Mini family vacation in california
1. Anaheim
If you are wondering about the perfect vacations in California for families, Anaheim certainly tops the list.
The Golden State is a massive, and even if you’ll be staying at one of the many kid-friendly resorts in California outside the Anaheim area, I would certainly recommend making a stop in this city if you are traveling with family in a nearby area.
The main attraction of this incredible destination in California is, of course, the Disneyland Resort.
This is the ideal place for families to visit, thanks to attractions like ‘Disney California Adventure Park’ and ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’.
In my estimation, you can easily spend a week in Anaheim just exploring all the adventures that the Disneyland Resort has to offer, even if you are not staying at the resort.
Other than that, you can also explore places like the Angel Stadium of Anaheim for the slightly older members of the family.
I would also recommend finding some time to visit the Yorba Regional Park for some quiet time in nature with the family.
Recommended Hotel: Sheraton Park Hotel at the Anaheim Resort
2. San Diego
Even if one has never been to the United States, one may have come across references to the incredible San Diego Zoo, perhaps through popular culture or through the news.
This exciting SoCal city is full of adventures and is one of the best places in California to travel with the family.
The city has incredible weather nearly throughout the year, and if you are looking to soak up that Vitamin D and work on your tan, San Diego is the place to be.
The weather is usually so inviting that you will want to be outdoors at all times, whether at the famous zoo or one of the incredible sea kayak tours.
If you are tired of the eternal sunshine, there are also plenty of things for you to do indoors — including the USS Midway Museum that is the ideal place to take the kids.
3. Carlsbad
Carlsbad is a Californian destination that is also great for a quick getaway with kids.
I say this with confidence as there is little chance that your kids will not have an absolute blast at Legoland® California.
If you ever think of making a family trip to California, this is certainly a destination that the kids (and even adults, to be honest), will enjoy.
This edition of Legoland® has 60 rides and shows that will keep guests entertained, regardless of their age (even adults cannot resist Legos!).
The great thing about a visit to this Legoland® is that you will find yourself right next to Sea Life Aquarium.
You can spend an incredible morning at Legoland® and then head over to the aquarium after lunch.
If you are visiting during the spring or the summer, I would also recommend paying a visit to the incredible Flower Fields, a 50-acre field of flowers that is at its vibrant best around March.
4. Monterey
Monterey is another great destination in California to have a kid-friendly family trip.
There are plenty of outdoor activities that you can explore at this incredible beach destination, including an incredible whale watching tour.
There are also quite a few historic sites that you can explore in Monterey, apart from simply enjoying the fresh ocean breeze.
I think of Monterey as a great place to have a quiet time with the family.
You can pack a picnic basket and spend a day at the beach.
I also think the Monterey Bay Aquarium would be a great place for the kids and is one of the best aquariums of its kind in the United States.
If you can drive to Monterey, I think that might be even better because the drive through Big Sur is incredible.
But the distances in the States are quite large, so it is understandable if you cannot drive to Monterey.
Do not worry, you will still be able to enjoy the picturesque beauty of the place.
5. Big Bear
Big Bear is also one of the best places to visit when you are in California with the family.
Tucked away in the incredible San Bernardino Mountains, this is a SoCal destination that you can visit at any time of the year.
There are several outdoor activities you can enjoy at Big Bear, including jet skiing and hiking.
The weather is great for the most part of the year so you do not need to worry about being outdoors.
If you are looking for a few indoor activities, there is the incredible Big Bear Discovery Center which the kids are sure to enjoy immensely.
There is also the Big Bear Alpine Zoo which is the sweet spot between an outdoor and indoor activity.
I am positive that this could be one of the good vacation spots even if you are traveling with toddlers.
6. La Jolla
La Jolla is another great option for a weekend family getaway in California.
If I were you, the first place I would take the kids to is the Children’s Pool where they are sure to get a kick out of the friendly (but wild) seals.
La Jolla Cove is also an incredible display of the beautiful California coast and is not to be missed.
There are quite a few water sports and thrills you can enjoy at La Jolla, including snorkeling, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, etc.
The great thing is that these are activities you can enjoy with the kids (provided they are of the appropriate age).
There is also the incredible Birch Aquarium that is an absolute must-visit.
If you want to do something mellow and do not want to plan much, simply go down to the incredible beaches and spend a quiet day with the family there.
7. South Lake Tahoe
South Lake Tahoe is an incredible destination for families that like to get out in the sun and do something adventurous.
This is a renowned skiing destination during the snowy winters, but I find that South Lake Tahoe can be enjoyed during the summer as well.
There are a lot of hiking trails for when the mercury is a little higher, such as the incredible Fallen Leaf Trail.
If you want to wade into the waters, there is also Pope Beach that will give you the sense of being at a beach destination even when you are deep into the woods.
There is also a spectacular helicopter tour that you can take around the lake and capture the incredible view.
I would even suggest renting a boat for the family and enjoying some adventures in the water.
8. Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz is one of the best places in California to visit with the kids, especially if they are into Disney fantasies and adventures.
I say this because out here in Santa Cruz you can be photographed with mermaids and pretend like you are a character in Little Mermaid!
I know it sounds silly if adults do this, but sometimes you have to become a child along with your kids, and trust me, it can be incredibly fun.
I think the Roaring Camp Steam Train is another great pick for the kids to enjoy in Santa Cruz, in addition to Santa Cruz Boardwalk where the little ones can also take surf lessons.
There are perfectly safe aquatic adventures you can enjoy here with the kids.
9. Buena Park
Buena Park is a beautiful destination in Orange County and is tailor-made for having an incredible time with the family.
Not only is this an incredibly picturesque destination, but you can also enjoy exciting activities like at Pirates Dinner Adventure.
If you are a history buff, you are likely to have a ball of a time at Medieval Times, pretending to be living during the Renaissance.
If you are not yet convinced, let me throw in Knott’s Berry Farm and Knott’s Soak City into the mix to demonstrate just how incredibly kid-friendly this destination is.
I would strongly consider Buena Park for a holiday in California with the family.
10. Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park is a magnificent destination to visit with the kids.
The sights are truly incredible and you are sure to come back with some beautiful family photos without doing much.
I would, however, recommend this trip only to families with healthy teenagers and young people, as the tough hikes can be quite challenging to do with either the little ones or with the elderly.
But if you are keen on visiting the park, there are a few options for family-friendly hikes, though they are far less exciting.
The Mariposa Grove is home to massive sequoias that will certainly leave you awestruck, and the views from Glacier Point are not something you will forget for a long time.