics, Large Bear and nearby Lake Arrowhead are great destinations year-round. Hiking, horseback riding, fishing, and boating are just a few of the fun recreational activities.

8. Joshua Tree

One of the well-nigh singular places on earth, Joshua Tree National Park is a treasure and a destination that everyone should see at least once. Groves of curious Joshua copse populate acres upon acres of the park, creating surreal landscapes to wander. Boulders in all forms and shapes dot the forests for endless climbing opportunities. In that location are several viewpoints, hiking trails, and unusual things to detect along the manner (such every bit the Keys Ranch, the Ryan's House, and the Lost Horse Well), only nada equals the thrill of watching the trees' shadows at dusk — information technology looks like the whimsical set of a Tim Burton'due south picture show. For a more eerie experience, camping ground there and visiting nearby Pioneertown is a must.

You can roam with the dinosaurs at Cabazon Dinosaurs, just outside of Palm Springs. Photograph past Sam Howzit/CC BY ii.0

9. Palm Springs

When in Joshua Tree, a stop at Palm Springs isde rigueur. Located only 45 minutes away from the national park in the depression Mojave Desert, this resort town is in its ain right otherworldly. The surrounding canyons' animate being and flora are magnificent especially in cooler months when little streams and waterfalls flow down the San Jacinto Mount and wildflowers start to bloom. Summers are very hot, but if y'all're headed to a hotel or a rental with a pool, there'southward no reason to worry. If you actually must take a break from the puddle, there are plenty of places for your breed to literally chill out, such every bit the Children's Discovery Museum of the Desert, The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, and the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.

10. Los Angeles

The city of Angels doesn't demand whatsoever introductions—it's a metropolis diverse and culturally rich similar no other. Museums, gardens, parks, theme parks, and countless attractions are interwoven into the material of the metropolis and make it a must-see destination. Here, you can literally outset your twenty-four hours at the beach, hike and have tiffin on the mountains, and grab a dinner and a show in Hollywood with the kids in tow. Too Disneyland, California Adventures, and Universal Studios, places like the Skirball Center, the Discovery Cube Los Angeles, and Kidspace in Pasadena provide endless family entertainment. To experience the city similar a true Angeleno, we recommend picking and choosing from the jam-packed calendar of events happening throughout the urban center year-round. From parades and tours to scavenger hunts and festivals, there's always an opportunity to join the party.

Kayaking at Catalina Island. Photo courtesy of Catalina Isle Chamber of Commerce & Visitor'due south Agency

eleven. Catalina

Always dreamed of leaving all behind and going to an island, even for 1 day? Catalina is the best choice and is reachable via a one-hr ferry ride from Long Embankment, Dana Point, or San Pedro. The town of Avalon is a quaint seaport with cozy restaurants, cute artisanal shops, a history museum, and a library with tons of kid-friendly programs, among other things. But it's nature that plays a heart part here. Kids tin can see bison up shut on a Jeep Eco-tour, travel the island (yup, it's that small) on a golf cart, attempt a zip line eco bout, or enjoy rope ladders at Aerial Adventures. If you don't want to go out, we don't blame yous; hotels, rentals, and a campground are some options available for lodging and prolonging your island dream.

12. San Diego

Nothing says more fun than sunny San Diego. California'due south southern-almost county might too be dubbed a gigantic amusement park featuring earth-known attractions such as the San Diego Zoo, the Safari Park, SeaWorld, and Legoland. Apart from its beautiful beaches (La Jolla and Coronado, especially), tide pools, parks, and trails, the city brims with lively neighborhoods, each with its own distinct personality and attractions. The Historic Old Town boastscasas and buildings from the early 1800s and a cluster of eclectic stores and accurate Mexican cafés; Little Italy features European-style piazzas packed with family-friendly events and, of course, amazing pasta and pizza everywhere; and the Gaslamp Quarter is a California urban safari with myriad places to eat, shop, and explore (including The New Children's Museum) that stretch to the waterfront Embarcadero and Seaport Village.

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Source: https://mommypoppins.com/los-angeles-kids/family-travel/12-best-california-family-vacation-ideas

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